If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1) Read online

  “Brielle? What for?” Meg jumped to her feet.

  Chaz waved her back to her seat. “Not for what you’re thinking. Calm down. I got the part in the Broadway show…”

  “You did? That’s wonderful!”

  Megan moved to get up, but Chaz held up his hand to stop her. “There’s more...You were such an important part of that…rehearsing with me, giving good feedback, encouraging me. I haven’t had that since I lived with the Golds. It meant a lot to me. You helped me realize one of my dreams…to perform on Broadway…and in a musical…the best. So, I wanted to thank you. I wanted to help you have your dream…of helping people, doing financial advising for non-profits…the things we talked about…”

  “And so you did…what?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “So I contacted Brielle and asked her to move twenty-five thousand dollars from my account to yours…as a gift. Something to help you get started, on your own, if you wanted to. I just wanted to say ‘thank you.’”

  “Oh my God! Brielle moved it over and made it look like I was stealing. She must have gotten my password…but how? Andy! He’s the only one. She probably slept with him to get it too. You gave me all that money to thank me?”

  He nodded.

  “But thank you would have been enough. You didn’t have to pay me.”

  Tears spilled over onto her cheeks, and she swiped at them with her hand. “Not everything is tit for tat. I helped you because I wanted to. Now you’ve paid me for it. That’s grubby. Can’t you accept help…love…from anyone?”

  “I didn’t mean for it to create trouble. I only wanted to help you the way you helped me.”

  “Not everything needs payback. God, you don’t know much about love, do you?”

  “I didn’t mean…”

  “Do you?” She shouted at him, her hands on her hips.

  He hung his head. “Guess not.”

  “When you love someone, you don’t do something for them knowing they’ll owe you or pay you back. You do it because you love them. Period. It never entered my mind you’d do anything so…so…lavish, so extreme to pay me back for something I did for love.”

  “Love? You love me?”

  “Of course, you idiot! I can’t believe you haven’t figured that out yet. I know, I know, you don’t feel the same. Friends with benefits, committed, sort of…blah, blah, blah…and all that crap. I’m going to unpack.”

  Megan moved toward her suitcase but Chaz reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her to him and tucking her in snug against him.

  “I love you, too. I’ve been trying to get the courage to tell you for a while now.

  “You do?” She softened against him.

  Chaz lowered his lips to hers in a gentle kiss, which he deepened quickly. Meg wound her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. The heat from his chest and the slight rasp of his five o’clock shadow kicked up her pulse. He wound one hand through her hair while the other moved up and down her back, his fingers pushing lightly into her flesh. Lowering his hand to her bottom, he squeezed it and eased her even closer.

  Then abruptly, Chaz stepped back. “I got you into this mess, so I’ll fix it. I’ll call Dillon, but first…a press conference to explain what happened.”

  “Are you sure, Dunc?” Meg rested her hands on his chest.

  “Absolutely. Once people know the truth, that idiot Dillon will reinstate you, and you’ll no longer be news. I’m calling my agent. She’ll set it up.”

  Meg tilted her head and knitted her brows.

  “This is my fault.” Chaz smoothed her hair with his palm. “Let me fix it.”

  “It’s Brielle’s fault. She engineered this to get me fired. And Andy, that little Benedict Arnold, was part of her plan.”

  “We’ll fix her,” Chaz smiled as he picked up his phone and dialed.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Let me surprise you.” Chaz picked up the phone to order from room service.

  Meg nodded. Exhaustion and stress from the trip, from losing her job, and from being confronted by Celebs R Us were evident on her face. She lay down on the sofa and dozed off before Chaz even got off the phone. He fetched a fleece blanket from the bedroom and spread it out over her. She loves me! A smile crept over his handsome features as he watched her sleep.

  She tossed a bit and mumbled something he couldn’t understand. Pulling his chair closer to her allowed him to reach out and stroke her hair gently. His actions seemed to calm her, and she settled into one position. The ringing of his phone called Chaz away. He picked it up and went into the bedroom so as not to wake her.

