“I’m not following you, love.”
That was because he was scrolling through his phone, barely paying any attention. It was a bad habit that drove her crazy.
“You and that damn mobile. Would you two like to be alone?”
Cheeks flushed, he set in on the bedside table next to hers. “Sorry. I was hoping Mum or Dad had sent an apology. Now what were you saying about a point?”
“Just that they kind of had a point. We do live very different lives.”
Max pointed the remote at the television. “It wouldn’t be near as much fun if we were just the same. I might as well date myself.”
What was it with men and gadgets? Now he was clicking through the channels.
“I simply meant that you’re world famous and I’m not. Although I can see how it affects your life, Hamlet, I truly cannot understand what it’s like to be you. The sacrifices you’ve had to make for your career. The loss of privacy, for example.”
Max shut off the television and turned to Carrie. “Have you ever sacrificed anything, love?”
“Well, of course I have.”
“Then you understand.”
Carrie pointed to the window. “Max, will you go stand by the window and look outside for me?”
Frowning, he did as she asked, peeking out the curtains. “It’s raining again. Is that what you wanted to know?”
“Nope. Please count the number of photographers camped out across the street with their lenses focused on your home.”
“Carrie–”
“Humor me.”
He sighed and let the curtain drop back into place. “Four. What is your point?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. Didn’t he know the point?
“Hamlet, there are four photographers across the street and their entire focus is to get pictures of you and your life. There were six earlier when we came home to change but two of them must have had to go home to their families or maybe get a bite to eat. The point is that there are a bunch of people on this planet that are extremely interested in where you dine, what kind of coffee you drink, and what you wear. So interested that they buy tabloids with photos of you with bedhead getting a pastry and a newspaper. That…right there…is the difference in you and me.”
His expression was somewhere between annoyed and defeated. “I never asked for this. They normally leave me alone but dating you has captured their interest.”
“I never said you did, but it’s a reality whether you wanted it or not. You wanted to act and you wanted to be successful at it. This is what happens when you are. I am also successful in my chosen profession.” Giggling, she reached for his hand to tug him back into bed. “Thankfully though, no one cares to know my personal details. No one gives a shit if I like vanilla lattes. That’s my point. I can see it happen to you but I can’t truly understand it because I don’t live it every day.”
“You’ve had cameras pointed at you on more than one occasion.”
She poked him in the ribs. “Because of you, not for anything I’ve done. If we weren’t a couple the only way I could get those paps’ attention was if I stripped off my clothes and ran screaming down the street, bare-ass naked and boobs flying everywhere.”
His smile grew and he leaned over to steal a kiss, his fingers insinuating themselves under her shirt. “Now that’s an image that warms a man’s heart.”
Blowing a raspberry, she wriggled in delight as his hand cupped her breast. “And somewhere in a more southerly direction too, I’ll bet. Are you going to just lie there or make me scream?”
“Scream.”
The chirping of one of their phones broke apart a kiss so hot it had singed her toes.
“Yours or mine?” Max asked as he lifted his head, a scowl on his handsome face.
She reached for both of them and wrinkled her nose. “Mine and it’s my sister-in-law.”
“You should take it then.” He growled and rolled off of her. “How about I go get us some wine?”
“Damn, you’re brilliant. That fancy boarding school education is paying off.”
Another growl and she was on the receiving end of an extremely nice view of his backside as he headed downstairs.
“Hi, Jeannie. What’s up? Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Just fine. In fact, things couldn’t be better. We’ve had some exciting news.”
“Are you having another baby? That’s awesome.”
Jeannie’s laughter was the only answer Carrie needed. “Heavens no. We’re done having kids. Two is plenty for me. No, this call is about Greg. He was made a full partner today at the firm. It’s so exciting and it’s what he’s worked and slaved for.”
Fingers tightening on the phone, Carrie stammered with shock. “Full partner? Wow, that’s amazing. Fantastic. Greg must be over the moon. You’re right, this is everything he’s ever wanted. Tell him congratulations, okay?”
“I will, definitely. The reason I’m calling is that we’re going to throw him a party on the twenty-third to celebrate. I know you’re over in London working and this is short notice and everything but I thought – what the heck – the worst thing you can say is no. We’d love it if you could come. We’d make it a surprise for Greg.”
A party. In Florida.
Apparently, Carrie had been so stunned by the invitation she hadn’t replied. Jeannie rushed in to fill the silence.
“Listen it’s okay if you have to say no. Like I said, this is really short notice and kind of unreasonable to ask you to fly twelve hours to spend an evening at a party and then fly another twelve hours back. I just had to call and ask you because, well, Greg is just so excited and happy. I know he’d want you to share this moment with him if it was possible.”
Time to get her mouth in working order.
“I’ll be there,” Carrie said, her throat tight with emotion. Suddenly she was swamped with homesickness. Everything was so much simpler outside of London. “Nothing could keep me away.”
“Oh, thank you so much, Carrie. Now remember, not a word to Greg. The party isn’t a surprise but you being there is.”
