Chapter 7
Ryan gazed at the stars bathing the deep purple hues of the sky as they made their way to the Hyatt West Hollywood. Keir sat behind the wheel of the car, weaving in and out of traffic like a NASCAR driver headed for the finish line. As they sped along Sunset Boulevard, the fifteen-story hotel loomed on the horizon, large and foreboding. Ensconced in the passenger seat of the white Corvette, Ryan silently admired the efficient manner in which Keir handled the powerful car, while listening to Kenny G's mellow saxophone tune.
Keir took his eyes off the road and glanced Ryan's way. She knew what he saw. A woman nervously pleating the hem of her dress. He lifted a hand from the steering wheel, placed it on top of Ryan's hands, and squeezed reassuringly, effectively putting an end to her fidgeting. “Relax.”
“I can't.”
He returned his attention to the road before adding, “Yes, you can. It's only dinner with people you already know.”
“That's easy for you to say.”
“No. It's not. I don't like seeing you so upset. This is a celebration, and we're here to have fun.” He grinned, running an admiring eye over her. Ryan felt flattered by the appreciative gleam in his gaze. “Besides, you look too good to worry about what others may think. Mrs. Mitchell, it'll all work out.”
“Aren't you the optimist, Mr. Southhall.”
He bowed his head slightly. “Only where you're concerned.”
Gently smiling at her date, Ryan felt confident in her decision to attend the party, but uncomfortable with the whole idea of divulging their relationship, their brand-new relationship, to the employees of One Leaf Studio. At times the gossipers were brutal, and what they didn't know, they enjoyed making up. Ryan dreaded exposing her life to the public eye.
Keir brought the Corvette to a roaring halt at the valet booth, climbed out, and then tossed the keys to the uniformed attendant. A second employee opened Ryan's door and extended a helping hand. She accepted it, swung her legs from the bucket seat, rose, and stood at the hotel entrance as Keir strolled purposefully around the hood and stopped at her side. With easy grace, he slid his fingers between Ryan's and steered her through the sliding doors and into the Hyatt's lobby.
The urge to run like a scared rabbit filled her.
Come on, girl. You made your choice. Now live with it
.
Ryan's fingers fluttered around the gold clasp of her evening bag, betraying her nervousness. She found it impossible to let go of the idea that attending this party as Keir's date amounted to professional suicide. More concerned about her career than she'd ever been in her life, Ryan ignored her fears and walked purposefully at Keir's side.
From this point forward, their lives would be intertwined. Everything would change. Ryan acknowledged her job was secure. But, what she currently worried over was the way her friend's and colleague's attitudes might change. After all, Keir owned and ran One Leaf Studio.
Interaction with her colleagues was bound to change and Ryan didn't want that. Plus, she didn't want to create a reputation of sleeping around. She liked her quiet, unassuming image and blending into the woodwork made it easier for her to do her job.
They crossed the vast, elaborate reception area and stepped into the waiting elevator. Keir punched the button for the Sunset Ballroom before leaning against the opposite wall.
For the second time she felt his admiring green gaze slide over her small frame like a light caress of his fingers, causing her to grow warm all over. Dressed in a scarlet spaghetti strapped dress with a tightly fitted bodice, the garment flared into a full short skirt and stopped mid-thigh. A matching red handbag swung from her shoulder on a long gold chain and red sandals covered her feet.
“You look gorgeous,” Keir whispered, leaning close and planting a soft kiss next to her ear. His compliment sparked a gentle fire inside her.
Warmed by Keir's words, she answered, “Thank you.”
Ryan turned her attention to the man next to her, examining him from head-to-toe. He looked magnificent. Dressed in black silk trousers with a matching leather jacket and hand crafted black leather loafers, a pale gray crew neck sweater peeked from the folds of the jacket. Keir oozed power and success. He represented the ultimate successful Hollywood director/producer.
Leaning closer, Keir stroked a finger along her bare arm, drawing delicate circles on her soft skin. “Take my advice, go with the flow and everything will be fine. Remember, you're with me. And I run this show.”
Right
. Ryan thought.
It's not your reputation going down the drain. It's mine
. She offered Keir a less than convincing smile. Laughing at her expression, he took her into his arms and held her close. The warmth of his body mixed with his unique scent soothed her riotous emotions. Rocking her to and fro, Keir nibbled on the side of her neck. “This is going to be fine. An hour from now you'll be wondering why you felt so apprehensive.”
