He really liked that dad part. “Creative genius? That’s a switch. When you were trying to convince me to direct your movie, you told me I was selling out with my films.”
She gave him a serious glare. “I did not. I said you should try something with a little less commercial appeal. I also said your movies had just enough edge to garner critical acclaim, which they do.”
Pete found it odd that she’d remembered those details, considering her insistence that she had few recollections of their time together. “For the record, this current project isn’t my usual fare.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Really? No high-action, bang-up, shoot-’em-up psychological thriller?”
“No. It’s a post-Civil War saga that encompasses several years. A fairly emotional work.”
“That’s too bad.”
He’d never known Renee to speak in riddles, until now. “I thought you’d be impressed.”
“I am, but I was hoping you might consider using the hotel for a few scenes.”
Always the businesswoman, Pete thought. “That won’t work, but the company could put the crew up in the hotel while we’re shooting here.”
She looked extremely pleased. “We’d love to have them. Have you cast everyone yet?”
Right now he could cast her in the starring role—the consummate fair-haired belle with nerves of steel. “I have commitments from the main players, but we have several secondary roles to fill.” Just another reminder that his time with her would be brief before he had to get back to work in earnest.
Adam came rushing toward them at a sprint, and when he reached the bench, proudly displayed the black bat spanning his cheek. “It’s cool, huh?”
Pete stifled a laugh. “Yeah, bud. It’s great.”
“Very nice, Adam,” Renee said.
Taking Renee by one hand, Adam tugged her to her feet. “It’s your turn, Renee. You promised.”
Renee glanced back at Pete with a “help me” look plastered across her pretty face. “I have no idea where to put it.”
Pete had several ideas, but he didn’t dare voice them, nor did he want the seedy artist to have access to any part of Renee’s anatomy that involved removing pertinent clothing. “You could always put it on your neck.”
“I suppose you’re going to suggest a pair of lips.”
A damn good excuse to kiss her there. “No, but that’s not a bad idea.”
“Sorry. I’m going to pick out a flower. Probably a rose. You can have the lips applied wherever you’d like on your body.”
Man, oh, man, she’d walked right into that one. If his nephew wasn’t present, he’d tell her exactly where he’d put them. “I told you and the kid from the beginning, I’m not getting a fake tattoo. You two are on your own.”
“Spoilsport.” With that, she took Adam by the hand and walked to the booth.
Pete sat back on the seat and watched as Renee and the artist discussed the location of the tattoo. She rolled up her jeans, then rolled her eyes when the guy went to work on her ankle, making Pete laugh.
No doubt about it, she’d surprised him on more than one occasion that morning. Surprised him with her enthusiasm when she’d guided them around town after seeming reluctant to join them. And she’d definitely surprised him with the ease with which she handled his nephew’s demands—she had more patience that most people possessed. These were the kinds of surprises he definitely valued.
After the tattoo application was complete, and paid for by Pete, they proceeded up the street past myriad shops, restaurants and the occasional bar, sure signs that the city had begun to completely recover from Katrina’s devastation, at least when it came to the business district. Neighborhoods were still in the process of being rebuilt, but the citizens were survivors, and Pete could appreciate that kind of spirit.
When they stopped in front of one souvenir shop, Adam pointed at a purple T-shirt displaying a few words he was fairly sure the little boy hadn’t heard yet. Or at least he hoped he hadn’t. “I want one of those.”
Renee and Pete exchanged a look before Renee said, “I think that’s made for an adult, sweetie. Why don’t we check out some of the other shops to see if we can find something you might like better?”
Adam stuck out his lip in a pout. “But I want that one.”
Renee knelt at his level and tugged at the bill of his baseball cap. “Tell you what, I know a place that makes special shirts where you can pick out any picture you’d like. How does that sound?”
Adam’s eyes went wide. “Can I put a bear on it?”
“I’m sure we can find a bear. Or maybe even a bat.”
“Okay.” Adam gave her a wide grin and a hard hug. “I like you, Renee.”
“I like you, too, sweetie.”
Pete considered chiming in, but he had a hard time believing that Renee hadn’t already figured out that he liked her, too. He liked that she was wearing jeans and a peach sweater that complemented her pale strawberry-blond hair, fair complexion and light blue eyes. He liked that she seemed to be relaxing around him. And he really liked seeing this softer side of her, the one she’d always kept hidden behind her controlled exterior, at least during business dealings. On the off chance she hadn’t realized how much he liked everything about her, Pete planned to try some more convincing before the end of the day, if not well into the night.
After they picked out Adam’s special T-shirt and left the shop, Pete told Renee, “You’re good with him.”
She raised one shoulder in a shrug and smiled. “I’ve had some practice lately with my niece, Daisy Rose. She’s a little younger than Adam.”
Little by little, he was finally learning more about Renee’s personal life. “Which of your sisters is her mother?”
“Sylvie, the one you haven’t met yet. She runs the art gallery at the hotel, but right now she’s in Boston with her fiancé, which is why we’ve been taking turns taking care of Daisy Rose. Speaking of the art gallery, if you’d like, we can stop in later. Adam might enjoy that.”