“I’ll remember. I’ll call you when I have the travel arrangement made. Thanks for calling me and give that brother of mine a hug.”
“Will do,” Jeannie laughed happily. It truly was fantastic news. “Thanks so much, Carrie. I can’t wait to see Greg’s face when he sees you.”
Carrie ended the call and placed the phone back on the table. Greg was a full partner now in the law firm. His entire career had been focused on this day. Mom and Dad would have been so proud of him. There was no way Carrie was missing that party. Her ankle would be much better by then and Max would be busy with the play. He’d be fine for a few days while she was home.
Home. It might be a good place to find some of the answers she’d been seeking.
* * *
From where Max was lying on the bed, he could see a sliver of the moon through the gap in the drapes. It was late, well past midnight, and he couldn’t sleep. His mind was too active to let his body rest.
Sliding his arm out from under Carrie, he levered up from the bed and reached for the boxers and t-shirt that had been discarded earlier during a bout of passion. After a glass of wine, they had both been pleasantly relaxed which had led to more pleasurable pursuits that didn’t require clothes. They’d carefully – mindful of her ankle – made love and fallen asleep in each other’s arms, Max as the big spoon and Carrie as the little one.
The sex between them only seemed to get better and even the cuddling afterward was better than he’d ever experienced. Everything was better with this woman, even a simple coffee and toast in the morning.
Padding downstairs on bare feet, he grabbed a juice from the refrigerator and sat down in the big leather chair near the front window. A peek out told him that the photographers had finally given up and gone home, but he knew from experience they’d be back. Now that he and Carrie had gone public they were following him around endlessly.
<
br /> They always came back no matter how hard Max tried to be boring and normal. Alana had loved the attention and had cultivated it by making sure her life was as exciting as possible. Or at least controversial. One was just as good as the other to her.
Carrie, on the other hand, didn’t care or need the paps following her around. Already she’d shown a poise and calmness regarding the attention that some people with years in the business didn’t have. If it all went away tomorrow it wouldn’t bother her a bit.
He’d watched her tonight at dinner with his parents as the wheels turned in her head. As smart as she was it wouldn’t be difficult to figure out the dynamic between Max and his parents. He loved his mother and father and was grateful to them for all the sacrifices they’d made on his behalf but he wasn’t an idiot. They loved his fame. Not as much as they loved him. No, not at all. But they were quite…enthusiastic about what was going on his life.
He was living their dream and he was able to in part because of all the things they’d done for him. They’d been his first role models and his biggest cheerleaders. Still it was a little embarrassing when they wouldn’t leave him alone about a party or a director. He was well aware that his success gave them more opportunities and they liked that a whole hell of a lot. If his career disappeared tomorrow they’d be sad and a little let down but they’d support him in any way that he needed.
After tonight though he could only imagine what Carrie was thinking. His parents had treated her terribly when in fact they were usually quite normal. Normal involved parents. Karen and Tim had an opinion about every subject under the sun. Why had he thought this would be any different?
It could cause a problem if the relationship with Carrie lasted past the end of the contract. Already he couldn’t imagine not having her in his life and in his bed. The barriers he’d erected to keep his emotions safe had been useless when she was around. If they became serious there would have to be apologies made by his mum and dad at the very least. She wasn’t like Alana who could be bought off with a few diamonds.
The contract. That was another issue.
A good thing because it gave Max time to ponder what he really wanted from Carrie. Friendship? A roll in the hay? A relationship? Forever? That last one struck fear into his heart. He’d tried that once and look how it had turned out. The divorce was just as much his fault as Alana’s. She’d cheated on him but he’d married her in the first place. He had lousy judgment when it came to women. He’d thought she’d loved him. She’d only loved what he could give her.
But the contract had its dark side as well. Because they were bound for a certain period of time, Max wasn’t concerned about Carrie bolting if he didn’t tell her she was pretty. He didn’t have to be on his best behavior, courting and wooing. There was no pretense, no putting his best foot forward. He was out there, warts and all. If he went too far or showed who he was a little too much…would she run when their time was up?
There was a chance he’d be ready for her to leave. Tired of having a woman around all the time and having to think about her needs and wants. He’d been selfish for many years now and in his profession it was not only allowed but encouraged.
Where it left them, Max had no idea. A big part of him wanted this to work. Carrie was a wonderful woman and he doubted he could do any better.
After years of playing make-believe, he mostly just wanted to believe that it could be real.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Max’s opening night was a triumph. He was amazing as Carrie had known he would be but more than that, the entire cast pulled together and made her believe that this world existed right in the here and now. Like everyone else, she stood and applauded, blinking back tears of happiness as the crowd went wild. It wasn’t even her accomplishment but the pride she felt for Max overwhelmed her, clogging her throat and making her chest hurt.
Damn, he’s utterly fantastic.
As he took another bow he caught her eye, giving her a smile that promised so much. Later. When the audience went home, the partying was done, and the champagne all gone, Carrie would be there for him. She wanted to be the one constant in his life, by his side whether it was a happy occasion or a sad one. Her loyalty didn’t hinge on his success or failure.
