The Passion Series (6 page)

6 – Confrontation

“You had me followed?” Ryan spoke incredulously into the phone. “Christina, I would have thought that below even you. Publicity is one thing, but this is going too far. I don’t care what you or my agent think is good for my image.”

“Ryan,” she purred through the phone. “Let’s not be this way with each other. I know you care for me, darling.”

Darling!
“No, Christina. Stop this. I cannot allow you to continue this charade. We dated and that was hot news in the entertainment world. But marriage—even I don’t see how the journalists got that idea. It’s ludicrous.” Ryan was standing at his desk now, striding back and forth in front of the window, his cell phone pressed hard to his ear.

“It may be premature, Ryan darling, but not unexpected. I know we are right for each other. You can see that too. I know you do. Please don’t shout at me. You know how emotional I can get.” Her silky voice intended to soothe Ryan, but only made him angrier.

“Don’t call me darling! I’m not your darling. You are out of line, Christina. I don’t wish you ill, but we aren’t engaged. We won’t be getting married, now or any other time. I hope that’s clear enough for you.” He exhaled heavily. This woman was pushing the limits.

“Heather Ann Lawson, is that who you are sweet on? I can’t believe that, a painter. When you could have any actress you want, a woman other men would weep to have. You can’t possibly choose her over me, be serious.”

“Christina, you think you understand more than you do. I had hoped we’d end on good terms. I expect we will work on films together again. I can only hope we can be professional about that. But you’re wasting your money having me followed. And I’m especially chagrined that you violated Heather’s privacy when you had me followed to her apartment. It ends here, all of it. Tell me you understand that.” Ryan waited.

The seconds ticked by. There was only silence. Ryan looked at the phone and saw that the call had been ended.
There’s something to be said for desk phones, at least you can slam the thing down to hang up. Women!

Ryan took one last look at the text he’d received during his meeting: “Heather isn’t the woman for you.” Geez, Christina could be infuriating. Yet he wasn’t sure calling her had resolved anything.

7 – Pursuit

Ryan only wished his world would allow him to change. He was sick of pretenses. Christina was only a product of the industry they both worked in. Her vanity was her trademark. Most men wouldn’t care, but it wasn’t Ryan’s style.

He watched the Escalade pull up and he climbed in the back, not waiting for Daniel to open the door. He clutched a note in his hand that had been personally delivered to his office. He’d stalled opening it, still trying to cool off from his heated phone conversation.

“Hey, Ryan.”
Daniel turned to smile politely. “Where are we headed?”

“The studio—I have to meet with the director about casting the female lead for the new movie.” Ryan’s whole body was tense.

“Got something on your mind?” Daniel nodded toward Ryan, offering him a chance to spill his guts, which he often did with his long-time friend and chauffer.

“Women are exasperating,” Ryan blurted out. “You won’t believe this, but Christina was having me followed. I don’t believe it myself. It’s like she thinks she owns me, but I can’t imagine how she got that impression. We dated, that’s all.

“I ended it months ago. I guess Christina isn’t used to being dumped. She even got this outrageous idea that we’d be engaged. No, actually, that we
are
engaged.

“Funny how I could be engaged and not even know it. I read it in the tabloids, like everyone else. At the time, I shrugged it off. Rumors fly in Hollywood. But now I think she purposely leaked that to the reporters.

“She wants us to be engaged. I told her it’s just not going to happen, ever.” Ryan’s shoulders slumped with the weight of his troubles.

Christina was hot-tempered and emotional. She was known for it. Even directors hated to deal with her moods.

“It’s clear she’s out of line,” Daniel confirmed.

“Well, I’ve told her to leave me alone. We’re through. Imagine her nerve. She leaves me a text saying Heather isn’t right for me. How in the hell would she know?

“And that’s what is making me crazy. She doesn’t know. I thought she was going for publicity but I got the feeling when I just talked to her that it goes beyond that. She has her claws in me, or thinks she does, anyway.

“Join the club. I’m tired of the game, tired of doing what’s good for my reputation, my career. I’m my own man. Nobody owns me, but they sure try.”

