The Passion Series (10 page)

4 – Uncertainties

The tiny restaurant was very popular in Los Angeles. The food was the best in the city. But Heather had chosen it for another reason. It was crowded. She needed that right now. The noise and crowds would help drown out her uncertainties.

Jenna had ordered her favorite pasta dish. Heather’s appetite had abandoned her, so she just ordered the same, not really caring. She took another sip of her Chardonnay, thinking that she really did need to learn more about wine. Ryan always seemed to know which wine would be perfect. She just picked randomly. But then, right now, she just needed the alcohol.

“I’m so happy about your opening. I’ll be coming out to visit as soon as I can.” Jenna scooped up a bit of the perfectly cooked pasta and shrimp. She ate with abandon, just like she did most things. Heather envied her carefree attitude. “But I don’t understand why Ryan’s not going with you.”

“I asked him not to. I know it sounds weird. He says he’s happy for me. I know he means it, I think. But, Jenna, it’s tough for me. He’s a big star, money flowing everywhere, surrounded by famous people. I’m not trying to belittle myself but I’ve never been in that league.

“I don’t know if I want to. I’m not good on pretense. The best I ever did was attending the studio owner’s birthday party where I met Ryan—with a mask on. At least the masquerade was for real then.” She gave a little laugh.

“I just have to do this. Painting is my life. This opening means a lot to me. It’s only a start, but if I focus I’ll become more known. I can have my own success. It’s what I want.”

Jenna was wiser than her youth would suggest. “I think I’d feel the same, Heather. It would be all too convenient to rely on Ryan. He’d take care of you. He would, you know. But that could make you dependent on him. I’m not saying he’s not reliable. He’s seems like a straight-up guy to me. But what if anything happened? God forbid, he fell for his co-star. Where would that leave you?”

Heather cringed and felt sick in her stomach. “Christina
Levain is already after him. He says he hasn’t given her any encouragement. But that woman is ruthless. She’s got her sights on him, that’s clear.

“Anyway, I couldn’t have said it better. I knew you’d understand. But even with all that, it’s so hard. I want to stay so badly. I don’t want to leave Ryan. I don’t know how soon I’ll see him again. I’ve thought about this for weeks. I’m sure I’m making the best decision. At least, I think I’m sure.” Heather gave a weak smile.

5 – Changes

There was no way he was just going to let Heather walk out of his life. She was determined, but so was he. She had it all figured out, she thought. It was what she wanted. Ryan knew what Heather wanted better than she knew herself.

It would take some planning, quick planning at that.
Having money is an advantage when speed is of the essence
. He dialed the hotel in New York, making arrangements for an extended stay.

Patricia had already seen to some of the other details. The harder part was business related. He’d seen through his last contract and the filming had concluded. His agent wasn’t too flexible sometimes, but then Ryan meant a lot of money to him, so eventually he’d see it the right way.

Flights weren’t an issue. The studio had a personal jet that was one of many perks for being one of the highest-paid stars. He’d secured the departure time. Things were looking good, so far.

Now for the real work.
If Ryan was to be away for any extended period, he’d have to focus on his investments more intently, which he could do from any city. He just needed to arrange everything properly.

Patricia knocked before she entered. “Everything’s all set. I can’t say your agent is too happy, though.”

Ryan felt a smile coming on, but maintained composure. It was too soon to relax. “I’m not doing this to make him happy. There is a reason I have a particular clause in all my contracts. I have a choice. Normally, casting handles picking my co-star. It was smart to include a clause so I have veto power. And I vetoed Christina Levain in the upcoming film. She’s sticking to me like glue. There’s no way we can work together as long as she behaves like this.”

Patricia was the one to break out in a grin. She’d worked with Ryan since he was eighteen years old. She knew him before he was a big star and she’d watched him through some of the rough years. He’d made it and she was proud of him.

“Good job, sir.” She kept smiling.

“I think so. Christina will survive. Like a cat, she’ll land on her feet. In fact, they may take me off the film just to have her. And you know what? That’s fine with me. I won’t be pushed around. I’ve made sure I don’t have to rely on the frailties of Hollywood.”

