Undone by the Star

by Stephanie Browning

  “Your agent seems to think you can do better…he’s pushing for another action series before you semi-retire, quote, unquote…,” said Pete.

  Marc picked up the no-longer-sparkling water and drained the bottle, catching a glimpse of himself in the floor-length mirror. Clean, but unshaven. He tightened the towel around his waist as he spoke. “Good for him…he’s done well by me in the past, but I’ve made it clear enough that my career is taking a different direction.”

  “Would you like me to…?” Pete sounded anxious.

  “No. That’s my responsibility. Yours is to make sure that I can work in peace.”

  “But….”

  “No buts, no starlets, and no publicity.” Marc scooped up the handset and took it off speaker phone. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to resurface.” He ended the call, lobbing the phone onto the empty chair.

  His gaze roved restlessly around the suite, remembering the day he’d arrived. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. The delectable Miss Kirkwood had been furious with him when she realized he wasn’t there to fix the toilet. Stabbing her finger at him as she reamed him out, not knowing who he was. And him, totally mesmerized by her flashing eyes, her passion, and her indignation.

  Enough. Another hour and he’d be dressed, packed and gone.

  Her head held high, Miss Alexis Kirkwood entered The Sadler Hotel through the front door as its new CEO.

  The first thing she saw was Jeremy leaping to his feet.

  She waggled her fingers for his eyes only as she walked by the concierge desk, but once she saw that everyone had stopped what they were doing to greet her, she had to fight back the tears. An official announcement would come later, but the staff had already been apprised, and knew that despite Miss Sadler’s expected recovery, she was handing the reins to her granddaughter. Alex’s suit confirmed it. Now all she had to do to prove her worth was to make it through reception without faltering. She almost lost it when she caught a glimpse of Kate grinning like a maniac in the distance. And by the time she reached the hallway to the hotel’s executive offices, Alex found she was shaking like a leaf.

  Not from fear, she’d been heir-apparent for several years, but from the sheer enormity of the task before her. The Sadler was one of the few remaining family-owned establishments in London and the bigger fish would be circling as soon as they heard the news. The hotel’s reputation and its location made it a very tempting acquisition. Any hint of weakness and they would pounce.

  A reassuring murmur reached her from accounting and special services – an oasis of calm in what was bound to be a hectic day. Alex walked the last few steps to the hotel’s inner sanctum, bypassed the outer office where the administrative secretary, Clare MacKay, normally sat, pushed open the heavy oak door, and entered The Sadler’s executive office. Once inside, the familiar scent of old leather, polished wood, and family ephemera rose to greet her. She crossed the thick carpet, ran her fingers along the rich patina of the desk and sat down behind it.

  It was a bittersweet moment. But the time for reflection would come later. Along with all the other “laters” like sorting out her feelings for Marc. Alex got to her feet. There was business to be done.

  She approached the far wall and after the lightest of touches, an entire panel, portrait and all, swung open to reveal the executive safe. Using the key pad, Alex entered the seven-digit combination. The lock clicked open. With mixed emotions, Alex withdrew the envelope containing the powers of attorney, and the authorization papers that her grandmother had signed knowing this day would come.

  Closing the safe, Alex returned to her desk and removed the documents.

  Everything appeared to be in order. Clare would know what to do. And a moment later, the secretary appeared, entering with coffee and croissants on a silver tray. “Oh!” She paused mid-step. “Excuse me, Alexis…I mean Miss Kirkwood…I should have been here.”

  “It’s Alex,” she interrupted firmly. “And no, you shouldn’t have.”

  The older woman visibly relaxed and moved forward to set the tray on the corner of the desk. “Alex, I am so glad you are here. Your grandmother…,” Clare faltered noticing the papers Alex had spread out in front of her. “It’s to be official then, is it?”

  “I’m afraid so. Grannie is fine, but she’s made her decision.” Alex smiled ruefully. “Personally, I think she wants to be around to make sure we do everything right. Emphasis on ‘we’…you will stay on, won’t you Clare?”

