“Good. Well, I hope you didn’t think I was ignoring you. I wanted to ask if it was all right for me to skip the interview with Margo today. I’m going to be tied up on the Jack Forth set and I don’t think I can make it.”
Felicity’s heart dropped. She’d looked forward to seeing him. But now his voice seemed clipped and impersonal. Sadness filled her being. Maybe they were over.
“I thought you wanted to be there.”
“I did. But we can review the video and edit it, afterwards, right?”
“Sure.”
“I’ve been busy putting together an itinerary.”
His rich baritone voice sent chills straight down her spine. “For what?”
“For us, silly. I want to have some quality time with you before I leave for New York. I’ve been doing a lot of planning, and I wanted to know if you’re game for a fun-packed weekend. There’s a jazz festival . . .” She had to wait until the weekend? “. . . and an obscure comedy off the beaten path but booked with SNL alumni.”
Okay. She could pretend the conversation they had at the end of their last date didn’t take place just as well as he could. “Sounds good.”
“I could drop by Sharpen later tonight, if that’s okay with you.”
Struggling to maintain an even-keeled voice, she said, “You might catch the tail end of Margo’s interview. She’s not due to arrive until six. I can never be sure with her crazy schedule.”
“When you’re through we’ll pick a bistro and chill. How does that sound?”
We! Felicity sighed with pleasure. “I’ll see you tonight then.”
She knew she was playing with fire and she didn’t care.
Margo ran into Sharpen at a quarter-past six. “Am I too late?”
Felicity chuckled at the sight of her friend. Her snarled black curls and smeared mascara would require a full makeover. “I know it’s raining but you are in dire need of the makeup department.”
Felicity guided her to the appropriate studio.
While the makeup artist, Julie, worked on her, Margo used the time to ask about Max.
“Oh, things are fine,” Felicity said, attempting to be nonchalant.
“No they’re not.”
Felicity never could hide anything from Margo. “Later.”
Doug poked his head in. “There you are. Felicity, I wanted to get you these approvals of the last Vidal shoot.” He stopped in his tracks at the sight of Margo. “Oh, hi.” Felicity made the introductions and Doug thrust his hand out to Margo.
Margo glanced at Doug at first suspiciously and then said, “Nice to meet you.”
“You’re not going so soon?” Felicity asked. “Why not stay for the interview?”
“Oh, I—” Doug seemed dumbfounded.
Felicity had to laugh. She’d never seen Doug, normally so polished and smooth, flustered like this. She thought to save him. “If you’re too busy, I understand. You’re here at the crack of dawn.”
“It’s not a problem. I’d love to stay,” Doug offered.
Julie put the final touches on Margo and Felicity then Margo and Doug headed to the studio. Doug and Margo easily slipped into a flirtatious conversation and Felicity good-naturedly played the third wheel.
The interview went flawlessly as Margo talked about her very favorite subject—herself, nonstop for an hour. Doug seemed glued to his chair.
Max sauntered in about three quarters of the way through. He interjected a few questions for Margo and everything wrapped up about eight o’clock. Doug and Margo invited Felicity and Max to join them for a drink. However, it was obvious they’d hoped for a decline, which Felicity and Max gave them.
“Why don’t we have a late dinner? I know a nice spot. Harry’s?” Max asked.
“I don’t know. It’s getting late. Jenny’s probably expecting me.”
“Let’s invite her along.”
“Let me call her.” Felicity called Jenny who told her she’d already eaten leftovers and said she was busy with her studies. “I guess I can go with you.”
Harry’s was a busy grill off Sunset Boulevard. Max and Felicity got a seat in the back. He looked amazing in his black turtleneck and matching trousers. How could she keep her sanity when she gazed at him?
They ordered hamburgers and fries. There was a palpable air of unfinished business but the hell if she’d bring it up.
“So, about the other night. I want you to know I’m not going to sweep it under the carpet.”
“It’s really none of my business,” Felicity said. Liar. She wanted to learn more.
“It is if we’re going to continue.”
“Continue what exactly? You so much as said you’re not relationship material. Since we’re being honest here, I should tell you with everything that has happened to both Jenny and I, in addition to the disappointment with Brad, I don’t know if I can risk my heart again. I mean, I’m dreadfully attracted to you but I’m afraid you’re right. I need more than what you have to give.” Felicity was surprised at her own audacity. She didn’t want to waste Max’s or her time.
“Felicity, I—” Max took her hand over the booth. “I want you to give me a chance to redeem myself.”
“Redeem what? You didn’t do anything to me. Not yet.” She couldn’t help the stubborn tears that fell.
Max came around to her side of the booth and curled her in his arms. “Come now, Felicity. I would never do anything to hurt you. I couldn’t. You’re already so special to me. If you only knew. Give me, give us a chance. That’s all I ask.”
He didn’t have to ask because she knew she’d give him as many chances as he needed.
