If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

by Jean C. Joachim

  Brielle’s face took on a sour look. “So what’s up with you and Duncan anyway?”

  “I’m managing his portfolio. Period. I’ve got to get back to work.”

  Hoping Brielle would leave, Megan again lowered her eyes to her computer screen. The blonde oiled her way across the hallway, stopping to smile beguilingly at Andy. She chucked him under the chin before entering her own domain. With narrowed eyes, Megan watched through her glass wall. It made her nervous to see Brielle making up to Andy. What does she want with him?

  Chapter Five

  At seven o’clock, Megan returned home and heated up leftovers. She changed into jeans and another sweater she bought with Penny, this one a low-cut sweater in coral. While she ate, Megan focused her attention on annual reports and stock market charts.

  At nine fifteen, she boarded the elevator for the quick ride to the lobby. She spied Baxter asleep on a small rug in the back. She glanced at him and then at Briny.

  “Mrs. Bender is still sick,” Briny explained.

  “Baxter is lucky to have you.” Megan bent down to scratch the sleeping pug behind his ears.

  Briny nodded, tipped his hat to her, and then opened the door.

  Chaz was leaning up against the town car when she left the building. He gripped a small basket as he stepped forward and took her hand.

  “Central Park.” he took her hand, guiding her south.

  “But it’s almost dark.”

  “The darker the better.” She glimpsed a mischievous gleam in his dark eyes as she followed along.

  “What’s in the basket?”

  “Moscato, a sweet wine, plastic wine glasses, and strawberries dipped in chocolate.”

  Megan’s mouth watered.

  “Where are we headed?”

  “The Ramble.” He walked down Central Park West with Megan at his side.

  “The Ramble? It’s dark and lonely in there…people hang out there for all sorts of reasons.”

  “Are you afraid?”

  She shivered.

  “You’re with me. No one is going to bother you. Nothing to be scared of. I have two flashlights too.” Chaz tightened his grip on her hand while he drew her closer.

  “Do you know the stone arch in the ramble?”

  “I try to stay out of the ramble. I always get lost there,” she confessed.

  “Don’t worry, I know my way around. The arch is my lucky place.”

  “Lucky place?” She raised her eyebrows.

  “I have visited the arch before every lucky break I’ve had.”

  “And you’re going there for luck with your Broadway audition?” She picked up her pace to match his long stride.

  He laughed.

  “Why else?” She asked, glancing at him as they slowed down.

  “My secret.” He planted a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.

  When they reached Eighty-First Street, Chaz steered them to the left and they ducked into the park, passing the silent, empty Diana Ross playground. They wended their way deeper and deeper into the shadowed parkland, dotted with benches and spring flowers in bloom.

  “It’s still light enough to see the tulips and irises.” Megan’s eyes lit on the bright colored flowers.

  “Let’s go to the Shakespeare Garden.” Chaz led her along the paved road toward the Shakespeare Theater then veered right. The split rail fence reminded her of vacations in the country when she was a child. Small colorful flowers, bright in the fading daylight, coupled with the glow of street lamps, lined the fence. Bouquets of pink and white roses blossoming along the walk were a treat for their eyes. The roses, bursting with sweet scent, perfumed the air, seducing their noses.

  “This is one of my favorite places,” Chaz said, slowing his gait to a stroll.

  “I’ve never seen so many roses in one spot.”

  He draped his arm around her shoulders. They wound around the maze of park paths. “You do know your way around here, don’t you?

  “Told you.” He steered her to the left.

  “Take many girls to the Arch?” Megan peered at him in the fading light.

  “You’re the first.”

  She slipped her arm around his waist and moved up against his side.

  He stopped suddenly to point. Megan raised her gaze. “How do the stones stay together like that?” She stepped nearer, staring at the structure.

  He shrugged. “No idea.”

  “It’s a work of art.”

  Chaz led her to a bench facing the arch where they could eat. He opened the basket and popped the cork on the wine before pouring two glasses. Megan took a sip. “Mmm…delicious.”