  “I would like that very much.”

  “As would everyone at The Sadler.” Alex glanced down a moment to hide the relief she knew would be crossing her face. The older woman had been her grandmother’s aide-de-camp for years and would know more about the hotel than the records showed.

  Clare cleared her throat and pointed to the legal documents Alex had removed from the safe. “Shall I?”

  “Please.” That was all Alex needed to say. Clare would track down her parents, harangue her brother, and cajole Hector Denomme, her grandmother’s elderly cousin, out of his library. Once the papers were signed and witnessed, the transition would be complete.

  “Senior staff?”

  “Two-thirty in the boardroom, please,” replied Alex, “with the usual refreshments…and a bottle of the special claret from the cellars to mark the occasion.” Her grandfather had returned from France at the end of the war with several cases of Bordeaux. She had only ever tasted the wine once, when a glass had been raised at his funeral.

  Alex felt a tear roll down her cheek. It had all been too much, too soon. Grannie’s fall, her own entanglement with Marc Daniels, and now this.

  Clare handed her a tissue and took one for herself. “Tears make you strong,” she assured her new boss as she dabbed her own eyes. “Miss Sadler couldn’t have chosen better.”

  Alex sniffed. “I know,” she said.

  The two women exchanged a glance, then a smile, and the moment passed.

  Alone once more, Alex poured herself a cup of coffee from the carafe Clare had provided, and reached for the stack of files on the side of her desk. Work would keep her mind occupied.

  And there was a lot of it. There were days, possibly weeks, of delayed meetings to be rescheduled, events to be attended, staffing decisions to be made. A quick look left Alex with the distinct feeling that Clare had been quietly taking care of business on Grannie’s behalf.

  “Oh, Grannie,” Alex whispered. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  She knew the answer, of course. The rules were the rules. You worked your way up to the top, and once you got there, you stayed. But too much burden had lain on those frail old shoulders.

  On impulse, Alex reached for the phone to call her grandmother’s hospital room, just as Clare appeared in the doorway. “The assistant manager would like a word…,” she said, tipping her head slightly to let Alex know that Cyril was already nipping at her heels. Regretfully, Alex replaced the handset in its cradle – no one would understand the pressure she felt better than her grandmother. It would have to wait until she returned to the hospital later in the day. “Please, send him in.”

  Alex rose from her chair and came around to the front of her desk. “Cyril,” she said, “It’s good to see you.” He might be fussy, even a bit quirky, but they’d worked together for years and she was genuinely pleased to see a familiar face. “What can I do for you?” She offered him a seat next to the sofa and then took the armchair opposite.

  “The junior staff wanted me to extend their congratulations to you, and to offer their best wishes to Miss Sadler.”

  “Thank you. You’ll be able to tell her yourself in a few days.”

  Cyril beamed. “That’s wonderful news.” He paused, then cleared his throat. “You may not know this, but Miss Sadler always wanted to be personally informed if any of our more…important guests had a change in plans. Sudden arrivals, departures…that sort of thing.” He was watching her carefully as he spoke.
/>   “And do I want to continue the practice?” Alex answered slowly.

  Cyril nodded. “Precisely.”

  Why did she have a sinking feeling that Cyril thought he was treading on thin ice? It wasn’t as though he hadn’t done this before; everybody knew Grannie’s version of the internet was to have a vast network reporting directly to her. It was one of the reasons The Sadler ran so smoothly.

  Which meant her relationship with Marc Daniels, as short-lived as it had been, was old news. They would know he had been at the hospital…that he had sent flowers to her grandmother…and it would not surprise her if they knew about the kiss he and Alex had shared in the mews. Remembering the depth of their embrace, Alex felt her pulse beat faster. She forced herself to relax. “I’d hate to be the last to know,” she managed.

  “Mr. Daniels is checking out,” Cyril blurted. “He called down for his bill not fifteen minutes ago.”

