If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

by Jean C. Joachim

  While she continued soul-searching, her cell phone rang. She looked at the display. It was Chaz.

  “Has your phone been ringing off the hook?” There was a trace of annoyance in his voice.

  “Two hundred emails…the phone is still ringing…”

  “Did some of those rag magazines call you?”

  “Celebs R Us did.” She put her coffee down on her desk.

  “What did you tell them?” Irritation mixed with apprehension in his voice.

  “Nothing. I practically hung up on her. I had no idea Harvey was going to issue a press release.”

  “Really? I find that hard to believe. Aren’t you running this ‘Celebrity’ division? Don’t you know everything going on in your division?”

  “I don’t. I’m new. He didn’t ask me. I’d have said ‘no.’ I told him I didn’t like the idea, but he seems to think other wealthy people will come to us because you’re here.”

  “And so they may. Sharp guy, old Harvey. Gotta give him credit for this one. By the way, don’t be too rude to the press. They have a long memory.”

  “I don’t care what they think. I care what you think. You have to believe me…”

  “Do I? Why?”

  “Because I’m telling you the truth…because you have the power to humiliate my brother …destroy my relationship with him with one phone call.” Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead.

  “True.” His voice dripped with smug satisfaction.

  “Would I give you that ammunition if I intended to betray you?” She chewed her lip.

  “Good point. Probably not. Besides, if the heat gets too hot, Harvey will be crying the blues when I take my account to another management firm.”

  “I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I had no idea what I was getting into with this job. I’m not cut out for this.”

  “You’ve got all the right answers. We’ll hold tight…for now.” His tone softened.

  “Chaz, I’m so sorry…I never…” Emotion choked Meg. Words caught in her throat.

  She was greeted with silence. I hate doing this over the phone. Meg wanted to look into his eyes to know how he was feeling and reacting. “Chaz, I wouldn’t hurt you for the world,” she whispered.

  “We’ll see about that.” He hung up the phone.

  Megan stared at her cell phone for a minute until the insistent ringing of her landline startled her out of her reverie. Furious at the constant interruption, she marched to reception. “Do not put through any phone calls unless they are from my family or Chaz Duncan.”

  A silly look came over the receptionist’s face. “God, you’ve been out to dinner with him. What did he order?” Megan stormed out. Isn’t anyone here professional besides me?

  A glance at her email had Megan in distress; another two hundred messages. She deleted all of them except one from Alan.

  So, what’s it like to sleep with Chaz Duncan? Is he as good in bed as I am?

  Megan deleted the email. Her throat closed up, tears threatened. She didn’t want to cry in front of her colleagues so she made a hasty retreat to the ladies room.

  Safely inside a stall with the door closed, her hand trembling, she pressed the button on her cell phone to dial her sister-in-law. Barely holding on, Meg burst into tears at the sound of Penny’s voice.

  “Meg? Are you all right? What happened?” Penny questioned her.

  With her voice shaking, Megan replied, “Everything is ruined.”

  “What? Why?”

  Megan sobbed, putting her head down on her lap.

  “We’re coming. Mark and I will be there tomorrow. We’ll take the early train.”

  Megan took a deep breath as her chest shuddered. “Davis, is that you in there?” Brielle’s voice rang out loud and clear.

  Chapter Six

  “What do you want, Brielle?”

  “I wanna know why you’re bawlin’ your eyes out in there. You’re a star now. You’re famous. Not that you deserve it…”

  “Shut up.” Megan was out of patience. She wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands.

  “If you wanna be like that…”

  “Actually, I do.” Megan stepped out of the stall.

  At the sink, she splashed water on her face then dried it with a scratchy paper towel. Turning to leave, she pushed past Brielle while she dialed the boss.

  “Harvey? I’m not feeling very well. Nothing serious. I’m going home. I can work from there. You have my number in case you need to reach me.”

