“I understand. They won’t be so greedy for gossip when they learn Storm is dead.”
Before long they reached the hotel and parked in the underground lot. They rode the elevator to the main floor and checked in. Chad used his Ian Greve identification. They rode the elevator to the top level. Once inside their room, Emma unpacked their bags.
Chad walked onto the balcony and sat at the table set for their meal. Back inside, he mixed a rum and cola for himself and opened the refrigerator to find the frozen lime daiquiri he’d ordered for Emma. They carried their drinks to the large balcony and sat on a chaise.
He slid an arm around her and snugged her close. “Nice view.”
She nodded. “I’m not sure how they managed to buy property overlooking the lake.”
“Money,” he said. “Rob’s family owned the land. He sold most of the properties.”
“I know. He was obsessed with repaying the people his father and brother cheated. That’s how my dad and a few of his friends could move to Florida.” She sipped her drink.
Chad leaned over and ran his lips over hers. Though he wanted to devour her, that must wait. He heard the buzzer and struggled to his feet. “I believe dinner is served.”
He walked to the door. A series of carts and a waiter were there. The man arrived and placed the first course on the table. Chad seated Emma.
The meal began with shrimp cocktails. A clear broth followed, then a salad. The main course was a succulent salmon dish. Coffee accompanied the meal. The waiter presented the deserts, a luscious cherry torte.
Chad turned to Emma. “Shall we save this for later?”
She nodded. “Another bite and I won’t be able to move from the table.”
The waiter placed the dessert in the refrigerator. He pushed the last cart to the door.
Chad rose and led Emma into the sitting room. He flicked a switch. Music flowed from hidden speakers. He drew her into his arms. “Now for a test of my abilities. Let’s dance.”
She moved closer and put her arms around his neck. He clasped her waist. At first they moved to the music. Before long they did little more than sway.
She raised her head and stared into his eyes. He saw desire in their dark depths. His mouth met hers. She opened for his exploration. His heart thundered. His cock filled and urgent need arose. Emma moved against him with growing urgency.
Chad released her lips. “I love you. I need you.”
“I need you, too.”
He found the tab of the zipper down the back of her dress. She opened the buttons on his shirt. As he pushed the dress from her shoulders, she unfastened his belt and unbuttoned his trousers. He cupped her breasts. The wish to savor every inch of her skin warred with the desire to possess her.
Slowly they walked to the bedroom. Chad pulled a strip of condoms from the dresser. He finished stripping.
Emma laughed. “Intending to use them all?”
“Perhaps.”
She removed her bra and bikini. She cut the distance between them. Her breasts pressed against his chest. He felt her nipples tighten. “I’m ready to fly.” She lay on the bed.
Chad joined her. He ran his hand over her skin and watched the way her eyes reacted to the caresses. Her little gasps and the quivers thrilled him. He sheathed himself and bent to kiss her. As he slid into her the kiss deepened. Slowly he sped his pace and as she climaxed he followed.
He gathered her into his arms and held her close. Kisses and caresses brought them to a calm place. “I love you.”
“I love you,” she echoed.
Chad reached onto the bedside stand and opened the box. “Will you wear this and marry me?”
“It’s beautiful.”
He slid the ring onto her finger. “Will you?”
She drew a deep breath. “I will.”
“When?”
She slipped the ring off. “I can’t set a date or accept the ring. You must take care of your business in Hollywood. Ask me again when you return.”
Though what she said hurt, he couldn’t blame her. He had abandoned her years ago. He slipped the ring into the box and kissed her.
“I love you and in less than a month, I’ll be back.” He held her close. “Now where were we?”
She responded to him with fervor. Hope soared.
Chapter 10
Three days after Labor Day Emma reached Rob’s house where Chad waited to load his duffle into the trunk. Today he returned to Hollywood. She swallowed a sigh. Would he resist falling into his old lifestyle? Her worries about his failure tightened her throat. At the moment she wished her obligations to her patients weren’t an imperative.
