Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1) (6 page)

Chapter 5

“How did it go with Mr. Famous?” Shantae leaned in over Felicity’s desk the next day at the Applaud! studio.

“So, so. He seems to be taking the entire project over. I felt like his assistant, not the show creator. And, like I had to even ask permission to schedule Margo for the interview. I thought she’d be a shoe in.”

“Really.” Shantae jutted her head in and out with her feigned cocky girl stance.

“Yeah, but he agreed to it. So I guess over the next week we’ll continue to compile a list of our targets and then start scheduling the interviews.”

“When do you think you’ll do the filming?”

“That’s not going to be until Max gets back from Australia, per contract terms. Which is fine.”

“What about your car?”

“I’ve got it all covered. I used my advance to get it repaired.”

“Whatever you say, boss woman. You know you can call me if you get in a pinch.”

“Okay, we have a busy set tonight, so let’s get to it.”

Just back from his trip to Australia, Max nursed a scotch while waiting to meet Doug at The Pit Stop in the full throes of its Thursday night happy hour. The bar had five people deep around it all vying for the bartender’s attention for a happy hour drink. Max grabbed a booth as far away from the crowd as possible and rubbed his temples trying to abate the threatening headache. He struggled to clear his mind.

Should he get into it again with his friend about his personal feelings for Felicity?

Deep in thought, Max’s buddy jolted him out of his thoughts when he’d arrived and slapped his shoulder. “Hey, Max. You look great even after flying in on a red eye.” Doug took a seat across him in the wooden booth.

“Thanks.” Max sipped his scotch and realized he was hungry. “Hope you’ve got your appetite up. I could eat a horse.”

“I could eat.” Doug flagged a server and ordered a beer, then perused the menu.

“I’d like to sink my teeth in a Pit burger.”
Or two
.

“Sounds good to me.” Doug put the menu aside.

“I’ve been in contact with Felicity via email on show preparations. How do you think things are going with
Executive Women?”

Doug smiled, apparently pleased. “You really picked a winner. Felicity has a knack for this business, man. She’s taken the bull by the horns and you’ll be pleased. We’ve pre-shot a few scenes—subject to your approval, of course—but in your absence the girl has gotten through the entire list of candidates, interviewed them, and lined them up for tentative shoot dates.”

Felicity had been in contact via email, and they’d had daily video chats since he’d been gone. Initially Max was pleased with Felicity’s performance while he was gone. Yet her initiative
irked
Max as well. Felicity checked all decisions with both Max and Doug, so she didn’t break rank. But it
irked
him because he didn’t want to just be a show figurehead. And he hated to be away right at the beginning.

“I’m thrilled. She’s kept me informed and we’ve discussed every step. Still, I’m anxious to get back into the swing of things.”

The server returned to ask for their orders. They both ordered Pit burgers with the works with another round of drinks with the meal.

“How long are you in town?”

“For a while. We’re shooting
The Queen’s Captive
in LA for the next several months. I’m doing a feature film for a friend in New York, but it’s only for a couple of weeks and then I’ll be back.”

“What about
Executive Women’s
film schedule?”

“I plan to help Felicity get things going with the TV shot interviews for all of the candidates and then location shots.” Max shook his head. “But I guess I’ll have to let go of the reins a bit. It’s hard, since I’d thought I wanted to get more involved with television production. In fairness, this project is her baby.”

“Having worked with Felicity during the past month, I see she’s very capable. Besides, we have several people around to help. I’d been uncertain about her at first, but that girl will stay to all hours of the night to get things done.”

“I’m glad.”

“So, did you ever have a date with her?”

“The one
date,
if you can call it that, was just the night we went out to celebrate the signing of the contract. And I don’t think there’s a connection.” Okay, so he denied it.
But, it beat admission.

“Really?”