  Alex’s heart plunged. She shouldn’t have been surprised. Not after the way she and Marc had parted the night before.

  “I’m sure it has nothing to do with the hotel, Cyril.” she said, vaguely pleased that there was not a tremor to be heard in her voice. “It’s my understanding that Mr. Daniels has been looking for flats in the area.”

  She got to her feet, as did Cyril.

  “Did he say when he was checking out?” she asked.

  Cyril shook his head. “But he did ask for a car at two o’clock.”

  Alex checked her watch. It was nearly noon. There was no way a VIP like Marc Daniels was leaving the hotel without an official farewell no matter how painful. “Have the bill sent to me, and I’ll take it from there.”

  “Actually,” said Cyril removing an envelope from inside his jacket. “I took the liberty of bringing it with me.”

  He passed it over, gave her a nod that was dangerously close to a bow, and then he was gone.

  Alex groped for the chair behind her.

  Her worlds were about to collide…again.

  Marc was on his way to the bedroom when he thought he heard a knock. Ten to one it was Cyril either delivering his bill or wanting to offer assistance. Marc sighed. He was tempted to ignore the summons; Cyril could easily slide the paperwork under his door, but the assistant manager had gone out of his way to be helpful. Marc padded back across the room.

  It wasn’t Cyril.

  Her suit was midnight blue. It might have been made for the boardroom, but it fit her curves like a glove. Marc felt his mouth go dry.

  “Miss Kirkwood.”

  “Mr. Daniels.” Her eyes dropped to the towel at his waist. “Trying out for a new part?”

  Marc heard the elevator ping in the distance. “You’d better come in.” He stepped back to let her pass, feeling the soft swish of her hair as she brushed by. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

  She walked to the middle of the room and turned to face him.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Her gaze swept up his bare chest, and a twinkle lurked briefly in her eyes. “We don’t encourage that kind of behaviour at The Sadler.”

  “You certainly made that clear last night.”

  The half-smile faded and Alex had the good grace to look away. Soft colour blushed her neck and cheeks.

  “Wait here,” said Marc. “While I put some clothes on….” Damn the woman. As soon as he reached the bedroom, he whipped off the towel, grabbed a pair of jeans from his case and then tugged a t-shirt over his head. He tried to remind himself just how angry he was with Miss Alexis Kirkwood, but the trouble was, he found her fascinating.

  Her humour, her sarcasm, her stubborn streak, and her strength. And the feel of her whenever he held her close.

  Marc paused in the doorway.

  There was an envelope in her hand he hadn’t noticed earlier.

  The last of his bad temper drained away. When Jeremy had relayed the news that Alex had been pushed into the CEO position by her grandmother’s fall, Marc had thought only about how it would affect his attraction to Alex. Now, seeing her in her new role, Marc wondered if it felt as terrifying for her as his first day on set as a leading man had been for him. Everything on his shoulders; everybody watching to see if he’d slip up. Alex must be incredibly busy, and yet she had taken the time to come and see him.

  Her eyes sought out his as he entered the sitting room, and softened. “I’m sorry to hear you’re leaving The Sadler.”

  “Me, too. I’ve found the flat I was looking for…it’s in Kensington.”

  Marc saw her hurt, but he kept his distance. Three strides and he could wrap her in his arms, but that wouldn’t really change anything. “How’s Miss Sadler?” he asked finally.

  He was rewarded with a smile. “She’s doing well,” Alexis answered. “But Dr. Patel wants to keep her in for a little while longer, just to be sure.”

  “And you?” Marc asked gently. He saw the circles under her eyes. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m fine.” Her chest rose as she drew a deep breath. “One irate chef, a few unexpected phone calls, and a visit from Cyril.” She held up the envelope. “I would have come anyway, but this gave me an excuse.”

  “You didn’t need one.” He could cross the room, he could sweep her into his arms….