He settled in the front seat. “Morning.” He leaned over to kiss her. “Time to go.” She sank back in the seat.
As she started the car, Rob left the house. He paused beside Chad’s open window. “Hurry back. We have a new world to conquer.”
Chad laughed. “With luck I’ll be back in two weeks.”
“Then the games begin.” Rob clasped Chad’s hand. “See you soon.”
Emma drove down the winding drive, exited the gate and turned toward the local airport twenty miles from town. She couldn’t think of anything to say. She couldn’t beg him to stay. He had loose ends to settle in order to face the drastic changes he planned to make. Could he? She wished she could be sure.
They reached the small airport. A jet waited on the runway. She carried Chad’s duffle and walked beside him to the plane. She handed the bag to the steward.
Chad held her in an embrace. “I’ll finish my business as soon as I can and come straight back.” He tilted her chin and kissed her.
Warmth chased some of the chill she felt. “When you do, we’ll talk.”
“I love you,” he said. “That won’t change.”
“I love you, too.” She did but her fears of how he would react to temptation held sway.
Using his cane Chad climbed the steps. In the doorway he paused and blew a kiss. “Two or three weeks and I’ll be back. I’ll call every night and report my progress.”
“I’ll be waiting.” After blowing him a kiss she turned and strode to the car. She watched until the plane vanished. A few tears trickled over her cheeks. She wiped her eyes and slid into the driver’s seat. He was gone. Though she believed he would return to make the movie, she doubted he could back away from his role as Storm. So much of his life had been invested in those movies.
He loves you. He said he wouldn’t abandon you again. She had to cling to his promise to keep memories of the past at bay.
She started the car and drove home. She hadn’t lost him yet. Trust and belief must be ever present. She strode into the kitchen.
Claire turned from the stove. “Fried chicken and baked potatoes for dinner. Flight go all right?”
“Absolutely. Where’s Brian?”
“Brad Markham picked him up to go swimming with Jamie and Amy. They’ll be back for dinner.”
Emma arched an eyebrow. “Something happening there?”
Claire shook her head. “I’m not ready for anything.”
Emma opened the fridge and gathered some lemons to make a pitcher of lemonade. She checked the iced tea and noticed a nearly full pitcher and one of iced coffee. She poured a glass of the coffee and added some cream. Carrying the drink she went upstairs to change into shorts. She pushed all thoughts of Chad away.
When she returned to the kitchen, Claire began frying the chicken. “Are you really okay?”
“He said he’d come back. I have to trust him.”
“Why didn’t you go with him? I’m sure he asked.”
“The patients. Manon is working just part-time. Dr. Reid is out of town.”
“Are you all right with him being out there alone?”
“I have to be. I look on this as a test. He said he would be back in two of three weeks.”
“And if he doesn’t return then?”
Emma popped potatoes in the microwave. “If he isn’t back, I’ll b
e on a two week’s singles’ cruise.”
Claire laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”
* * *
Chad slept for most of the flight except for eating an excellent meal. When the plane landed the steward helped him descend the steps and walked with him to where the limo waited. He gave his address and they set off. So far no one had learned about his return. He hadn’t told his agent. Gregson hadn’t called today.
When they reached the gate of the estate, Chad used the opener on his key ring to let the limo enter. He hobbled into the house. The air smelled stale. After switching on the cooling system he walked to the kitchen. Was there anything to eat in the house?
In the freezer, he found a frozen meal from one of his favorite restaurants. He zapped the food in the microwave. Tomorrow he had to drive somewhere for breakfast except…he had no car.
Though he regretted the need, after he ate, he hit Gregson’s number. “Chad here.”
“Where are you?”
“At home.”
“I’ll come over and we’ll discuss our next move. I think we can force the studio to pay you more for Storm films.”
Chad groaned. “That’s not up for negotiations. Come in the morning. You can take me to breakfast and to shop for some food. I’m selling the house. When we go on this expedition remember I need to be here at one to speak to the realtor.”
