If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

by Jean C. Joachim

  Meg walked in and stepped out of her shoes. A smile broke out across her face as she took a deep breath, savoring the mouth-watering scent. She padded into the kitchen only to interrupt an intimate moment. Penny faced the counter, tearing lettuce for a salad with Mark flush up against her back. He had his arms around her, his face buried in her neck. Megan couldn’t see his hands, but Penny’s moan left no doubt to their activity. She tiptoed back out, opened the front door, and then slammed it shut.

  “I smell lasagna!” She called out, placing her purse on the credenza.

  “Timing…never your strong suit, squirt,” Mark called out from the kitchen.

  Meg hung up her jacket, giving her brother and Penny time to separate. After a few moments, Penny called Meg in to the table. Lasagna, salad, and beer awaited them.

  “We have some news,” Mark began, pulling out a chair for his wife.

  “You’re pregnant?” Meg jumped in, staring at Penny’s stomach.

  Penny laughed. “Not yet. Slow down, Meg.”

  “Yeah. You’ll be an aunt someday…just not today. We’re going to Paris.” Mark put the napkin in his lap.

  “Paris!” Meg’s eyes widened.

  “It was an anniversary surprise from Mark. Two weeks in Paris. I can’t wait.”

  “So romantic. How wonderful!” Meg cooed.

  “Think you can manage without us, squirt?” Mark took a swig of his beer.

  “She’ll have Chaz to keep her company.” Penny wiggled her eyebrows.

  “You’re going out with Dunc? I thought it was business?” Mark asked.

  “It is…but…well, we’ve been out…maybe once?”

  “Stay away from him. He’s trouble.” His face darkened.

  “Why do you say that?” Meg speared lettuce with her fork.

  “He’s famous. Probably screwed every actress in the world. He’ll use you, then leave. These guys…famous dudes…they’re not into commitment.”

  “What about you?” Megan asked.

  “I’m different. And Penny…well…” Mark shifted in his seat

  “Are you saying he couldn’t love me?” Tears blurred her eyes.

  “No, no, sis, I’d never say that,” his voice softened.

  “That’s exactly what you’re saying.” Rapid blinking couldn’t stem the flow.

  “I didn’t mean…it’s just…he’s probably a ‘love ’em and leave ’em’ kind of guy. Not good enough for you.”

  “He’s not like that. It’s not fair to judge him when you don’t know him.”

  “And you do?” Her brother cocked an eyebrow at her.

  “Better than you.” She took a gulp of her beer.

  “Hey, I’m only trying to look out for you…but if you want to be a jerk, go ahead.” Mark’s eyebrows knitted as an angry expression washed across his face. He pushed to his feet.

  “Mark! You don’t have to be dad. You don’t have to protect me from everything.”

  “Someone has to be him since he’s not here. Bastard,” he muttered on his way out of the kitchen.

  Megan followed him out. Mark strode over to the picture window in the living room. Megan came up quietly behind him and put her hand on his arm. “I know you’re only trying to take care of me. But I’m twenty-eight years old now Mark.”

  “Duh! So am I!” He shrugged her hand off his arm.

  “You can’t protect me from everything. Besides, how do you know Chaz will break my heart?”

  “I don’t want you to end up…another groupie. You’re too good for that.”

  Megan kissed his cheek before he pulled away. “Thanks, lug. And what do you know about groupies, anyway?”

  “Enough. I’ve been with pro teams long enough. One night in Miami…”

  “Oh?” She lifted an eyebrow.

  Never mind.” He blushed to the roots of his blond hair. “I just know, okay. I know how guys can be.”

  “Not Chaz. You don’t know him well.”

  “True. But he’s a guy. A good-lookin’ guy. Girls go for him. I sure as hell know what that means.” He couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Do tell, Mark.” Penny’s voice from behind made them jump. The twins turned around to see her standing with her arms crossed over her chest, her stance wide, and her mouth in a grim line.

  “Oh, hell, no. I’m not going there. Since you, baby, no one…honest.” Mark pulled her toward him. Nuzzling her neck, he murmured words that Megan couldn’t make out. Suddenly, she was the odd one out.

