Escaping Christmas (11 page)

“Oh yeah?”

“I love Alexandra. I made a horrible mistake when I married my co-star. I believe I may have gotten so caught up in Alexandra’s storyline I fooled myself. I intend on winning her back. We have history, common backgrounds, and common interests…we’re perfectly suited. We were Hollywood royalty at one time.”

“That’s very nice for you.” Zach balled his hand into a fist. “But, what Lexie needs is a man who loves
her,
not her occupation, her history, or the image. You showed your true colors, Banks. Good luck getting her back, because I’m going to fight you all the way. And, by the way, Lexie and I have a bit of history now too.” Let him think what he wanted, but he sincerely hoped Banks believed he made Lexie his in every way. He wanted him to believe they had more than a couple of weeks locked up in a cabin together. Zach didn’t bother with a “goodbye” as he clicked the end button.

How was he going to win against an actor who could make her believe anything? That was his job. He was a professional liar.

Chapter Fifteen

Alex threw another log on the fire. It was so lonely without him. Nightfall would soon be here and the darkness didn’t frighten her at all when he was here, but now…

She had asked him to leave and she knew pride would keep him away. Alex went into the kitchen and fixed a cup of hot cocoa, the instant kind. Nothing like what Mrs. Baker made…another memory brought to the surface. She sighed and took her cup into the living room and settled on the couch for a long night. She sat with only her thoughts to keep her company.

Did she really still love Owen? Her heart leaped with joy when she heard he ended his marriage. She was ashamed of herself. There were children involved. But, she had to ask herself why the joy? Then there was Zach. She’d been miserable since he left. He made her blood boil, but was it just lust? If she had slept with him would she still feel the same way? She believed it went beyond that. He made her laugh, feel hopeful, and worthy. How did Owen make her feel? Like second best. She hadn’t been good enough, but with Zach…she never felt less than perfect.

She longed to hear his voice. What had she done? She was torn. The rational side of her believed it best to do what she came here to do, finish her book and let go of the past. But what if Zach was her chance at real love, the kind of love she wrote about? Should she turn her back because he wasn’t in the plan?

The phone rang from the living room. She ran for it, hoping…praying…it was Zach. “Hello,” she answered frantically.

“Alex, I’m so glad I reached you.”

“Lindsay, what’s wrong? You sound upset.”

“Something is wrong with your dad. Your mom called and asked if I could get in touch with you. She’d like you to return to New York. She sounded horrible. I’ve made arrangements for you to fly direct. I have transportation on the way to pick you up.”

Her agent never sounded out of control. This must be serious. Guilt washed over her at the unanswered calls from her mother. She was sure her mother was calling to tell her something about the background check, real or fiction. She had shut off her phone. Only now, while she was by herself hoping Zach would call, had she turned it on. “How will they find me? I’m in the middle of nowhere.”

“The driver is familiar with the area and the cabins. He’ll be there shortly.”

“Lindsay, how serious is his condition?”

“I don’t know, Alex, but she sounded frantic to have you home.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Alex’s hands trembled. She and her parents didn’t get along, but she didn’t wish something like this to happen. She rushed to the bedroom and filled her carry on. She’d be back. She clamped down on her lower lip, biting back a sob. The idea of leaving this cabin…it was like leaving a part of her. She ran her hands over her face to rid herself of the tears. What was she crying about?

Alex knew exactly what she was crying about and it was time she faced it. She made a mistake asking him to leave. She was miserable. She had no time to look for a phone number for Zach. A note would have to do. She scribbled quickly. A sense of calm washed over her. He would know where she was if he came back.

Zach,

My dad is sick. I had to rush back to New York, but I’ll be back in time for Christmas.

Lexie

Where should she put it where he would see it? She decided on the kitchen table, in plain view. In that moment she realized she had real feelings for Zach Camden. She wished she had a chance to tell him before she left.

