Passion Unleashed (Masquerade Part I) (4 page)

That was going to be a problem. She had to complete the painting he commissioned. It wasn’t just the money. Her reputation was at stake. To refuse a high profile
personality, actually offend hi
m, would put a damp on future business. Her painting was her life.

She’d have to be able to see him without falling all over him. That was not going to be easy. She needed her anger to propel her away from him.

In her mind, the anger was clearly justified. Ryan was a known heart throb. Every woman in America and probably women from around the world would fall at his feet, if they thought he was interested in them.

That’s not what she wanted. She’d been hurt before, the memory still painful in her mind. Her heart had ached for months. She’d been unable to eat, sleep or even work. She couldn’t let herself be vulnerable again, especially not with someone who would clearly love her and leave her.

She’d just have to steel her heart. Focus on the painting, get it done and move on. Get her life back to the way it was, only a day ago. It amazed her how much life could change, how much her feelings could change, so quickly.

As Ryan showered and dressed the next morning, he thought only of Heather. This was downright embarrassing. Ryan portrayed a rock solid male image in all his films. He couldn’t let a beautiful woman get the better of him in real life.

He was attracted to Heather in a way he wasn’t used to. Beautiful women were available, particularly in Hollywood. He’d just go back to the way it was before he allowed his sexual urges to make his decisions. Heather seemed so right. She was everything he wanted, a real woman, not motivated by money or trying to move her career ahead by sleeping with him.

There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted Heather, intensely. But she clearly wasn’t emotionally available. Or, physically, it would seem. It had been a long time since Ryan had lain awake in bed, his cock swollen with desire with no willing woman next to him.

He’d considered calling one of the many women available at the press of a button on his phone. He just couldn’t quite do it. The feeling of Heather in his arms consumed with her
orgasm was still very real. He couldn’t imagine how he’d pleasure another woman, not right now.

His evening ended in bed, alone, stroking his hard cock. He called out her name and groaned as he came with a huge release combined with the agony of being without her.

Heather stopped by the office the following morning. She checked her messages, which included one from Monica. It merely said “Call me as soon as you get in.” Monica’s office was just upstairs, so she regularly came down to chat about various assignments. Her preferred method of relaying news about clients or new commissions was by email or texting.

Heather wasn’t sure what could be so important that she had to call right away, but Monica must have something in mind. The last day had drained Heather. She hoped this wouldn’t involve more demands on her. She was still behind on her deadlines.

“Good morning, Monica.”

“Heather, listen come right up. I have something to discuss with you.”

“Sure.” Now Heather’s curiosity was aroused. This had to be important. She sighed.

Jenna was out this morning making a supply run, so Heather locked the office door on her way out to see Monica. The stairs would be faster than waiting for the elevator. She was dressed casually, since she only intended to drop by the office.  Running up the one flight released some tension. She needed that right now.

“Heather thanks for coming up. Have a seat. Would you like coffee?”

“
Yes, I could use it.
Just black
please.”

“You look a little pale. Have you been sleeping okay?”

That was one subject Heather intended to avoid with Monica, who was known to gossip at the drop of a hat. It was probably a job requirement for someone in her position.

Monica set the coffee down for Heather and held her own cup in both hands.

“It seems we have a bit of a problem.”

Heather raised her eyebrows but didn’t know how to respond.

“Ryan Spencer Blake,” Monica announced and took a sip of her hot coffee.

At the mention of his name, Heather felt dizzy. Dread came over her at the thought that Monica might know about her uninhibited activities with Ryan. Mentally, she scanned the little she really knew of the man and wondered if he would be indiscrete enough to kiss and tell.

“What do you mean?” Heather gave her most innocent look. She had determined not to confess unless absolutely necessary. She sipped her coffee warily.

“I spoke to Patricia, his secretary, this morning. I’ve known her for years. I can read her pretty well. She told me in confidence that Ryan se
emed a bit preoccupied which
w
as notable to her. He’
s normally in control. She couldn’t imagine what he was stewing about.

Anyway, he seems
focused on this painting
you are going to do for him. It’s apparently
very important to him.

Patricia said he stated, without much preamble, that she was to cancel his filming today, that he wasn’t feeling himself. She was to schedule an appointment for you to meet at his
home to see the wall where he intends to hang the finished painting. He feels it’s better if you know where he will display it. You’ll be better able to understand what he is looking for.

For some reason, he seemed to think you might not come. I assured Patricia that Ryan Blake is a top priority. I told her you would clear your calendar and be available this afternoon.

You’re expected at 3:15. I know you’ll want to have time to arrange your day and go home to change clothes. The limo will pick you up at 2:30 to take you to his home in Beverly Hills.

Heather still had not said anything. Better to hear her out and not give anything away by mistake.

“Th
ere’s one thing that puzzles me,
” Monica went on.

“Patricia relayed a comment that I couldn’t make sense of. She said that Ryan feared you were upset with him. He thought you might decline the assignment. He was clear that he didn’t want anyone else. He feels your talents are best suited for the creation of this special painting.

Do you have any idea what gave him the idea that you are upset with him?”

Heather swallowed.

“Is there something I should know?”

Heather blushed. “N
o
n
ot at all
Monica. I had no idea I gave that impression. I admit that seeing him in person had quite an effect on me. I regret that my reactions weren’t properly relayed. I’ll make every effort to smooth things over.”