“I don’t think it’s appropriate anyway. We need to focus on getting the show off the ground. Plus, she’s recently broken up with a live-in boyfriend. So I’m sure she’s on the rebound.” In truth, Max couldn’t get Felicity off his mind. Every time he’d seen her on the damned video chat he fantasized about what it’d be like to taste her full lips and feel her petite body against his.

“I thought you were smitten with her. Good ol’ fickle Max, huh?”

“I think it rather odd you would want to encourage it, especially given our working relationship and the show—”

“You’re an investor. The whole thing about the director title we gave you was just in case things
didn’t
work out. You’re free to do what you want. So is she. I don’t stick to any strict regimen.”

“So you mean you never intended for me to run things?” Max could feel his anger rise.

“Hey don’t get your shorts twisted. Aren’t you tied up with Jack Forth and your playhouse?”

The server approached the table and placed their meals down and a round of drinks. Max took in the smell of sirloin and onions, yet he could feel his appetite evaporate and pushed his plate away.

Doug continued. “Buddy, I didn’t think you were really interested in television. But, I had to cover the bases. It’s not necessary for you to get involved with the mundane details.”

“During the contract negotiations you made it seem like I
had
to be involved. This puts me in an awkward position. And, frankly, you’re pissing me off.”

Digging into his burger with zest, Doug seemed unaffected. “Felicity is good at her work. I don’t think she needs a whole heck of a lot of supervision.”

Maybe the guy was right. Max had his movie commitments to consider. His primary source of income. And the playhouse. Why would he want to take away Felicity’s dream? It
was
her concept. Or did he use this involvement with the show as an excuse to get closer to her? Nah, he couldn’t allow it. He absolutely couldn’t afford to get emotionally involved with this girl.

The smell of the Pit burger re-ignited his hunger and he felt his stomach growl despite his wounded pride. He pulled the plate back toward him and dug in. Once his taste buds got a hold of the juicy meat, he heartily ate. Maybe the plump burger and crisp onions and peppers would cure his otherwise sour mood.

“I’m sure you’ll continue to be involved with the show. You’ve had a lot of input to date.” Doug munched on a few fries and sipped his beer. “And if you two hit it off, maybe a little real-life drama with employees would be good for the show.”

“Ha, very funny. For the show, huh?” Max realized Doug had his best interests at heart. “I have thought of Felicity a lot. But our constant communication was strictly professional.” Max drank half his scotch, washing down his now finished sandwich. He didn’t know why the hell he’d confessed this stuff to Doug. He must sound like a grade-one idiot. “I didn’t know what to think about her. Maybe I’ll ask her out. On a real date. See how it goes.”

“You’re going to be doing that guest shoot with Melania and the playhouse in the next week. I’m sure that’ll be interesting, especially with the recent tabloids. Maybe you could have a Friday night wrap-up celebration with Felicity when it’s done. Make it simple.” Doug clicked his glass against Max’s and downed the rest of his beer.

But Max’s ambivalence about Felicity drove him nuts. Maybe it was just a pipe dream thinking he would be ready for the right woman. If ever there’d be a right woman for him, it would have to be someone like Felicity Burgess. A self-possessed, self-driven, independent, and beautiful lady to boot. Yet could he handle a woman who didn’t need him?

The confusing possibilities brought on the edges of his headache again. It’d be easier for Max to play the role of the confirmed bachelor the rags had the world believing.

After all these years, he still blamed his father for his commitment problems. As much as he’d like to be married one day he didn’t believe he’d be husband material. And Felicity deserved a guy who’d make a good one. Deep down he doubted he could ever be that guy. So why start something he couldn’t finish?

Yet could he risk letting a possible opportunity like what Felicity Burgess presented slip through his fingers?

Felicity had skipped a few dinners with Margo since juggling her two jobs. Tonight they met at their usual spot, The Ivy. Felicity was anxious about Max’s return to
Sharpen
the next day and the upcoming week’s filming with him as the star.

