If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1) Page 19

  “What truth?”

  “You’d be better off without her. She was wrecking your career.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I told her if she really loved you, she’d get out of your life.”

  “Oh my God! You’re responsible for this…this…disaster?” He hollered into the phone as he began to pace.

  “What disaster? West of the Sun is safe. You should thank me.”

  “I had already spoken with the producers. They were cool and understood. There weren’t going to be any more headlines. It’ll be a long time before this film is released anyway. I reassured them, told them the truth…it was fine with them. What have you done? You’ve wrecked my life.” Chaz put his hand over his eyes as tears formed.

  “Well, I didn’t know…still, now you’re totally safe…and I—”

  “You’re fired.” His tone was calm and cold.

  “What?” She gasped on the other end of the phone.

  “You’re fired.” Chaz clenched his jaw.

  “You can’t do that.”

  “Check our contract. I can. I am. I have. Get out of my life, Allie. I mean it. Get out now.”

  Chaz hung up the phone. Anger seethed in his chest as he dialed Megan again, but got the recording telling him her phone was off. Sadness overwhelmed him, and he buried his face in his hands. Two more weeks. I’ve only got two more weeks…then I can go back to New York and try to win her back…if she’s not already in love with some Neanderthal football player. He picked up his phone and hit redial. God I hope she doesn’t sleep with him…fall in love with him. Meg…oh God, I hope I’m not too late…please, little chick, pick up the phone.

  Chapter Seventeen

  After a few days with Mark and Penny, Meg began to smile again. She went to dinner once with Harley Brennan. He was a good sport and allowed the media to photograph them together even though Meg’s reputation was in the toilet. They laughed together about old times. Meg was pleased that though Harley still had a gleam in his eye for her, he didn’t make a pass. The thought of a man other than Chaz touching her made her skin crawl. It has to be Dunc or celibacy.

  After five days, she packed up and headed back to New York City. On the train ride, she made a list of things she needed to do next to get her new office up and running. I’ll have Mark’s account anyway. Doubt Chaz will give me his…he probably isn’t even talking to me. Dumped…publicly. A shudder flashed through her body. I’m so sorry, honey. Heaviness hit her heart, and her breathing slowed. She put the pen down, leaned back into the seat, and closed her eyes. God, Dunc…I miss you so much.

  The image of his smiling face—eyes glittering with lust, perfect lips curled into a charming grin—flashed through her mind. She smiled in response. When Chaz smiles, you must smile back. Her fingers tingled, anticipating the pressure of his as he took her hand. Someone opened the door. The slight breeze filtering down to her seat tickled her neck, like Chaz’s lips. Please don’t hate me. The pen slid out of her hand as she fell into a restless, light slumber, awakening as the train pulled into Penn Station.

  Megan released a long breath when she saw there were no reporters or photographers camping out on her doorstep. Briny opened the door of her taxi and she alit with a smile, her eyes searching the lobby floor for a sign of Grady. The pudgy pooch barked, wagged his tail, and panted when he saw her. She knelt down to stroke his soft fur while he licked her face with uncontained joy.

  “How was he, Briny?”

  “No trouble, Missy. As usual.”

  Megan slipped sixty dollars into Briny’s hand and took the leash. Once in the apartment, she searched the freezer for something to defrost for dinner. She pulled out a small packet wrapped in tin foil then prepared Grady’s food. Once he was happily eating, she unwrapped the frozen package. Inside was the last small piece of meatloaf she had prepared for Chaz. She caught her breath and tears appeared before she could stop them. She clutched the small bundle to her chest then yanked it back as the cold hurt her skin. In honor of Chaz. She wiped her hand over her eyes and left the meatloaf on the counter to thaw.

  Megan worked on her business plan through dinner. Though she needed to plug in more numbers, she had the bare bones of the plan finished by eight thirty. “Come on, Grady. Time for a walk, a long walk.”

  She fastened the harness around the pug, noticing that he had lost more weight, and then they headed for the elevator. Once outside, she found herself walking toward Central Park. I need some luck…good luck. Have had enough bad luck for a lifetime. She directed her feet toward the Ramble as the sky began to turn toward night. Grady barked once or twice at shadows but kept pace with her, bouncing along and doing his pug swagger. The fear she once had of the Ramble left her, and she looked forward to seeing the stone arch again.