Slowly Keir lowered his head. His lips brushed against hers as gentle as a whisper, creating delicious sensations. The warm, sweet kiss left her weak for more. Ryan returned his kiss, lingering, savoring every second.
The elevator bell chimed and a soft computer generated voice announced, “Sunset Ballroom.”
He lifted his head, whispering, “Well, Mrs. Mitchell, let's show them who you are.”
With a daring toss of her head, Ryan squared her shoulders, mustering all the courage at her disposal. “Absolutely, Mr. Southhall.” Displaying more confidence than she actually felt, Ryan turned to the door, linking her fingers with his. The choice had already been made. She could do this.
The doors opened and they stepped off the elevator to music, people, and the appetizing aroma of food. Several curious gazes turned their way. With a hand at the small of her back, Keir guided her into the buzz of the ballroom.
Awed, Ryan studied the beautiful room. Submerged in a mellow evening light, ceiling-to-floor windows offered a panoramic view of Sunset Boulevard, submerging it in a gentle evening light. A disc jockey manned his station near the dance floor, providing light, generic elevator music that wafted through the air. Black cushioned chairs surrounded tables decorated with gold metallic tablecloths and napkins. Couples milled around the room, parading their evening finery with plates of food and tall mixed drinks. Ryan spied a set of glass double doors leading onto an outdoor patio. Beyond the doors she noted multi-colored deck chairs where additional studio people sat.
Gently tugging on her hand, Keir led her further into the room. She glued a friendly, confident smile on her face and preceded Keir, stopping here and there to chat with her co-workers as they made their way through the maze of tables. Although there were a few raised eyebrows and curious stares, Ryan didn't encounter a snide remark or any unpleasantness.
Phil Bergen rose from the head table and waved a hand in the air. Nodding, Keir steered her in a different direction. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “We're supposed to be with the hot shots. Personally, I'd like to find a place where we can be alone.”
For a beat she examined his handsome earnest face and then revealed what she felt in her heart, “So would I.”
They strolled to the table where Phil sat beside his 20-something trophy wife.
The happy greetings and friendly gestures boasted Ryan's fragile confidence. Everyone seemed so friendly. It looked as if she'd worried herself into a frenzy for nothing. Keir was right. Nobody cared about her personal life.
Facing Keir, she gave him a big “you were right” grin.
Maybe she had overreacted. Or her ideas regarding the entertainment industry were greatly exaggerated. All her fears had been in vain. Hopefully, she could continue to work with these people without changing the status quo of her existence at the studio. Phil stuck out his hand. “Hey, my man. I thought you decided to skip your own party.”
“Nah. I can't have that.” Keir turned to Ryan. “I think you know some of these people. Let me introduce you to their better halves,” he joked, pointing a finger at different couples as he introduced the administrative team of One Leaf Studio and their spouses. Finally he turned to one additional member of the team. Her insides were twisted into a mass of clenched stomach muscles as she turned to her boss.
Relief washed over the knots and untangled them. Glo sat smiling at Ryan and Keir. There wasn't a hint of anger in her expression.
Keir knew what he was talking about. Ryan had nothing to fear. Happy to have this drama finished, she took the seat he offered and settled down for an enjoyable evening.
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The guests at the table chatted pleasantly while drinks and dinner were distributed. Ryan enjoyed the sparkling wine and the excellently prepared Steak Diane.
Deep in conversation with Phil, Keir caressed Ryan's hand under the table. Once she finished her meal, she leaned close to Keir's ear and whispered, “I'll be right back.”
He nodded and rose as she left the table and headed for the ladies room. As she stood at the mirror reapplying her lip gloss, the bathroom door opened and closed. She turned toward the entrance as the sound of sharp, clipped heels hitting the tile floor grew louder.
Glo appeared around the bend.
“Hi.” Ryan waved at her boss.
“Mm,” was Glo's response. “So how long have you been seeing Keir?” Glo's tone surprised Ryan. The happy expression Glo had displayed for everyone at the table had been wiped away, replaced by a suspicious gleam of betrayal and hostility. Had it all been an act?
“Are you all right?”
Glo's blue eyes glittered with suppressed anger. “No. I'm not.”
“Please, I'd like to clear the air and tell you how things happened between Keir and me.” Ryan fumbled with the clasp on her evening bag.
Glo braced her hip against the sink and folded her arms across her chest. “Would you now? And why is that?”
Ryan bit her lip, choosing her words carefully. “Glo, I don't want my relationship with Keir to interfere with us. We have to work together.”