  “That’s right, a press conference.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Why do you ask me if I’m sure? I want to bail her out. She got fired for no reason and it’s my fault. I’ll call Dillon right after the conference too.”

  “Why are you getting so involved? She’s only your financial advisor right? Those are a dime a dozen.”

  Chaz’s voice took on an angry tone. “She’s much more than my financial advisor. She’s the woman I love.”

  “I’m only cautioning you not to damage your career for her. That’s all.”

  “Don’t you get it? I got her fired…by accident. And her reputation is in shreds and it’s my fault. I’m going to make it right. Just set up the press thing, okay?”

  “Will do. Good luck…and hey, congrats on being in love.”

  Chaz calmed down. “Yeah thanks. She’s great.”

  He put the phone back in his pocket, wandered back to the living room and eased into a chair next to the sofa. While his gaze rested on Meg, he thought about what he’d say at the conference. Settling back in his chair, he placed his hand on her hair and closed his eyes. An hour later, Chaz jumped at a knock on the door. Meg stirred, opening her eyes.

  “Dinner is here.” Chaz slipped his wallet out of his back pocket and approached the door. When he opened it, an immaculately dressed waiter entered, pushing a table on wheels. The table was set elegantly with fine china in a small, pink and blue flower print on a white tablecloth. Chaz tipped the waiter before showing him to the door. Meg moseyed over to the table and picked up a knife. She could see her reflection in the blade. The glassware gleamed. Tempting aromas filled the air. Chaz’s stomach rumbled followed by Meg’s.

  “I’m starved,” she said, peeking under the lid of one of the dishes on the table.

  “Ah! No peeking. Sit down first. They made this specially for us.”

  Meg sat down and put a pink cloth napkin in her lap. Chaz followed. He lifted the lid on the larger platter to uncover slices of Beef Wellington. The casserole dish next to it held escalloped potatoes, and the third dish housed asparagus with mushrooms.

  “Oh my God, a feast!” Her eyes got round, a broad grin swept across her face.

  “Fit for a queen, for my queen.” He took her hand, kissed it, and then placed a plate in front of her. “May I?”

  She nodded.

  Chaz selected the most succulent piece and deftly captured it between two large serving forks to transfer it to her plate. After spooning out healthy portions of the side dishes, then he served himself. Once his plate was full, his gaze stole over her body as his knife made the first cut in the meat.

  “Satisfying one appetite at a time.” His grin turned naughty as she blushed and tugged at the hem of her dress.

  “This is fabulous. I never expected anything this…sumptuous.” Meg dug into her food, taking a bite. “This is the best beef I’ve ever tasted. It’s amazing.” She chewed slowly.

  “Nothing is too good for you.” Chaz scooped up a forkful of potatoes.

  They ate in silence for a moment. “I hate to bring up a sore subject, but I spoke to Allie and…”

  “Who’s Allie?”

  “Sorry. My agent. She’s setting up a press conference.” Chaz stabbed a spear of asparagus with his fork.

  “One call to Mr. Dillon should be enough…I don’t want to cause trouble for you,
” Meg said before shoveling a piece of potato into her mouth.

  “This is my mess, let me clean it up.”

  She smiled at him before eating a forkful of asparagus. “I’m sorry, too, about trying to repay your kindness…your…love…with money.” The word “love” seemed to stick a bit on his tongue. Not a word I’ve used much.

  “I get it. It’s okay.” She reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

  When they finished the meal, Chaz wheeled the table out into the hall and returned to the living room.

  “Now for dessert,” Meg whispered, taking his hand and leading him into the bedroom.

  * * * *

  After they made love, Meg scooted closer to Chaz. He slipped his arm around her, resting his palm on her rump. She licked the base of his neck with little flicks of her tongue as her fingers wound around his biceps.

  “If you keep that up, I’m going to have to take you again.” He kissed her hair.

  She giggled then laid her cheek against his bare chest. A dark cloud soured her mood as her thoughts returned to the mess that had been her job. “Please hold me,” she whispered.

