Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1)

by Rose, Celia T.

  Run the show? Was she invisible? She’d already proven her abilities as a director with Teen View. Why didn’t he think she’d be capable?

  Max shook his head. “I see no reason for delay. We can get started on the prep work, line up the interviews for show candidates, and start filming in October. I’d be back by then.”

  Doug seemed to consider what Max said. “Possibly. All right, let’s review the contract in full. I want to make sure you are both on board with the terms and conditions.”

  Doug went through the contract line-by-line. By the time they were through, Felicity feared she’d barely get credit for the show, let alone have much decision-making authority. But the salary would be close to double of hers at Applaud! so she couldn’t complain. She’d have primetime exposure. “Doug, with all due respect, I’m currently running the entire production of Teen View now. I realize I don’t have the title of director but I’m pretty sure the folks at Applaud! will vouch I handle most of the day-to-day affairs . . .” Felicity seemed to lose her thread of thought.

  Max jumped in. “I think what Felicity is trying to say is that she’d like more input toward the direction. And I don’t have a problem with it.”

  He doesn’t have a problem with it? Since when did Max think she’d be anything less than the director of her own show?

  “. . . but I agree, at least in the beginning, we need my daily input. And being away is going to make it difficult. I still think we can get a lot of the preliminaries out of the way before I leave.”

  “That’s fine with me. It’s your hide if the show tanks.” Doug hit Max on the shoulder. Felicity couldn’t be sure if Doug jested or had serious intent. “We’ll have the show run out on a six-week trial, like the contract specifies. If things don’t work out, I’m sure Max will recover.” Doug smirked at Max and then directed his attention toward Felicity. “I take it you’ll be continuing with your program at Applaud!? How do you think you’ll be able to swing the filming for Executive Women in conjunction with Teen View?”

  “It’s not going to be a problem. I’ll be closely coordinating with my production assistant, Shantae Johnson, and my schedule will be free for evening taping here.” Felicity filed her copy of the contract in her briefcase.

  Doug nodded. “Well then, I think we have a deal. Do either of you have any questions?”

  Max and Felicity said no.

  Doug pointed to the signature lines of the contract. “Then if you’ll both sign on the dotted line, we’ve got a deal.”

  They wrote their signatures.

  Doug glanced at his watch and stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a conference call in a few minutes.”

  They said their goodbyes and exited Doug’s office.

  Felicity let out a sigh of relief. They had a deal with a prime time network! Yet Felicity feared she might be getting into another situation like with Applaud! and wind up doing all the work without getting the credit. And possibly never get the director title. Even still, she needed to move forward and be pleased with what she had. Even if she had to report to Max, who literally had no production experience. Who knew? Maybe it might even be fun.

  Felicity appreciated that Max had been professional and helpful through the contract negotiations. However, having the contract finalized felt anticlimactic. She’d have a show with a major network and on prime time but would the show really be hers?

  Outside the Sharpen offices in the balmy late summer, afternoon, Felicity was alone with Max.

  Now what?

  “I think a celebration is in order.” Max winked at Felicity. “I’ve taken the liberty to reserve a private table at The Devine.” Max squeezed Felicity’s shoulder. “Come on, I’ll drive.” He placed his hand at the small of her back and led her to his car. “You did a tremendous job in there. It’s impressive for someone your age to have accomplished the launch of not one but two shows in the span of three years.”

  “I’m twenty-four, Max. Just ten years behind you.”

  Max didn’t comment, but opened the door to his sleek Mercedes. Felicity noted his monogram affixed in gold on the car door. He waited until she got in, closed the door for her, and walked around to hop into in the driver’s seat.

  “I’d like to think I had done it alone, but if it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have a new boss or a new show.” Felicity said, hearing her voice get bashful.

  “All it took was having a contact. You did the ground work.”

  Max pulled out of his spot and smoothly drove out on the highway. The short drive to the restaurant was quiet but comfortable. Felicity was giddy with happiness partly over the contract and partly for being in Max’s company. For reasons she couldn’t fathom, she fantasized about him taking her hand to hold over the center console. However, he didn’t.

  Max parked behind the back of the restaurant and helped Felicity out of the car. He steered Felicity ahead of him and whispered, “It’s the only way to avoid the paparazzi. I don’t want any attention taken away from you and your success with their silliness.”

  Felicity imagined the feel of his whiskered cheek against hers and felt her heart swoon. Would this be a date? Or, just a professional dinner?

  It FEELS like a date.

  Max knocked at the back door, and a man introducing himself as their host led them through the kitchen to a private dining room. Felicity supposed Max had arranged with the restaurant management to meet them at the kitchen entrance. She noted the white oak hardwood floors, mauve-brushed velvet wall coverings, oil paintings circa the 19th century, and yards of pink fabric draping across the ceiling sprinkled with crystal chandeliers. A distinct smell of broiled seafood filled her senses as a waiter passed with a steaming plate.

  The manager showed them to a private table. A side-by-side dinner setting faced a cushioned pink velvet bench. Felicity relished the idea of sitting next to Max.

