Free If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1) by Jean C. Joachim Page A

scratchy paper towel. Turning to leave, she pushed past Brielle while she dialed the boss.
    “Harvey? I’m not feeling very well. Nothing serious. I’m going home. I can work from there. You have my number in case you need to reach me.”
    She hung up the phone, picked up her purse, and went to the elevator. Refreshed by the crisp May morning air, Meg walked home. After a stop at the deli for a sandwich plus a chocolate bar, she rounded the corner at Eighty-First Street at about twelve thirty and stopped dead. There was a man leaning against the building on the corner, staring at her. She noticed him glance at something in his hand then back at her. 
    “Are you Megan Davis?”
    “Who wants to know?”
    “I’m Stan from Celebs R Us . I’d love to get a statement from you about your new client, Chaz Duncan.”
    “No comment,” Meg said as she increased her pace.
    “Aw, come on! I’m a working stiff, just like you.” Stan followed her to her door.
    Briny tipped his hat and opened the door for Megan. It only took him a moment to realize Stan wasn’t welcome. He blocked the door before locking it, leaving Stan outside.
    Meg tossed a smile to Briny on her way to the elevator. All the way to the fourteenth floor, she thanked God her apartment phone number was unlisted. Once inside, she kicked off her shoes, removed her jacket, and took her food into the kitchen. Megan tried to decide what to do as she sat at the round table, which faced spectacular floor to ceiling windows.
    Lunch over, she pulled out her laptop and studied the market and Chaz’s investments. She crafted a simple update form to keep track of the progress of his stocks and funds. Working made her feel better. Patiently, she clicked back and forth from the current information to the purchase prices. She calculated his gains and losses. There’s something safe—reliable—about a spreadsheet.
    The work calmed her, until her phone rang. It was Chaz. “I thought you were filming.”
    “We’re on break. Wanted to see how you’re doing. Phone still ringing off the hook?” His voice sounded a little warmer than their last conversation.
    “I skipped out early. I’m working from home. I’ll have a brief report for you this evening.” Meg took a businesslike tone.
    “A report? For me?”
    “That’s my job. To manage your money and keep you informed. I’ll send it by email.”
    “How about a video conference? In case I have questions.”
    “I don’t know how to do that.”
    “I’ll help you set it up. We can talk back and forth, seeing each other. Much easier than typing everything.”
    “Perfect. A fifteen minute update at ten tonight?” The stiffness in her voice belied her feelings.
    “Works for me. You seem so…so…efficient.” There was wonder in his voice.
    “You’re my client, Chaz. I’m doing my job. You shouldn’t be so surprised.” She hung up the phone. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, mister! I’m a professional.
    After she finished pulling together the information for the report, she shed her work clothes before donning a little jersey shift. She stretched out on the big, comfortable sofa and opened the book she’d been reading. Within a half hour, the book had slipped out of Meg’s hands as she succumbed to sleep.
     
    * * * *
     
    Chaz pulled out a fresh t-shirt for his video chat with Megan. It’s not like a date or anything. I don’t have to be dressed up. But I don’t want to look grungy either. She’s only my financial advisor. She works for me. I can fire her anytime. It’s only a fifteen-minute update. Still, like to look good. She’s going to get burned…it’s my fault. God, why did I get involved...and drag her into my crazy life?
    At ten sharp, Chaz connected with Megan. As the picture sharpened, his gaze lit on her face. She’s a little pale. He frowned. What’s she wearing? Hmm. “No suit tonight, Ms. Davis?”
    Megan blushed. “Oh God! Of course. This is a business meeting. I’ll be