If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1) (11 page)

“I’m
so
sorry, Meg…” He began.

“I told you, it’s not your fault. You live with this every day.”

“You’ll get used to it. Hang in there. They’re calling me. Gotta go. Goodnight, little chick.”

Meg pocketed her phone. “This celebrity division thing isn’t for me. I hate media attention.”

“He has to deal with it, though. Publicity sells tickets,” Mark said.

“I know. But I’m not cut out for this.” Megan retired to her room. 
Same old celebrity crap. I don’t want it. Chaz, you’re amazing, but goodbye.

She continued to work hard managing Chaz’s money, reporting to Chaz every night via the computer. As Harvey predicted, Dillon & Weed received half a dozen calls from other celebrities inquiring about financial management. Harvey took Megan out to lunch to congratulate her on a great start for the new division. She groaned inwardly at the thought of more time in the spotlight but faced the appointments Harvey set up with determination. Having Mark and Penny to come home to helped her forget her growing discomfort with her job. She kicked back with them at night. Arriving home had become the best part of her day.

One evening as the elevator opened, the delightful aroma of homemade lasagna wafted down the hall, enticing Megan to the door.
Penny’s cooking!

Meg walked in and stepped out of her shoes. A smile broke out across her face as she took a deep breath, savoring the mouth-watering scent. She padded into the kitchen only to interrupt an intimate moment. Penny faced the counter, tearing lettuce for a salad with Mark flush up against her back. He had his arms around her, his face buried in her neck. Megan couldn’t see his hands, but Penny’s moan left no doubt to their activity. She tiptoed back out, opened the front door, and then slammed it shut.

“I smell lasagna!” She called out, placing her purse on the credenza.

“Timing…never your strong suit
, squirt,” Mark called out from the kitchen.

Meg hung up her jacket, giving her brother and Penny time to separate. After a few moments, Penny called Meg in to the table. Lasagna, salad, and beer awaited them.

“We have some news,” Mark began, pulling out a chair for his wife.

“You’re pregnant?” Meg jumped in, staring at Penny’s stomach.

Penny laughed. “Not yet. Slow down, Meg.”

“Yeah. You’ll be an aunt someday…just not today. We’re going to Paris.” Mark put the napkin in his lap.

“Paris!” Meg’s eyes widened.

“It was an anniversary surprise from Mark. Two weeks in Paris. I can’t wait.”

“So romantic. How wonderful!” Meg cooed.

“Think you can manage without us, squirt?” Mark took a swig of his beer.

“She’ll have Chaz to keep her company.” Penny wiggled her eyebrows.

“You’re going out with Dunc? I thought it was business?” Mark asked.

“It is…but…well, we’ve been out…maybe once?”

“Stay away from him. He’s trouble.” His face darkened.

“Why do you say that?” Meg speared lettuce with her fork.

“He’s famous. Probably screwed every actress in the world. He’ll use you, then leave. These guys…famous dudes…they’re not into commitment.”

“What about you?” Megan asked.

“I’m different. And Penny…well…” Mark shifted in his seat

“Are you saying he couldn’t love me?” Tears blurred her eyes.

“No, no, sis, I’d never say that,” his voice softened.

“That’s exactly what you’re saying.” Rapid blinking couldn’t stem the flow.

“I didn’t mean…it’s just…he’s probably a ‘love ’em and leave ’em’ kind of guy. Not good enough for you.”

“He’s not like that. It’s not fair to judge him when you don’t know him.”

“And you do?” Her brother cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Better than you.” She took a gulp of her beer.

“Hey, I’m only trying to look out for you…but if you want to be a jerk, go ahead.” Mark’s eyebrows knitted as an angry expression washed across his face. He pushed to his feet.

“Mark! You don’t have to be dad. You don’t have to protect me from everything.”

“Someone has to be him since he’s not here. Bastard,” he muttered on his way out of the kitchen.

Megan followed him out. Mark strode over to the picture window in the living room. Megan came up quietly behind him and put her hand on his arm. “I know you’re only trying to take care of me. But I’m twenty-eight years old now Mark.”

“Duh! So am I!” He shrugged her hand off his arm.

“You can’t protect me from everything. Besides, how do you know Chaz will break my heart?”

“I don’t want you to end up…another groupie. You’re too good for that.”

Megan kissed his cheek before he pulled away. “Thanks, lug. And what do you know about groupies, anyway?”

“Enough. I’ve been with pro teams long enough. One night in Miami…”

“Oh?” She lifted an eyebrow.

Never mind.” He blushed to the roots of his blond hair. “I just know, okay. I know how guys can be.”

“Not Chaz. You don’t know him well.”

“True. But he’s a guy. A good-lookin’ guy. Girls go for him. I sure as hell know what that means.” He couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Do tell, Mark.” Penny’s voice from behind made them jump. The twins turned around to see her standing with her arms crossed over her chest, her stance wide, and her mouth in a grim line.

“Oh, hell, no. I’m not going there. Since you, baby, no one…honest.” Mark pulled her toward him. Nuzzling her neck, he murmured words that Megan couldn’t make out. Suddenly, she was the odd one out.

“You two want to be alone, so I’ll…”

Mark reached out and grabbed her arm as she passed. He held her in place. “Before you go. Be careful, Meg. Dunc seems okay, but he’d better watch it. If he hurts you…”

“I know…you’ll kill him. Love you, big lug.” She patted his hand.

“Love you too, squirt.” He hugged her to him briefly.

I wonder what Mark was doing before he met Penny. Hmm. Maybe I’d rather not know.
She chuckled to herself and went into the bedroom.