Daniel could only shake his head.

8 – Goodbye

Ryan loved the view from his balcony. It was a great place to unwind, sitting for long periods, looking at the lush scenery. He’d plopped into his comfortable chair to take a few moments to recover, then remembered the note he’d slipped into his pocket.

He tore it open, quickly digesting the message. She may as well have ripped his heart out and stomped on it. He couldn’t accept the idea that he couldn’t be with Heather. He didn’t care about his so-called “image.” Heather meant more to him than the façade he was sometimes forced to live.

He didn’t doubt for a second that she meant what she wrote. He knew he hadn’t gained her confidence yet. Looking from her point of view, he really couldn’t blame her. She hadn’t asked to be pulled into his world.

He couldn’t think of going on without her, not now. Things were different and she was a big part of that. Could he admit he loved her? He knew he had to have her, of that he was sure. He had no intention of hurting her, so he knew he’d have to handle things better than he had so far.

He’d do it, no matter what it took. A plan began to form in his mind. It could work—it
had
to work. He started making calls, setting things up. Money was no object. This had to be done right. If he could pull it off, he’d have a chance of winning her over.

***

Heather was at her office, not that Ryan would have any way of knowing where she was. She’d avoided Monica, not willing to recount to her gossipy manager how her meeting at Ryan’s house had gone.
Oh, why did things have to be so complicated?

Jenna sat pertly at her desk, typing something with vigor. She did everything with gusto, something Heather admired. Many days were brightened with Jenna’s vibrant energy.

Heather checked voicemail. Her cell phone had been ringing non-stop, so she’d turned it off. Now, hearing Ryan’s voice in the messages was ripping her heart out. This was hard enough. He didn’t seem to be acquiescing to her decision. She really couldn’t blame him. He wasn’t used to not getting what he wanted.

“Jenna, you delivered my note to Ryan’s office, right?” Heather stood and walked toward the front desk where her favorite secretary worked intently at the computer.

“Absolutely, I personally handed it to Patricia, his assistant. She gave me her assurance that he would get it as soon as he got out of his meeting. I stressed that it was vital for him to receive it immediately.” Jenna’s smile looked forced.

“Well, if he read it, he sure isn’t heeding my wishes.” Heather rubbed her neck. The pressure was getting to her. It had been hard enough to write the note in the first place, but he was going to make it impossibly hard if he kept calling. She’d never been able to refuse him in person. Clearly, she had a weak spot for him.

The truth was, she loved him madly. It hurt deeply to think she’d never be with him. But there was no reason to have false hope. Why pretend?
It’s never going to happen,
she told herself for the hundredth time. The aching sadness she felt made it clear her heart wasn’t co-operating.

The office phone rang loudly, jarring both of them. It rarely rang. Most clients used cell phone, texting, or email. Jenna looked at it as if it would bite her,
then looked at Heather. It had to be.

Heather picked it up hesitantly, her pulse racing. “Good afternoon, Heather speaking.” A more formal greeting didn’t occur to her. She was never the one to answer the main line.

“Heather, don’t hang up. I’m begging you,” Ryan said. “I got your note. I understand and I know you’re upset. Please, hear me out. We owe each other that, at least.”

Heather’s heart was leaping out of her chest at the sound of his voice. She didn’t have the will to hang up on him, even though that might have been the smart thing to do.

“Ryan, I’m so sorry it has to be this way,” she said, not sure if she voiced the words loud enough for him to hear.

“Let’s not talk over the phone, baby. I need to see you.” Ryan seemed firm. He was still holding the gold-embossed business card with Heather’s office number. He mentally voiced the words “thank you” in relief that Heather had picked up. He’d had no luck calling her cell number. She’d been successfully avoiding him.

“I can’t go to your home again, Ryan. I’m not that strong. I need you to see it my way, see what’s best.” Heather wasn’t even convincing herself. Just hearing his voice made her mood soar. It really was too late. She was in love and way over her head in this relationship.

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that. We’ll meet somewhere public, a restaurant, just so we can talk. It means everything to me. Please, Heather.”