  He handed her a plastic container. She opened it to reveal a dozen giant strawberries half coated in dark chocolate. Taking one in between her fingers, she slowly raised it to his lips. Their gazes locked as his lips surrounded the succulent berry. A bite sent a copious amount of juice flowing down his chin. Megan leaned forward slightly, but caught herself before she licked his face clean. Instead, she plucked a napkin out of the basket.

  “Were you going to…?”

  She nodded before putting her finger over his lips as she wiped off the juice. Picking up a berry, he mirrored her movements, except this time, Chaz licked the strawberry juice off her chin. His lips slipped over hers effortlessly. She finished chewing and swallowed as his tongue swept across her lower lip, setting off a spark in her belly and igniting her passion.

  He pulled her closer until their chests barely touched and kissed her in earnest—his lips working hers until she opened for him. Megan placed her hands on his broad shoulders, feeling the taut muscles of his upper back through the thin fabric of his windbreaker. The taste of strawberry mixed with the feel of his tongue gliding over hers excited her. Her nipples hardened, aching for his touch.

  Moving his hands to her back, he closed the gap between them so that her breasts were touching his chest. He moved his hands up and his fingers played with the ends of her hair. She didn’t resist, yielding to her desire to be close to him.

  He angled his head and took the kiss deeper. Meg floated, her mind turned off. All she could do was feel his hands on her, feel his lips on hers, soft yet demanding. She breathed in his intoxicating scent mixed with his after-shave. The ache inside her stoked the fire so hot it seemed to scorch her insides. She clamped her thighs together but that only made her desire increase. Before she could stop herself, she purred into his mouth.

  Encouraged by her response, Chaz ripped his mouth from hers and moved it to her neck. His lips and tongue burned a trail down the column. He deftly unzipped her jacket and slipped it off one shoulder, allowing his lips to continue down to her shoulder. His hands were on her waist, holding her steady. Her nipples stung, needing to be touched. As if he could read her mind, Chaz slid his hand up her ribcage until it covered her breast. She gasped at the sharp tingle that shot straight to her core when his fingers closed on her nipple.

  Chaz raised his head.

  “Sorry. Got carried away.”

  Her eyes were wide, dark green with passion. Two words tumbled out of her mouth without her brain’s knowledge.

  “Don’t stop.” It was almost a moan.

  Their eyes met. Megan reached up and traced the edge of his sensuous lower lip. He continued to stare at her until she slid her hand up his chest to curl her fingers around his neck. Her gentle tug brought his lips back to hers. A small sigh escaped as she surrendered to his kiss.

  Boneless, she melted against him, feeling the hard muscles of his chest against hers. She wanted him, wanted him with every fiber of her being. Caught up in passion, she didn’t stop to think…about anything. Chaz raised his hand slowly as if he were fighting his desire to touch her and losing. Once more, his hand captured her breast and he squeezed it gently while his lips placed tender kisses on her neck.

  “Let me touch you,” he whispered as his fingers stroked the exposed top of her breast.

  “Yes,” she murmured into his neck, closing her eyes.<
br />
  Chaz dragged himself back, lowered his hand, and separated slightly from her. “Not here.” He let out a breath.

  She moved back from him, removing her hand from his chest. Her skin pebbled at the touch of cool air. Meg looked down and saw the top two buttons of her blouse were undone, exposing part of a pink lace bra and a lot more cleavage. Wow, he’s smooth. Didn’t feel a thing while he was undressing me.

  As heat rose to her face, she reached for the buttons, fastening them again. Chaz leaned over to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re beautiful.” His eyes darkened with emotion.

  She gazed at her hands resting in her lap. Me, beautiful? That’s a laugh. “Not quite…”

  Chaz grabbed her chin. He jerked her face around to within inches of his. “If I say you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful.” His smoldering look, mixed with the moonlight, confirmed his honesty.

  She nodded, a small smile playing at her lips.