* * * *

The reporter had stopped hanging around outside her building since Chaz didn’t come by anymore. So the following day, Mark, Penny, and Megan left the building to dine out without being followed. They ate without interruption, except for a few dozen people asking for Mark’s autograph, which was typical. He accommodated every fan with a signature accompanied by a shy smile.
Underneath his stupid male bravado, Mark is still a humble guy.

After Mark and Penny left that day, the apartment seemed to grow larger. Megan rolled around in the cavernous space like a lone marble in a shoebox, eating alone while making notes for her call to Chaz. Easily adapting to her noisy brother, the lack of noise made her jumpy. Having plenty of time before her report to Chaz, she took a bath before donning her pink terry robe and checking her watch.
Nine forty-five. Time to get dressed.

The doorbell sounded. Alarmed because she hadn’t gotten buzzed by the doorman, Megan pulled out a can of mace she kept in the credenza by the door. She crept up to the front door to peek through the spy hole right as the doorbell sounded again. Startled beyond belief by the loud noise, she leapt into the air. It was Chaz. She cracked the door open. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for my nightly report.”

“But why…”

“Shooting is finished. I’m free. Don’t have to get up tomorrow. Can I come in?”

Megan opened the door all the way. “Of course. Of course.” Her free hand secured the lapels of her robe together.

As Chaz strolled in, she noticed his gaze immediately scanning her body. His wind-tossed hair did nothing to ruin the effect his handsome face had on her. His lean body did wonders for jeans and a t-shirt.
He’s gorgeous.

“Not dressed, and yet not even expecting me. Expecting someone else or has he just left?”

“Do I detect a note of jealousy?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Why would I be jealous? You’re only my financial advisor…as you’ve told me again and again.” He stepped closer to her.

Megan tightened the sash on her robe. A prickly feeling stole up her neck when she realized she was almost naked. Chaz inched even closer, “Well?”

Megan swallowed, her gaze riveted on his eyes that were dancing with mischievous glee. Though she backed up, he continued his approach until the back of the sofa blocked her retreat. He didn’t stop until his hands were on her waist. Enveloping her in his arms, he kissed her passionately. His hands traveled up and down her back then below to her hips. Soft and warm, his lips coaxed hers apart, allowing his tongue to tangle with hers. Warmth spread throughout her body as his hard chest pressed against her soft one. Abruptly he pulled back, moving away slightly.

“Holy Hell, you’re not wearing anything!”

“I just took a bath. Didn’t plan on visitors at this hour,” she babbled, heat rising up her neck.

“I’m not complaining. Far from it.” He leaned over to nuzzle her neck. “You smell wonderful. What is that?”

“It’s called ‘Luscious Lilac’…bath salts and bubbles.”

“A bubble bath? Wish I’d been here to be
luscious
with you.”

“What makes you think you’d have been invited to join me?” A frown creased her brow.

“I can be very…uh…persuasive.” His lips captured hers again. Though she balked, he put his hands in her hair to steady her as he deepened the kiss. She froze. Mesmerized by his deep voice, dark, laughing eyes, and masculine scent mixed with pine, Meg gave in, melting against him. Slowly, his hands left her hair as his arms wound around her, holding her tight against him. He tasted of fine coffee as his tongue gently stroked hers while his hands slipped down to grip her behind.  Her hands slid down around his biceps and a small shudder zinged through her body. As she thought she’d cease breathing, he stepped back then slapped her gently on the butt.

“Throw something on. I have a favor to ask.”

Her eyes widened at the familiarity of his gesture. He put his palms together in front of his chest. “Please, little chick?” His dark eyes implored her.

Megan retreated to her room. She pulled out a stretchy, jersey dress in turquoise that was guaranteed to cling tightly to her curves. The dress gave her enough support to make undergarments unnecessary. Chaz opened the top of the piano stool. He shuffled through th
e music. “Hope you don’t mind.”

Meg shook her head. “What’s the favor?”

Chapter Seven

“Remember when I asked if you’d play for me so that I could practice singing before my Broadway audition? Well, the audition has been scheduled for two weeks from today. I arranged to join the
West of the Sun
production right afterward. So, I’ve only got two weeks to become
really
good at a Broadway show tune. Will you help me?”

“Of course. Do you know what you want to sing?” Meg thumbed through the music, searching for the
Carousel
songbook.

“I did
Grease
with Quinn in summer stock. But that’s not the right music for this. This is more of a traditional Broadway musical. Do you have a suggestion?”

“Here. Let’s try this…and this one, too.”
South Pacific
lay underneath
Carousel
.

             
Meg opened the Carousel book. “Try these.” She played a few bars of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” then “If I Loved You.” She switched to “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine.”

Chaz peered over her shoulder at the music, softly humming a few bars.
 
“If I hear them all the way through, I’ll know which two are right.”

Meg began warm-up exercises. Chaz sat next to her. Within a few minutes, her fingers were limber.

“If I sing, you have to jump in with me. You know these songs better than I do.”

“Oh, I couldn’t!” Shyness temporarily paralyzed her.

“Please, do it for me? Makes it easier for me to sing.”

As they sang together, their voices blending well, Megan’s shyness eased.

When she was done playing the last bar of the last song, he sighed.

“Which two do you like best?” She asked, stretching her fingers.

“Which ones do you like?”

“This has to be about you, not me.”

“I like “If I Loved You,” but I’m undecided about the second one.”

“Everyone knows ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is really hard. How about ‘This Nearly Was Mine’?”

“Both are kinda sad, aren’t they?” He turned to face her on the piano bench.

“Emotional, maybe. Still, they pack a real gut-punch.”

“You’ll help me?” Their shoulders brushed.