Lovers & Liars (5 page)

A
deep breath coupled with a strong grip on her desk kept her wobbly knees
holding. Gunther glanced at his gold
Rolex
.
I love a watch on a man.
Her mind
refused to leave the bedroom, and her gaze was glued to Gunther.

“Come
on. We have a seven-thirty reservation at The Satin Club.” He moved toward her.

“The
Satin Club?”
He’s taking me to his
special place?

“I
do all my celebrating there. They already have the champagne on ice. Look at
your eyes. Like a deer in the headlights. You have doe eyes.” His grin warmed
her.

“Doe
eyes?”

“It
fits. Let’s go. I’m not the big, bad wolf. Honest.”

Oh, yes you are. I want you to be.
I want you to sweep me off my feet, like the prince does the princess.
She
sighed, shoving her needs out of her mind.

Gunther
placed his palm on her lower back and gently eased her toward the door. Even
with her high heels, he towered over her. Sensing his gaze on her chest again,
she peered up at him. His eyes were the darkest brown she had ever seen, like
pools of melted bittersweet chocolate.

A
small smile curled his lips, and a lock of hair rebelled, falling over his
forehead. The urge to stroke his rough cheek almost overwhelmed her. She
clutched her small, black, beaded bag with both hands to keep from touching
him.
Just one kiss.

When
they reached the parking lot, Gunther started to walk to his side of the car,
but stopped. He circled back quickly and opened the passenger side of his red Ferrari
for her. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she slid in as gracefully as
she could in such a short dress.

He
put the vehicle in gear, and they sped onto the highway within seconds.
Pinch me, I’m dreaming. A princess, a fairy
godmother, and now the prince. But he isn’t my prince, and at midnight, I’ll
turn into a pumpkin. Shut up. Tonight, he’s mine.

Gunther
got star treatment at The Satin Club. The owner, Fitzsimmons Welsh, came out to
greet him and ogle Erica.

“Who
is this elegant young lady?” he asked.

“My
new assistant, Erica Wheeler. Erica, meet Fitz.”

They
shook hands. The older man held hers between his before raising it to his lips.
“You are beautiful and charming, my dear. What are you doing with this bad
boy?”

Gunther
laughed. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous.”

Fitz
showed them to Gunther’s usual table. As she walked through the restaurant
filled with famous faces, she sensed the stares.
They’re probably wondering who I am. Gunther’s newest mistress? I’m
nobody, and they don’t even know.
She forced a giggle back.

When
they arrived, champagne was sitting in a bucket surrounded by ice, and two
crystal flutes were awaiting the bubbly. Fitz held out her chair.
How would a true princess behave? Let’s see
if I can act the part.
She descended slowly and beamed a thousand-watt
smile at Fitz. He bowed.

Erica
glanced around the room. The walls were papered in a subtle cream and light
lavender print. The molding was painted a matching lavender. The table cloths
were one shade darker purple than the walls. The chairs were upholstered in
cream and lavender-striped silk. All the glassware, real crystal, reflected the
soft lighting from the classy chandeliers. The silverware—sterling, she guessed—gleamed
so bright in the light, she could see her reflection.

The
place had an air of elegance, something she didn’t picture as a fit for
Gunther.
Bet there’s nothing on the menu
for less than fifty bucks.

“How
do you like it?” he asked as the waiter arrived to uncork the bottle of fine
wine.

“It’s
not at all what I expected.”

“Oh?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “What did you expect?”

“Something
more modern.”

“Flashy,
you mean?” He stared at her as the waiter poured the
Dom
Perignon
.

She
lowered her gaze.
He’s reading me like a
book.
Embarrassment flushed her cheeks.

“You
don’t know me. This is a place my
mother’d
love. It
reminds me of her.”

“Your
mother?”

“You
don’t think I have a mother?”

“Everyone
has a mother, but your image…pardon me, is anything but a homebody or mama’s
boy.”

“I’m
not a mama’s boy. Can’t a man have love and respect for his mother without
being a mama’s boy?”

Shut up. You’re just making it
worse.
“You’re right, of course. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t
have jumped to that conclusion.”

“My
mother has the best taste of anyone I know. So when I see a place that reminds
me of her, I know it’s classy.”