  “You two want to be alone, so I’ll…”

  Mark reached out and grabbed her arm as she passed. He held her in place. “Before you go. Be careful, Meg. Dunc seems okay, but he’d better watch it. If he hurts you…”

  “I know…you’ll kill him. Love you, big lug.” She patted his hand.

  “Love you too, squirt.” He hugged her to him briefly.

  I wonder what Mark was doing before he met Penny. Hmm. Maybe I’d rather not know. She chuckled to herself and went into the bedroom.

  * * * *

  The reporter had stopped hanging around outside her building since Chaz didn’t come by anymore. So the following day, Mark, Penny, and Megan left the building to dine out without being followed. They ate without interruption, except for a few dozen people asking for Mark’s autograph, which was typical. He accommodated every fan with a signature accompanied by a shy smile. Underneath his stupid male bravado, Mark is still a humble guy.

  After Mark and Penny left that day, the apartment seemed to grow larger. Megan rolled around in the cavernous space like a lone marble in a shoebox, eating alone while making notes for her call to Chaz. Easily adapting to her noisy brother, the lack of noise made her jumpy. Having plenty of time before her report to Chaz, she took a bath before donning her pink terry robe and checking her watch. Nine forty-five. Time to get dressed.

  The doorbell sounded. Alarmed because she hadn’t gotten buzzed by the doorman, Megan pulled out a can of mace she kept in the credenza by the door. She crept up to the front door to peek through the spy hole right as the doorbell sounded again. Startled beyond belief by the loud noise, she leapt into the air. It was Chaz. She cracked the door open. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for my nightly report.”

  “But why…”

  “Shooting is finished. I’m free. Don’t have to get up tomorrow. Can I come in?”

  Megan opened the door all the way. “Of course. Of course.” Her free hand secured the lapels of her robe together.

  As Chaz strolled in, she noticed his gaze immediately scanning her body. His wind-tossed hair did nothing to ruin the effect his handsome face had on her. His lean body did wonders for jeans and a t-shirt. He’s gorgeous.

  “Not dressed, and yet not even expecting me. Expecting someone else or has he just left?”

  “Do I detect a note of jealousy?” She raised her eyebrows.

  “Why would I be jealous? You’re only my financial advisor…as you’ve told me again and again.” He stepped closer to her.

  Megan tightened the sash on her robe. A prickly feeling stole up her neck when she realized she was almost naked. Chaz inched even closer, “Well?”

  Megan swallowed, her gaze riveted on his eyes that were dancing with mischievous glee. Though she backed up, he continued his approach until the back of the sofa blocked her retreat. He didn’t stop until his hands were on her waist. Enveloping her in his arms, he kissed her passionately. His hands traveled up and down her back then below to her hips. Soft and warm, his lips coaxed hers apart, allowing his tongue to tangle with hers. Warmth spread throughout her body as his hard chest pressed against her soft one. Abruptly he pulled back, moving away slightly.

  “Holy Hell, you’re not wearing anything!”

  “I just took a bath. Didn’t plan on visitors at this hour,” she babbled, heat rising up her neck.

  “I’m not complaining. Far from it.” He leaned over to nuzzle her neck. “You smell wonderful. What is that?”
r />   “It’s called ‘Luscious Lilac’…bath salts and bubbles.”

  “A bubble bath? Wish I’d been here to be luscious with you.”

  “What makes you think you’d have been invited to join me?” A frown creased her brow.

  “I can be very…uh…persuasive.” His lips captured hers again. Though she balked, he put his hands in her hair to steady her as he deepened the kiss. She froze. Mesmerized by his deep voice, dark, laughing eyes, and masculine scent mixed with pine, Meg gave in, melting against him. Slowly, his hands left her hair as his arms wound around her, holding her tight against him. He tasted of fine coffee as his tongue gently stroked hers while his hands slipped down to grip her behind. Her hands slid down around his biceps and a small shudder zinged through her body. As she thought she’d cease breathing, he stepped back then slapped her gently on the butt.