Pete took a quick glance at his watch. “First, we need to meet up with Ella and Evan for lunch. Some café they found on Bourbon Street. Ella says we can’t miss it. Red-and-blue-striped awnings and an outdoor patio.”
“I know exactly which place they’re referring to. It’s called Notable, and it’s very good.”
“Yeah, that’s it.” He offered his arm even though he doubted she’d accept the gesture. “Shall we?”
Again she astounded him by hooking her arm through his while Adam held her hand. To any passersby, they would appear to be a normal family out for a day on the town. For some reason, Pete liked that idea, quite a switch from his former attitude. When he’d been married briefly to Cara, any consideration of having kids had been nil. In many ways, he’d known from the beginning that Cara’s acting career and his directorial goals would interfere with having a traditional family life. And although he’d failed to admit it to himself, or her, the relationship had been doomed from the beginning.
Making a high-profile marriage work had been an exercise in futility, at least in their case, and the reason he’d never attempted it again. Nor had he found any woman with whom he’d wanted to settle down. But since he’d taken an active part in raising Adam, his opinion had started to waffle, and he’d begun to question what he wanted in the future. But unless he was willing to give up his job, he couldn’t see taking the risk again. And right now, he had no desire to give up his work.
Yet as he watched Renee chatting with Adam, he experienced a longing he couldn’t explain, and didn’t necessarily welcome. Renee was all business, career-oriented, fiercely independent. Even if he did have deeper feelings for her, he honestly believed she would never return them after what had transpired years before. That didn’t mean he couldn’t explore their relationship while he had the chance, provided she continued to give him that chance. So far, so good. At least today.
When they arrived at the café, Pete caught sight of Ella and Evan se
ated at a white-iron corner table covered by a red umbrella. He guided Renee and Adam over to the couple, exchanged greetings, and after he had Renee and Adam seated, took his own chair next to Evan. “What have you two been up to today?”
Evan held up a folded document. “This. It’s a marriage license. There’s no waiting period in the state, so we’re all set to go.”
Ella sent Evan a warm smile, then removed her sunglasses. “We’ve decided to marry while we’re here.”
“When?” Renee asked, while Pete tried to wrap his mind around the news and Adam remained uncharacteristically silent, as if he thought everyone had taken leave of their senses. Pete was beginning to wonder the same thing.
“We plan to have the ceremony tonight,” Ella added. “The courthouse clerk told us there are several small chapels outside the city where we can have a ceremony on short notice. Evan believes that would allow us to have a private wedding, without the press in attendance.”
Evan handed Ella the sunglasses. “If you don’t put these back on, someone will recognize you and we’ll have anything but a private wedding.”
Ella waved a hand in dismissal. “I doubt that, love. I’m not that well known in the States.”
“You’re all the rage in film circles right now, babe,” Evan said. “And as soon as the movie is released, it’s going to put you over the top.”
Pete was still having a hard time digesting the wedding news. “Why get married now? Why not wait until you’re back in California?”
“Since we’re still in the final negotiations for my next film, which happens to be a family movie,” Ella said, “I’m afraid the producers will find out about us and then bring out a morality clause. If we’re married now, they have nothing to argue.”
Renee frowned. “I can’t imagine they would do that since they can’t prove that you’re having…” She glanced at Adam, who seemed content to people-watch. “Doing anything they might deem amoral.”
“The issue is a bit more complicated than cohabitation,” Ella said.
When Evan sent him a questioning look, Pete responded with, “Like I’ve said, you can trust Renee.”
“I’m going to have a baby.” Ella smiled and took Evan’s hand. “It wasn’t planned, but we’re very happy about it.”
“That’s wonderful,” Renee said. “And your secret is definitely safe with me. But aren’t you concerned about the studio’s willingness to work around the pregnancy?”
“Since the film won’t begin shooting until after the baby’s born,” Evan told her, “there shouldn’t be any problem with the production schedule.”
Pete foresaw one key problem—whether their marriage could survive an atmosphere that wasn’t conducive to monogamy. He hoped to God it would, because they deserved that happiness. “I’m glad for the both of you.”
“Are you glad enough to serve as the best man?” Evan asked.
“Sure thing, as long as I don’t require a tux. I didn’t pack mine this trip. In fact I don’t even have a suit with me. Just a sport coat and slacks.”
“I’m in the same boat,” Evan said. “We can go find a suit as soon as we’re through with lunch. Ella bought a dress this morning and we need to pick it up anyway.”
An extended shopping trip was the last thing Pete wanted, but he’d make the sacrifice for the sake of his friends. “That sounds like a plan.”
Ella shifted toward Renee. “I know it’s a great deal to ask, but would you consider being my attendant, Renee?”
Renee initially looked taken aback by the request but recovered quickly. “Of course. I’d be honored. But it might be a little easier to make arrangements if you wait until tomorrow night to have the service.”
“Today’s a very special day.” Ella took Evan’s hand into hers. “It’s the one-year anniversary of our meeting, which is why we’d like to do it today if at all possible.”