  She hung up the phone, picked up her purse, and went to the elevator. Refreshed by the crisp May morning air, Meg walked home. After a stop at the deli for a sandwich plus a chocolate bar, she rounded the corner at Eighty-First Street at about twelve thirty and stopped dead. There was a man leaning against the building on the corner, staring at her. She noticed him glance at something in his hand then back at her.

  “Are you Megan Davis?”

  “Who wants to know?”

  “I’m Stan from Celebs R Us. I’d love to get a statement from you about your new client, Chaz Duncan.”

  “No comment,” Meg said as she increased her pace.

  “Aw, come on! I’m a working stiff, just like you.” Stan followed her to her door.

  Briny tipped his hat and opened the door for Megan. It only took him a moment to realize Stan wasn’t welcome. He blocked the door before locking it, leaving Stan outside.

  Meg tossed a smile to Briny on her way to the elevator. All the way to the fourteenth floor, she thanked God her apartment phone number was unlisted. Once inside, she kicked off her shoes, removed her jacket, and took her food into the kitchen. Megan tried to decide what to do as she sat at the round table, which faced spectacular floor to ceiling windows.

  Lunch over, she pulled out her laptop and studied the market and Chaz’s investments. She crafted a simple update form to keep track of the progress of his stocks and funds. Working made her feel better. Patiently, she clicked back and forth from the current information to the purchase prices. She calculated his gains and losses. There’s something safe—reliable—about a spreadsheet.

  The work calmed her, until her phone rang. It was Chaz. “I thought you were filming.”

  “We’re on break. Wanted to see how you’re doing. Phone still ringing off the hook?” His voice sounded a little warmer than their last conversation.

  “I skipped out early. I’m working from home. I’ll have a brief report for you this evening.” Meg took a businesslike tone.

  “A report? For me?”

  “That’s my job. To manage your money and keep you informed. I’ll send it by email.”

  “How about a video conference? In case I have questions.”

  “I don’t know how to do that.”

  “I’ll help you set it up. We can talk back and forth, seeing each other. Much easier than typing everything.”

  “Perfect. A fifteen minute update at ten tonight?” The stiffness in her voice belied her feelings.

  “Works for me. You seem so…so…efficient.” There was wonder in his voice.

  “You’re my client, Chaz. I’m doing my job. You shouldn’t be so surprised.” She hung up the phone. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, mister! I’m a professional.

  After she finished pulling together the information for the report, she shed her work clothes before donning a little jersey shift. She stretched out on the big, comfortable sofa and opened the book she’d been reading. Within a half hour, the book had slipped out of Meg’s hands as she succumbed to sleep.

  * * * *

  Chaz pulled out a fresh t-shirt for his video chat with Megan. It’s not like a date or anything. I don’t have to be dressed up. But I don’t want to look grungy either. She’s only my financial advisor. She works for me. I can fire her anytime. It’s only a fifteen-minute update. Still, like to look good. She’s going to get burned…it’s my fault. God, why did I get involved...and drag her into my crazy life?

  At ten sharp, Chaz connected with M
egan. As the picture sharpened, his gaze lit on her face. She’s a little pale. He frowned. What’s she wearing? Hmm. “No suit tonight, Ms. Davis?”

  Megan blushed. “Oh God! Of course. This is a business meeting. I’ll be right back.” She pushed to her feet.

  “Wait! Wait! I was only kidding. I much prefer this little…whatever-you-call-it…a dress?” He waved his hand when words failed him.

  Megan tugged at the skirt and her cheeks pinked. “It’s a jersey dress…sort of.”

  “Attractive. Leaves nothing to the imagination. I’m too tired to have an imagination now anyway. I like it.”

  She nodded, glanced down at her papers then up at the screen.

  “Ready?”

  Chaz sat back; content to watch her, his gaze settling on her chest. “Fire away.”

  Megan read her report, noting the gain and loss of each of his stocks. Next, she covered each mutual fund. “You had a good day today. Overall, your portfolio increased by ten thousand dollars.”

  “Great!” Chaz laced his fingers behind his head.

  “I’ve fixed it so your stock dividends will be reinvested. You’re doing another movie soon, right?”