  “Throw something on. I have a favor to ask.”

  Her eyes widened at the familiarity of his gesture. He put his palms together in front of his chest. “Please, little chick?” His dark eyes implored her.

  Megan retreated to her room. She pulled out a stretchy, jersey dress in turquoise that was guaranteed to cling tightly to her curves. The dress gave her enough support to make undergarments unnecessary. Chaz opened the top of the piano stool. He shuffled through the music. “Hope you don’t mind.”

  Meg shook her head. “What’s the favor?”

  Chapter Seven

  “Remember when I asked if you’d play for me so that I could practice singing before my Broadway audition? Well, the audition has been scheduled for two weeks from today. I arranged to join the West of the Sun production right afterward. So, I’ve only got two weeks to become really good at a Broadway show tune. Will you help me?”

  “Of course. Do you know what you want to sing?” Meg thumbed through the music, searching for the Carousel songbook.

  “I did Grease with Quinn in summer stock. But that’s not the right music for this. This is more of a traditional Broadway musical. Do you have a suggestion?”

  “Here. Let’s try this…and this one, too.” South Pacific lay underneath Carousel.

  Meg opened the Carousel book. “Try these.” She played a few bars of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” then “If I Loved You.” She switched to “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine.”

  Chaz peered over her shoulder at the music, softly humming a few bars. “If I hear them all the way through, I’ll know which two are right.”

  Meg began warm-up exercises. Chaz sat next to her. Within a few minutes, her fingers were limber.

  “If I sing, you have to jump in with me. You know these songs better than I do.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t!” Shyness temporarily paralyzed her.

  “Please, do it for me? Makes it easier for me to sing.”

  As they sang together, their voices blending well, Megan’s shyness eased.

  When she was done playing the last bar of the last song, he sighed.

  “Which two do you like best?” She asked, stretching her fingers.

  “Which ones do you like?”

  “This has to be about you, not me.”

  “I like “If I Loved You,” but I’m undecided about the second one.”

  “Everyone knows ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is really hard. How about ‘This Nearly Was Mine’?”

  “Both are kinda sad, aren’t they?” He turned to face her on the piano bench.

  “Emotional, maybe. Still, they pack a real gut-punch.”

  “You’ll help me?” Their shoulders brushed.

  “Of course. It’ll be fun.”

  “A lot of boring, hard work.”

  “Not afraid of hard work.” Heat from his thigh up against hers started a tingling sensation inside her.

  “Just afraid of me,” he snickered.

  “Not afraid of you, either.” Meg stuck out her chin.

  “Don’t believe you.” He moved closer to her. She backed away a little.

  “See? You’re afraid of me.”

  “Maybe afraid of myself…a little.”

  Chaz laughed. “Don’t think of me as ‘Chaz Duncan.’ Think of me as ‘Dunc’—the guy from the South Bronx, who’s got a little charm, some good looks, and who is nuts for you.”

  Meg sucked in air. “You are?”

  “Can’t you tell?” He took her hand.

  “Why me? You could have anyone in Hollywood, women so much better looking… beautiful women. Why would you want me?”

  “I suppose you might consider some of them prettier. I don’t. None of them are half as beautiful as you are on the inside.” He took her in his arms, crushing her to him as he kissed her passionately. Desire sparked in her veins, rocketing down to her core. She lost her hands in his shiny, dark, silky hair. His pec muscles pressed into her chest as his fingers tickled her neck. He released her lips, moving his to plant small kisses down her jaw all the way to her shoulder. He slid the stretchy dress to one side. Every kiss there left a tiny fire burning.

  Moving the dress down even farther, Chaz exposed her breast, and then wasted no time exploring it. First, his hand cupped her, squeezing gently, feeling the weight. Then, his fingers went to work as he lightly pinched her peak between his knuckles. His mouth followed. His hand, resting on her thigh, eased up her skirt. Don’t stop.

  “Let me love you,” he whispered.