The horn honking snapped her attention to the front of the cabin. She didn’t want to leave. She would be back, she promised. This Christmas would be different…somehow, it would be different.

****

Zach argued with himself all morning. Should he wait a couple of days before heading up to see her? He couldn’t stay away. He needed to be sure she was okay and safe. She was such a city girl. Even though the electric had been restored, he had to know she wasn’t freezing to death. The ride up the mountain seemed to take forever. The anticipation killed him as the minutes ticked away.

He knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. He jiggled the knob and it was unlocked. That was odd. Panic rose and the adrenaline coursed through his veins. Something was wrong. He pushed the door open slowly and peered in. Nothing looked amiss, so he entered, shutting the door behind him.

“Lexie,” he called. Silence. The fear for her well-being heightened. He rushed to her bedroom. Some of her things were gone. He checked the desk. Her laptop was still where she left it. He moved on to the kitchen, praying he would find her there. The room was empty, but he saw the note immediately and relief washed over him. He read it once…and then twice…and a third time. Something was wrong with her dad? He would have gone with her. A sudden thought punched him in the stomach. Was Owen Banks going to be there too? He was friends with her mother. What did it matter? He had no control over what happened next. It had to be a good sign she thought to leave him a note. He read the note a fourth time.

He grabbed the cell from his pocket and dialed. Running a hand through his hair, he waited.

“Allen Agency,” the female answered.

“Is Mr. Allen available? This is Zach Camden.”

“One moment, please.” He paced.

“Zach, I’m sorry I haven’t called, but there isn’t anything new to report.”

“I have something for you. She’s headed for New York City.”

There was a short silence before the reply. “Could you be more specific? That’s a lot of ground to cover.”

“She left a note. You should have known she was gone. I hired you to watch her.” He was beyond angry. “Her dad is sick. I don’t know, check the hospitals. You have all the information I could get.” Zach stopped at the window and peered out. “When you find her, don’t let her out of your sight. Got it?”

“I’m on it.”

Disgusted, Zach locked the door behind him. What was he paying him for? If you wanted something done right, you’d have to do it yourself.

****

Alex was lucky to have a direct flight to New York. Her plane arrived on time, but that did nothing to calm her fear. The passengers in front of her gathered their belongings from the overhead compartments. Each second increased her anxiety. She walked through the gate and that worry turned to fury in a heartbeat. There to greet her…her mother and Owen, both with smiles on their faces. To her right were photographers recording her every move. Her mother kissed her on the cheek and whispered, “Don’t make a scene, dear. You have your career and our family name to consider.”

Owen stepped up next, but his wasn’t a peck on the cheek, but a full out kiss on the lips. She stiffened at the contact and if she wouldn’t have been in such shock she would have slapped him in the face. Furious didn’t even begin to describe the emotions she was going through. What was he doing here?

He took the carry on from her and slung it over his shoulder, grabbing her hand. Photographers were following them, screaming questions. “Miss Storm, does this mean you’ve reunited with Owen Banks?” The questions were coming from every direction. “When will you announce your engagement?”

“Soon,” Owen answered. “We’ll make a statement soon.”

Her mother, on the opposite side of her, replied, “Keep quiet, Alexandra, and smile. This is for the best, you’ll see.”

Alex shot her mother a look of disbelief. She’d been tricked. Nothing was wrong with her father. Her own mother betrayed her, fooled her into believing her dad was sick. The photographers were in her face. She couldn’t imagine how many images they had gotten.

They arrived at the awaiting limo and Owen stood to the side while Alex got in first, followed by her mother. The driver shut the door behind them and that’s when Alex let lose. “What the hell is going on here?”

“Alexandra, your language,” her mother chastised.

“Well, you’ve certainly made a quick recovery, Mother. Lindsay said you were in a panic. You look remarkably in control. How dare you trick me into coming here?” She unleashed the pent up anger on her. “You’ll be lucky if I ever speak to you again.”