  As they approached the unusual structure, the sky grew darker. Warmth crept through her body as she recalled Chaz’s words when he introduced her to this tranquil spot. Grady barked, and Meg stiffened when she spied a figure moving in the shadows. She stopped dead in the middle of the path. Uh oh. Time to get the hell out of here. Before she could flee, a man stepped out of the shadows.

  “Coming here to make a wish?” The man stepped into the streetlight. It was Chaz.

  Her heart leapt into her throat, making speech impossible, so she simply nodded her head.

  “Me, too. I got my wish last time I was here,” he said, approaching her slowly, “I won the Broadway role and the love of my girl…but now I’ve lost both.”

  “Not both,” she croaked out, clearing her throat.

  He cocked an eyebrow at her.

  “Not me.” Her eyes drank in the sight of him in his snug jeans and clinging white t-shirt underneath an open red plaid, flannel shirt. His eyes glistened with desire, like they always did when he looked at her. Her pulse kicked up and her lips tingled.

  “That’s not what the papers say.” Chaz remained a respectable distance from her.

  “Newspapers lie, you should know that.” A small smile crept over her lips.

  He laughed. “Oh they do, yes, they do.”

  “You haven’t lost me.” She hugged herself.

  “Harley Brennan might disagree with that.”

  She took a step closer to him. “Harley and I are old friends…”

  “You expect me to believe he doesn’t want to sleep with you?” Chaz moved nearer.

  “Harley has always wanted to sleep with me. Harley wants to sleep with anything wearing a skirt…except maybe a Scotsman.” Meg laughed and looked up into his eyes.

  “You’re telling me you didn’t sleep with him?” Chaz raised his eyebrows.

  “Of course not. You’ve ruined me…”

  “You weren’t a virgin when we…” His eyes searched her face.

  “I mean, ruined me for other men. I don’t want to sleep with anyone but you.” She stepped up to him and rested her hands on his forearms.

  “I feel the same. Then why aren’t we together?”

  She could smell his piney aftershave mixed with his masculine scent as he drew closer, their chests almost touching. “I refuse to ruin your career, and when Allie called me…”

  “Allie! I know she called you. I fired her.” He swept a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear.

  “You did?” Meg’s eyes widened.

  “She drove you away. I spoke to the producers…when I assured them there wouldn’t be any more headlines, they were fine.”

  “I’m glad.” Meg tilted her chin up, and Chaz brushed his lips over hers.

  “I’ve hired another agent.” He stepped back a step.

  “Oh?”

  “A friend of Quinn’s. Fran. She got me an audition for another Broadway musical, opening ten months from now. It’s not with such a big name songwriter, but it’s a chance at Broadway.”

  “When is the audition?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “That’s why you’re here?” Grady tugged at the leash so Meg stooped to
pet him.

  He nodded.

  “Are you prepared? What are you singing?”

  “‘If I Loved You’…what else?”

  “Let’s hear it.” Meg found a flat rock and sat down. Grady plopped down at her feet.

  Chaz cleared his throat, and then warmed up. “I’m not sure I remember all the words.”

  “Excuses, excuses…on with it.” She rested her chin in her hand, her eyes trained on his gorgeous face.

  He directed his gaze at her as he sang. His voice rang out clear as a bell. This version of the song had something more in it than the last time. He’s singing it to me. A chill ran up her spine as she spied the look of love swirling in his dark eyes. When he finished the song, Meg clapped and Grady barked.

  “Is it okay?” The questioning look in his eyes made Meg smile. Imagine Chaz Duncan insecure. Hard to believe.

  “Beautiful. Perfect. You’re a cinch.”

  “Nothing’s a slam dunk in this business.” He put his hands in his jeans pockets.

  “I believe in you.” She sidled up to him.

  “What are you here for?”

  “I’m launching my own business and wondered if the magic you found here would work for me.”

  “You don’t need the luck…you have the brains. I’m sure you’ll succeed.”