  * * * *

  Meg wrestled with the decision to sleep with him. However, the growing warmth in her body quickly burned all rational thoughts out of her mind. Her heart had already decided. She wanted him, wanted him as she had never wanted any man before. This wasn’t simply giving in to his sexual advances; this was her being overcome with need, responding to his every touch. She nuzzled his neck, nibbling him with hot lips, moving her shoulder back to ease his access to her breasts. The dress slipped to her waist.

  “Can we continue this somewhere more comfortable?” He yanked his t-shirt off and deposited it on the stool.

  Her eyes grew wide at the sight of his magnificent chest. Well-developed but not “muscle-bound,” covered in enough dark hair to be masculine, it was sexy without being too much. Her hand reached out to touch him so he stepped closer. Once her fingers met his flesh, electricity rocketed through her like lightning.

  “Touch me…I want you.” His lips formed the words inches from her ear.

  She attempted to gather the dress around her but only managed to cover her bottom half. She took his hand to lead him into her bedroom. Once there, her hands pushed the dress to the floor. He stripped down to his boxers, his hot gaze searing her naked body. She ripped the bedclothes down. He fumbled for his wallet before dropping his pants to the floor.

  “You’re gorgeous.” He stared boldly at her while his fingers searched for, and finally found, a condom.

  “So are you.” Her gaze journeyed from his perfect lips down to his fabulous chest. Then came his abs firm and well-defined leading down to his narrow waist. His boxers obscured the rest of him, except for his growing erection. She motioned downward with her palm and he dropped the boxers before kicking them aside. All of him is perfect. Oh my God.

  Chaz lay down, tugging her after him. Hesitating for a moment, she rested her knee on the bed. “You’re not going to stop now, are you?”

  She shook her head, dissolving any remnants of doubt she had about giving herself to him. She wanted him, plain and simple, whether Mark or anyone else approved or not. Flames licked at her insides, the ache begging for fulfillment. Her mouth went dry as she gazed at him lying in her bed, her fingers itched to touch him.

  He sat up. “Little chick, I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. Please don’t desert me. Don’t you want me too?”

  “My God…are you kidding? Want…need,” she said, falling into his arms.

  He chuckled as they fell back on the bed, tangled up together. Laughing, he pulled her close before his mouth came down hard on hers, takin
g her breath away. His hands explored her body, skimming over her velvety soft skin, touching her, feeling her, exciting her. He ripped his mouth from hers to kiss below her ear. He stopped kissing her neck long enough to whisper, “I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you.”

  “I think I did, too.”

  “Think?” He pulled away from her to look in her eyes.

  “Oh, God, don’t stop. …think…yes. Thought I wanted Chaz Duncan, but discovered I really wanted Dunc, the guy from the Bronx. Are we going to sit around talking or are you going to make love to me?” She knitted her brows in mock concern at him.

  “Dunc, huh? You got it, L.C.” He pushed her back down on the bed and kissed his way down her neck to her breasts. One hand pinched the nipple of one breast while his mouth claimed the other. Meg closed her eyes and tried to breathe. She ran her hands along his shoulders, down over his back. Chaz’s knee eased between hers. She spread them slightly so he could slide his hand down over her belly to the juncture of her thighs. Meg gasped as his fingers found her center where they explored, stroking and teasing her.

  “God, you’re so…so…,” he muttered.

  Meg placed her lips over his as her hand traveled down over his abs then lower. She curled her fingers around him. A shudder rippled through his body as she tightened her grip. He kissed down her smooth skin to her belly and crouched between her thighs. He glanced up into her eyes before his head disappeared. At the first swipe of his tongue on her center, Meg groaned.

  “Oh, God…Dunc…”

  Her moans grew louder as he swirled his tongue around her wetness. Raising his head, his fingers replaced his tongue, keeping up the rhythm. Meg arched her back as passion spiraled up and up inside her, threatening to explode.

  “I’m gonna…” she muttered just before an orgasm claimed her body, shooting pleasure all the way to her toes.

  His hand glided up over her skin to close over her breast again.

  “Oh my God…” she panted.

  Her gaze sought his erection, which was impressive. “Guess you do want me…” she murmured, closing her fingers around him.