“I’ll be there around ten. If I’d known you were coming today I would have met the plane.”
“See you tomorrow.” Chad figured he could hold out until ten. There were a dozen or more pods of coffee. He called the realtor and scheduled the appointment for one. Then he wandered from room to room deciding what furniture he would take and wondering what to do with the rest.
* * *
On Monday Emma made hospital rounds and drove to the office. As she prepared to see patients she wondered about Chad. When he’d called last evening, he’d sounded tired.
Manon entered, carrying the baby in his car seat.
“Is he staying?” Emma asked.
Manon shook her head. “The sitter’s due to arrive soon.”
Emma crouched and amused the infant. When the sitter arrived, Emma hurried to her office and slipped on her lab coat. The arrival of patients kept her from thinking about Chad but she couldn’t help wondering if his agent had arrived and what the realtor would say about the house.
At lunch, Manon gestured for Emma to come into her office. “I understand Chad left. Why didn’t you go with him?”
“I couldn’t. You’re only working half days. My leaving would have been bad for the patients and the practice.”
“I think you were foolish. He says he loves you. What if he becomes involved in a movie and decides to stay?”
Emma set her sandwich down. “This is a test. Years ago he made promises he didn’t keep.”
Manon nodded. “I know about broken promises. Why didn’t you fly out there back then and learn what went on?”
“I saw why. On television. In the tabloids. Why would I go there when he thrived on his new life and forgot me?”
Manon shrugged. “It’s your life. Just don’t give up too soon.”
* * *
As promised, Gregson arrived at ten. While waiting, Chad drank four cups of coffee and ate stale crackers he’d found. After a late breakfast they went to a local market where Chad purchased cold cuts, rolls and a few easy to prepare foods. Cameras flashed. People snapped pictures with their cell phones. Chad cringed. Welcome back to a normality he no longer wanted. Though he’d mentioned leasing a car, Gregson ignored him.
At the house Chad stored his purchases. “I’m good for a week. I really need to rent a car.”
“No reason to do that,” Gregson said. “I’m glad to chauffer you. I’ve booked us for dinner tonight. We need to talk about the contracts.” He paused. “Can you walk without the cane?”
Chad grasped the marble hand grip. “For short distances.” He pulled up his left pant leg. “There’s this, too.” Though he really didn’t need the brace, its presence added to his reason for killing Storm.
“Will you need that forever?”
“I don’t know.” He glanced at the clock. “I’ll see you later. The realtor is due soon.”
Gregson walked to the door. “I’m sorry you’re selling this place. I’ll keep my eyes open for a smaller one. Maybe on the beach.”
“Not here.” Chad’s hands fisted. “I’m returning to Fern Lake. I’ve a movie to make.” And a woman to claim.
Gregson laughed. “We’ll see about that. After a few days here you’ll change your mind. I’ll be here at six thirty. We’ll have dinner and talk. It’s not a casual place.”
When the door closed Chad strode to the kitchen and made a sandwich. Memories of Rob’s gourmet meals and Emma’s red sauce made the sandwich taste like cardboard. He bit and chewed. He wouldn’t eat like this forever.
The realtor arrived and Chad toured the house and pointed out the furniture he intended to take, mainly his bedroom and the sound system. She said having most of the rooms furnished might provide sales appeal. What the buyer didn’t want could be sold. He agreed.
Once she left he napped. At five he showered and dressed for dinner. Wearing a tie after two months of not seemed odd. He met Gregson at the door.
When they reached the restaurant he faced a barrage of flashes. Questions were shouted but he gave no comment. Inside they were escorted to a table in a secluded corner.
Gregson pulled papers from his briefcase. “I need you to sign for Storm five.”
Chad scanned the papers. “I told you I’m done with Storm. Doctor’s orders.”
“They want you for at least three scenes. One with Lightning, one with the attempt on your life and one other.”