  Once settled, Cristal served, Max raised his glass. “Congratulations. You did good, kiddo.”

  Kiddo? Seriously? Okay she didn’t want to comment on his use of the term and possibly spoil the mood. Instead, she chose to ignore the offense and graze over the comment. “I can’t believe I’ve gotten myself into two full-time jobs.”

  “From what you tell me, Shantae seems very capable. I’m sure she’ll be a great help.”

  “Still, I’ll have to get used to splitting my time between two sets. There’ll be little time for anything else. But, I thrive on the stress. It keeps me out of trouble.”

  Speaking of trouble, the way Max gazed at her, his coal-black eyes glistening with amusement unraveled her. The thought of whether or not he took her seriously niggled at her mind again. She’d hoped Max wouldn’t be watching her every move on the set. Yet, she liked the idea of working close with him.

  “It helps that you’re young and have a ton of energy.” Max sipped his champagne.

  She needed to nip the youth comment in the bud. “Granted we’re a few years apart, however I hardly think it appropriate for you to continue to refer to me as ‘kiddo.’”

  Max chuckled and lifted his glass. “Touché. We’re both young. How’s that? And we should enjoy every moment we can, while we can.”

  Felicity laughed. She finished her drink, and Max refilled it. The champagne buzzed in her head. Between the butterflies in her stomach and the alcohol, she let herself fantasize about Max and lost focus on his words.

  Felicity couldn’t stop thinking of kissing him as she watched his facial gestures. His dimpled smiles intermixed with talk about how he’d like the show to progress. His hotness got her wet between the legs. She wished she could grab him, kiss him, and crawl into his lap. He could talk all night long as though Executive Women was all his show. She couldn’t care less. In truth, without him, none of this would have been possible.

  “You’re not
eating the appetizers.” Max pushed the olive and cheese platter toward her.

  Felicity unconsciously popped a few pieces of cheese in her mouth enjoying the bite of the sharp taste. “I know much of this business is who you know. I will forever be grateful to you.”

  “It’s you I should be grateful for. I’ve been searching for a segue from movie making. And I think it will be challenging to actually get involved with a TV show instead of just being an investor or actor.”

  The words rang a wrong chord in her. Felicity didn’t want Max to take over the entire artistic direction. Still, she didn’t want to react negatively to the comment and directed her mind onto a different course. “Teen View has renewed for two more seasons. Now with the extra cash Jenny and I can move to a better place, get new furniture, and a new car. Things are looking up.” She finished her drink and poured herself another glass. She normally didn’t drink so much but the alcohol reduced her inhibitions. And she believed in the moment the drinks would give her fortitude to behave professionally. But maybe not. “I think the champagne has gotten to me a little. I’ve got the loose lips syndrome. When the dust settles with work, perhaps I can concentrate a little on my social life.”

  Max appeared puzzled and hesitated to respond. “Oh, well, you mentioned you wouldn’t have much time for anything else besides work.”

  “Er, yes, yes, I will be very busy. But, I’ve been working feverishly to set things up at Applaud! to make the transition run smoothly. At the same time, I needed to get Jenny and me out of our crappy apartment.” Felicity felt her face burn with embarrassment but trapped herself into further explanation. “I used my last pay check in anticipation of the advance money from Sharpen to negotiate a new lease. We found a lovely patio apartment closer to work. You’ll have to see it sometime.” Darnit. She knew she’d come off as though she flirted with him, but she couldn’t help it.

  “You mean you already negotiated a lease?”

  Felicity’s pride swelled. That’s right, she’d already been on it. “Yeah. Well, Jenny’s been a great help. She did a lot of research and found the place on her own. I’m so proud of her. I think I’m finally on an even-keeled relationship with my sister. And it’s such a blessing now. I’ll be working double-time, at least for a while.” Felicity tried to stop herself from rambling.

  “I could help you with the move, if you like.”

  “I don’t think it’s necessary. We’re used to handling things on our own. It builds backbone.” Oops. Maybe she sounded too fierce. Felicity downed another glass of the Cristal.

  Max filled his glass and lifted the empty bottle. Their waitress immediately appeared and he ordered another bottle of champagne.

  After serving the new bottle, the waitress reviewed the dinner specials with them. Felicity asked Max to order her whatever he chose for himself. He put the order in.

  Felicity didn’t pay attention to what he ordered.

  “I’m sure getting a new job and a new apartment at the same time is a lot to handle.”

  They continued to chat idly and before she knew it, the waitress returned with their meals.

  When Felicity took in the sights of the entrée she stopped herself from being repulsed. Extra rare sirloin, which appeared to have been plated directly from the butcher’s display counter, lay on the plate with blood juice pooling at the edge of the plate. She wished she’d paid more attention to what Max had ordered. She didn’t want to embarrass him and send it back. But she knew she couldn’t eat something that rare.

  “Is there a problem, Felice?” Max must have observed her state of distress.

  “No. Well, I guess I didn’t expect the steak to be so raw.”

  “No problem, Ma’am, we can broil it up in minutes,” the waitress offered.

  Felicity agreed to the waitress’s offer and she took Felicity’s plate away.

