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

right back.” She pushed to her feet.
    “Wait! Wait! I was only kidding. I much prefer this little…whatever-you-call-it…a dress?” He waved his hand when words failed him.
    Megan tugged at the skirt and her cheeks pinked. “It’s a jersey dress…sort of.”
    “Attractive. Leaves nothing to the imagination. I’m too tired to have an imagination now anyway. I like it.”
    She nodded, glanced down at her papers then up at the screen.
    “Ready?”
    Chaz sat back; content to watch her, his gaze settling on her chest. “Fire away.”
    Megan read her report, noting the gain and loss of each of his stocks. Next, she covered each mutual fund. “You had a good day today. Overall, your portfolio increased by ten thousand dollars.”
    “Great!” Chaz laced his fingers behind his head.
    “I’ve fixed it so your stock dividends will be reinvested. You’re doing another movie soon, right?”
    “About two weeks after shooting the PBS series.”
    “I’m not being nosy, but how much are you getting for the movie?”
    “Three million.” His gaze focused on her face. She’s not impressed. Good.
    “Then you won’t need the small income from the stock dividends. If we reinvest them, they’ll make your portfolio grow. Then, if you stop…have a hiatus or something…we can have the dividends come to you as direct income.”
    “You have this under control, don’t you?”  She’s good…she’s amazing.
    She nodded, an anxious smile spread across her face.
    “Sounds good to me.”
    “Then you’re satisfied with our service?”
    He laughed. “Satisfied is hardly the word I’d use. But if you were here, in person, we could find a way to satisfy me having nothing to do with Dillon & Weed.” One night with her would be heaven.
    Megan blushed and he thought the pink in her cheeks becoming. “Chaz!”
    “You asked.” He raised his eyebrows.
    “Be serious. You…you…you sound like Celebs R Us …that Tiffany person.”
    “You got a call from Tiffany Cowles herself? I’m impressed. She’s the editor at Celebs R Us . She’s hounded me for years. Don’t underestimate her. If you get on her enemies list, she can be brutal.”
    “I’m an ant…totally unimportant in the world of celebrities.”
    “Not anymore, little chick.” He shook his head.
    “Little chick?” A frown creased her brow and her green eyes looked troubled.
    “An affectionate nickname,” … soft, warm, and sweet like a fuzzy little chick. “Look, I’m sorry, this is my fault.”
    “No, it’s not. I took the job. I should’ve been prepared.”
    “We need to avoid each other for a little while.”
    She fidgeted with the papers in her lap. “You’re busy anyway.” She dropped her gaze to the floor.
    “We’ll be yesterday’s news in a day or two. Trust me.” Chaz took a sip of coffee from his mug.
    “Can I?” Her gaze met his.
    “Of course.” He put his mug down. I’d never hurt you.
    “Why? Because you want to sleep with me?”
    “Don’t get carried away by a little harmless flirting.” His tone was sharp.
    “That’s all it was?”
    Dunc, you liar. Shame filled his chest. Her quick recovery didn’t prevent him from spotting the look of hurt that flashed across her face. She wants me to want to sleep with her? Hmm. He turned away from the screen.  “It’s late. I have an early call tomorrow. Time to say goodnight.”
    Anxious to end the call, Chaz needed to leave before his lies got worse. Megan nodded but didn’t smile. “Thanks for the report. You’re doing a great job.”
    “I’m glad you’re satisfied,” she got flustered, “I mean, happy with, the report.”
    “Sweet dreams, little chick.”
    “Same to you.”
    The screen went blank and Chaz smacked his forehead with his palm. Idiot! Asshole! You hurt her, insulted her, and lied to her. It wasn’t innocent flirting, you do want to sleep with her.
    Chaz kicked the garbage can, cracking it. Then, he threw his mug across the room, and it shattered