Chad drew a deep breath. “I can do those but…”
“They would consider distributing the movie you want to make.”
The dangling carrot made him want to jump. “When will they start shooting?”
“I don’t know. Just sign so I can speak to them about dates.”
Chad’s lips tightened. “I have a schedule I need to keep. I said I’d be gone two or three weeks.”
“I’ll let them know.”
Chad scrawled his signature in the places where needed. He looked up. Two leggy blondes sauntered toward the table. He looked for an escape and found no way to avoid the women.
They stopped at the table. “Chad Morgan,” one of the women drawled. “I thought it was you. Where have you been?”
“And your rainmaker.” The second blond caressed Gregson’s shoulder.
“Join us for dessert.” Gregson signaled the waiter. “Cheese cake and champagne.”
Chad’s hands fisted. Another photo op arranged. He rolled his eyes. How to vanish? He definitely had to rent a car.
The tallest blonde slid closer to him. “After dessert, let’s go to a club.”
“I’m not into clubbing these days.”
She turned to Gregson. “Are you on?”
“Absolutely.” Gregson glared at Chad. “Clubbing is a great way to let everyone know you’re back.”
Chad shook his head. He would find a way out as soon as he could. He passed on the champagne but ate his slice of cheesecake.
As they left the restaurant, they faced a cluster of cameras. A young reporter thrust a microphone in Chad’s face. “Chad Morgan, where have you been? Are you healed from your accident?”
He waved the cane. “Mostly.”
“When will you start filming the next Storm flick?”
“I haven’t a clue.”
The valet opened the car door. The tall blonde pushed him into the rear seat. Before he could stop her, she wrapped her arms around him. Light from flashbulbs lit the interior of the car. Chad reached for his phone. If Emma saw the picture she would believe he’d reverted.
He untangled himself. “Gregson, take these ladies to where they want to go. Then take me home.”
The ag
ent laughed. “And give up the opportunity for another photo op? I’ve arranged for an interview at the club. My friend, you’re back.”
“Not on a bet.”
When the car stopped at the club’s valet stand, Chad used his phone and called a cab. “I’m going home.”
“You can’t,” Gregson said. “Being here is important for your image.”
“Maybe yours. Not mine.” The blonde clung to his arm. He peeled her fingers away. “I’m not interested.”
She turned and sneered. “You’re nothing. Gregson had to beg me to come.”
A cab pulled to the curb. Chad got in. After giving the address, he hit Emma’s number. He had to talk to her.
* * *
“Emma,” Claire called. “You have to come now.”
Wondering what emergency had occurred, Emma dashed downstairs. Had Brian done something? Had Kevin appeared on their doorstep? She entered the living room in time to hear the TV host of Hollywood Chatters speak. “With his bad boy flair, Chad Morgan is back.”
Pictures followed. Chad at breakfast with his agent. Chad shopping in a market. Chad being kissed by a flashy blonde. Not a quick kiss but a long and lingering one.
“Here’s the latest scoop. Chad Morgan and Storm are gearing up for a new flick. Filming begins sometime this month. Great news for his fans. Who will be his new heroine?”
Emma’s eyes narrowed. She wasn’t upset about the photos. Last night Chad had called and told her about Gregson’s photo ops and how he had deserted the party to return home via a taxi. There had been other things he’d told her. The realtor’s visit, the need to hire a moving van and to find a storage facility in Fern Lake.
The disturbing news was the mention of the fifth Storm movie. Was that merely the reporter and Chad’s agent passing on a rumor? He hadn’t mentioned that last night.
Claire looked away from the program. “Didn’t take him long to return to his old ways.”
Emma patted her sister’s shoulder. “He told me about the dinner, the blonde invasion and the pictures. He’s unhappy with his agent. Chad left them at some club and returned home in a taxi. He’s renting a car so he doesn’t have to depend on Gregson.”
Forgotten Dreams Page 12