Erica
took a sip of champagne. The tart, effervescent liquid tickled her tongue.
He’s the best-looking guy in the room. Even
the movie stars here can’t hold a candle to Gunther.

As
if reading her mind, he mirrored her thoughts. “You’re the hottest chick in the
room.”

She
laughed. “Chick?”

He
blushed. “You know.” He raised his glass. “To the success of
Sway
on Broadway.”

She
joined his toast. “How will you know if it’s successful enough to become a
movie?”

Gunther
spent the next fifteen minutes explaining the analysis of ticket sales,
attendance, advance sales, and group sales to Erica. She listened intently.

“What
about East West Productions?” she asked.

Gunther
cast his gaze to his plate. “I’ve got a little problem there.”

The
waiter came by.

“You
like lobster?” Gunther asked.

“Love
it. But it’s a fortune.”

“It’s
a celebration. Don’t worry, doe-eyes, I can afford it.” She grinned as his
nickname for her slipped easily off his tongue. Gunther ordered the broiled
lobster for both of them then continued. “I have a little snag.” She raised her
eyebrows. “Max wants me to apologize to Grace Brewster for something I did.
He’s right, I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t resist.”

“You’re
not known for self-control,” she snickered.

“Thanks
a lot. You’re supposed to be on my team.”

“So
apologize to Grace.”

“I
doubt she’ll even talk to me.” Gunther looked around the room.

“Oh
boy, you must have been extra bad.”

He
shrugged.

“Maybe
I can reach her?”

“Would
you try? I’m not the same guy. I’m getting married, building my reputation…”

“Really?
I thought your reputation was big enough already,” she chuckled.

He
laughed with her. The waiter brought their appetizers—cold white asparagus and
artichoke hearts in
a delicate
vinaigrette.

As
they ate in silence, a touch of sadness crept into Erica’s heart.
He’s getting married. Remember that. He’s
way out of your league.
After everything Amy had said about Gunther, she’d
been prepared to hate him, but found herself liking him instead.

She
was working harder than she’d ever worked before, but Gunther appreciated what
she did. Suspicion that Amy had done a poor job out of sheer laziness and
resentment dawned on Erica.
Maybe she
deserved his anger. He’s not like that with me.

Several
important people stopped by Gunther’s table. Tommy
Callen
,
the agent, George and Brent Dobson, producers, Armin Cutter, head of
Worldwide Pictures
and Selena Silver,
Academy Award
-winning actress, all
stopped for a moment to greet Gunther, exchange a chuckle or tidbit, stare
inquisitively at Erica, and move on. She was awed by the number of powerful men
and women in the room. She smiled and smiled until her cheeks ached.

“That
champagne pop was loud enough to be heard in New York. What are you
celebrating?” Gable Allison, a casting director, asked.

“Can’t
discuss it yet, Gabe, but yeah, the future is looking good.”

“Who’s
this gorgeous creature?” His gaze slid over Erica easily, stopping too long at
her neckline. Gunther made introductions. Gabe handed her his business card. “If
you ever want to get into pictures, call me.”

Gunther
laughed. “Nice try, but not this babe. She’s strictly front office, Gabe.
You’re not stealing her.”

Guilt
seeped into Erica’s heart as she tucked his contact information into her purse.
My second connection. A real casting
director. But what about Gunther’s business?
Her deception hung heavy on
her conscience.
Gunther will understand.
You have to make your own luck.

She
tried to get her spirits up, but with every glance at Gunther, she felt more
and more like Benedict Arnold.
Traitor!
He’s giving you all these opportunities. Dressing you. And you’re going to use
him as a stepping stone? Who’s the ruthless one now?

They
left the restaurant and stopped to have a drink and dance at Circe’s Delight
then they went to Aegean Goddess to be
seen by other celebrities before finishing the night with more drinking and
dancing at The Sunset Bar. Erica was high, but not drunk. She and Gunther, who
was feeling no pain also, sang and danced in the street, waiting for a
limousine at two in the morning.

Gunther
dropped her first, leaving with only a wave goodnight. Sadness weighed her down
for a moment until she recalled the evening.
I should be happy. I had the most incredible time. He’s hot.
Dancing
with him turned her on, especially when they ground their hips together, or he
wrapped his arms around her during a slow song.
The man can move. Bet he’s great in bed.