Nate and Paige had made it back from Los Angeles for the event and Carrie couldn’t help but notice how happy her friend looked. Radiant but tired, perhaps Paige was slightly jetlagged. Carrie couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with her friend even if it was only a few days. Nate had to get back on set by the end of the week.
The afterparty was a rowdy one. Lots of booze, lots of dancing, and lots of loud and boisterous people celebrating what was a triumphant opening night. Thankfully Max’s parents didn’t stay but she’d felt their gazes on her during the performance. Once again they weren’t openly nasty but they did look slightly annoyed as if they’d expected her to be dumped and gone by now.
The group found a corner that while not all that much quieter, at least was out of the main center of frivolity. At one point, the partiers were pouring beer on each other’s heads and that was something that Carrie didn’t want to happen to her.
Instead she sat next to Paige while on the opposite side of the table the actors – Amy, Mike, Max, Nate, and Tyler dissected the play scene by scene and line by line.
Paige’s gaze flickered over to Max who was huddled with the other men. “He looks happy.”
“He ought to,” Carrie laughed. “He’s the toast of London tonight.”
“I think it’s because of you. I saw the way he looked at you from the stage. He’s smitten and so are you. Admit it.”
Paige knew Carrie better than anyone on the planet so there was no reason to deny it.
“I…like him. A lot. I see now what you were saying about his kind heart.”
“He keeps it hidden.”
“Massive understatement,” Carrie giggled, reaching for one of the appetizers in the middle of the table. “But we’ve made real progress. I think he might even trust me.”
Paige gave her a smug smile. “The real question is do you trust him? Is he someone you could have a future with?”
The short answer was yes, but the long answer was much more complicated and involved.
“I’m taking things one day at a time. He wants to reevaluate at the end of the contract.”
It still stung a little.
Wrinkling her nose, Paige shook her head. “He’s not the type to throw caution to the wind and do something spontaneous.”
Carrie nodded to where Nate was sitting. “You cornered the market on spontaneity. Your handsome husband could be the poster child.”
“I love it,” Paige confessed, her gaze loving as she caught Nate’s eye. “But it can be exhausting never knowing what he’s going to do next. He’s full of surprises.”
“You love it.”
“I love him.”
Paige and Nate were made for each other. If anyone had a chance at happily ever after it was those two.
“When do you come back to London?” Carrie asked. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too and it should be soon. I think. I’ll have to check the schedule. After shooting’s finished Nate has some voiceover work that has to be done in LA but it should only last a week or so. Personally I’m ready to get back home.”
“Did I mention that I’m headed back to Florida later this month? Greg made partner and they’re throwing him a party. I’m the surprise.”
Paige lifted her drink so they could toast. “That’s awesome. Tell him congratulations from me. He must be thrilled.”
“I’m sure he is although I didn’t talk to him, just Jeannie. I can tell she’s proud of him.”
Nudging Carrie with her elbow, Paige glanced at Max. “You should always be proud of your man.”
“I am proud but I’m not sure I can classify Max as mine.”
“There are worse things he could be.”
Tyler signaled the waitress for anothe
r round and then turned to Paige and Carrie. “Our manners are terrible. We’ve been ignoring you beautiful ladies all evening.”
Max’s cheeks were red. “I apologize also. I think we got a little carried away with the play.”
Carrie waved it off. “It’s all good. You deserve to bask in the glory.”
Paige nodded in agreement. “Bask away. Just don’t forget to eat something to go with that alcohol. Trust me on this. Nate has a lovely story of me falling on my ass when I had too many hard ciders. It was humiliating.”
Nate gave his wife a look of pure worship. “You were adorable.”
Paige blew a small raspberry. “I was drunk but since you’re married to me I guess you have to say things like that. I’m being restrained tonight. No getting drunk, but I make no promises for the movie wrap party. I’m going to be so happy when you’re done making this film I’m definitely celebrating.”
Laughing, Nate brushed Paige’s temple with his lips. “I’ll be right there with you, love. I’m ready to be back in London.” He turned to Tyler. “When does shooting begin for your new movie? That has to be coming up soon.”
“We start filming in New York City right after Labor Day. I’m looking forward to this one. It’s a great script and the director is top notch.” Tyler grinned and waggled his brows at Carrie. “And if this one would just say the word I could get her a small part in the movie. I know the director hasn’t cast it yet and I’ve already told him about her.”
Heat rose in Carrie’s face and she inwardly groaned. Tyler wasn’t going to let this go and the last thing she needed was more people piling on and putting her under pressure. She knew what she wanted out of life and being an actress wasn’t it. It was a perfectly good profession and she had a great deal of respect for them as a whole – Alana not withstanding – but it wasn’t the career for her. Still Tyler thought he was helping so she couldn’t be mad.
“You can just un-tell him,” Carrie playfully shook her finger at him. “I am not doing the movie.”
“Really?” Max wore the strangest expression, those blue eyes almost silver. “A part, you say? I’m sure you’d be wonderful, love. Tyler has an eye for talent.”
Swinging On A Star Page 21
