• • •
Michael came back to a silent hotel room, head buzzing with possibilities and eager to see Carly again. Her suitcase sat on top of the neatly made bed, but she was nowhere to be found. He’d woken that morning to find her sleeping deeply, long sooty lashes dark against her creamy skin. Her auburn hair fanned across the pillow, beckoning his fingers to touch the silky strands. When she’d moaned in her sleep and flipped over onto her stomach, he’d almost crawled back under the covers. It would have been so easy to slip in beside her and let his hands roam over her curves, to gently wake her with his touch. What he wouldn’t give to have her just once more ...
But they hadn’t discussed anything further than last night, her gorgeous ass notwithstanding. Leaving her lying in bed that morning was near impossible, but he couldn’t say no when his former agent texted him, wanting to meet while he was in town.
The door lock clicked, and Carly came in. She was polished and buttoned-up, her hair pulled into a low ponytail and her skin covered by her conservative blouse and skirt. Like a sexy librarian, one who might shush you and punish you for disobeying. He grinned at the thought of her delivering a spanking, but stopped when their eyes met. One look at her face told him the wild woman who’d spent a night of reckless abandon in his arms was long gone. The Carly he’d known before was back, walls between them firmly erected, protective armor locked in place.
“Hey,” he said, unable to keep the smile from returning to his face. She might want nothing to do with him, but he’d never let that stop him before. “Sorry I slipped out this morning without telling you. You looked so beautiful lying there that I didn’t want to wake you. Did you see my note?”
“Yes, I got your note.” She bit out the words, clearly unmoved. The ice princess was back in full force. Obviously nothing, not even the heat that burned between them the night before, could melt her chilly poise.
He had to laugh. She was just too much, acting like this after what they shared. Hadn’t she felt what he did? Hadn’t it affected her? “All right then, I see how things are. Do you want to grab some lunch before our flight? Or are we done now that you’ve had your taste?”
A furious blush colored her cheeks. “What? No. Had my taste? What do you even mean?”
“We still have the room for a few more hours, if you want a repeat of last night. I’m game if you are.” He shouldn’t tease her, but she was so cute when flustered. Besides, there was always the slight chance that she’d say yes, and Michael wasn’t about to say no to another round between the sheets with Carly.
“I should’ve known that you’d act like this.” The fire was gone. She sounded resigned and disappointed, not irritated like usual.
His heart sank. Over the past few days, they’d made so much progress. He thought she had seen past the surface to find she could respect and depend on him, but now it was as though nothing had changed.
“Hey, I’m sorry, cupcake.” He closed the distance and ran his hands up and down her arms. “I was teasing you, and I shouldn’t. Forgive me?”
He gave her his most charming smile, and a look of surrender flashed in her eyes, gone as quickly as it had come. A second later, she was composed, back to her normal self. “Of course. It’s fine. There’s nothing to forgive.”
Up close, she smelled fresh, like grapefruit and flowers, nothing like her usual cozy vanilla fragrance. It was delicious, but he missed the sweet scent he’d always associated with her. “How about lunch, then? I mean, you’ve got to eat, don’t you? Let’s grab a bite before we head out.”
The tension left her arms, but she slipped out of his grasp. “Sure, sounds great.”
She avoided eye contact as she crossed the room to grab her handbag. Their relationship was nothing more than a charade, he knew that, but why couldn’t she see that underneath the animosity there might be something real and wonderful? Great sex was one thing; what they’d shared was on a whole other level. Maybe he’d enjoyed it more than she had—though if that were the case, she was one hell of an actress. She’d convinced the cameras that she was his girlfriend, so he could’ve underestimated her, but he didn’t think so. As they walked down the empty hallway toward the elevator, he let his hand land at the small of her back, briefly enjoying how perfectly they fit together before pulling back.