“See that you do. And have a good time. After all, if he’s as gorgeous in person as he is on the big screen, this will be quite a treat for you.”

Heather gave a weak smile. You have no idea, she thought to herself.

Daniel pulled the black Escalade
up the long drive to the grand entrance of Ryan’s home. He’d been watching him during the drive from the office. He marveled at how Ryan’s public image conveyed such a cold womanizer. It made for good publicity, that’s for sure.

In the years he’d been working for Ryan, he’d gotten to know him on a more personal basis. It was clear that today Ryan was torn about something. He was way too thoughtful, not at all the carefree bachelor he was labeled.

He’d left Ryan alone with his thoughts for the trip home but was concerned about his mood. “Aren’t you home early today?” he ventured.

Ryan looked up, pulled out of his reverie. “I have an important appointment.”

Daniel stopped the limo at the top of the drive and turned to look back at Ryan.

Ryan shifted in his seat. “Heather is coming over later. She’s going to look at the wall where I plan to hang that new painting.”

Daniel gave a small smile and wisely stayed quiet.

“I want it to turn out well. I’ve put a lot of thought into it. I think it’s better if she sees my home and where the painting will be framed.”

“Uh huh,” Daniel tipped his head slightly to the side, squi
nting
as if to better perceive the truth.

Ryan gave a deep laugh and his shoulders relaxed. “It’s no secret to you that I want to see her again. I seem to have a habit of overstepping my bounds when I’m with her. I can’t ask her for a date; I’m not used to rejection. I’ve always felt confident around women. Maybe they make me feel that way. Admiration is a real ego booster.” He smiled.

“I cannot figure Heather out. She’s different. I better charm her tonight. I don’t know if I have any chances left. To be honest, she’s only coming by because of pressure from her manager. It was sly of me, I know. I guess I’m desperate.”

Daniel had become very fond of Ryan. “Be yourself, sir. That’s always best.”

“Yeah,” Ryan gave a shake of his head. “It sounds so easy.”

Heather left Monica’s office a bit deflated. She’d hoped to have as little contact with Ryan as possible. Now, it looked
like she’d be with him again,
in his Beverly Hills bachelor pad no less. That couldn’t be good. But there was no choice.

O
n the way to meet him, she reminded herself that she was one woman among many. She could never fit in his world. He has his choice of women, the kind of women she could never compete with.

It amused her that she was even thinking about it. She was a bit puzzled about whether she felt more for him than she admitted, but put it out of her mind.

There was no need to think about it further. A relationship with Ryan Blake, the big adored movie star, was out of the question. She’d clearly plunged in over her head.

As they pulled up to the huge home in the nicest area of Beverly Hills,
she took a last look in her small purse mirror to check her make-up
. Purposefully, she’d dressed professionally in
her Ann Taylor sharkskin
skirt and jacket, after all this wasn’t a date
.
The unique Abbey Rd, brown color was striking with her blond hair.

The expensive homes of Beverly Hills never ceased to amaze her. No matter how many times she visited clients, she still felt a bit of excitement about it all.

The limo driver came around to open the door and held out his hand to assist her. Tonight had to go well. She couldn’t take much more drama, but had serious doubts about whether she could be in the same room with Ryan and keep her cool.

She strolled up the long stone walkway to the front door, took a deep breath, looked around for just a moment at the lush lawns and greenery surrounding the home and rang the bell.

The butler welcomed her and escorted her to a large sitting room. She tried to appear casual, sitting on the silk sofa, letting her eyes stray from one art piece to the next, trying to get a better idea of Ryan’s taste. The only impression she got was that the home didn’t suit him. It had clearly been put together by a designer. It was beautifully constructed. But that was also its weak point. It had none of Ryan’s personal touch. This room was clearly done by a woman.

“Heather. It’s very good to see you again.” Ryan entered the room seeming very at ease. It was his turf, after all. In a way, it gave him the upper hand from the start.

“Hello Ryan. Thank you for inviting me. You have a lovely home. I’m very much looking forward to seeing where the new painting will be placed.”

He wore trim charcoal pants and a light beige V-neck sweater. He’d run his hands through his hair or something. It looked a little more spik
ed
than she remembered. The look was very suave and utterly sexy.

“You look lovely tonight.” He smiled and came over to sit across from her. She couldn’t help but notice his lean thighs under the tight fitted pants. “I took the liberty of asking Charles to bring us some champagne.”

As if on command, the same butler that had shown her in only minutes ago brought in a standing ice bucket with the champagne already chilling. Two glasses were placed on the coffee table. Charles poured some for each of them and left quietly.

“What are we celebrating?” Heather asked, raising her glass in a toasting motion and taking a sip.

“You came to see me tonight. That’s enough.” Ryan took a gulp of his champagne and lifted the glass, preparing to take another.

Just being in the same room with him made her feel warm all over. She sat down her glass and removed her jacket. “I think you cornered me,” she said and looked away, trying to break the hold he had over her.

When she looked back, Ryan was still gazing at her. It shook her. The look in his eyes affected her intensely, whether she wanted it to or not.

“I shouldn’t have said that,” she blurted out. Some urge toward honesty overtook her. “I understand that I may have upset you. And I can understand why. The last two times we met, I can’t account for my behavior.”