“I guess we should talk it out. I apologize for just sending a note. I just couldn’t face you. It’s too hard. When I’m with you in person, well, I guess you know I’m not one to resist your charms.”

“You won’t be sorry, Heather. My driver will pick you up. Is 5:30 okay?”

“Okay, yes, that will be fine.” She felt fear, not of him, but of the emotion of seeing him again, alone, maybe for the last time. But her heart betrayed her—she really wanted to see him. In fact, she couldn’t wait. “Ryan?”

“Yes, Heather?” Ryan waited, holding his breath that she wouldn’t back out.

“Nothing, I’ll see you tonight, then.” She put down the phone, ending the call, and closed her eyes. When she opened them, Jenna was smiling at her.

9 – Surprises

Heather was so excited, she couldn’t race home fast enough. She’d have to calm down. This was just a discussion, after all. She wanted Ryan so badly. Yet she knew it wasn’t going to work. The torment was ripping her apart.

After several hours of trying on various dresses, Heather fell on her bed. “I have nothing to wear.” Her wardrobe failed her. None of it was right. It was too dressy, too casual, or too businesslike. Yes, she was stressing, not knowing what was appropriate. Realizing she was trying to compete with Christina wasn’t helpful.

Only moments later, she received a huge box by special delivery.
Very
special—a clerk from Neiman Marcus made the delivery in person. That was a first.

“Oh my,” she gasped, pulling out the gorgeous black satin dress, a Donna Karan strapless cocktail dress with sequins patterned across the bottom right and upper left. The short skirt had a center split, a style she’d seen recently. This had to have cost a fortune.
I’ll give it back after tonight,
she promised herself.

She ripped her clothes off, thrilled to try it on. Wow, she thought, looking in the mirror and turning to see from all sides.
So, this is what he has in mind.
One yank and the top of this dress would be down. Plus, the slit in the front said it all. Stunning, she thought.

The bead-strap, black, low-heel sandals were perfect with it. Rene
Caovilla. The crisscross straps over the top of each foot were made of pearls. Ryan must have talked to Jenna. Both the dress and the shoes were a perfect fit.

Black French panties, which were a splurge she bought after several successful paintings, completed the picture. She added a single strand of pearls as a finishing touch. She’d done her hair in a loose chignon. The results pleased her.

***

Meanwhile, Ryan was very busy, determined to make this evening work out as he hoped. Dressing was much quicker for him. The light black La
Strada suit would work with a white shirt and red silk tie. He was actually going to dress up for tonight.

After a couple more calls to finalize everything, Ryan went to the restaurant, wanting to arrive before Heather. So far, he couldn’t see what could go wrong. It would be a perfect evening.

10 – The Restaurant

The ride to West Hollywood was short and comfortable in the luxury limo. Now, standing in front of the restaurant, Heather felt her confidence fading. She didn’t have time to dwell on it. The door was graciously opened for her by a waiter, dressed in black and white. She entered the quiet lobby, noting the dark wood and warm colors of the well-known establishment.

The waiter escorted her toward the main dining room. Her eyes fell on Ryan, standing next to a table draped with white linen. The room was huge, yet she saw no other customers, only Ryan with a boyish gleam in his eye.

She took in his tall, lean form in the black jacket with satin trim. The contrast of the red vest and tie, with a white shirt underneath, was handsome. Her eyes went from his broad shoulders down to his narrow hips. The slender fit pants formed to his lean thighs. Heather felt a flood of heat deep inside.

Ryan helped her into her seat. He wondered if it was obvious how hard he was for her already. The way she was looking him over, maybe it was all too obvious. It was no secret how he felt about her.

Soft violin music played in the background, but Heather didn’t see any musicians. Maybe it was piped in, she thought. Red rose petals were strewn across the white linen on the table. Crystal glasses glimmered in the candlelight. It was all so romantic.

Heather hardly knew what to say. Ryan continued to appraise her, studying her feminine shape in the tight black dress. “You look beautiful.” His deep voice rang through the silent room and pierced to her heart. She was doomed, she knew.