• • •
They took their seats in the crowded Italian restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge, and Carly moved the Chianti bottle doubling as a candleholder so she could enjoy the view for a moment as Michael bent his head over to study the menu. The pendant light hung low over their table, bringing out the golden flecks in his eyes. Everything was so confusing now. She was such an idiot. To think she’d actually felt something for him, started to let herself rely on him. It was a blessing that she’d seen the notepad and hadn’t risked spilling her guts. They’d defined the parameters of their relationship clearly, but of course she’d let herself get carried away.
He looked up when their waitress approached, flashing the pretty brunette the charming smile he used on every woman. They placed their orders, and she gave them each a tall glass of ice water before leaving them alone. Without the waitress or menus to distract them, they were forced to face each other, and the silence stretched out in a thick, garlicky haze. At least he’d finally stopped looking like he didn’t think anything was wrong. Michael flipped a sugar packet back and forth on the table before finally taking a deep breath and looking her in the eye, sending her heart rate off at a swift gallop.
“So, I guess there’s no use in beating around the bush. I’ve got something to tell you.” He kept his eyes trained on the Chianti bottle with its waxy rivulets running down its sides, avoiding hers.
Carly held her breath, hoping despite herself, despite all signs to the contrary, that he would say he had feelings for her. She swallowed, and arranged her features in what she hoped was a neutral, open expression. “Sure, what is it?”
He scrubbed a hand over his face and waited for what felt like an eternity before looking up again. “Ah, there’s no easy way to say this, but a big opportunity has come up, and I don’t know what to do.”
She held her breath for a second, switching gears and letting his words sink in. His nervousness had nothing to do with her or what they’d shared the night before. There would be no exploration of feelings, no fumbling declaration of affection. “What do you mean?”
“You know how I was gone this morning?” Of course, how could she forget? “I had an impromptu meeting with my old agent. She texted me last night, and I must have missed it. I didn’t have a chance to tell you, and I didn’t want to wake you this morning. Since we’re making the appearance on Sugar Shock, she pitched me for a new show that the network is considering, and it looks like I have another shot at shooting a pilot. If I want it.”
“Wow, that’s the last thing I expected to hear.” She’d been so convinced that he blew her off for another woman that she never considered that maybe her feelings were reciprocated, that the magic between them was real. Despite herself, hope welled up in her chest.
“I’m pretty surprised myself. I thought our appearance on the show would be a one-and-done kind of thing, and I never thought it would lead to anything else. I’ve learned so much since the first time around, though, that it might not be a bad idea. This new show could actually work out—you know, if I don’t mess it up again.”
“Wow. Congratulations. That’s great news. What about your sister?”
“Our aunt can visit her while I’m here. I’d try to get home as often as possible while we’re getting started, and after that, it sounds like the kind of show that will shoot on location. I’ll be away from her more than I would like, but I won’t have to move here or anything.”
“I guess it’s perfect, then. Having your own show is what you’ve always wanted, right? Sounds like an amazing opportunity.” What else could she say? His life was about to have a whole lot less to do with her than ever.
“It is, but it could complicate things.” He traced the condensation on the outside of his glass. “For you.”
“What does it have to do with me?” Besides the fact that she let herself fall for him, and now nothing could happen.
“I’d have to stay here and get to work right away. It would leave you high and dry for the Grainger-Rivers wedding.”
Oh, that. Yet another glaring example of Michael’s undependable nature. Tears prickled behind her eyes, but she wouldn’t allow herself to get emotional. He was clearly ready to move on, and she wouldn’t stop him. “I’m pretty sure I can handle it on my own. I’ll get another baker to assist if I need help. Don’t worry about me.” Although she couldn’t do relationships or casual sex, Carly could handle a wedding cake.
“I haven’t said yes yet. I could always turn it down and stay where I am, just go back home and keep working at my shop. Nothing has to change. If you want me to stay, I’ll stay. Just say the word.” His green eyes were hopeful, searching. Was he hoping for her blessing? He wanted her to dismiss him so he could leave without guilt.
