An Accidental Love Affair

by Davida Ann Samenski

“Who took those pictures of me last night?”

  One of the photographers raised his hand. “I did, madam.”

  “And did you print the headline as well?”

  “Yes, madam.”

  She nodded. “Good, then I’ll know who to kill off in my next novel.” There were chuckles from the surrounding photographers. “Did you hear anything that Mr. Collins and I were saying last night?”

  “No, madam.”

  “So, when you saw me smack him, you assumed it was an abusive gesture?”

  “Yes, madam.”

  “I see. I’ve just killed off your parents and best friend.” More guffaws. “Next time you print a statement or even a picture, try getting some of your facts straight. I didn’t harm Mr. Collins. It was a playful slap—a gut reaction to something he’d said to me. You took what should have been a friendly moment for us, destroying it. How can you sleep at night when you set out, day in and day out, to ruin people’s lives?” The cameras began to lower as the photographers stopped to listen.

  “I’m pretty sure you get paid a lot of money for these shots. I’m all for trying to make an honest living, but this wasn’t honest. This was downright cruel.” More cameras turned downward.

  “If you have any decency in you, you’ll go home. We’re dealing with some disturbing issues right now. We don’t need to be bombarded with camera flashes, questions, or invasions of our privacy. Reece Collins may owe his public image to his fans, but he doesn’t owe them his life. What he does in the privacy of his home or that of his friends and family is of no one else’s concern. How would you feel if it was your life? I seriously doubt you’d appreciate having a camera stuck in your face while you’re walking down the street.” She moved to re-enter the house, but the photographer asked her one last, intrusive question.

  “Are you and Mr. Collins dating, madam?”

  She turned back to him. “That question has just cost you your faithful pooch.” She bowed to the cameras, shutting the door behind her. The group assembled inside stood in stunned speechlessness.

  “Why are you all looking at me that way?”

  Reece chuckled. “You just put the entire media circus in their place.”

  She snorted. “Fat lot of good it’ll do me. If I continue to associate with you, I’m going to be gossip over the breakfast table for the rest of my life. I feel like a long-lost member of the Kardashians.”

  “Or the Royal family.”

  “Yeah, them too.” She moved down the hall, wiggling through the crowd. “So now that I’ve dealt with one problem, can we tackle the next?” She walked straight up to Marcus, standing toe to toe with him. “So, Slime-ball, I understand you stole my manuscript. I hear you had one of your sleazy friends rewrite it, pitching it to the studio as Reece’s new movie project.” She paused. “Am I wrong so far?”

  Marcus backed up a step. “You’re invading my personal space.”

  She grinned, scrunching up her nose. “So sorry,” she said, taking a step closer. “Not so much fun, is it? Having someone invade your life this way?”

  He glared over her shoulder at his brother. “Call her off, Reece.”

  She turned her head, winking. “I don’t think he’s coming to your rescue this time, slime-ball.”

  “Stop calling me that.”

  “Why? Does it hurt your feelings?”

  Marcus raised his hand to shove her back but caught the aggressive postures the other men assumed. He backed down, retreating another step. “No, it doesn’t hurt my feelings.”

  “That’s too bad. It would’ve been nice to see some actual human emotion coming from you.” She moved back. “I’ll tell you what, Marcus. You give me my manuscript, call off the movie deal you’ve made, and we’ll all go home happy. No fuss, no muss.”

  “You can’t prove I stole anything.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” She reached into her pocket, pulling out a flash-drive. “Do you know what this is? It’s the original story. It’s not the finished product, but there’s enough of the story on this drive to give my case against you an edge.”

  He swallowed loudly. “You have a case against me? For what may I ask?”

  She tapped her chin. “Theft, copyright infringement, and defamation of character . . . the list goes on and on.”

  “So, you found your story on a different computer. Big deal.”

  “Well, yeah, it is a big deal. I didn’t find the story on my computer. You made sure of that when you erased it off my hard drive. This flash-drive, as I said, was the original, the date on it far earlier than the product you stole. The moment I typed Chapter One, my work became copyrighted. It didn’t matter which copy you took, I had the original. It’s a poor man’s copyright, but I assure you, it’ll stand up in a court of law.” Could she bluff, or could she bluff?

  The blood drained from his face. He turned to his mother. “My mum is a lawyer. She’ll fight you on this.”

  Clarissa stepped forward. “I’m afraid not, Marcus. You see, I plan to represent Nicole Elizabeth DeLancey in this case.”

  His eyes widened in horror. “Mother?”

  Reece moved up beside Nicole. “And your services as my manager are no longer required.”

  Marcus looked between his three adversaries. There was no easy way to get out of this. “What do you want me to do?”

  Nicole felt like doing her ‘Snoopy’ dance. “I want my manuscript, the flash-drive you stole, along with any notes you made, back in my possession. I want the screenplay you contrived destroyed and the movie project canceled.”

  He raked his hand through his hair. “I can’t cancel the movie project. Even if Reece doesn’t play the lead, the studio will find someone else to play the part.”

  “I’ll be more than happy to play the lead role,” Reece stated as he took Nicole’s hand, holding it fast.