“You should have thought of that before you went out with our boss. Interesting. Now you're concerned about how we'll work together. All you have to do is tattle to your new boyfriend. I'm sure he'll take care of any problems with me.”
“You know me. That's not my way. I wouldn't do that.”
“Actually, I don't know you at all. I warned you about getting involved with Keir. Yet you did exactly that. You lied to me. What happened to âI'm not involved with anyone'?”
“No. It wasn't like that. Trust meâ”
“Trust you? I don't think so.”
“I didn't plan to get involved with Keir. It sort of happened. And I promise, I won't allow my relationship with him to come between me and my work.”
“Please. Either you're very naïve or the best con artist in the state. Of course, things will be different. You're sleeping with the boss.”
Not yet
, Ryan thought, but kept that comment to herself.
Ryan reached out to touch Glo's arm. Her hand halted when Glo pierced her with her hard blue gaze. “I understand that you're angry. But, you and I have to work together. We share an office and have to do some assignments together. We have to work in harmony.”
“No. All I have to do is be in the same room with you for short periods of time. I don't have to do anything more. You have to do what I tell you.” Fuming, Glo ranted on. “I've got two things to say to you. If you're after my job, I'm not going down without a fight. I've got tricks that you know nothing about.”
“No. No. Of course not,” Ryan denied. “I love working for you.”
“Hmpf.”
“Look, Keir and I happened. I didn't plan this. If I'm honest, I liked things just the way they were. He's the one that pushed me into admitting that there's an attraction between us.”
“I don't care about any of that. Remember, from this point on, we do everything according to the book. No special treatment, coming in late, or leaving early.”
“I've never taken advantage of our situation. Why would I start now?”
“I don't care about anything you have to say. Do your job. That's all I expect from you. I won't bother you, and we'll be okay.”
Glo stormed out of the ladies' room.
Ryan started to call her back but stopped. Her hands shook as she dropped her lipstick back in her evening bag. Obviously, the situation wasn't going to be resolved tonight. With a little finesse and time, Glo would understand that Ryan didn't intend to make her feel like Boo-Boo the Fool, and hopefully, they would return to the pleasant camaraderie they had previously shared.
Chapter 8
At the conclusion of the evening, everyone filed out of the ballroom and onto elevators and spilled into the hotel lobby. Keir wrapped a warm arm around Ryan and guided her out the sliding doors into the evening air. Huddled under the Hyatt's awning, Keir, Ryan, and a number of their colleagues waited for their cars to be delivered by the valet attendants. The Corvette came to a roaring halt in front of the couple, and Ryan settled into the passenger's seat seconds before Keir pulled away from the curb and merged the 'Vette into traffic.
The crescent-shaped moon sat high, illuminating the sky. A whiff of cool air caressed Ryan's face as gently as an infant's touch as they sped through the night.
Earlier, they had agreed to stop at Keir's house for a drink and some quality time alone. As he maneuvered the car in and out of traffic, he reached across the transmission gear and linked his fingers with Ryan's. Keir brought her hand to his lips for a tender kiss. Ryan turned to him and smiled, feeling like the most precious person in the little world they'd created.
The landscape slid past, and Ryan's thoughts returned to the evening they'd shared. Tonight had been a roaring success. The decision to attend the party had strengthened the bonds between them. If she put aside the tense moments with Glo, everything else had run smoothly. After a moment of stunned surprise at the pairing, the staff and their guests had been welcoming and friendly. Beyond the initial murmurings, Ryan's coworkers really hadn't paid much attention to her or Keir.
Keir's thumb stroked back and forth across the back of her hand, stirring a gentle fire deep within her. Tonight was a night for change. Tonight was a time for new beginnings.
She felt strong and confident for the transition. At the same time, a tiny part of her felt like a traitor to her husband and his memory. In her heart, Ryan knew Galen would have wanted her to move on and enjoy and experience all that life had to offer.
Keir sped through the gated community, cruising through the subdivision until he stopped outside an attached five-car garage. He hit the remote and zoomed inside after the garage door rose to its highest point. Once he brought the car to a complete stop, Keir climbed out and ran around the hood of the car to help Ryan from the vehicle. She glanced around and then turned to him, with a mischievous grin on her face. “You like cars, don't you?”
Embarrassed, he looked away. “It's one of my hobbies.”
“Mm-hmm.” Ryan peeked inside a wine-colored four-door Hummer. “Jaguar, Hummer, and Corvette. Expensive hobby.”
“It can be. But I want what I want.” Shrugging, he took her arm and guided her toward the door connected to the house.