Patricia was one of the few people who would understand that comment. Most actors didn’t have their own office. It said “Blake Enterprises” on the front window for a reason.

6 – Threats

Jamison Stanton was a ruthless attorney. He could be a nice guy, if it worked to his advantage. At this point in his relationship with Heather, the nice guy image had come and gone. He was ruthless, in and out of the courtroom. The fact that Heather had taken up with a famous star annoyed him.

He’d dumped her; that was true. He could never reason with her. She had such talent as an artist but he was never able to convince her to use it properly. She insisted on doing those overly vulgar paintings. Maybe they weren’t still together, but he felt that her behavior reflected badly on him.

Vain as he was, he cared about that. He’d been having her followed, feeling vulnerable to her whims. He dropped the latest report of her activities on his desk and gritted his teeth.
An opening in New York, of all places. It’s not like that will be an obscure display. It will be in the papers, for God’s sake.

“Get Gregory Darden at Garrison Gallery, New York, on the phone for me,” he shouted through the intercom. Margie, his secretary, was used to his aggressiveness.

As soon as the call went through, she could hear him shouting. It amazed her that people put up with it. She questioned his sanity. Too often, lately, he pushed the edges of normal behavior. And when it came to Heather Lawson, he really seemed to get crazy. It crossed her mind that he was acting like a jealous man. No, that wasn’t right—more like a man whose own masculinity had been challenged. She shuddered.

“You won’t exhibit those paintings,” he shouted. His tirade about sensibilities and all propriety were just a smokescreen. His last statement nailed his true intent. “If you value your reputation, you won’t display those paintings. In my practice, I deal with many well-financed clients, who have connections. I don’t think you can afford the bad press.”

Margie shook her head. Idle threats, for sure. He was throwing his weight around, hoping the fear would be enough. Maybe it would. Gregory couldn’t know there was no strength or follow-through behind the threat, shouted at him in such a vile tone.

Gregory hadn’t even had time to catch his breath from the overly threatening attorney before his secretary buzzed that he had another urgent call about Heather’s opening. It was really too much. He knew Heather’s paintings were filled with passion; that was precisely why he intended to display them. His instinct told him they’d go over well in New York. But he had no idea the passion had already inflamed those around her.

“Mr. Blake. I’m honored to take your call. How can I help you today, sir?” Fortunately, Ryan Blake was calm. Gregory didn’t think he could endure another shouting match.

Adrenaline coursed through Ryan’s veins. He listened to Gregory describe the call he’d just received from the attorney, keeping his composure, only barely. Jamison Stanton sure was a piece of work.

“I understand your concern, Mr. Darden. I regret that you had to experience that. In the brief dealings I’ve had with Mr. Stanton, it’s clear to me that he’s not entirely of sound mind. At least temporarily, he seems a bit crazed. I won’t bore you with the details, but I have full knowledge of what’s going on here. In fact, I know more than Mr. Jamison Stanton would dream I could find out. But two can play his game.

“I trust that you know I wouldn’t say this unless I could back it up. You can go ahead with the opening. You have my personal guarantee that there will be no incident. Bad publicity will never see the light of day. Quite the opposite—I think you already know that being the first to show Heather’s fine work will be to your credit.”

7 – Opening Night

In some ways, Heather was waiting for the biggest night of her career to turn into a disaster. Jamison had actually threatened her, swore at her that she was not to do the opening. He really was too much. She hated to admit how much he scared her.

It was hard enough to tell Ryan she would be in New York for a while. Her heart still ached, without giving her a moment’s reprieve. But to have to deal with Jamison too pushed her over the limit. Her head had that dull ache. She didn’t need a headache on her big night.

Whether Jamison could really do anything or not, she didn’t know. Everything seemed to be going ahead as planned. She had noted an odd expression on Gregory’s face earlier, when she asked if everything was all set. She had no idea what thoughts played through his mind, hoping it wasn’t possible that he’d cancel at this late hour.

She wished she weren’t alone. Being strong wasn’t always as rewarding as it sounded. She kept reminding herself that this was the right step for her. She missed Ryan madly.
Maybe all this isn’t worth it.