  “About two weeks after shooting the PBS series.”

  “I’m not being nosy, but how much are you getting for the movie?”

  “Three million.” His gaze focused on her face. She’s not impressed. Good.

  “Then you won’t need the small income from the stock dividends. If we reinvest them, they’ll make your portfolio grow. Then, if you stop…have a hiatus or something…we can have the dividends come to you as direct income.”

  “You have this under control, don’t you?” She’s good…she’s amazing.

  She nodded, an anxious smile spread across her face.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “Then you’re satisfied with our service?”

  He laughed. “Satisfied is hardly the word I’d use. But if you were here, in person, we could find a way to satisfy me having nothing to do with Dillon & Weed.” One night with her would be heaven.

  Megan blushed and he thought the pink in her cheeks becoming. “Chaz!”

  “You asked.” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Be serious. You…you…you sound like Celebs R Us…that Tiffany person.”

  “You got a call from Tiffany Cowles herself? I’m impressed. She’s the editor at Celebs R Us. She’s hounded me for years. Don’t underestimate her. If you get on her enemies list, she can be brutal.”

  “I’m an ant…totally unimportant in the world of celebrities.”

  “Not anymore, little chick.” He shook his head.

  “Little chick?” A frown creased her brow and her green eyes looked troubled.

  “An affectionate nickname,” … soft, warm, and sweet like a fuzzy little chick. “Look, I’m sorry, this is my fault.”

  “No, it’s not. I took the job. I should’ve been prepared.”

  “We need to avoid each other for a little while.”

  She fidgeted with the papers in her lap. “You’re busy anyway.” She dropped her gaze to the floor.

  “We’ll be yesterday’s news in a day or two. Trust me.” Chaz took a sip of coffee from his mug.

  “Can I?” Her gaze met his.

  “Of course.” He put his mug down. I’d never hurt you.

  “Why? Because you want to sleep with me?”

  “Don’t get carried away by a little harmless flirting.” His tone was sharp.

  “That’s all it was?”

  Dunc, you liar. Shame filled his chest. Her quick recovery didn’t prevent him from spotting the look of hurt that flashed across her face. She wants me to want to sleep with her? Hmm. He turned away from the screen. “It’s late. I have an early call tomorrow. Time to say goodnight.”

  Anxious to end the call, Chaz needed to leave before his lies got worse. Megan nodded but didn’t smile. “Thanks for the report. You’re doing a great job.”

  “I’m glad you’re satisfied,” she got flustered, “I mean, happy with, the report.”

  “Sweet dreams, little chick.”

  “Same to you.”

  The screen went blank and Chaz smacked his forehead with his palm. Idiot! Asshole! You hurt her, insulted her, and lied to her. It wasn’t innocent flirting, you do want to sleep with her.

  Chaz kicked the garbage can, cracking it. Then, he threw his mug across the room, and it shattered against the wall. Swearing under his breath, he cleaned up the mess and went to bed.

  * * * *

  By Friday, life had calmed down. Megan worked in her office, checking on Mark’s investments and Chaz’s. She researched new stocks and explored other mutual funds. The phone rang a couple of times as Jolie at the receptionist desk let people through. One was Tiffany Cowles. She didn’t get to be editor at Celebs R Us by letting a receptionist stop her.

  “Megan Davis.”

  “It really is you, isn’t it?”

  “Who’s this?” Meg’s brows knitted.

  “Tiffany Cowles. You don’t remember me?”

  “I’m sorry, should I?”

  “Ouch! She bites. Hey, you can get rid of me quickly by telling me what I want to know.”

  “That would be?”

  “Everything about Chaz Duncan.”

  “There’s nothing to tell, Ms Cowles. I’m his financial advisor. Our relationship is strictly professional.” Especially after what he said last night. She took a deep breath.

  “Haven’t you had dinner with him yet?”

  “Look, I’m not going to talk to you, so don’t waste your time and mine…” Meg moved to hang up the phone.