Ryan patted Keir's shoulder. “Of course, you do.”
“There's no reason why I shouldn't have it.” Keir turned the knob on the oak door and reached inside, switching on the lights. Ryan followed him into the house. She gasped.
The kitchen was gorgeous. The Food Network would love to tape their shows from this room. Ryan strolled around the kitchen, taking note of the top-of-the-line appliances, cooking sinks located next to the stove, furniture-style cabinetry, and wine storage.
“Boy! You must love to cook,” she teased.
“Actually, I do,” Keir answered, with a smug gleam in his eyes. “Wait until I prepare a meal for you. You'll be impressed and swept away by my culinary skills.”
“Really,” Ryan replied. “What about your other talents?”
“What do you mean?”
“Does you expertise run to other areas that will impress me?”
He nodded, and his voice turned soft and seductive. “Oh yeah. Only my very special friends get to experience those things firsthand.”
Taking a step closer to him, Ryan drew invisible circles on his chest. Keir's cologne, mixed with his unique scent, wafted under her nose, adding fuel to her flame of desire. “I hope you consider me one of your special friends.”
“Absolutely.” Keir pulled her into his warm embrace.
Softly moaning, Ryan muttered against his lips as she returned his kiss. “I like that.”
Slowly, his gaze slid downward. The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes gave her a jolt. Lightly fingering her bangs, his hand slid down her neck to her shoulders, gently caressing the tight muscles before softly settling loosely on her hip.
Keir pulled her against him. He radiated a vitality that drew her like a magnet. His unique scent swirled around her. Powerless to resist, she melted into his loose embrace, and he lifted her head and tasted her lips.
Reluctantly ending the kiss, Keir smiled down at Ryan and wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her against his side. Panting softly, he rested his forehead against hers. “Let me show you the rest of the house.” Dazed, Ryan slipped her hand inside his.
Good.
She needed a break to get her emotions under control. They strolled down a long marble hallway to the front of the house. A marble staircase led to the second floor. Keir led her away from the stairs and into a sunken great room. The room was completely empty. She turned to him, with a smirk on her lips. “Lived here long?”
He hugged her close and kissed her forehead. “Ha. Ha. Maybe you should be in front of the camera. Have you thought about a career change?”
Grinning, she did a saucy twist of her shoulders, gazing at him with a false expression of innocence in her eyes. “It's a possibility.”
Keir glanced around the empty room. “Seriously, I haven't got around to looking for furniture.” He tugged on her hand and headed down a second hallway. “I think you'll like this room better.”
He opened the door to a home entertainment center. “Come on in. This is the room I call home. I live and work in here.”
It was a beautiful spot. Ryan entered the room and sank into lush, thick carpeting. Pearl-colored walls and matching carpeting gave the impression of spacious elegance. A flat-screen plasma monitor was mounted on one wall. An encased fireplace was surrounded by a cream wall. Olive and cream leather furniture was strategically placed throughout the room for maximum viewing potential.
“Make yourself comfortable.” He waved a hand at the sofa. “I'm going to get a bottle of wine.”
Nodding, Ryan moved around the room, stroking the soft leather and admiring the simplicity of the setup before taking a seat on the sofa. She glanced around the room and shook her head, giggling softly. Her little house would fit in this one room. A tall glass-top sofa table loaded with framed photographs and a gold statue caught her eye, and she hurried over to take a look. Four handsome faces filled the first frame she picked up. Keir sat with his daughter on his knee. An attractive strawberry blonde, with an arm wrapped around a young boy, snuggled against Keir.
This must be his wife, Shannon, and his son, Adam
. It felt a wee bit eerie seeing Keir's wife's photo in his house.
No, ex-wife,
Ryan corrected silently.
She returned the frame to the table and glanced at the remaining photos. Separate shots of the kids stood proudly next to a group scene with him. His greatest professional achievements were also captured on film. There were pictures of Keir receiving his Oscar, as well as his college degree.
Minutes later, Keir reentered the room, with an open bottle of wine and two long-stemmed glasses. He filled each glass, handed one to Ryan, and then slipped into the spot next to her.
“This room is beautiful,” Ryan said as she sipped her wine. “It's the perfect setting for someone like you.”
Keir saluted Ryan with his glass, saying, “Here's to us and new beginnings.”
She touched his glass with hers and then said, before sipping the wine, “To new beginnings.”