  Chaz squeezed her as tightly as he could without hurting her and placed his chin on her head. “Little chick…everything will be okay. You’ll see.” He kissed her hair again.

  “I love you, Dunc.” She produced a small smile, hoping he was right but dreading that he wasn’t.

  “I’ve been dreaming about today…being with you, touching you.” He trailed his fingers down her back and over her side. Feeling the swell of her breast under her arm, his fingertips caressed it. She lowered her arm, giving him full access, and he closed his fingers around her flesh.

  “Your breasts are…perfect,” he whispered into her hair.

  She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hand on her and let a small sigh escape her lips. I wish I could lie like this forever. His touch…like no other man.

  His fingers caressed her breast and taunted her peak with gentle squeezes and thumb circles until it stood at attention. He lowered his head to plant a kiss on her nipple before taking it into his mouth. Meg groaned slightly as the heat of desire inside her burst into flame.

  When he raised his head, she pulled him down and captured his lips with hers. Their tongues danced. Chaz kissed his way down her chest, then her belly. His hands gripped her thighs while his head disappeared between her legs. Megan gasped as his tongue made contact with her core.

  Meg lifted her leg and slung it over his hip, opening herself to him. “Oh God, Chaz!” Her eyes closed as her desire spun out of control.

  Suddenly, his mouth was on hers, demanding her. She closed her fingers around his erection, surprised at how hard he was. She pushed up and against his shoulders, pinning him back against the bed before lowering her head and closing her lips around him.

  “Meg…God…” he muttered.

  After a few moments, he pushed her upwards, pulling her on top of him. She mounted him, feeling his hard erection push against her before sliding in easily. Flattening her hands on his chest, she pumped her hips up and down on him, creating a rhythm. An intense orgasm ripped through her body, sending heat all the way to her fingertips. She groaned loudly.

  Chaz hugged her to his chest before flipping her over. He loomed over her, settling between her legs and easing her knees toward her chest. “God I want you,” he whispered into her hair. “Let me love you, little chick.”

  She placed her palm on his cheek and kissed him. “Do it,” she breathed.

  Chaz slipped into her again, his fingers gripping her arms, holding her steady while he moved inside her. A rush of excitement tore through her, building with every thrust. Her fingers touched the fine coating of sweat on his upper back as she clung to him, moaning his name. She sucked on his shoulder then kissed his neck. Soft sounds escaped her throat as her passion intensified, spiraling up and up.

  “Baby…baby…baby…” Chaz breathed into her ear.

  His steady rhythm increased as he pounded into her. Unable to hold on any longer, her body exploded in ecstasy once more, muscles clenching then releasing pure pleasure all the way down her legs. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders then relaxed as she nuzzled his neck.

  “Oh, God…Dunc.”

  “Meg…little chick…” The tension in his voice increased. The urgency in his body made him move faster. He lifted her leg higher and thrust into her hard several times. He buried his face in her neck and groaned her name. His body shuddered once then stopped moving. The lovers lay silently, holding each other close. When panting slowed to regular breathing, Chaz raised his head to gaze into her eyes. Meg swept the hair that had fallen across his forehead to the side and smiled, her gaze meeting his.

  “You are incredible,” she murmured.

  “I love you…you are my inspiration.” He planted a tender kiss on her lips.

  Chaz rolled to the side and scooped Megan into his arms. She closed her eyes, getting lost in the moment, feeling safe as she snuggled against him.

  “Do we have to go out today?” Meg ran her hand up his chest.

  “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do today. It’s our day together. I have to go back to work tomorrow, but you can come with me. It might be boring…”

  Megan lifted her head up. “Really? I can come? I’d love to. Never been on a movie set before.”

  Chaz grinned.

  “It’s not as exciting as you imagine, trust me. Bring a book. Everyone wants to meet you. They’ve been bugging me.”

  “Is it safe?” Meg sat up.