She did want him to stay with her, more than anything. But he wasn’t talking about exploring their feelings, or whether the magic of their one night together could go further. He was talking about the job, nothing more. It was as though their experiences had been completely different. She’d let herself believe that the way they fit together perfectly meant something. It didn’t. It meant that they had chemistry, not that her feelings were real. It didn’t mean that she could count on him.
“I’ve done hundreds of weddings, many of them without any help. If you want to get another show started, I won’t stand in your way. You should do what you want to do.” Surely he didn’t think that she needed him badly enough that she’d ask him to give up his dream.
“Okay, great. I’m sure you’re right, and it’ll be fine. You’ll do great on your own.” He flashed her a bright smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
• • •
Michael shoved his socks into his suitcase and yanked the zipper closed. He should have known better than to think that Carly would ask him to stay with her, that she felt something for him. When Carly had asked about his sister, a light bulb had gone on. Nobody ever asked him about Jenny, or acknowledged that he was important to her. Carly got it. She understood, and thought about Jenny’s care almost as quickly as he would have. Nobody had ever done that before. But instead of all the pieces falling into place, they were packing up to head their separate ways.
He should’ve known better, should’ve taken things slower. He’d pounced on her when she was vulnerable and had used the situation to his advantage. She’d been forced to pretend she liked him, that being close to him was a pleasure rather than a chore. She’d let down her guard and got caught up in the moment, but that was it. Did he really think that giving her an ultimatum would force her hand, would make her admit to having some feelings for him?
Carly joined him, turning her wrist to check her watch. She was the only person he knew who still wore a watch instead of checking her cell phone for the time. He’d miss that. He’d miss her. Damn, he was getting sappy.
“They’re sending someone to take us to the airport, right? Or should I call a cab?”
“I think one of the production assistants will pick us up. You packed and ready to roll?” He tried for an easy tone, as if his hopes hadn’t just been shot down. She didn’t try to convince him to reconsider, of course. She was ready to get back to normal, and he would oblige her. If she wanted things to change, she would’ve said so when he laid it all out for her. He was a grade-A idiot for thinking that one night together could change her mind about him.
“Yep. I’m ready when you are.” Her words were light. Was there the slightest hint of longing? No, he was probably imagining things, projecting his own desires onto her.
“All right then, let’s head out.” The sooner they got out of this hotel, the sooner he’d be out of her life and moving on.
Michael dropped his suitcase to the floor and pulled the handle out. When she moved her hair off her shoulder to loop her carry-on bag over her arm, a puff of uniquely Carly-scented air stopped him in his tracks. This was ridiculous. She didn’t want him, didn’t even flinch when he said he was leaving. This was only a job to her, no matter how much he wanted it to mean something more.
Chapter Ten
Sequoia Rivers slipped into Caketopia through the back entrance, her slight frame dwarfed by her floppy hat, oversized sunglasses, and huge full-length coat. Her signature sunshine-blonde hair was tucked under her hat. Carly had to smile at the lengths the young celebrity went to in order to protect her anonymity. Since announcing her engagement to Rusty Grainger, the paparazzi had dogged her more than ever. Any moment she could get without a camera in her face was probably like a breath of fresh air.
Sequoia shot a furtive glance over her shoulder. “I don’t think I was followed, but you can never be too careful. They’re everywhere, and they never stop.”
Carly led her down the hallway toward her workroom. “We’ll be safe here. Layla won’t let anyone past the storefront.”
Sequoia grinned at her, wrinkling her slim nose. “I’m sure that big strong boyfriend of yours keeps this place pretty safe. Where is Michael?”
Oh, him. “He’s out of town. Can I get you something to drink before we get started? Coffee, water, soda?” The less she thought about Michael, the better.
Sequoia shrugged out of the coat and shook her hair out of the hat. “No, thanks, I had some delicious kombucha before I came over. In fact, I’ll bring some by for you next time we meet. You’ll love it, and it’ll keep you healthy for the big day.”