  “Don’t hang up!!” Tiffany screamed into the phone.

  “What do you want?” Meg’s tone was impatient. Hell, I’ve got work to do. No time for this crap.

  “I have something to offer.”

  “Such as?”

  “Money. Twenty thousand dollars for some juicy information on Chaz Duncan…like where he’s really from. I don’t buy his Yale Drama School crap.”

  “Goodbye, Ms. Cowles.” Megan hung up the phone. Wow! I can see how some groupie would spill whatever she had on Chaz for so much money. Cowles doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.

  The phone rang again. Meg picked it up.

  “Don’t ever hang up on me again, Megan Davis.” Tiffany Cowles barked into the phone.

  “Look, I’m not interested in your schemes, your money, or you. Don’t call me again.”

  “But what about your brother Mark?”

  “What about him?” Megan’s palms began to sweat.

  “Want me to dig into his background? There must be something neither of you wants to read in our magazine, eh? Everyone has secrets, Ms. Davis.”

  Sweat broke out on Megan’s forehead. “I don’t succumb to blackmail, either, Ms. Cowles. I repeat, don’t ever call me again.”

  Meg slammed down the phone. A tremor of fear shot through her body. Evil woman. What if she finds out about dad? Mark will have to deal with it because I’ll never sell Chaz down the river.

  With a shaking hand, Meg picked up her coffee cup to drain the last of the lukewarm liquid. I was up to real estate funds, I think. The young woman leaned forward, peering at her computer screen as her focus returned to her job.

  * * * *

  A week later, Meg stuck her key in the apartment door only to find it already unlocked. Fear pulsed through her body as she cautiously pushed the door open.

  “Hey squirt!” Her brother Mark leaped out at her, laughing when she jumped a foot off the floor.

  “Mark! You scared me!”

  “What’s to be afraid of here? Briny’s got the door.”

  “I’ve been hounded by everyone since taking on Chaz Duncan’s account.”

  “Huh, that right? Thought Dunc would be good for you. Bring you out a little.”

  “I’m hiding all the time now. There was even a guy waiting on the corner last week.”

  Penny
Davis padded out from the kitchen to give Megan a hug. “It’s not exactly front page, but you made the first third of the book, Meg,” Penny said after planting a quick kiss on her husband’s lips. She plopped down on the sofa.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Not a bad photo, either.” Penny opened her brand new copy of Celebs R Us to page seven.

  “Oh my God.” Meg sank down on the sofa next to Penny. Mark snatched the magazine out of Megan’s hands. His sister sat back, stunned. “Stan. That rat. He was lying in wait for me as I came around the corner.”

  “‘Hot Harvard Honey Handles Chaz Duncan.’ Some headline squirt.” Mark noted after reading the headline aloud.

  “What have I done? What am I in for?” Meg hid her face in her hands. Her cell phone rang. She peeked at the display. Chaz.

  “I’m so sorry, Meg…” He began.

  “I told you, it’s not your fault. You live with this every day.”

  “You’ll get used to it. Hang in there. They’re calling me. Gotta go. Goodnight, little chick.”

  Meg pocketed her phone. “This celebrity division thing isn’t for me. I hate media attention.”

  “He has to deal with it, though. Publicity sells tickets,” Mark said.

  “I know. But I’m not cut out for this.” Megan retired to her room. Same old celebrity crap. I don’t want it. Chaz, you’re amazing, but goodbye.

  She continued to work hard managing Chaz’s money, reporting to Chaz every night via the computer. As Harvey predicted, Dillon & Weed received half a dozen calls from other celebrities inquiring about financial management. Harvey took Megan out to lunch to congratulate her on a great start for the new division. She groaned inwardly at the thought of more time in the spotlight but faced the appointments Harvey set up with determination. Having Mark and Penny to come home to helped her forget her growing discomfort with her job. She kicked back with them at night. Arriving home had become the best part of her day.

  One evening as the elevator opened, the delightful aroma of homemade lasagna wafted down the hall, enticing Megan to the door. Penny’s cooking!