Renee gave her a wistful smile. “That’s very romantic, Ella, and I understand the importance of the date. I’ll take care of the arrangements when we’re back at the hotel. That way you can relax the rest of the afternoon.” She turned her attention to Evan. “I can even arrange for tuxedos for you and Pete, if you’d like. Then you wouldn’t need to shop for suits.”
Ella’s expression reflected the gratitude Pete felt for Renee now that she’d saved him from shopping. “I’d really appreciate that, Renee, but I wouldn’t want you to go to so much trouble on our account.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Renee said. “I’d be happy to do it.”
Renee to the rescue. Pete wanted to voice his appreciation, as well. Hell, he wanted to show her his appreciation in some fairly innovative ways. But he’d save that for later.
Evan signaled the waitress. “I think a celebration is in order. How about some champagne?”
Great. More champagne, and one more thing Pete didn’t want. He couldn’t understand why his mood had suddenly gone south. Maybe he was experiencing some envy over Evan’s happiness, and that was stupid. He had no reason to be envious. He was satisfied with his life as an unattached man…for the most part. “No champagne for me.”
“I can’t have any, Evan,” Ella said.
Renee took a quick glance at her watch. “It’s still a little early for me, especially if I want to be coherent enough to arrange for your wedding.”
Evan leaned back in his chair. “Okay, no champagne, but we still need to have a toast. How about a beer, Traynor?”
Good old Evan. “Now you’re talking.”
When the drinks arrived, Renee showed Adam how to hold up his glass of soda as they toasted the upcoming nuptials. And by the time they’d finished lunch, Adam had climbed into Renee’s lap, looking totally smitten.
Pete couldn’t blame Adam one bit. Renee Marchand had undeniable appeal, and no one knew that better than him.
“YOU’RE NOT MAKING much progress.”
Luc seethed over the sound of Richard Corbin’s two-pack-a-day voice filtering through his cell phone. But it could be worse. He could be talking with Richard’s brother, Dan, who possessed a cunning and dangerous criminal mind. He’d realized that after it had been too late to sever his ties with the two men.
“Hold on a minute.” After gesturing to one of the bellmen to take over for him at the concierge desk, Luc walked through the bar and out into the courtyard. “I told you not to call me while I’m working, damn it.”
“Where else are we supposed to call you, Luc?”
“You know my schedule. You keep doing this kind of thing, and you’re going to blow my cover straight to hell.”
“And if you don’t get your ass in gear, the Marchands aren’t going to sell the property so we can step in, and then where will we be?”
Luc didn’t want to consider where that might leave him, possibly dead in some alleyway. Or at the very least, in jail. “I told you I’m working on it. I called the tabloids about the actress, but it’s going to take time.”
“You’re running out of time, Luc. You need to come up with something else to put them out of business. If you don’t, we will.”
And that prospect sent a sick feeling straight into his gut. “Just let me handle it.”
“We don’t really like the way you’re handling it, but because me and Dan are generous kind of guys, we’ll think about giving you another week or two.”
A week or two wasn’t long enough for Luc to formulate a plan to get out of this mess. “Fine. And don’t call me again. I’ll call you.”
“We’re calling the shots here, Luc, not you. And don’t forget it.”
When the line went dead, Luc swiped an arm across his damp forehead. This whole scheme was getting completely out of hand. But he was in too deep now, and he didn’t have a clue how to dig his way out.
Maybe he could dredge up some more dirt on the director’s friends, but that would mean finding some way to be around them more often. In the meantime, he hoped the Corbin brothers didn’t take matters into their own hands. If
that happened, someone might get hurt, and not only him.
CHAPTER FIVE
DESPITE THE STEADY HUM of voices flowing through the crowded hotel lobby, Renee had no trouble recognizing the party calling her name. She turned to her right to find Anne Marchand, her beloved mother, standing near the concierge desk with Luc, a vibrant smile on her face. Even though her dark hair was streaked with gray, she looked much younger than her sixty-two years, and at times she acted much younger, as well.
Realizing introductions were in order, she turned to Pete and said, “Follow me. I want you to meet someone.”
When she reached the desk, she gave her mother a quick hug. “Mother, this is Pete Traynor and his nephew, Adam. Pete, this is my mother, Anne Marchand.”
Anne held out her hand for Pete to take. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Traynor. Charlotte told me you’re staying in the hotel, and we’re so pleased to have you.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Pete said as he took her hand. “And please call me Pete.”
“And you may call me Anne. I don’t stand on formality when it comes to my daughter’s friends.” She turned her attention to Adam. “And we must introduce this fine-looking young man to Daisy Rose. In fact, she’s in her aunt Charlotte’s office right now, waiting for me to take her to the house so she can try out her new set of paints.”
Adam stared up at Pete, his expression bright with excitement. “Can I go see the girl with the paints?”
Pete ruffled his hair. “Maybe later, kiddo. Renee and I have to get ready for the wedding, and so do you.”
Anne’s hand fluttered to her throat. “Wedding?”
Past time to intervene, Renee decided, before her mother jumped headfirst into making erroneous assumptions. “If all goes as planned, Pete’s friends are getting married tonight. Pete and I are going to serve as witnesses.”
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