“It’s been a full month since I’ve seen Max. I’m both nervous and excited.” Felicity’s heart rate increased just thinking of his glossy good looks.

“It’s been that long?” Margo asked.

“Yeah, he’s been abroad on a shoot. And you won’t believe who’s going to be on next week’s episode with him.”

“Who?” Margo leaned in ever eager for some gossip.

“Melania Hernandez.”

“Oh.” Margo’s mouth dropped. For once, she seemed lost for words.

“At first, Max and Doug wanted to have Max around for all shoots. But, after he left, I had to conduct the on-screen interviews with our targeted guests. Doug reviewed the plans, had one of his execs supervise, but I got them all done. Now we’re ready for our first shoots. Yours will be up the week after.”

“I’m flattered you asked me. It sure will be good for Madeline’s business.” Margo swirled her wine and seemed lost in thought. “So this shoot with Max is about the playhouse, right?”

Felicity nodded.

“What does it have to do with women executives?” Margo persisted.

“Well, the idea is it will attract high ratings having our producer and movie star appear as one of our first guests. Besides, Melania’s has a special story, a rags-to-riches sort.”

“Well, I suppose there will be plenty of drama, if there’s any merit to the rumors about him and Melania.”

Felicity shrugged and sipped her white wine. “Rumors are not based on fact. Besides, after our little dinner and the whole business arrangement with him being the boss and all, I think I’ve put any potential feelings for him to rest.”

“What? You’re kidding me! You’ve been harboring feelings for this guy for how long now? And you’re okay watching him romance some model?”

“It’s not like that between them.”
At least she didn’t think so.
“But the camera will tell. It always does. That’s reality.”

“I suppose so. Still, it seems like you might be playing with fire having Melania on the show. Couldn’t you’ve picked one of his other students?”

“Yes, but the fact remains the tabloids are focused on Melania. Especially since she’s a Miss Universe contender. I’m giving the viewers what they’re interested in. If the scene unfolds with a romantic interlude, the viewers will know the true deal. Either way, it will be good for ratings. Yet . . .” Tears welled in Felicity’s eyes betraying her true thoughts as she cast her glance.

“So it
does
bother you.”

Felicity snapped back, willing the impending tears away. “Stop trying to read my mind! But, I still think he’s interested in me.”
Sort of.
“I mean, I think it’s good I left him at the dinner table that night. Let ‘em wonder. I can totally tell by the nervous way he acts around me that there’s something there. I’m different than most girls he meets or dates. Besides, it’s not like we could have gotten together with him in Australia. Even on video chat, though, the way watches me with a certain hunger. It can’t be my imagination.”

“Tell me more.” Margo leaned in obviously anxious for some juicy details.

“He beats around the bush. He delays things to have more time on our calls. I mean, it was only a simple confirmation call and he went on and on about how he’d felt badly about our dinner.”

“Just keep your cool and collected self on the set. Be all business and see what he does.”

“I totally intend to.” Except Felicity knew she’d be a bundle of nerves. Having managed reality stars acting abilities for so long one would think she’d be able to manage her own. So not the case.

Chapter 6

Felicity bustled about the
Applaud!
Studio all morning to get things in order for the day’s shoot before she was due to meet Max at Sharpen.

After lunch, Shantae stopped in her office and put a white deli bag from D’Ambrosi’s, Felicity’s favorite deli, on Felicity’s desk. “Here you go, girl. I knew you wouldn’t get yourself something to eat. So I picked up something for you.”

Felicity opened the bag, inhaling the enticing aroma of turkey pastrami and fresh-baked bread. “How sweet of you. Mmm, sure smells good. I’m entirely too busy to eat.” She pushed the bag aside. “Are we all set for tonight’s episode?”

“I told you we have it under control, girl.” Shantae sat opposite Felicity sipping a drink. She placed a cold drink in front of Felicity. “It’s Diet Coke. Come on. We can discuss the details while you eat. You need your strength for Mr. Famous.”