  “No one there is going to talk to the media.” He closed his fingers over her breast. She settled back down, burrowing into him again. “We can spend the day in bed, if you wish.” A sexy grin splashed across his face, and his dark eyes glittered with lust.

  “Perfect. But first…I’m kinda hungry.”

  “That’s why room service was invented.”

  Chaz reached over, plucked the menu from the nightstand, and offered it to her.

  * * * *

  After scoping out the rooftop swimming pool and finding it empty, Chaz and Megan went for a swim. They splashed and played like children, racing to see who could do more laps. Meg won. As they clung to the ladder in the deep end, Chaz brushed his hand through his hair and Meg wiped her eyes.

  “You’re an amazing swimmer,” Chaz said between gulps of air.

  “All those summers at sleep-away camp.”

  “An absolute fish.”

  “You’re pretty good. Where did you learn to swim?”

  “Doing summer stock in Pine Grove. Member of the cast taught me.”

  “A female member, by any chance?” Meg smirked.

  “So?”

  Meg launched herself out of the water, pushing off his shoulder, forcing him under water. He grabbed her legs, dragging her down with him and planted a quick kiss on her lips before surfacing. They were gasping for air when they came up.

  “Underwater kissing. Did you learn that from her too?” Meg cocked an eyebrow.

  “You’re jealous! Can’t believe you’re jealous of someone I knew years ago.”

  “I’m not usually jealous…it’s just that…just…I don’t know.” She turned away and paddled to the ladder again.

  Chaz came up behind her and snaked an arm around her waist. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Jealous because you love me so much?”

  Emotion welled up in her chest, closing her throat. Unable to utter words, she simply nodded. Chaz pulled her closer and bent to nuzzle her neck. “I love you that much, too. Don’t want to hear about anyone from your past, either. I’m a very jealous man.”

  Warmth flooded her body as she laid her head back against his shoulder and closed her eyes. How does he always know what to say? His fingers stroked the skin laid bare by her bikini. She gripped the ladder and relaxed her body against him until a cool draft diverted their attention. They turned to see the door open wide and heard the giggling and
shrieking of children racing inside and cannonballing into the pool. Chaz and Megan hoisted themselves up the ladder quickly, snatching their towels up and heading for the door.

  One of the older kids stared intently at Chaz. “Look! It’s Grady Spencer!” He pointed and two of the other children turned to gape. Megan plucked their clothes up off the chair, wrapped the towel around her, and took Chaz’s hand. They sprinted for the door and escaped to the elevator before the children could follow. He checked to see if the elevator was empty before they boarded. Meg got a case of the giggles and laughed all the way to their room. Chaz threw his dry clothes on a chair and turned toward the bathroom. “Hot shower?”

  Meg was shivering. “Sounds good.”

  He turned on the water, and the bathroom steamed up quickly. Before Meg could peel off her bathing suit, he pulled her into the huge marble shower stall.

  “Warm you up first.”

  He eased her toward the warm water, and she smiled as it flowed over her body.

  “Allow me.” Chaz began to peel her suit off as the water caressed them.

  * * * *

  Wrapped in a fluffy white terrycloth robe, Meg wandered out to the small terrace. A knock on the door alerted Chaz, who opened it to let in the waiter with their sumptuous lunch. The table was wheeled out onto the terrace, Chaz tipped the man, and they were alone once again.

  Meg pulled the collar of the robe around her chin and grinned. Chaz held out a chair for her. She eased into it gracefully as he lifted the dome off the platter to reveal a beautiful fresh jumbo shrimp salad, garnished with hard-boiled eggs, artichoke hearts, baby corn, and other finger vegetables.

  “Now to feed my other appetite.” His eyes glittered as he shot an affectionate grin at her.

  “This day couldn’t be better if you planned it like this.”

  “Cost me a fortune to get you fired and stock the lobby with hostile reporters, but it was worth it to have you trapped here with me, in my bed, the shower…the pool.” His lips couldn’t hide a smile and Megan laughed out loud.

  “Very funny,” she chided him, picking up a small corn with her fingers.