  “After all that publicity? Would you bring your account to a suspected hooker?”

  “In fact, I would. I’ve already informed ole Harv that I’m taking my account out of Dillon and Weed. Would you take me?” He stepped up to her, his hands on her shoulders.

  “Gladly.” Meg wound her arms around his waist and pulled him closer.

  The silence between them was broken only by the soft snore of Grady, asleep on a grassy spot abutting the path.

  Chaz tightened his grip on her and lowered his head. The kiss, tentative at first, turned passionate when she parted her lips. His hands explored her back, keeping her close, her breasts pressed against his hard chest. A fire ignited in her loins, sending heat through her veins. She wanted him and by what she could feel pressed against her hips, he wanted her too.

  “Dunc…oh God, I’ve missed you,” she breathed.

  He kissed her neck while his hand slid up her ribcage to cradle her breast. Her breathing became panting as he massaged her gently. The sudden clearing of a throat startled the lovers, and they jumped apart. Meg straightened her t-shirt as her eyes tried to make out the form behind the bright flashlight. Grady’s snore became a warning bark when the light disturbed him.

  “Not too safe in here at night folks.” A park policeman in plain clothes, a badge hanging from a cord around his neck, moved the light beam to the path.

  “Thanks officer.” Chaz nodded and took Megan by the elbow, directing her to a path leading out of the park.

  He walked her back to her apartment building and lingered there. Sam was on duty and busied himself inside so they could have a few private moments on the dark, empty street.

  “Want to come up?”

  “I have an early audition…damn!”

  Desire glistened in his eyes, and she knew he was telling the truth. “That’s too bad.”

  “I’ll be back…if that offer is still open.”

  Instead of answering him, she pulled him down for a deep kiss. Grady barked, making them laugh.

  Chaz bid her goodnight and sauntered down the Avenue to Quinn’s apartment. Meg retreated to her apartment with a smile on her face. She gave Grady his evening treat before undressing for bed. Humming “If I Loved You” sent her to the piano bench. She played the song several times and sang along. Her spirits rose with each play through. The last thing she expected was a visit from the police.

  * * * *

  When the bell rang, Megan put a robe over her short nightie and padded to the door. Grady, roused from a sound sleep, rushed to the door and began barking vigorously. Meg reached down to pet him. Sam didn’t buzz. Who could it be? Her heart lifted for a second as she thought Chaz might have changed his mind. She stopped to refresh her lipstick before opening the door, just as the bell rang a second time.

  “Megan Davis?” A tall man in a police officer’s uniform asked. She nodded. Grady started to bark again, and Meg shushed him.

  “Officer Stark and this is Officer Malloy.”

  “What is this about?” Her heartbeat quickened as adrenalin began to pump.

  “Are you the daughter of Arlen P. Davis?” The shorter officer inquired.

  Meg steadied herself by grasping the corner of the credenza. “Yes.” Her whisper was barely audible as she sensed the color drain from her face.

  “I’m sorry to tell you, Ms. Davis, that your father’s remains have been found at the bottom of Hope Gorge in Sandstone, Colorado.”

  A wave of nausea swept through Megan’s stomach as the blood drained from her head. Suddenly lightheaded, she swayed toward the door. Office Malloy caught her before she fell. Aided by Officer Stark, they carried the semi-conscious Meg to the sofa, followed by a furiously barking Grady.

  “He’s not going to bite, is he?” Malloy asked Stark.

  “How the hell do I know? Ms. Davis,” Stark said, rubbing her hand.

  Malloy searched for the kitchen and a glass of water. Megan sat up. “What happened?”

  “You sort of fainted for a moment, Ma’am.” Malloy handed her the glass of water.

  “Why?” She took a drink.

  Officer Stark repeated the information, and Meg paled again. “You’re not going to pass out again, are you?” Malloy asked. Sweat broke out on his forehead.

  She shook her head. Grady jumped up on the sofa, perched next to her, and eyed the officers with suspicion. Meg took a sip from her water. Officer Stark cleared his throat.

  “We’ve been notified by the Sandstone police department that remains containing his driver’s license have been found at the bottom of the gorge. Those remains appear to belong to your father. I understand he’s been missing?”