Felicity glanced at her wristwatch. It was already two o’clock and she had to get to Sharpen by three. Her stomach grumbled. She’d only had a latte for breakfast. “Okay, you win.” She pulled the sandwich out of bag and took a big bite.

The Russian dressing dribbled down the side of her face. The messy sandwich with its crunchy slaw and delectable salty meat satisfied her. Felicity allowed her mind to drift to thoughts of seeing Max and she felt giddy with the prospect as Shantae filled her in on the details of the shoot that evening for
Teen View.
By the time she’d finished eating and catching up with Shantae, Felicity needed to fly out of the studio.

Felicity rode the elevator to the twenty-fourth floor of the Sharpen offices. Her heart jittery, she checked her appearance in the mirrored walls of the empty elevator car. She powdered her face and re-applied her signature Champagne pink lipstick. She’d worn her pinstripe gray suit with the crisp white collared shirt to put her best professional foot forward with Max. She’d be damned if she’d let him catch sight of her giving him goo-goo eyes.

She spotted him waiting in the conference room in all of his gorgeous glory. His ink black hair swirled into a single perfect wave. He wore a double-breasted navy suit with a red tie and stood to greet her, smile ablaze. His handshake rocked warmth to her core.

How can I keep this professional?

Felicity noted he had his laptop out and the scheduling sheets. She took a seat beside him. “I see you’re reviewing the shooting schedule.”

“Yes. First, I have to say, good job while I was gone. Doug tells me you have everything on the ball.”

“We try—”

“And pre-filming done on the cast of characters as well.”

“Yes, er . . .” She’d detected a note of disturbance in his tone. “All except for Margo. But, we can do it any time.”

“I understand you have Margo’s shoot scheduled for next week.” He pointed the date and time out on the scheduling sheet.

“Yes. Since she’s my friend, I thought to schedule it right away. We can always cut and dice later.”

“The thing
is
we are under contractual terms. We were supposed to wait until I got back.”

Her blood boiled.
Why is he being such a dick?
“I’ve had this all cleared by you
and
Doug. I don’t see what the problem is. We had all the candidates picked, as we initially agreed. Then I performed the interviews, they went smoothly and quickly. What else should I have done?”

“You could have scheduled Margo’s part
after
I’d returned.” Max shoved the schedules toward her.

“Sorry, what’s the difference? You’ll be around.”

Max glanced down and seemed to contemplate this for a moment. “I suppose.”

“I feel like we got off on the wrong foot here, Max. I don’t want you to think I overstepped my boundaries.”

Max referred back to the scheduling. “And what’s this about the American Playhouse? Why, exactly, are we featuring it? I don’t see what it has to do with our concept of
Women Executive in Action
.”

“Since you are the executive producer/director of the playhouse, we thought—”

“
We
. Who exactly are the we?”

“Us. You, me, Doug. I thought I had your buy-in from our video chat.”

“I’m sorry.” Max sat back and rubbed his temples. “I’m still jet lagged. I arrived in LA Thursday morning, but it was Thursday late day on Australian time and I haven’t slept right yet.” He shook his head. “I don’t think the concept is consistent with our overall theme. We should forget the shoot with Melania.”

So maybe the tabloids were right about Max and Melania and he doesn’t want to come forward with the truth.
“I beg to differ. It ties into our theme, perfectly. We want to focus primarily on women in business but also on the up-and-comers. This Melania Hernandez has the press’s eye. She’s perfect for our show.”

“I don’t think I want to have my acting students exposed on the reality show.”

“What do mean? Exposure is Melania’s last name. She wants this. I wouldn’t have pursued this if she wasn’t agreeable. Besides, it will bode well for her Miss Universe beauty pageant campaign.”

“She never ceases to amaze me.” Max hunched his shoulders. “I guess it’s okay. I prefer you check in with me before you set things up on future shoots. We need to be on the same page.”