Carly was careful not to wrinkle her nose as she pasted a bright smile on her face. She didn’t know what kombucha was, but it sounded smelly. “That would be great, thanks.”
Carly pulled the big lavender binder dedicated to the Grainger-Rivers wedding from her shelf and set it in front of the actress. “I’m glad you came in today. With your wedding day so close, we need to finalize your choices.” She flipped the binder open and turned the pages. “So, here we have three designs to choose from, based on what we discussed in our emails. At this point, we can still go back and pick one from earlier, but sometimes it’s easier to look at a smaller pool of potential cakes.”
Sequoia’s mossy-green eyes narrowed in concentration, her delicate brow furrowed. “Hmm. I do still like these three the best.” She flipped back and forth between the cake sketches.
“Any of them speak to you more than the others?” Carly was surprised Sequoia didn’t have some kind of spiritual advisor for this choice. The ghost of a smile tugged at her lips, the first since she and Michael had parted ways, as she pictured Sequoia hanging a crystal over the binder to receive divine wisdom.
“I really like this one. I keep coming back to it, and it’s what I would’ve drawn,” she said with a laugh. “You know, if I could actually draw.”
Sequoia had chosen Carly’s personal favorite, and her initial stirrings of excitement over the wedding returned. The prospect of designing a cake that could put her on the map had made her head spin with possibilities when they began this adventure, and it was nice to have something to look forward to again. Michael stealing her heart and leaving it in Los Angeles had squashed most of the joy she’d gotten from revving up her creative engine. The new work that would surely come her way afterwards would surely be enough to keep her mind off Michael.
“Do you think the wedding cake and groom’s cake should match? I don’t know if I want them to be totally different.” Sequoia twisted her lips to one side in concentration. “It feels like it could be unbalanced if we don’t do something similar.”
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter if they are the same or completely opposite. We’ll have them on different tables, at least, and we can even place them in different areas at the reception location. We can certainly make sure that the two are complementary, though, if
that concerns you.”
“I do feel like they should complement one another, but I told Rusty he could choose whatever he wanted. I’m sure he and Michael are cooking up something wild that I’ll hate.” The look of love in her eyes when she talked about Rusty pulled at Carly’s heart. She’d never have that for herself if she spent all her time mooning over Michael Welch and their failed fake relationship.
“Actually, I’m doing the groom’s cake as well. Michael is going to be caught up in Los Angeles for the next several months. Did he not tell Rusty?” She hated delivering bad news, especially to someone as flighty as Sequoia.
“No, he didn’t say a word. What’s going on? Rusty loves Michael’s work.” Sequoia sat up straight on the stool. The carefree attitude was gone, along with the dreamy look in her eyes.
Carly twisted her hands together. “I’m so sorry, because I thought he’d already told you about this. Michael got an offer to stay in L.A. and shoot a television pilot, so he won’t be here. Don’t worry, though, because I can absolutely handle both cakes with no problem. This is the biggest wedding I’ve ever done, but I’m confident that I can deliver everything we’ve promised. I have the staff I need to assist, and it’ll be great with or without him. Michael gave me the designs he worked up for the groom’s cake, so we can do whatever Rusty chooses.” Carly hoped her professional confidence would reassure Sequoia, but the light hadn’t returned to her eyes.
“I don’t think he’ll go for that, honey. He was really excited about working with Michael himself. What kind of pilot is he shooting? What happened?”
“You know that we were contestants on that show Sugar Shock, right?” Sequoia nodded. “Well, once word got out that we were doing the cakes for your wedding, the producers invited us out to shoot a segment in L.A. for their Valentine’s Day episode. Michael ended up meeting with his old agent when we were in town. He’s always wanted his own show, and when he got a chance to do another cake show, he just couldn’t pass it up.” Carly shrugged. The truth was painful, but the sooner she faced it, the sooner she could move on.
Love Connection Page 24