by Carlyn Cade
Stacia shook her head.
“How about you, Arthur, are you ready with the camera?”
“Affirmative.”
Nathan nodded at his assistant standing next to him. “Is the film ready to roll?”
She nodded back.
“Then let’s start with Take One. Remember, we’re not expecting much from today’s work, just enough to let Arthur do his magic.”
Four takes later, Stacia was amazed at how well she knew her lines, and how much it helped having the movie shown on the giant screens to play off of.
“That’s all we need from you, Stacia. You acting was awesome,” Nathan said. “We’ll see you on Monday when we begin the real thing.” He turned away from her and called out in a loud voice, “You can all leave now. Arthur and I’ll take over from here.”
Stacia left the set and the studio and drove home as quickly as she could. One commitment was off her list for the week. Now all she had to do was wait for Clay’s call and then phone Helen with Sam’s answer. Then, starting tomorrow, all she’d have to contend with was making Hollywood as enjoyable as SwissDen. Big job…Small chance!
CHAPTER TWELVE
...During their time together on his grand-mère’s estate, Victoria and Dean enjoyed running and playing with Spotty, horseback riding, walking in the gardens – and the last night, an intimate dinner in an elegant restaurant.
“I can’t believe you’ve been here a week, Dean.”
“It has gone fast, hasn’t it?”
“And you have to leave tomorrow?”
“I’ll come back as soon as I can get away.”
“You know, whenever we’re together, we talk about everything,” Victoria said. “Everything about me, that is. We don’t talk about you. You’re very good therapy for me. I miss Lily so much. There’ll always be a hole in my heart where she belongs, but I do feel somewhat at peace now. It’s easier to smile and laugh and be interested in things. That’s because of you and your grand-mère, and I really want to thank you both.”
“How about Spotty? He did his part, you know.”
“Yes, he did, but I want to talk about you tonight. I want to know about your wife, your children, what you like or don’t like, why you decided to be a doctor, etc., etc. and etc.”
“You’d find all that boring, I’m certain.” Dean put his elbows on the table and leaned into his hands.
“Not where you’re concerned, I wouldn’t.” Victoria suddenly glanced away.
“I doubt I could tell you anything about my boys that Grand-mère hasn’t already told you. Am I right?”
“She has filled me in on them. How wonderful she loves them so much.”
“As far as my wife, her name is Elizabeth. She thinks she’s writing a novel, her first one, but then everyone has to start with number one. Anyway, she keeps making these trips to our beach house where she spends a week or more writing, or so she says. I’m not sure I believe her. In fact, as time goes on, suspicions of what she’s really doing keep gnawing at me. The problem is she won’t let the boys or me go with her, which waves another red flag at me. We’ve grown apart, and since I have new interests, I plan to ask her for a divorce when she gets back from the beach. I hadn’t planned on telling you this tonight.” Dean picked up his champagne flute and took a big gulp from it.
Victoria sipped on hers. “Why?” she asked shyly.
“You don’t want to hear the answer to that yet.”
“Yes, I do.” She stared straight into his eyes.
He gazed back into hers. “What if I were to tell you that you have the most beautiful brown eyes I’ve ever seen? That’s a clue, in case you don’t recognize it. Then, what if I were to say I’m in love with you?”
She sat very still and said nothing. Finally she opened her mouth to speak. “I guess you’re right, Dean. I wasn’t ready to hear that answer.”
“I know, and I apologize. It’s too soon. I want to be free before I tell you I’m in love with you. I have nothing to offer you now. And you...you’re not healed, so you don’t know how you feel. That is, I’m assuming you don’t love me. However, if you do…” Dean hesitated and then continued. “Does any of this make sense?”
Victoria sat back in her chair. “I do know one thing. For only being eleven years old, Lily was a huge romantic. I believe she would have liked nothing better than for the two of us to fall in love.”
“Are you in love with me?”
She looked down. “I’ve never been in love. I haven’t had the chance to be with anyone who could love me. The war was on, and after my brother died, my father forbid me to go out with anyone in service, so I was rather limited on dating. Then when my parents were killed, I had to support Lily. There was no time left for me, and certainly no time left for boyfriends, although I wouldn’t have changed that for anything or anyone. Lily and I learned how to be happy again. That was the most important thing in the world for me. Her happiness was mine. The only love I’ve known is what my parents and my sister gave me, and now, everything’s gone.” Her eyes filled with tears.
Dean took her hands in his. “Victoria, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. I know what you’re saying when you say her happiness was yours, because I feel that way about you. I have felt your pain. I only want to feel your happiness – now and forever, and I guarantee we won’t stop until we find it. I’ll wait until you’re ready to be loved by me.”
She looked up into his eyes before answering. “That’s the biggest problem of all. I am ready to be loved by you, and I do love you. I’ve known that for a long time. This last week has put everything into the right perspective, and I have recognized and realized how much I do love you.”
He brought her hands up to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world. I said you’d find happiness, and along the way, we both found love...”