  Her eyes jerked upward. “You’re going to play this part?” She tried to pry her fingers out of his grasp.

  He held on tight. “Of course I am. I’m sure it’s going to be a great story.” His gaze shot to Audrey. “As soon as you sign on as its screenwriter.”

  Nicole stumbled backward. “Me? I don’t know the first thing about being a screenwriter.” She turned to Audrey. “He’s not serious, is he?”

  Audrey smiled. “As a matter of fact, he is. It seems your Mr. Collins has been busy trying to get this mess straightened out to your benefit. I’ve flown to London because I received a call from the studio, along with the producer backing this project. We had a very interesting conference call.” She frowned at Marcus. “They’re willing to do whatever is necessary to move the project forward. If you agree, you’ll be working with a qualified screenwriter, sharing the credits.”

  Nicole was overwhelmed. “But I’m not a screenwriter, Audrey. I’m a romance author. I sit in a little cubbyhole office by myself, weaving the thoughts in my head into a story.”

  “And now you get to weave one in the light of day for the big screen.”

  She pressed her hand to her forehead. “What about the book?”

  “We can arrange for the book to be released the same day as the movie—a sort of two for one type of thing.”

  “So, the cover will say, ‘Now a Major Motion Picture’ with Reece and his leading lady gracing the cover?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Who is the actress picked for the part?”

  Marcus spoke up. “Melanie Daniels has shown an interest.” Everyone’s eyes shot daggers at him. “What? They have great on-screen chemistry.”

  “We’re not Tracy and Hepburn. Stop trying to pair us in everything.”

  Nicole turned to her father. “You’ve been quiet, Daddy. What do you think about it?”

  Her father could see the worry and doubt in
her eyes. “I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, Coley.”

  Now he was being supportive? She bit her lip. “What if I’m no good?”

  “At least you’ll know you tried.”

  It was all too much. She still wasn’t over her fear of rejection when it came to her books. Why would they want to add this to her plate?

  She caught Reece’s eye, surprised to discover something like pride shining in them. Was she missing something?

  “I’m not sure this is a good idea. The way I’m feeling about you right now makes me want to say yes, just so I can write something embarrassing for your character.”

  “Write me any way you want, Nicole. I’ll play the part to perfection.”

  Was that a challenge? Her lips tightened. “I’m going to personally put you through hell.” Her head swiveled back to Audrey, a mutinous expression in her eyes. “Call my secretary. Have her add screenwriter to my resume.”

  “Yeah, I get to see Hollywood,” Lindsey whooped. Everyone but Marcus laughed.

  “That’s great, but what about me? What’s going to happen to me?”

  Reece moved behind Nicole. “I hear the McDonald’s near Westminster Bridge is hiring. Can you say, ‘Would you like fries with that?’”

  “Very funny, Reece, but I’m serious.”

  “So am I, Marcus. Your days of calling the shots with me are over. Don’t think you can work with someone else and do the same thing to them. I will spread the word of your misdeeds. You’ll be persona-non-grata in the industry.”

  “You’ll ruin my career for this upstart American hussy?”

  Nicole turned whip-quick, punching him in the face. She instantly sprang back, cradling her right fist. “I am not a hussy. Your brother is my friend.” She frowned in confusion. “Maybe something more; we haven’t figured that out yet, but whatever I am, I deserve some respect.”

  “You’ll never be good enough for him,” Marcus spat, blood coating the hand holding his nose.

  “Maybe not, but that’s for him to decide. I’m also successful in my own right. I don’t need to ride his coattails to claim my way to fame. Can you say the same?” When he was silent, she turned into Reece’s conveniently available embrace. “I need to go to the hospital. I think I just broke my hand,” she said, abruptly fainting.

  ~ ~ ~

  When Nicole woke up, she was lying across a massive king-size bed in a room she’d never seen before. Where was she? And why the hell was she so groggy? The last thing she remembered was punching Marcus Woodhouse in the face and then . . . nothing.

  She tried to sit up, but a weight on her right arm made her glance in that direction. Her arm was in a cast up to her elbow. What the hell? Her other hand felt heavy as well. Her head turned, glancing down, her eyes widening at what she discovered. Her heartbeat sped up as she stared at the object on her left hand.

  “Reece!” she screamed, hearing movement in the other room. He came through the door, sitting down on the bed beside her.

  “Jesus, woman, you just scared the dickens out of me.”

  She held her hand out from her body like it was infected with the plague. “What is this on my left hand?”

  “It’s a ring.”

  Her eyes were huge. “I know it’s a ring, but is it a diamond ring or is it a ring with a diamond? There’s a difference between the two.”

  He smirked. “The second of the two, I believe.”

  She was astounded. “And why is it on my finger?”

  “Because you answered yes to a certain question.”

  Nicole studied it. “Gold band, princess cut, chocolate diamond.” She moved it around in the narrow light. “If I had to guess, I’d say it was a three carat.” Her gaze lifted from her inspection. “Nice ring,” she said calmly. “Are you insane?” she burst out a moment later. “Why would . . .? How could . . .?”