Heather looked in the mirror one more time. Nerves were getting the best of her. She admired her short gold dress that barely covered her round butt and slender upper thighs. The stretchy fabric fit her body, hiding nothing, hugging every curve. She figured an artist displaying paintings that were beyond sexy should look the part. No reason to hide it now.

It was all very exciting. Several waiters hovered around the huge gallery with trays of champagne. Small tables with finger food nestled in recessed alcoves. Ribbon and balloons hung in bunches from the ceiling and soft, romantic guitar music played in the background.

Many patrons milled about, looking with big eyes at the paintings on display. They whispered to each other, as if to talk about such lurid art out loud was taboo. Heather was proud of her work, though she knew her most notable painting hung in Ryan’s private wine cellar, and not here in the gallery for the public to see.

Heather hadn’t introduced herself to anyone yet. Gregory had specifically noted on the invitations that at precisely 8 p.m., the artist would be introduced. She’d wait for that. She was having fun watching people as they absorbed her precious work. Around one corner and then another, she strolled around the gallery.

Before her, just as she rounded the corner, was a painting set apart from the
others. It was uniquely displayed and lit from several angles. Shock rocked through her. Her mouth fell open, her heart pounded. It was, she thought, her best work. How it got there, she couldn’t imagine.

As the thought entered her mind, it was instantly blotted out by the realization that there was only one way it could be hanging at tonight’s opening. She breathed in the sweet aroma of his male scent before she even turned around.

She felt weak when she spun around, her gaze falling on Ryan. In one glance, she took in his debonair look, delivering the ultimate sex appeal. The light gray, almost silver, tuxedo with matching button vest and tie, highlighted with a crisp white shirt, made her want to eat him alive. No man could look that good in a tuxedo. His hard body made the dressy outfit so appealing. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to suck his hard dick while he was fully clothed or rip every shred off him and fuck him until she expired.

Ryan looked at her with his soft gray-green eyes, his hair slightly mussed, as if he’d arrived in haste. It was all so endearing. She had to pinch herself, having trouble believing he was really here.
He’s here tonight, with me—for me.

She’d checked the gallery just before the event and knew every work on display. The special painting must be newly arrived, just like Ryan, as it certainly hadn’t been there earlier.

Ryan still hadn’t moved, he just looked at her intently. He wondered fleetingly if this was a good idea after all, taking in her reaction. But Heather’s face told him that it was all going to work out.

She fell into his arms and pressed against his erect cock, that she could feel all too well, just below those sleek pants. “I’m glad you’re happy,” he whispered in her ear.

“How did you possibly get away, with no notice like that? And the painting, oh Ryan, the painting; you brought it with you.” She realized she was gasping more than talking.

Ryan beamed handsomely. “I’m proud to have you display it here. It says everything about your talent, Heather. It’s raw sexuality. It needs to be seen. It should be seen. I wouldn’t hide it in my wine cellar.”

Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. He’d made everything right. Even Jamison couldn’t thwart her success, not with Ryan behind her.

As if reading her mind, Ryan stated bluntly, “Jamison won’t be bothering you ever again. I’ve had enough of him. He thought he could push you around, even stop your opening. Well, he has me to deal with now. I wondered why he attacked so hard. Just jealously didn’t quite make sense. He had something to hide, I was sure of it.

“You have to wonder why your paintings upset him. Maybe he felt his masculinity was threatened by your sensual art, or he saw me as a threat. Clearly, he wasn’t rational—and that’s being generous. The guy’s a nut.

“He never told you everything, Heather. You never had any idea. My investigators turned up some pretty embarrassing stuff on Mr. Stanton. I’ve had them digging into his past—before you met. They got the goods on him, just in time.

“Let’s just say he wouldn’t like his earlier sexual escapades seeing the light of day. He knows he has no secrets from me now. The last thing he wants is for them to be handed over to the press. He shuns publicity, and with good reason. He won’t be bothering you again, Heather. Not ever.”

Heather’s shoulders relaxed and a little sigh escaped her lips.

Ryan placed his arm around her securely and began to guide her toward the podium. “Now, this is your night. I’m here to support you. This program says you’re to be announced shortly.”