♥♥
How do you entertain a prince and one of the world’s richest men? Stacia wondered. When she’d asked Helen that question, her reply was to “Just be yourself. Suggest doing things you enjoy.”
Stacia was glad Helen and Sam had both agreed to their “pretend dating.” Their decisions had taken away some of the stress of her upcoming SwissDen vs. Hollywood bout. And because Clay and Sam were best buddies and obviously liked doing the same things, it made the task of choosing what to do erase some of the panic out of her dilemma.
Well, she didn’t have to worry about tonight, at least. Clay had called and said he and Sam would be at her house at seven to pick her up, and the three of them would swing around and pick up the other half of their chaperone team. Then the menu was dinner and dancing.
She’d chosen a short, slim, black dress and matching stiletto heels for the evening, but not the same shoes she’d worn for Clay on that fateful temptress day. A reserved for Clay’s second chance tag hung on them. Her black-beaded bag blended well with her outfit. She’d styled her hair to fall into ringlets around her face, allowing the rest to curl and flow loosely down her back.
After checking the time as it was zeroing in on seven, she started to walk back and forth between her living room and patio. Maybe she should call her mother and tell her who she’d be spending the evening with. She closed her eyes and imagined what her parents would be doing at the moment. After a hard day’s work on the farm, they’d probably be snacking on popcorn in the living room while watching their favorite television programs. She’d always enjoyed spending supper time during her growing-up years that same way. Her parents, her brother and herself eating her mom’s home cooking on TV trays, laughing, being close and enjoying each other’s company and sharing the television. Well, TV trays certainly were a long way from where she’d be dining tonight!
Her phone rang. Perhaps it was Clay and there was a change in plans.
“Hi, Stace.”
“Ryan? Are you psychic? I was just thinking about you, and you call. What’s up?”
“I’m planning a surprise dinner p
arty for Josie tomorrow night at our house. I finally got her to say yes and set a date. You’re the first to know.”
“I knew Josie wouldn’t be able to resist you much longer. When’s the big day? Did you give her a diamond? Where’s the wedding going to be?”
“Slow down, Stace. One question at a time.”
“So...start with the answers. I’ve been waiting forever for this.”
“I asked her to marry me while we were camping on Catalina Island last weekend. We were lying on a blanket outside our tent staring at the moon when we saw a falling star. I said, ‘Guess what, Josie, look where that star fell.’ I reached into my pocket and pulled out the box with her ring in, and said, Right here, and handed it to her.”
“And how did Josie react to all this tenderness from her macho boyfriend?”
“She started crying and sputtering about how romantic I was and how much she loved me. Before I could ask her to marry me, she began to hug me and kiss me. When I did get the question out, she kept repeating, ‘any time.’”
“And what would you have done if that star hadn’t fallen when it did? How would you have proposed then?”
“I didn’t have anything planned. It just fell into place – pardon my pun. Josie later said it was the synchronicity of the Universe working for us. That it was an omen we were meant to be together, and she wants to get married as soon as possible.”
“That’s good, because I’ve never had a sister, and I couldn’t be happier to have Josie in our family.”
“When she talks to her mother, then I’ll know about the wedding date, which can’t be soon enough for me. I don’t want her backing out.”
“Come on, Ryan, you know Josie loves you and only you. She wouldn’t ever back out on marrying you. She just wanted to get her career jump-started before she settled down to be a wife and have kids.”
“Like someone else I know.”
“There’s one difference. No one’s waiting around for me. I can take as long as I want with my career.”
“How about Prince Charming?”
“Clay? Can you see me with a prince on a forever basis? I’ll bet he’d love to have dinners at Mom and Dad’s in front of the television. I can’t even decide how to entertain him while he’s here. How could I possibly think of anything that could compare with the grandeur he’s used to every day of his life?”
“I can think of one thing...”
Stacia laughed. “Forget it. You know my views on that. I’ve waited this long for the right guy. He’ll come along at the right time...when I’m ready.”
“Right, right, right, Stace. You have a lot of rights built into your timetable.”
“Now you sound like Clay. Speaking of which, I do have one problem with tomorrow night. Clay’s in town for a couple days, and he brought Sam Prescott with him. I’m already committed to spending the time he’s here with him, along with Helen Ashley Shores.”
“Sam Prescott, the billionaire? You know him? No way. Might as well bring ‘em all.”
“How many people will be there?”
“Did I forget to mention you’re the only one? I wanted it to be intimate.”
“It sounds great. I’ll have to call you back tomorrow to confirm the other three, but I’ll be there for positive.” Stacia glanced at her watch. “Ryan, I have to go. Clay’s going to be here any minute.”
“My little sister’s dating a prince. Who’d ever believe it?”
“Bye, big brother. Love you.” With a smile on her face, she put the phone down.
Seconds later, it rang again. Security asked for permission to send the prince up. Clay had arrived. Soon he was at her door, and she checked him out through the peephole. He sure was handsome even in that tiny view. Unable to wait any longer, she opened the door, and he walked into her entrance hall.
“I’ve missed you, Stacia,” he said and took her in his arms and kissed her. “That’s better. Now we can take up where we left off.”