After their dinner at Harry’s, Max had felt more confident about things with Felicity. Then the floodgates opened. For the next two weeks, he’d finish on the Jack Forth set and head over to the Sharpen network waiting some nights for close to an hour for Felicity to get done with filming Executive Women. Doug often teased him for waiting around like the proverbial wallflower. Max didn’t care. Once he made his mind up about something, nothing could stop him.
It was Wednesday night of the following week. He hadn’t asked Felicity about coming with him to San Diego for the weekend. He feared she might not want to go, or worse, think he wanted a roll in the hay before he had to leave. It was so not the case.
They chose a sushi bar in downtown Hollywood, which had been dead at nine o’clock. Max’s heart rate rose to the roof. He saw his hands shake. What the hell? He acted like an inexperienced teen around her. “Felicity, I had a fabulous idea for this weekend.”
She raised her eyebrows, and he saw that her eyes glistened green to match her olive silk shirt. “Tell me what’s on your mind.” Felicity smiled, shooting a flash of warmth right to his groin.
How would he resist her if he knew she slept in the room next to his?
“I’d thought we’d take a ride to San Diego for the weekend. It’s only about an hour and a half away. I found an adorable, obscure B & B, a restored Victorian off the beaten path, and safe from the cameras. It was once owned by a fifties movie star. There’s a Jacuzzi, outdoor fireplace, and fire pit. Our rooms will overlook a waterfall and have views of the Pacific. It’s within five miles of the San Diego Balboa Park and Zoo. We could pack lunch and enjoy a long drive Friday. If you can get out early.”
“Wow, I haven’t been to the zoo since I was a kid. I love animals and nature. It’d be nice to get away from all the hard work and chill. I think it’s a fantastic idea.”
Max took her hand and kissed it. He wanted to take her pouty pink lips and devour them but they would have to wait. “There’s a pond with a twelve-foot waterfall in front with spectacular gardens which have a bunch of hummingbirds.” Max paused and took a deep breath. “I reserved adjoining rooms.” He registered her look of s
urprise. “I didn’t want you to think I’d take advantage of you or be presumptuous in any way.” Damn. Too formal.
Felicity seemed too stunned for words, and Max wondered if he insulted her.
“I really appreciate your effort.” She hesitated for a long, agonizing moment. “I’d love to go.”
She’d reassured him he’d done the right thing. Good.
“There are four thousand rare and endangered animals on over a hundred acres at the Zoo. I thought since you like architecture I even purchased tickets to see a special exhibit at the Geffen of the Museum of Contemporary Art. And, in honor of our first dance, I even found an obscure late night jazz club for Saturday night.”
She seemed to take it all in.
“I want to make a big splash for our last weekend together.” Max added. “Give you something to remember me by.”
“God, Max, you travel far and distant places like Australia and China. New York is only a three-hour plane ride away.”
“I know.”
“And how long are you going to be away, anyway?”
Max didn’t know why but the question irritated him. He didn’t want to be tied down to any specific dates. He needed time to settle his past and give himself a chance to figure out his next moves.
“Look, I know New York isn’t far. That’s not it. It’s just we got something started here and now I have to leave, again.” He made a fake pouty face to try to lighten things up. “That’s the problem with my life. I never know when the next gig is going to take me. It really isn’t fair to the other person who’s in a relationship with me.”
“Are we having the relationship talk now?”
Ever bold and confident, Felicity just came out with it. Was she right? “No, not necessarily. But we could, if you want.” He winked. Felicity didn’t appear to get his humor. She looked at him expectantly. Now he had to reverse pedal. “I wanted to end the week with a bang.” Oh God, he was getting worse with this conversation. “I wanted to make it special. This way we can look forward to continuing what we’ve started when I return.”
“I’m sure we’ll enjoy it. You’re very thoughtful and creative.” Felicity squeezed his hand.
Good. So she’d drop the subject, for now. He knew she’d bring it up again.
What the heck was wrong with him anyway? She’s gorgeous, smart, and if he didn’t get her somebody else certainly would.
What was it with this guy? Every time Felicity brought up New York, Max acted like his back was against the wall. What the hell is the big deal? Normally when someone goes out-of-town, they know when they’re coming back.
When she brought up the word relationship, he’d practically turned white.
It’s that past of his he refused to resolve. Or finish talking about.
Maybe she could get the rest of it out of him when they were holed up for the weekend.
She needed to jump his bones and give him what they both wanted. As she nibbled on her sushi, she schemed and plotted about how she might seduce him during the upcoming weekend.
Staying in separate rooms. Crazy.
My God they were like starving teenagers half the time, making out in the car forever, on her couch . . . Hmmm, come to think of it she’d never been inside his house. Another mystery yet.
Tomorrow night she’d have her usual Thursday night date with Margo. If anyone could give her advice on seducing a man, Margo could.
Max and she finished their sushi and took a stroll down the avenue. She got excited thinking of doing it with Max and tried to distract herself by gazing in store windows and grabbing an ice cream and coffee at a local shop, but nothing seemed to work.