  “Probably not.” She laid the envelope on a nearby table, her fingertip pushing it into exact alignment with the edge. “I hope you’ll still use the small boardroom for your meetings.” She lifted her eyes to his face again. Did he see a hint of anxiety? Did it mean that she wanted to see him again?

  “If it’s not a problem…?”

  “Not at all. I’ve asked Cyril to ensure you have everything you need.”

  Marc nodded, disappointed. The two of them might as well have been on stage, their physical restraint and polite conversation spoke volumes about their unsettled emotions, about the pressures pulling them apart. But he was overwhelmingly relieved that she was here, and that his connection to The Sadler remained. “I’ll look in on your grandmother when I’m here next week.”

  “She’d like that.” Alex checked her watch. “I’m afraid I have to go. I have a meeting with the senior staff.”

  Her voice wavered as she spoke.

  It did him in.

  He did what he swore he wouldn’t do. He crossed the room and drew her into the shelter of his embrace. For an instant she stood stiffly, then sighed and relaxed into him. He pressed his lips against the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her. “If you ever need me,” he whispered roughly.

  At that she pulled back and he could see her shoulders square and knew her professional persona was sliding back into place. She stepped back another pace but when their eyes met, hers were glistening. She shook her head and held out her hand as if to stop him, then turned and left the suite.

  It was after five by the time Alex reached her grandmother’s side. There were even more flowers in the room, and Grannie was definitely looking better. Her hair had been arranged, a light touch of makeup brightened her face, and the hospital gown had been replaced by a silk bed jacket.

  “I see Helen’s sartorial genius at work,” Alex murmured kissing her cheek. “You look lovely. How has your day been?”

  “Aside from Helen’s visit, quite tedious. I want to go home, but the doctor insists I remain at least a couple more days.” Miss Sadler’s sharp eyes fixed on her granddaughter’s face. “Far more important, dear, how was your day?”

  “It wasn’t boring.” Alex laughed. She hated that the sound was a bit shaky. “I met with senior staff, graciously declined meetings with two of our competitors, welcomed a member of the Dutch royal family…all the usual!” She roved about the room, hiding her restlessness by fingering the latest floral arrangements, including one with a towering balloon. “Jamie?”

  Her grandmother chuckled. “Your brother is a rascal, but he did promise to come over for a visit before the snow flies…. The pale pink roses are from Marc.”

  “They’re lovel
y,” said Alex. She bent over to breathe in their heady scent, lightly brushing the petals of the tallest stem with her thumb. They felt silky soft. Alex swallowed. Marc had been so helpful yesterday. Coming to her side without a second thought. Staying with her until Grannie was settled. And then, spending the evening together, recapturing the easy intimacy they’d had the previous Saturday as they strolled along the darkened streets.

  Alex tried to hold back the tears.

  “I called the hotel a little while ago to thank him,” she heard her grandmother say quietly. “But I was told he’d checked out.”

  “Oh, Grannie,” sobbed Alex. She left the roses to go to her grandmother’s side, gently leaning over to slide into her outstretched arms. “I’ve made such a muddle of everything.”

  “That’s not possible,” cooed her grandmother. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you…now blow your nose and sit down beside me.”

  Alex reached for a tissue.

  “There now,” said her grandmother patting Alex’s knee. “Start at the beginning and explain to me why you’re so upset. And then you can tell me all the gossip.”

  Alex couldn’t help but smile. “Should I start with Cyril or Marc?

  “Your choice,” her grandmother snorted. “Just don’t leave out the juicy parts.” And before long, Alex found she had summed the situation up pretty well, including the incident in the mews that had left her so unsettled. “I like Marc, Grannie, I really do…it’s just that the timing is all wrong.”

  “Oh, Alex….” Her grandmother leaned back against the pillows. “If falling in love were dependent on good timing and convenience, no one would ever manage it. Including your grandfather and me.”

  “Marc’s taken a flat in Kensington. On the bright side he’s still wants to use the small boardroom as his production office.”