His kiss had the same effect on her as in Switzerland and London. The same tingles ran through her and she wanted more, more, more. “It’s nice to see you again,” she whispered breathlessly.
“Ditto,” Clay said and smiled. “If you’re ready, we’d better go. Sam’s waiting in the limo. Can you believe he’s nervous? I’ve been laughing at him ever since we left our hotel. It seems he had a secret crush on his date years ago.”
“On Helen?”
“We’re playing Cupid, I guess. At least, on his part. His crush didn’t develop into anything because he was too busy making money. Then he fell in love with his late wife. He said he met Helen once years ago but didn’t elaborate on their meeting.”
“Helen hasn’t had the greatest life, but she certainly is devoted to her son, just like your mother is.” She picked up her purse. “I’m ready to go,” she said.
On the way to Helen’s home, Stacia agreed with Clay, Sam was nervous. She’d bet there wasn’t a person in the world who made him nervous, no matter how big and important they were. He had to be a wild tiger in the business jungle, or he wouldn’t have gained the financial empire he had, yet here he was filled with stressed-out anxiety over a pretty little blonde lady.
“How do I look?” Sam asked, running his hand down to smooth out his pants.
“Just perfect,” Stacia said, wondering if Helen was as nervous as he was.
“Why don’t you pretend you’re entering into a competitive business deal? Maybe then you can calm down.” Clay grinned at Stacia. “See, I’m not a bit nervous being with this gorgeous woman.” He put up his hand and wiggled it. “See how steady my nerves are.”
Sam chuckled. “Maybe I am making too much of this. After all, she’s only half of a chaperone team for you two. All we are is a decoy. All we are is a decoy,” he repeated, then shook his head. “No, it doesn’t work. I’m still nervous.”
“We’re here, Sam,” Clay said when they pulled up to Helen’s place. “Are you brave enough to go to her door, or do you want this little, defenseless woman to go get her for you?”
“I’m not defenseless,” Stacia said, making a fist and trying not to laugh at the same time.
“That was a bad choice of words,” Clay agreed. “Believe me, no one knows better than I that Stacia and defenseless do not belong in the same sentence. She’s many things – smart, tempting, luscious, irresistible, beautiful – but defenseless? Not her. No way.”
“I’m leaving before the conversation in this limo gets X-rated,” Sam said as he got out and walked toward Helen’s door.
A smile crept over Clay’s face. “X-rated? Has he got the wrong woman! Well, maybe she is, just a little, if I remember right one afternoon when –”
Stacia interrupted his conversation as she playfully hit him. She and Clay began laughing until he grew serious and drew her close to him. “You are tempting and luscious, you know, and easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Kiss me. Kiss me, please. She thought she might explode if he didn’t. What was she supposed to do with this sudden burst of desire except to kiss him and savor the results?
Clay put his hands on her cheeks and gazed into her eyes. “Yes,” he said. “Luscious and tempting.” He cupped her shoulders with his hands and bent his head to plant a kiss on the cave of her neck. Then he slowly kissed his way up to her mouth where he lightly touched his lips against hers. “If I start, I’ll never finish, and Sam won’t have any moral support for the evening.” He stopped talking and let go of her as the car door opened.
As Helen and Sam stepped inside, Stacia tried to calm the wild desire overwhelming her senses.
“Helen, this is Clay,” Sam said as soon as the couple were seated.
“Thank you for inviting me this evening.” Helen extended her hand to Clay.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude,” Clay said, “for not only helping Stacia and me out, but for agreeing to spend time with this guy here.”
“I have nothing but good memories in my thoughts
of the Sam I used to know. I’m glad to renew our friendship.” Helen smiled warmly at Sam as if they shared a secret.
“Then we should all have a great evening – I know I’m planning on it,” Clay said enthusiastically. “I thought we’d start out by having dinner at The Belvedere. I understand they serve southern California cuisine, if that’s agreeable with you two women.”
Stacia and Helen nodded in reply.
“The Belvedere, in case you don’t know, is located in the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel where Sam and I have the presidential villa, complete with a private terrace. Therefore, you ladies decide. We can eat at The Belvedere on their terrace, or in their dining room, or we can eat the same food on our terrace. It’s your choice.”
“Anything’s fine with me,” Helen said.
“What good did it do to convince these two chaperones to come with us if we don’t take advantage of our original plan?” Stacia asked. “I’m for living dangerously and eating in the restaurant. Tonight, I don’t even care how many pictures are taken of us.”
♥♥
With Stacia’s carefree attitude toward the evening’s agenda, they visited several nightclubs until they found one whose atmosphere and music appealed to all of them. As the evening waned, the orchestra music became slower and more romantic, and Clay started holding Stacia closer and closer to him. When she glanced over at Sam and Helen, it appeared he was doing the same thing to her.
“Do you think we gave Cupid a shove?” Stacia asked, nodding her head toward the older couple.
“Possibly,” Clay said. “But they’re both strong people and used to going after what they want. Apparently their minds are on the same channel on this one. Maybe we’ll have to start chaperoning them.”