She’d dreamed about making love to Max all night, awaking with renewed determination to beguile him. Max had wanted to take her out to dinner Thursday night but Felicity told him she needed to keep her date with Margo.
Felicity had important plans to form.
Chapter 10
Felicity scrambled to get out of the Sharpen studio by seven Thursday night. She caught terrible traffic on the freeway and found Margo waiting for her at the restaurant. Felicity had spoken to Margo on the way. She’d given her the heads-up there would be a forty-five minute wait for a table but she’d put their name in.
Felicity ran in, breathless and twenty minutes late. Margo waited in the lobby for her. Gene, the manager at The Ivy, recognized Felicity from being there with Max and ushered them to a table in the rear right away.
“Must be nice to know people,” Margo teased as she slipped into her chair and asked the waiter for a bottle of pinot grigio. “Let’s get our order in right away, I’m starved.” Margo and Felicity put in an order along with the vino. “I need you to do some major spillage, girl. Now, where did we leave off? As of last week, you’d been on your required minimum number of dates with Max.” Margo raised her eyebrows for emphasis and leaned in. “I would have thought, by now, you two would have got it on.”
Felicity sipped her water and shook her head. “Go right into it, why don’t you? There are a number of other details and a mystery about the man I can’t quite place a finger on.”
The waitress appeared with an ice bucket and expertly presented the California Pinot, opened it, asked Margo to taste it. Margo did so rapidly, then nodded her approval and waited for the server to fill their glasses.
When the server left, Margo asked, “What mystery? Like in the past or something? Do you think he might be secretly married and have a family tucked away in the back hills of Virginia?” Margo laughed at her own joke.
Felicity didn’t find her comment funny. “No. Definitely not married. The image he projects to the world as Hollywood’s most staunch bachelor is a complete façade. I think he might even crave marriage, perhaps kids, but something’s happened in his past.” Felicity divulged what little Max had told her about his family and his ex-fiancé.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you ran the other way. But I think you’re in too deep, aren’t you, girl?”
Felicity sipped her wine. The cool, tangy taste soothed her quivering heart. Simply talking about Max got her worked up. Margo was the only one she’d confessed this stuff to. Jenny loved Max and she didn’t want to destroy her positive image of him. Besides, Felicity couldn’t go into as many intimate details as she could with Margo. “Maybe. I’ve broached the subject and he practically cringes and refuses to discuss it further.”
“You’re breaking dating rules there, girl. Never act too anxious. Show that you have a busy schedule—”
“Shut it, Margo. I don’t even know if I’m ready yet for another relationship.”
“Right.” She smiled and shook her head. “With Max, you’d jump in feet first. Who are you kidding?”
“I want to establish where he is on the topic of us. I mean, he travels a lot and he’ll be gone for God-knows-how-long in New York. That’s another thing.” Felicity observed her empty glass, amazed she’d drained it already. She filled it up again. “Why is he being so evasive about this trip? He’s only doing a feature film, which will take, at most, a couple weeks. I wonder if he has something else going on there. And this thing with Charlotte Winters, it’d be perfect timing and good publicity for her restaurant chain to have Executive Women there at the same for a clip, but he shot down the idea. Maybe he has some kind of thing going on with her. He probably wants to wrap it up before he returns so his slate is totally clear.”
“You’ve got some paranoid imagination, girl.”
“He makes these elaborate plans for the weekend in San Diego and books two rooms. He’s purposely keeping me at bay. What other explanation could it be?”
“Maybe. But you’re not going to find out. Let it be.” Margo scanned Felicity with a devilish glint. “You didn’t even ask me about Dougy?”
As if she could hold Mar
go back. Felicity rolled her eyes. “Oh. No. You haven’t embarrassed me, have you?”
Margo leaned in and raised her eyebrows suggestively. “He’s totally smitten. But even though he’s a big cheese at the network, I don’t think I could get serious. He’s a bit boring.”
“Don’t tell me you did it with him!”
“Of course. Hey, why can’t I be like these guys? I love ‘em and leave ‘em. This way no one gets hurt.” Margo waved her finger at Felicity. “You should take a lesson or two from me. In fact, I think you should seduce Max this weekend. Maybe that’s what he needs. A grade-A good-ol’ fuck.”
Felicity jolted at the use of Margo’s crude utterance and surveyed the restaurant to make sure no one heard. “Actually, the thought has crossed my mind. But, not just to seduce him. More to foster closeness. Make him feel like he can open up to me. Then I can get to the bottom of his troubles. Only then could I can help him.” Felicity stared into her glass of wine, willing it to give her the answer. “I’m so confused.”
Margo waved her hand as though to dismiss everything Felicity said. “Come on. You want him and you know it.”
“I do. It’s true. But he means more to me than a sexual conquest, and I’m not the type for that anyway.”
“Yeah, I know. I know. Part of your problem. You need to loosen up a bit.” Margo sipped her wine as their waitress set down the dinners. Chicken Caesar for Margo and grilled salmon for Felicity.
The break in conversation must have given Margo cause for changing course.
Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1) Page 12