  He chuckled. “You know, for a writer you’re not very articulate.”

  She shook her head. “This question you asked me . . . was it while I was under the influence of drugs?”

  This is too much fun, he thought. “As a matter of fact, it was. I’m not stupid. I know when to take advantage of a situation.”

  “What else did I agree to while under the influence?”

  He smiled devilishly. “I’m saving that for the honeymoon.”

  “How long have I been out?”

  “Off and on for three hours. The media is hounding the hotel for news on your condition. It seems you’ve gone from social pariah to media darling in an instant. The photographers went into a flash frenzy when I carried you unconscious out of the flat this morning.”

  She grimaced. “They’re never going to let up, are they?”

  He shook his head. “It’s the price you pay for fame, I’m afraid.”

  “What’s wrong with my hand?” she asked as she glanced over at the cast.

  He pressed his lips together. “Well, Ms. Tyson, you not only broke my brother’s nose with that punch, but four of your fingers. You’ve sprained your wrist, bruising the bone in your arm up to your elbow.”

  Her eyes were wide. “I did all that damage with one punch?” Impressive.

  “Yeah, you must’ve been holding back a lot of pent-up frustration. You’re going to be in that cast for a while.”

  “So, one hand is completely useless, the other weighted down with the Rock of Gibraltar. How am I supposed to write with no fingers?” Her body relaxed a bit. “Does that mean I’m off the hook? Please say yes.

  “You’re going to dictate. Someone else will type. It’s all been arranged.”

  Yea me, she thought sarcastically. “Seems that way.” She yawned. “I’m still sleepy. They must’ve shot me up with some pretty strong drugs.”

  “They had to give you an elephant’s dosage to knock you out. You were squirming on the table. It took forever to set your bones.”

  She grimaced. “I’m sorry for all the trouble. Are you sure you want to marry me?”

  He ran his finger down her cheek. “As long as you never give me the one-two punch, I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  “I won’t make any promises.” She grinned, closing her eyes. “Why did you bring me here?”

  “There’s space to move, plus the bed is more comfortable than the one in your flat.”

  “Oh,” she mumbled, drifting off again.

  Reece watched her a moment more before leaving the room. Her father and sister were still on the couch, conversing with Audrey and Clarissa. Laura was running to the flat to gather a change of clothes for Nicole. No one knew where Marcus had gone.

  “Is she all right?” Clarissa asked.

  “She was conscious for a bit but drifted off again. She was shocked to find the ring on her finger.”

  “I’m not surprised. You picked the perfect time to spring the trap on her.” Nicholas chuckled.

  Reece was worried. “I don’t want her to feel trapped. You don’t think she’ll change her mind, do you?”

  Her father shook his head. “I’m not sure. I believe she’ll second guess it a few times, but I don’t think she’ll call it off completely.”

  “I know the thought of being in the spotlight bothers her.”

  “As it would for anyone who’s not used to it, but Nicole doesn’t know her own strength.”

  Reece snorted. “I’ll say.”

  Nicholas leaned forward, pressing his hands to his knees. “I don’t mean physical strength, although that punch she delivered surprised the hell out of me.” He chuckled in memory. “Coley never knows how to cope or endure something until she’s doing it. She’s a stubborn girl who fights for what’s important to her. From what I’ve seen, next to her writing, you’re the most important thing in her life.”

  �
�I’d like to think so, but she’s run from this thing between us and . . .”

  Her father interrupted him. “Do you love my daughter?”

  “Of course I do.”

  Nicholas nodded. “I’ve seen the pictures, boy. I know you do.”

  “Why did you ask?”

  He pointed to Reece’s face. “You’re having second thoughts. I see it in your eyes. You’re worried she’s not going to fight for this relationship, but the truth is, you can’t expect her to fight for it if you’re not willing to fight as well.”

  “I feel like a salmon swimming against the current.”

  “No one said the journey to true love was easy.”

  The ladies wandered toward the bar, leaving the men to their talk. Reece glanced toward them before turning back to Nicholas. He moved to the seat Lindsey vacated.

  “I’m glad we’ve gotten an opportunity to talk privately, sir. I want to apologize for what happened last year. I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am.”

  Nicholas crossed his arms. “I take it you mean the pictures, not meeting my daughter.”

  “Yes sir, the pictures. I could never regret meeting Nicole, although I do regret the black eye she received from our fall. Still, I don’t regret meeting her. Even if things hadn’t progressed between us the way they had, I would have considered her a good friend.”

  “Friends always make the best spouses. You can be yourself around them and let them see the real you, warts and all. They’ll love you anyway.”

  “What if the relationship goes sour? You’ll not only lose their love but their friendship as well.”

  “If that’s the case, it wasn’t a true friendship. My Lydia and I have been married for thirty years. We’ve known each other since we were five years old—when we were playing in the rain and making mud patties. I’ve known her my entire life. She’s seen me at my worst, but she’s always been there when I’ve needed a friend. Even if the relationship doesn’t work out with Coley, she’ll still be your friend and be there when you need her. When she cares about someone, she’s in it for the long haul.”