Photographers
had snapped their picture at each club. Gunther had grinned and eaten up the
attention.
He has to maintain a high
profile, be seen.
A few men had noticed her, and one had actually attempted
to cut in. But he hadn’t reckoned on facing off with a man as possessive as
Gunther. One quick elbow coupled with a scowl chased away anyone with ideas of poaching.

The princess returns to her
scullery, smiling, with memories of the most glamorous night of her life.
Erica
was soaring like an eagle on the wing, giggling like a young teen coming home
from her first date. On her way into the apartment, she was still doing some of
the moves she had practiced with Gunther.

Amy
was waiting up and listened to Erica’s adventures, hanging on every word. “He
never took me out to celebrate. He’ll get his. Once you get your skills
polished up in that class, you’ll be kissing ole Gunther goodbye before he
knows what hit him. Goody!” She rubbed her hands together.

Erica
pleaded a headache and shuffled off to bed. She lay under the covers, staring
at the ceiling.
Is that what I really
want? To be a star? I’d make a ton of money. The kids would be safe, and I’d be
set for life. Do I want to leave Gunther? Maybe not, but this has been my dream
forever.

Resolving
to work hard at her acting and cash in on the opportunities that had fallen in
her lap, Erica hardened her heart.
Gunther
would go for it if he were me. He wouldn’t worry who got in the way. He might
be a little disappointed, but he’ll understand. It’s what I’ve always wanted.
Besides, he doesn’t need me. Anyone who works hard will do.

The
vision of her name on a marquee pushed the picture of the sexy man in the white
silk shirt out of her mind, and sleep came quickly.

Chapter
Three

“I’ve
got it!” Erica said, walking swiftly into Gunther’s office.

“What?”
He looked up from his computer.

“A
plan. Grace Brewster won’t talk to me, either. So, we throw a birthday party
for Max. She’s such good friends with him, she’s got to come. Then, you can
apologize to her and mend fences.”

“Brilliant!
That’s what I pay you for,” Gunther said, swiveling in his chair to face her.

“I
think that deserves a raise.” She was only half-joking.

“If
Grace Brewster agrees to come, you get a bonus. How’s that?”

“It
depends on how much.” She leaned on the corner of his desk. Her skirt rode up a
little. She noticed Gunther’s gaze follow her hemline north for a moment.

He
chuckled. “I swear, doe-eyes, you’re becoming just like me. Okay, okay. Figure
out how much you think that’s worth, and I’ll…think about it.”

“It’s
worth a ton, and you know it.”

“If
you get a big bonus, then I’ll expect you to buy your own clothes.”

“Deal.”
She stood up.

“You
drive a hard bargain.”

“I’ve
learned from the best.”

“Call
the barber. Get him up here. I need a trim. Dinner with Elsa tonight. We’ll be
in the papers for sure.
Gotta
look good.”

She
jotted down notes. “Got it.”

Erica
left his office and called Mario, who made frequent visits to keep Gunther’s
hair well-trimmed. Although she’d never admit it, she was impressed that people
came to Gunther to do his bidding.
If you
pay enough, they will come.
She chuckled to herself.
The man knows how to live.

Gunther
poked his head out the door. “Is Mario coming?”

“He’ll
be here at two.”

“By
the way, you’ll be planning that party.”

“What?”

“I
don’t plan parties. Your idea, you take the reins.” He disappeared into his office.
The light on his private line lit up.

Anger
rose in Erica’s chest.
Idiot! Just made
this job bigger!
She pushed to her feet and began to pace, chewing on a
pencil. She stopped suddenly.
The Blue
Window! We’ll have it at his favorite restaurant! Yes!

She
opened his door and popped in.

“I
know, but it’s not for you…” she heard, before Gunther turned angry eyes on her
and put his hand over the mouthpiece.

“What?”
he barked.

“Sorry.
Budget for the party?”

“Uh,
figure it out. Give me two spends, and I’ll see. Now out!” He motioned toward
the door.

She
quickly retreated. Gunther had told her never to bother him when his private
light was on. She had no clue who he was talking to, but suspected it was Elsa.
How do they keep it together when she’s
on one side of the world and he’s on the other? Maybe it’s not staying
together.
She couldn’t keep a small smile from curling her lips. She picked
up the phone and dialed The Blue Window.