Felicity detected Max’s disappointment as he’d given in on their point of dispute, however she couldn’t help but think that he’d looked hot. “How’s the movie going?”

“We’ll be filming
The Queen’s Confession
in LA for the next couple of months. I’ll also be doing the feature film with Charlotte Winters.”

It suddenly dawned on Felicity even though Max mentioned her name previously. She thought the name sounded familiar.
Charlotte Winters—the restaurant tycoon. She totally needs to be on Executive Women.
“Why don’t you talk with her about our show while you’re there? It might be a good idea for us to film at the same time as her feature.”

“I don’t think it’d be such a great idea at this time. She’s very busy with her restaurant chain expansion. She’s coordinating with many other restaurant owners for the Restaurant Week feature. But I’ll find a way to bring up the subject while I’m there.”

Felicity felt the stab of disappointment. She’d had free rein with
Teen View.
Not so much with
Executive Women. C’est la vie with the Sharpen network.
“Okay then. How about the interview videos, then? Shall we review them and decide on edits?”

Max raised his eyebrow as though he’d been perturbed it was her idea to review the videos.

God!
If she’d known he’d be this difficult to work with maybe she wouldn’t have signed the Sharpen contract. Then again, who was she kidding? She’d sign it no matter what.

Maybe Max was just beat-tired from his trip as evident by his beard stubble and puffy eye bags.

Max shrugged. “Sure. Let’s go into the projection room.”

He led the way down the hall to the auditorium where the production crew viewed and edited the takes before release for television. Felicity tripped over a large cord, which ran across the inside of the vast metal doors. Max caught her arm and prevented her fall. A rush of heat flew to her heart for a tiny moment at his touch but she regained her composure.

For the remainder of the day they worked on several edits, some of which they disagreed on but Felicity tacitly gave in to Max’s wishes. They cut things off at six and agreed to reconvene Monday. Overall Felicity ended the session feeling better about working with Max.

But so much for thinking he had any personal interest in me. Not the case.

She would have to chalk it up as a lost proposition
.

Max left the offices of Sharpen Friday dog-tired and somewhat dejected. He’d thought he could have more of an input on
Executive Women
but frankly Felicity had it so much on the ball and in reality he hadn’t much to contribute. He had his driver take him to his mansion. Too tired to drive himself.

Max instructed his housekeeper and cook to leave him undisturbed. He pressed the remote control that drew the blinds in his oversized bedroom and lay in his king-sized four-poster bed intending to get a good long sleep-in. However, he tossed and turned with rambling thoughts of Felicity. Felicity in her tightly fit business suit. Felicity adamantly pursuing every point about the show. Felicity smiling, her brown hazel eyes sparkling on her pixie-like face every time she scored an argument in her favor.

The damned woman would be his undoing.

Max woke the next day after three in the afternoon. He’d missed ten calls on his personal cell from Melania. He returned her call and against his better judgment, he gave in to her insistence and agreed to attend a party with her.

He knew showing up with Melania to the party would bode well for her beauty pageant campaign. He didn’t really feel up to it. But he wanted to help her out any way he could.

When would he start thinking of his own needs?

This plastic world of glam dissatisfied and left him feeling empty. Yet he was hopelessly stuck in it with no possible way out.

Felicity got Melania out of makeup and wardrobe in the studio. It was Tuesday, the date for the big shoot, the one with Max. Melania looked beautiful in her DonnaKaran black dress, Tiffany diamonds, and Prada stilettos. Felicia had to admit that Melania appeared to be the perfect physical match for Max. All five-feet-ten of her.

Still, Felicity couldn’t stop fantasizing about Max.

Yet maybe the rumors were true about Melania and Max seeing each other. Maybe it’d be for Felicity’s own good if she verified it. Then she’d force herself to bury her feelings for Max once and for all.

“Okay, shall we go over the scene one more time?” Felicity asked Melania.