  “Seriously, if you ever need help with anything—please don’t hesitate to call me,” Max said.

  Did he mean it like a big brother? Or did he mean he wanted to be more? “You’ve done enough and I really do appreciate you.”

  They were sitting close. Maybe too close. His leg brushed against hers and the warmth of his body shot through her like a bolt of lightning. She died to touch him. Her stomach flip-flopped as she inhaled his male scent. She leaned her head on his shoulder and moved her hand to his thigh. Please kiss me.

  But, then, horror of horrors, he moved her hand away. And cleared his throat! “I think I may have given you a little too much alcohol.”

  Ouch! That stung!

  “Sorry, I—I guess the champagne has gotten to my head, especially on an empty stomach.”

  He pointed to the appetizers. “Eat up. The imported olives are great.” He popped one into his mouth.

  She quickly buttered a piece of Melba toast and put a roasted pepper on it.

  Max hadn’t responded the way she’d hoped. And she’d thought the mood at dinner would be a celebratory one. A happy, easygoing affair now that the business was out of the way. Instead, she’d ruined it with her forward behavior.

  Max confused her. He appeared interested in her from earlier meetings. Especially when he asked all the personal questions.

  Had she flat-out misread the message?

  “I normally handle my liquor just fine.” With trembling fingers, Felicity reached for her water glass, knocking it over, the contents spilling all over the dinner plates, the glass rolling over to the side and crashing on the floor. Waiters scurried to the site busily cleaning up the shards of glass and wiping up the water. “Oh, gosh, I’ve made a mess.”

  “No worries. I’m sure you’ll be fine once you eat a good meal. It’s okay. You’re just excited.”

  Felicity could tell by his condescending glance her actions humored him. Her pride wounded, he suddenly infuriated her. She suspected he thought of her as an inexperienced child, hence his verbal slips with the nickname “kiddo.” Felicity decided to prove otherwise. “Jenny and I have adjusted quite well without parents all these years. With the salary increase, things won’t be such a struggle. I’m glad we can swing it, independently, without a guy around.”

  Whoops. Now that was the alcohol talking. Damn. She wished she’d kept her mouth shut.

  He patted her hand. “Calm down, dear. No need to get so defensive.”

  “I’m not at all. But it seems like you think I’m a child or something. You keep calling me ‘kiddo.’ You know I’ve done things most twenty-four-year-olds wouldn’t dream of. By myself. Until I couldn’t any longer and I broke down and moved in with Brad. I think it was the worst thing for me and Jen.” Oh no! Now she’d gotten into the Brad story. There’d be no going back now.

  The waitress delivered her perfectly cooked meal. Felicity noticed Max hadn’t started eating his and felt bad thinking it’d probably got cold.

  “Dig in,” Max said as he quickly cut his meat and ate with apparent enthusiasm.

  Felicity wished she could get her now quashed appetite back, but followed suit. She enjoyed the char-grilled taste and perfect mix of herbs and regained her desire for food. In between bites, she decided to undo any damage she may have done with her over-defensiveness. “I guess, Max, I’m glad I asked for your help. But I would have liked to know I could have done it myself.”

  “You did this by yourself. You single-handedly created the entire concept. You know that half the battle in this business is getting the backing and timely breaks. That’s all I did to facilitate this deal.” Max finished more of his meal and then leaned in. “So, tell me about this Brad.”

  Suddenly Felicity wanted the dinner over—and fast. But now she’d brought Brad up she needed to fess up. “Normally I wouldn’t consider moving in with a guy. I mean, not that I judge domestic partnerships as being morally wrong. It’s just I really need to feel like Jenny
and I can do it on our own. We don’t need to depend on anyone and expose ourselves to disappointment. When our apartment building was taken over by new management they doubled our rent so we had no choice . . .”

  “Go on. Don’t stop there.”

  “We’d dated for a couple of years. I thought I knew him. But evidently I didn’t.” Felicity could feel the sadness of her old boyfriend’s betrayal creep into her mind. She drank a half glass of water. The waitress appeared and expertly refilled their water glasses asking if there was anything else they needed. Felicity thought she’d not only embarrassed herself with the ridiculous pass on Max, but now she’d over disclosed things in her personal life. “In short, he turned out to be a cheat. I frankly wish I didn’t bring up the subject.”

  “That’s very disappointing. I too know the pain of rejection and believe me it happens to us all. Although painful at the time, I do think the experiences make us stronger and better able to pick the right kind of partners the next time.”

  Felicity shrugged and finished her meal in silence. She’d just transformed herself from the confident businesswoman back to the child he’d already thought she was. Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut about her past? Why didn’t she pace herself with the damned alcohol? She’d made a fool of herself. Well she’d show him that she’d recover from that fall just fine and demonstrate her independence once again.

  When the waitress delivered their bill, Felicity pulled her credit card out of her bag and offered to pay half the bill. Max refused to take the card and she relented. “Max, I am so ashamed. I—I don’t usually drink this much and the champagne got to me. The dinner was great. And I appreciate everything you’ve done. But I think I’m going to call it a night and head home.”