“Can
I speak to the manager, please?” She sat back while visions of tempting food
waltzed through her imagination.

After
an hour consultation with the restaurant, Erica was satisfied she had a party
planned that would please Gunther and Max. Next was the guest list. She made
notes on her calendar and put
Post-Its
on her computer screen.
There’s a lot of
work to putting this together. If it isn’t great, Gunther will have a fit.

By
lunchtime, she had the party scoped out and an extensive to do list created for
each week until the event occurred. Erica blew out a breath and sat back in her
chair while she
unwrapped
her meager sandwich and a banana.

She
had barely finished her lunch when Mario appeared. She buzzed her boss and led the
barber to the door. When they entered, Gunther was slipping his shirt carefully
on a hanger. He turned to her. “Stay.”

As
her gaze slowly slid over his muscled chest, her breath caught in her throat.
The broad expanse of his shoulders and the covering of dark hair on his
pecs
, coupled with his washboard abs, made her hot. She
fanned herself until she realized what she was doing. Heat flew through her
body, settling in her cheeks and between her legs.

Her
fingers itched to touch him. She wanted to feel his strong arms close around
her, pulling her to him. She ached to feel his warm skin up against hers, to have
him inside her. Squeezing her thighs together only made it worse.
Oh God. Look at him.

Mario
spread some clear plastic on the floor, and Gunther took his seat.

“Over
here. I need you to check some figures for me.”

Erica
didn’t trust her knees to hold her up and dragged a chair across the room. She
opened her notebook and tried to steady her hand to write. Her mouth was as dry
as a wad of cotton. She licked her lips, but it didn’t help. She saw Gunther’s
gaze following her tongue, and it heightened her embarrassment. She turned away
from him.

“What’s
up?” He chuckled, shooting her a salacious glance.

“Gunther!”

“Back
to work.” His expression turned serious again. He dictated a list of tasks,
from pulling box office receipt figures to checking on contracts, and on the
personal side, from making dinner reservations to having his dry cleaning delivered.
She wrote everything down, but her mind was elsewhere. His masculine scent
mixed with spicy, expensive aftershave lured her. The sight of his half-naked
body distracted her. She kept losing focus and asking him to repeat what he’d
just said.

“You’re
not concentrating. Got your period today?”

She
pushed to her feet in a huff, fury heated her face. “Gunther!”

“I
mean it happens, right? Just wondering because you’re not yourself.”

“It’s
not every day I sit in the office with an almost naked man,” she blurted out,
adding humiliation to her anger.

He
roared, causing Mario to step back. “Mr. Quill, please! I almost cut you.”

“Sorry,
Mario. I’ll sit still.” He shifted in the armchair.

“I’ll
come back when you’re dressed,” Erica said, heading to the door.

“Come
back when Mario’s finished. I need you to get on a few things right away.”

Erica
sank into the chair at her desk. Her pulse was racing. She gulped a bottle of
water. Slowly, her heartbeat returned to normal. By the time she had recovered,
Gunther buzzed her. She picked up her notebook, took a deep breath, and entered
his office. Mario was gone, but Gunther was still shirtless as he picked up the
plastic carefully and threw it in the trash. She swallowed hard then moved
toward his desk. He turned around and collided with her.

Bumping
into his hard chest threw her off balance. She clutched at him as he steadied
her. Their faces were only inches apart. Gunther slowly drew her into his
embrace. Erica didn’t resist, her hands flattened against him, and her
fingertips dug into his flesh.

“I
don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispered.

“Gunther
Quill, big bad producer? You could replace me in a heartbeat.”

“No,
I couldn’t.” He leaned forward slightly, and his lips connected with hers. They
were soft and gentle, surprising her, making her want more. Her hands glided up
to join around his neck as he pulled her flush up against him. He angled his
head and deepened the kiss, the tip of his tongue brushing along her lips, coaxing
admittance.

When
she parted for him, the kiss became hard and passionate. He took her mouth, demanding
a response. And she gave one gladly. A low moan escaped her throat as her knees
weakened.

When
she began to slip away, his arms tightened, his fingers pressing into her back.
He held her fast for another moment, her hands grasping his bare shoulders.
Then, he stepped back. His eyes glistened with desire. Need grew in her belly.
Dampness between her thighs made her ache for him to relieve the pressure.