“No, I got it. Max and I often go to The Crossroads for dinner. I’ll act as I always do. Easy.”

“Yes, but, er, you will need to put on a show. We need a little drama. Do whatever comes to mind. If something annoys you, flush it out in the conversation for the audience.”

“I know how to act.” Melania raised her brow, her hand on hip and her Spanish accent thick.

Sassy, this one was.
Actors and models usually had huge egos and it all went with the territory. Sometimes their attitudes were nearly unmanageable. Felicity knew she had to handle them with finesse. Make them feel like they were right, most times, and yield to their favor. Melania seemed to have learned the ropes quickly considering her short time in the States. She had a recognizable thirst to succeed going for her.

Felicity rubbed Melania’s arm. “Great. You’ll be natural, darling. We’re going to have you dine by candlelight, have a little wine. Relax and be yourself. You might suggest you’re upset about your travel commitments, contest campaign, and the conflicts with your acting school schedule. Threaten to go out clubbing and get wild. Tell him you’re young, need to be out dancing and laughing and not always working. He’s your good friend, after all.”

“I know what he is to me,” Melania snapped. “I don’t know what you’re so concerned about. We’ve already gone through this.”

“Gone through what?” Max asked as he walked in with his gorgeous self, Armani suit-armed, clean-shaven and smelling delicious.

OMG.

Felicity found it hard to control herself around Max despite the fact he’d been a grumpy boy the past couple of days. He undid her. “You’re here.” Felicity glanced at her watch. “And right on time. Great. Dressed perfect as well.”

“Nice to see you, Felicity.” Max nodded Felicity’s way and then took the Felicity’s hand and kissed it.

Charming but odd at the same time
. Felicity wondered if Max was trying to get Melania jealous with the unexpected hand-kissing.

Melania stomped her foot. “Come on. I’d like to get this over with, and, besides, I’m starved.”

Felicity ignored the brat and asked Max, “So, do we need to run through the scenario?”

“I don’t think so. It should be a cinch. Melania here will lead the way.” He put his arm around her. “She’ll show me how upset she is because she has such a difficult schedule. I’ll commiserate and offer to take her out for a night on the town.” He curled her chin up toward him.

An unexpected pang of envy hit Felicity.
Such a tease.

“Okay then, let’s get the show on the road. We’ll have the crew set up at the restaurant. There’s a car waiting outside to take you.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be driving. Care to join us?” Max asked.

“No, I—I have a few more things to tidy up. We’ll see you there.” Felicity wanted them gone so she could get her mind straight.

Why ever did she suggest this shoot? She was more confused about Max and the status of his relationship with Melania than ever.

Felicity had chosen
The Crossroads
for the shoot because it wasn’t normally crowded during lunchtime. It was known for its romantic ambiance and a favorite dinner spot in Hollywood. However, with news of the shoot and Max’s appearance, there was a crowd assembled outside and police control. Felicity pushed through the crowd, showed her studio ID, and gained entrance through the front door.

She gazed at the exposed brick walls of the restaurant’s interior and the white oak hardwood floors. Rainbows of light shot across the room from the low hanging chandeliers as she made her way to the rear dining room.

The reason she’d convinced Max to play in the scene was to get the fanfare and hopefully drive the show’s initial ratings through the roof. By the look of the crowd outside it appeared Felicity’s strategy with booking the scene with Melania and Max for the show had worked.

And Maxwell Marx thought he needed to micro-manage ME!

Felicity inspected her scene set-up and was pleased with the outcome. Max and Melania would dine at a table in the back with the proper lighting for evening hours. Several extras would sit at tables surrounding Melania and Max’s to give the appearance it was a busy weekend night.

The camera crew was set and ready to roll. Felicity knew she’d only have this one chance with the shoot and there’d be no opportunity for a retake. Although reality TV relied on unscripted scenes, she’d influenced Melania and Max as much as she could to get the desired result. Now it was up to them.