  “One kiss in the arch, then let’s go.” He said, staring at her lips.

  They stood up and joined hands. Chaz eased her close to him, his hands glided down to her bottom, and squeezed. Megan yelped. His lips found hers. They were so close together even a piece of paper wouldn’t slide between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and relaxed against him. As he increased his passion, excitement began to build inside her. He pressed closer. Feeling his growing erection only made her want him more.

  Panting a bit, Chaz placed his hands on her hips to move her away from his body. Meg moved her hands down his chest slowly, imagining what it looked and felt like underneath his shirt. Does he shave his chest hair for the movies? Hope not. Curiosity ate away at her but she couldn’t muster the nerve to ask. Before he noticed, she had unbuttoned two of his shirt buttons and slipped her hand inside. Oh, God!

  She groaned as her fingers caressed him through a smattering of fine hair. His mouth came down hard on hers, his hands pulling her hips up against his. Desire blazed a path to her belly. Instinctively, she ground her hips against his. Her fingers detected the increased pace of his breathing.

  He took her by the waist and gently pushed her back against the arch, away from him. “Too fast,” he panted.

  Megan rested her head back against the stone of the arch, hoping its coolness would chill her desire, but to no avail. His presence so close to her continued to stoke her fire.

  “Too much,” she breathed, trying to convince herself.

  The breeze picked up and the temperature dropped. In a few seconds, she was shivering.

  “Time to take you home.” Chaz wrapped his jacket around her. The fine fabric was still warm from his body. He led her down the path, to the left, winding them around and out of the park. Once on the avenue, Meg regained her composure. Across the street from her building, she stopped to draw out a hanky. She wiped his lips before buttoning his shirt.

  “Presentable?” He asked her, standing back.

  “Very.” She combed his hair with her fingers.

  They crossed the street. Chaz kissed her hand, bid her goodnight, made the salute to Briny, and then vanished, like a magician, into the dark of the evening.

  * * * *

  Megan’s cell phone rang as she closed the front door of the apartment and tossed her keys into the bowl. One glance in the mirror told her she had been well kissed. Her lips were slightly swollen. An attractive flush in her cheeks made her pretty. She answered the phone while staring at her image.

  “It’s me!” Penny chirped into the phone.

  Megan dragged her attention away from the mirror. Sauntering to the sofa, she plopped down, resting her feet on the coffee table.

  “So…how are things with Chaz?”

  “Moving along. It’s business,” Megan lied to avoid a third-degree about Chaz, honoring his wish for privacy.

  “How can you resist him?”

  I can’t. “It’s been a long day, and I need to get to bed.” Meg slid her legs off the coffee table.

  “Alone?”

  “Very funny!” Meg twirled a few strands of hair. I wish!

  Penny chuckled. “I thought so.”

  “He is very…good-looking and all…but not my type.”

  A loud laugh from Penny made Meg sit up. “He’s every woman’s type,” Penny said.

  “What about Mark?” Meg leaned over to rub the aching arch of her foot.

  “No one can beat Mark. I’m just sayin’…”

  “When are you coming back?” Megan changed the subject.

  “Training is over for a while. We’re coming back to New York soon. Maybe we’ll be witnessing something…intimate?”

  “Penny!”

  Loud laughter on the other end of the phone made Meg smile. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist that. I want you to be happy, Sis. That’s all.”

  “I know. See you soon. Give the big lug a hug for me.” Meg smiled.

  “Will do. Night.”

  I’m not falling for him. This is ridiculous. No more celebrities. No more dates.

  Megan padded into her bedroom to undress. She stared at her queen size bed, envisioning Chaz there waiting for her. The image gave her goose bumps. Stop, Meg! He’s unattainable. A guy like him would never fall for someone like you. Give it up. You’ll only end up unhappy. That’s what Mom would say. And she’d be right. Still, he’s so…so kissable...so nice.

  She sighed and pulled down the covers. In bed, she rolled over to stare out her window at the full moon. She remembered the feel of his lips on hers, his hands touching her. She shivered. If I keep thinking about that, I’m going to be up all night.