She
couldn’t disguise her heavy breathing, so she didn’t bother to try, but
returned his lustful stare with her own. Erica ignored the logic in her brain.
She wanted him with every fiber of her being, engaged or not.

“I
promised, didn’t I?” he said, dropping his hands.

She
nodded, as words wouldn’t come. A brief sting of tears behind her eyes warned
her.
No crying. Not gonna cry! Calm down.

“I
got carried away. I’m sorry.” He cast his gaze to the floor.

“I’m
not.” She shifted her weight, thrusting out her hip in defiance.

His
head snapped up. “You’re not? You’re not quitting?”

She
shook her head, blinking rapidly to keep her tears at bay.

The
expression on his face softened. “Hey, don’t get emotional on me. No
waterworks.” He took her in his arms and held her close. “It’s going to be
okay. We just got carried away. No biggie. You forget it, I’ll forget it.”

His
words wounded her just as if he had stuck a spear through her heart. Emotion
choked her.
I don’t want to forget it.
Tears
gathered, threatening to spill over.
Leave
his office. Get outta here.
She pushed away from him and made her escape,
all the way to the ladies room where he couldn’t follow.
Gunther? He followed Amy into the ladies room.
Recalling that story
made her chuckle. She leaned back against the bathroom door and expelled a
long, shaky breath.

He wants to forget it. Elsa is
coming tonight. Bet he wants to forget it big time.
Her
heart hurt at the idea of being discarded in favor of a fiancée he clearly
didn’t love.
If she’s so great, how come
you’re kissing me?
After splashing some cold water on her face, she took a
deep breath, dried off, and returned to her computer.

With
a huge effort, she forced herself to peruse the list of tasks sitting in front
of her. The pain inside her throbbed, and her body was restless, all because of
Gunther. She couldn’t quit, even if she wanted to. Which she didn’t. She was
making too much money—saving for a new car, sending more cash to the kids. Her money
problems had lessened because of Gunther Quill.

Focusing
on taking care of business calmed her down. She made appointments, typed up
contracts, and checked the mail. Six o’clock rolled around before she knew it.
The door opened, and Elsa Marquette sashayed in. She wore a tight green dress,
a diamond bracelet, and a big engagement ring. She was pretty and sexy in an
obvious way. Erica wasn’t envious, she’d never want to be Elsa.

“Is
my man ready?”

“Don’t
know. You can go in.”

“Of
course I can. I’m his fiancée.”

Her
eyes flashed at Erica, who stifled a laugh.
His
pretentious fiancée!

Erica
checked her watch.
Six-fifteen! I’m
meeting Sam at seven.
She packed up her things and headed for the parking
lot.

The
sound of raised voices stopped her. She couldn’t hear the words, but there was
an argument beginning. The timbre and escalating volume suggested it would be a
doozy.
Thank God I’m leaving.
A part
of Erica reveled in their fight.
Maybe
they’ll break up. Then what? Think he’ll turn to you? A liar, a deceiver, a
nobody? The famous Gunther Quill? For one night, maybe two. Nothing more. Might
actually be worth it, just to have one night with him.

She
left the office quickly before any more pulse-quickening ideas entered her
head.

* * * *

While
he waited for Elsa, Gunther paced in his office, his brow knitted. He couldn’t
concentrate on the email from Grant with questions he needed to answer before a
contract for East West Productions could be drawn. His mind was at war with his
heart and it rattled him.
Elsa will be
here soon. Get a grip on yourself.

For
the first time since their engagement, Gunther questioned his decision to marry
Elsa. What had started as simply a business arrangement, with benefits, was
quickly becoming an emotional straitjacket. After he married, he’d have to
curtail his extracurricular sexual activities or end up the lead story in
Celebs ’R Us.
Max would have a fit, and
his true love, East West, would founder.

There
was more to his reluctance to wed, but he wasn’t ready to face the truth. Lying
to
himself
had become a habit, and he refused to admit
that his heart was overruling his head.
It’s
not about Erica. She has nothing to do with this.
Once again, Gunther
played tag with the truth.

He
was looking out the window, as if the answer to his dilemma was pasted on the
clouds, when Elsa opened the door and walked in. “I need to talk to you.”

“Whatever
happened to a hello kiss and ‘glad to see you’?” He turned to face her.