  Megan nodded and motioned to two chairs. The officers sat down and continued, “Missing for some time, I believe? The Sandstone police would like you to come out there and claim him at your earliest convenience.”

  “Here is the contact information,” Malloy handed her a sheet of paper. “Can we tell them you’ll be getting in touch?”

  “I’ll call them in the morning.”

  “Fine. Thank you, Ma’am,” Malloy said, pushing to his feet.

  “Are you all right? Is there anyone you’d like us to call?” Stark asked, watching Megan struggle to get to her feet.

  “No one. Thanks. I only have my mother and brother.”

  “We tried reaching your mother, but there was no answer.”

  “Tuesday night? She usually goes to the movies. I’ll tell her.”

  “We appreciate it, Ma’am,” Malloy said.

  Megan saw them to the door, and then returned to the sofa. Oddly, she found herself calm. I always thought you were dead, Dad. You wouldn’t miss my graduations unless you were. A rueful smile crossed her lips while a heavy sadness filled her heart. Always hoped you were still around, though, with a good excuse.

  She pushed up from the sofa and went to the kitchen. There she poured a stiff vodka and tonic and picked up her phone with a shaking hand.

  * * * *

  Across town as Tiffany was about to put the current issue of Celebs R Us to bed, a copyboy came running into her office. He was out of breath. “Joe at the police station called. Two officers just paid a visit to the building where Megan Davis lives. Should we call him back?”

  “Definitely. Find out what they were up to. And if it involves that Davis bitch, offer him double for the details. Do it now because if it’s juicy, I’ll hold the front page.”

  Within fifteen minutes, the copyboy had the scoop for Tiffany. He handed her several pages of scribbled notes. She snatched them from him, and her eyes scanned quickly for the pertinent facts. An evil smile spread across her face. “I’ll write this one myse
lf,” she called to her assistant editor. “Tell Hal to hold up printing, just for twenty minutes.”

  “If you say so,” the editor replied, shrugging his shoulders.

  “Take that, you bitch,” Tiffany muttered under her breath as her fingers flew over the keyboard.

  When she was finished, she perused her handiwork, and then clicked send.

  “Okay, Hal,” Tiffany said into her intercom. “When you get it, let it rip.”

  Her assistant editor wandered into her office.

  “You can go home now,” Tiffany said.

  “Let’s see.” He turned the computer screen to face him and read the story.

  A low whistle from him told her what she needed to know. The headline read, “Harvard Honey’s Pop Found Dead. Murder or Accident?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Ms. Davis, all tests have been completed. You can come and get your father’s remains.”

  Two weeks after the police notified her, Megan made plans to fly to Colorado. The flurry of reporters around her building kept Chaz away. After promising his producers no more headlines, he was reluctant to step into the limelight with Megan again. She understood completely, but still she missed him. They spoke on the phone and occasionally saw each other on Skype, but Megan was busy setting up her new office, and Chaz was doing a voice-over. They rarely had time to meet.

  Meg’s mother washed her hands of the ordeal. Ever since Meg told her, Helen Davis had sunk into a depression and refused to leave her house. Meg took her mother to the doctor’s where she was prescribed anti-depressants. They helped, but Helen refused to travel to Colorado with her daughter…and secretly Megan was relieved.

  Mark was in the middle of his season and couldn’t leave to go to Colorado. He had been shattered when Meg told him and had to miss the first half of his next game due to grief. After years of hating his father for what he thought was desertion, Mark now had to forgive him and mourn him at the same time. Megan’s heart ached for him. She was left to do the trip to Colorado alone.

  That Wednesday morning, she took a deep breath and wheeled her small suitcase to the elevator with Grady trailing behind. Sadness filled her heart. She leaned her forehead on the wall as a wave of weakness crashed through her body. I didn’t think you were coming back, Daddy. Heavens, never thought I’d be bringing you back…like this. After a shudder and a deep breath, Meg propped herself up against the wall, gathering every bit of strength she had. She swallowed the lump in her throat, entered the elevator, and pressed the button for the lobby.