  Meg snapped on the light and picked up a book.

  * * * *

  Morning came too soon. A weary Megan dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. Only slightly perkier than before, she left her apartment for the office, wishing she could go back to bed.

  Meg eyed the two large cups of coffee perched on her desk, hoping the caffeine would cure her drowsiness. Sipping the strong brew, she switched on her computer, checked her email, and promptly rubbed her eyes. One hundred new messages! What the hell?

  She opened them one-by-one, only to be greeted by people she either hadn’t seen in a long time or didn’t even know. Every one of the emails had the same question—“So what’s Chaz Duncan like?”

  Holy Hell, someone leaked it to the media that I’m handling his finances. Now suddenly every friend and acquaintance from elementary, middle, and high school is my best buddy.

  Give me the real dope on Chaz. What’s he like?

  Is he as sexy in person?

  Is he tall? Rumor says he wears elevator shoes.

  Did he make a pass at you?

  Are you dating him? If not, can you fix me up?

  Have you seen his house?

  Can you snap some candids on your phone and send them to me?

  Are you gonna post pix of him on Facebook?

  As soon as she deleted a few emails, more sprang up to take their place. Then one stood out. It was Alan Fader, her boyfriend from graduate school.

  Meg, so glad I found you. You’ve changed your email. Let’s reconnect online. I’m still doing investment banking out here in sunny California. But that’s nothing compared to handling Chaz Duncan’s account. Kudos to you, baby. Keep in touch.

  Meg smiled and responded to Alan’s email. She was happy to reconnect with him. Although, when they had agreed to go their separate ways, she had been a little hurt he didn’t ask her to go to California with him. Now, she was relieved he wanted to move on without her. Alan was a nice, steady, unexciting boyfriend. One business dinner with Chaz had her more riled up than a week in bed with Alan. She chuckled to herself. He may have been an ‘A’ student in grad school but he got a ‘D’ in lovemaking.

  As she went about deleting the emails, now totaling two hundred, a pain constricted her heart. Poor Chaz! He wasn’t kidding about people’s curiosity. So, this is the level of interest the public has in him? It’s creepy. The man has no pri
vacy, does he?

  Now, she understood how the story of his past could be spread on the Internet and go viral almost immediately. I get why he’s afraid to tell anyone about his life.

  His lack of privacy became real for her, deepening her feeling for him. No wonder he’s alone.

  On her way to confront Brielle, who Megan was convinced put out the word about her and Chaz, Harvey Dillon walked into her office. “Well, well, well…I bet your email is buzzing this morning.” Harvey’s smile stretched from ear to ear.

  “How did you know?”

  “We sent out a press release! My email is through the roof, too. I imagine everyone here is getting questions from all their friends about Chaz.”

  “That’s just what he doesn’t want, Harvey. Why did you do that?”

  “Hell, I can’t build a celebrity division if it’s a well-kept secret we have a big fish like Chaz Duncan, can I? Soon other wealthy celebrities will be flocking to us for financial advice.” He rubbed his hands together.

  Megan could swear she saw dollar signs in his watery blue eyes.

  “Now we have to double security…keep anyone else from knowing his business. No one can know what stocks he’s invested in or how much money he has with us…anything. He’s a very private person.”

  “Of course, Megan, of course. Confidentiality is important.”

  Her phone rang.

  “Better answer that. Might be the press!” Harvey practically leapt in the air.

  Megan dove for her landline. “Megan Davis.”

  “Hi, there. I’m Tiffany Cowles from Celebs R Us Magazine. Do you have a minute to talk to me?”

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Cowles, I don’t have anything to say.” Megan hung up the phone as if it were a cobra ready to strike. Picking up her coffee, she reclined in her comfy chair and twirled around to face the big window. Her phone rang again, but she ignored it. She sipped her coffee, gazing at the vast city laid out before her. Why did I come to Dillon & Weed? What have I done?