A waiter approached, towel over his arm, wine bottle in hand. “The 2005
Nebro Ribera del Duero, sir.” He poured a small taste. Ryan swirled and then stuck his nose in the glass before sipping. “It’s excellent,” he replied, his eyes on Heather the whole time. The waiter poured some of the delicious red liquid for each of them.

Heather noted that no one else seemed to be arriving. This was a popular restaurant, after all. Ryan’s reply to her inquiry told her all she needed to know. “I’ve reserved the restaurant, just
for us, tonight.” His foot found hers under the table and rubbed her ankle affectionately, sending nerve pulses through her whole body.

She slipped off one of her small sandals, edging her foot up Ryan’s calf and along his thigh. He took in his breath, eyes blazing. Her foot found the hardness it sought. She curled her toes over it, rubbing gently. “Thank you,” she mouthed silently, a little shocked at her display. She couldn’t trust herself with Ryan. The passion he’d unleashed within her was lethal.

They were having one of the most romantic dinners Heather could imagine. And they were alone, which was always dangerous. She felt a bit weak, unable to take her eyes off Ryan. His thick, dark hair begged to be touched even though he’d combed it so perfectly.

And he’d worn a suit tonight. The suit was unreasonably sexier than if he stood before her half naked. It seemed to so discreetly cover his luscious body, yet only succeeded in outlining his muscled form. The urge to undress him was obsessing her.

Each course seemed to outdo the last. From the soft-shell crab, to the east coast scallops with wild mushrooms, the tastes were no less than sensual. They finished the first bottle of wine and a second was opened, her glass never empty. But food, as exotic as it was, eluded her focus. She watched Ryan eat with an appetite that served to excite her. Even in dining, he seemed to take charge. Whether choosing the wine or planning a gourmet experience to delight her, he was always in control.

His enjoyment of the wine and food paled to his enjoyment of sex. That she knew firsthand. The thought made her core tighten. Her lace panties were hopelessly wet and they weren’t even up to dessert yet.

Ryan watched Heather eat, her pouty mouth sexually stimulating him every time she sipped her wine or slipped a tasty morsel between her lips. Everything she did excited him. He watched her intently through the meal, wondering what was going on in her mind. Her expression gave nothing away. But when their eyes met, the simmering lust was undeniable.

“Your dessert, grilled fig-leaf
panna cotta.” The waiter placed the small china plates, laden with the tasty treat, in front of them and disappeared. That was the last she saw of him.

Ryan looked into Heather’s blazing green eyes. His swollen cock was already pressing against his pants. He wondered if he would be able to work his magic tonight.

“There is no other woman in my life, Heather.” His piercing eyes held hers and her heart fluttered. She thought to argue, but it didn’t seem to make sense anymore. The mood of the evening was the stuff of movies. He was an actor, a good one at that. A fleeting thought that he was fooling her crossed her mind but evaporated instantly.

She looked back and knew with her heart and soul that he was sincere. He had a certain boyish charm, combined with an utterly combustible sex appeal. She felt a weakness flow through her at the thought that he was truly hers.

“Tell me you know that, baby. Tell me you won’t allow thoughts of anything else. My life is nothing without you. I know that. You belong with me. Tell me you can see that. I need to hear you say that.” Ryan didn’t move a muscle.

Heather had no words to properly convey what she felt. She stood, her heart racing, her sex throbbing, and walked around to where he sat, so vulnerable at that moment. She took his hand in hers, feeling the electricity between them. She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. “I belong with you,” she whispered. One by one she took his fingers into her mouth, sucking them gently, never taking her gaze away from his awestruck face.

He reached over to run his hand over her sleek dress, admiring her, holding back to savor the moment. Restraint becoming more difficult by the second, he reached up under her dress and gripped her lacy panties. He yanked and they came down. He reached behind and gave a possessive pinch to her round ass.

He lifted her dress in the front, wanting to see her sex exposed. Heather felt flushed with him looking at her naked mound. He took his fill of the sight, in no hurry. Then he leaned in to kiss her over and over, her thighs, her outer lips, his hot tongue finding her tight clit. She sighed with pleasure.