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Once they finished their drinks, Keir plucked the glass from her hands and placed both glasses on the table in front of them. He took her face between his large hands and held it gently, gazing into her eyes. Ryan's eyes drifted shut with the first touch of his lips on hers. Keir's tongue parted her lips and tasted the sweet nectar of her mouth, sending a warm shiver coursing through her.
One kiss ended and another began. Their hands wandered, caressing and stroking exposed skin as they explored each other.
He pulled away. “Please stay the night.”
Ryan nodded.
Keir took her hand, leading her from the room and up the stairs to the second floor. At the landing, he guided her inside the first door. The huge bedroom ran the length of the house. A custom-made king-size bed decorated with a tan and chocolate comforter dominated the room.
Awed, she said, “It's beautiful.”
“Thanks. Come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Butterflies fluttered in Ryan's belly. She took a deep breath and strolled across the room to the bed and sat gingerly on the edge, watching Keir move around the room. He took his time, drawing the heavy drapes, dimming the lights before popping an Alex Bugnon compact disc into the player.
Keir strolled to where Ryan sat, leaned down, and kissed her. A spark of excitement surged through her at the prospect of making love. Gazing into his green eyes, Ryan smiled.
Keir's fingers lightly traced the curve of her neck, gently settling on her shoulders as the kiss went on and on. His nearness made her senses spin out of control and wiped away her fears and reservations about making love with him.
Ryan's busy hands were on a journey of their own. They slipped under Keir's sweater and caressed his hot skin, tracing the muscular curve of his shoulders and chest before finding his nipples. She rolled the hard pebbles between her fingers. He moaned softly into her mouth.
Carried away, she failed to notice Keir easing the spaghetti straps off her shoulders. Once this task was completed, he drew the bodice of her dress toward her waist, freeing her breasts. Keir urged her to her feet, and the red silk glided to the floor, pooling around her ankles. A red thong, thigh-high stockings, and high-heel sandals exposed her nakedness to his appreciative gaze. Her nipples puckered from the coolness.
“You are gorgeous,” he whispered, stroking his thumb back and forth across her delicate nipple. Keir lowered his head, and his warm breath fanned her breast as he flicked his tongue across the nub. Seconds later, he sucked strongly on the nub, sending a current of heat surging through her and settling between her legs.
Between moans of delight, Ryan muttered, “You're not playing fair.”
He lifted his head, gazing at her with confused green eyes. “What?”
“You still have on clothes.”
Her breast warm and moist from his tongue, Keir grinned at the picture she presented. “Sorry.” He slowly pulled his sweater over his head and tossed it on the floor. “How's that?”
Pleased, Ryan ran her hand over the broad, hard planes of his shoulders. “Better. But no cigar,” she whispered appreciatively while sketching an invisible line down his chest and halting at his belt. She undid his buckle and unzipped his trousers, pushing them away from his hips. The trousers bunched around his feet. Keir kicked off his shoes and stepped out of the garment, standing before her in a pair of chocolate shorts.
“I think we're even now,” he said.
Unable to resist, she ran a finger along the slit in the boxers, enjoying the way his flesh twitched, straining against the silk. “Much better.”
“I'm glad you approve.” He held her in his arms and covered her mouth possessively.
Gently easing her back onto the bed, he fondled one round globe, watching approvingly as the nipple hardened. Keir worked his fingers under the straps of her thong and pulled it down her body, tossing the scrap of fabric on the floor with the rest of their clothes.
Focusing on her mound, he separated the slit and began to stroke her sensitive nub. His finger rubbed against the swollen nub, moving back and forth. Unconsciously, she pushed against his finger, swaying to the rhythm of it.
“That's it,” Keir whispered into her ear. “Let it happen.”
The sensations grew stronger within Ryan as Keir moved faster, increasing the pressure. Her skin prickled with the heat of his touch. She never dreamed his hand would feel so warm and enticing.
Her breath came in short pants as she felt the first tug of her orgasm. Involuntary tremors followed. Within seconds her body throbbed out of control. “Keir!” she cried, arching against his hand. Wave after wave of ecstasy surged through her.
“That's what I want to see. You look so beautiful,” murmured Keir.
Sweetly drained, Ryan floated back to earth.
Limp as a dishrag, Ryan lay on the bed, trying to recover. Keir rid himself of his underwear, opened his nightstand drawer and removed a condom. He tore the packet open and quickly rolled the latex over his shaft before stretching out next to her. She felt the heat and length of his erection against her side. Curious, she slid her hand between their bodies and curled her fingers around him. Enjoying the sense of power it gave her, she began to stroke his pulsating, condom-covered flesh. Keir moaned.