Alex heard her mother’s gasp, but turned to Owen. “And you! If you ever try to kiss me like that or lay a hand on me I will make you wish you were never born. Do you understand?”

“Alexandra, calm down.” He attempted to soothe her.

“Somebody better start talking and telling me why you pulled me away under false pretenses. And wait until I get my hands on Lindsay!”

“Lindsay doesn’t know we planned this,” Owen conceded.

“What exactly is your plan, Owen?” Alex shot at him.

“To marry you, Alexandra.”

“Are you insane?” The level of her voice matched her temper.

“You wouldn’t listen. I filed for divorce. I made a terrible mistake. You and I belong together. We’re Hollywood royalty, Alexandra. Lindsay has arranged a couple of appearances here in New York. I thought it would be a great place to announce our engagement. The coverage will be amazing. Think of your book sales and the movie.”

Everything was about how things looked. “I’m not making any appearances with you and I swear if you say one thing about an engagement I will humiliate you in a way you won’t be able to show your face again. Is that clear?”

“Alexandra, stop it!” Her mother shouted.

Alex turned her wrath on her mother. “How dare you! All you’ve ever cared about is if I was making you and father look good. You never cared about me. I’m a puppet in your show, but no more.”

“You have to make the appearances with me. You’re under contract,” Owen replied evenly.

“I’ll agree to do these appearances, but nothing more. I’m back on a flight to Colorado as soon as I’ve fulfilled the agreement. I never want to see either one of you again.”

“Alexandra, you don’t mean that. I’m only looking out for your best interest.”

“No, Mother, you’re looking after your best interest. I’m going back to Colorado and that’s where I’m staying.”

“You’ve always loved me. You still do. I know I hurt you and I’m sorry. If you’d just give me a chance to explain.”

“You are Christmas past, Owen. Christmas future is waiting for me.”

“Don’t be so sure about that.” The cocky attitude dripped in his voice.

Her eyes narrowed in on him. “Don’t threaten me.”

“It’s not a threat, only an observation. After all the pictures in the papers tomorrow your skier’s going to think we’re back together. I’m sure there’s a nice one of me kissing you. We’re big news.”

His confident attitude infuriated her, but he was right. She closed her eyes. The dread spread quickly. They would be all over the tabloids and Zach would certainly believe the worst. She would. She had to find a number for the resort. After asking him to leave, and now this, she only hoped he would give her a chance to explain. There was a good chance Zach would never talk to her again and she couldn’t blame him.

“We have two interviews tomorrow with the morning shows. A representative will be there from the production company, so you’d better be on your best behavior. We have to give them what they want. That is, if you ever want a movie deal again.”

Could this be what she was warned against? He would not ruin any part of her life. She glared at him. He couldn’t see any weakness or hear a tremble in her voice. “Owen, I have enough money now to last me my lifetime. Besides, this
is
my last movie deal with them. You were no one when I chose you to play the part. If you make this any worse than it already is, I’ll bring you back down to waiter at the local pub. Are we clear?” She wished she believed her threat. Owen was a big star now.

“If other companies see you’re so difficult to work with they’ll never sign you.”

“You don’t get it, do you? I don’t care about any of this.” Alex gazed out the window, thinking of Zach. She would not cry.

Chapter Sixteen

The limo stopped in front of the luxurious New York Palace Hotel. This was her favorite place to stay in the city. It combined her love of history with modern day luxury. Her pulse raced with anger as she realized this was another move in his game. The driver opened the door and Owen exited first, holding a hand out to her. She saw the paparazzi and allowed his assistance. She would think through how to handle this once she got to her room. Her gut reaction was to cause a scene, but this wasn’t the time. She stepped out onto the curb and moved aside to allow room for her mother to exit. The limo door slammed behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to find she was standing alone with Owen on the sidewalk. The car, with her mother cowardly tucked inside, faded into the distance.