idea.” She blocked the door. “We pretty much said everything yesterday.”
“Not this. I have a job for you.”
Uh, no. “You’ll need to call the office. I’m on vacation.”
“I know.” He kissed her on the temple as he pushed past her. “That makes it perfect.”
Gritting her teeth, she followed him down the short hall to the open-plan living-room-kitchen combo. She had no doubt his “never take no for an answer” attitude had contributed greatly to his success as an award-winning director. On a personal front, she found it highly annoying.
“I don’t think it’s wise for us to work together at this time.” She lingered in the opening between the hall and living area, watching as he made himself comfortable on her overstuffed couch.
“No one else will do for this particular job,” he said, with such conviction it sparked her curiosity.
But she refused to be drawn in. She needed these next few days to herself, to re-evaluate and plan. To consider his part in her future.
“I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.”
“It’s not, actually.” He picked up her teacup and sniffed; he took a sip and nodded. “My grandmother’s birthday is this week.” He went to the kitchen and began opening cupboards until he found a mug. “I talked to her this morning. I’ve never heard her sound so down. All her friends are great-grandmothers and she’s pouting because she doesn’t have a baby to dandle on her knee.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Lauren took the mug from him and set it on the counter. “What does that have to do with me?”
“She asked me to come to her party. I’m hoping if I go it will cheer her up.”
“Good luck with that.” She did wish him luck, knowing how stubborn her grandmother could be when stuck on that topic. “I still don’t see how By Arrangement can be of assistance. We have no connections in New York. If we’d had more warning we could have put something together for you, but at this late date—”
“I don’t need your expertise as an event coordinator,” he broke in. “I need a date.”
She blinked at him; let her mind catch up with his words. “You want me to go to New York with you?”
“Yes. We leave tomorrow morning. I’ve already arranged the flight.”
Of course he had. She pointed toward the door. “Get out.”
“Lauren, I’m serious. I need your help.”
“You’re insane if you think I’m going to New York with you.”
“I don’t expect you to drop everything for nothing.” He treated her to his charming smile. “I want to hire you.”
The attempt at manipulation and the reminder that his request was a job offer only made the whole thing worse. Fortunately it had the benefit of reminding her he was a client and as such deserved a respectful response.
Drawing on her professional persona, she breathed deep, seeking calm. “As I already mentioned, I’m on vacation.”
“Name your price.” He would not be deterred. “I need you. Mamó saw that tabloid picture of us a couple of months ago, and now all the internet pictures of us at the wedding, and is excited about the idea of me having a girlfriend. All she wants for her birthday is for me to bring you with me.”
“I’m not comfortable with the idea of deceiving your grandmother. If that’s what you’re looking for I’m sure there are any number of actresses who would be pleased to help you.”
“It’s not like that.” He scowled. “It has to be you because you’re the one in the pictures and because we do have a relationship.”
“Did.” She corrected him. “We had a fling.” Calling their frantic rendezvous a relationship seemed a stretch. “It’s over.”
He stepped closer, played with the ends of her ponytail. “It doesn’t have to be. We could have fun on this trip.”
Gazing into his cheerful blue eyes, she experienced the irrational desire to lunge for what he offered. She didn’t think when she was in his arms—she just felt. An option that held huge appeal when her mind still whirled from the fact she was expecting his baby.
“No.” She spun out of his reach, crossed her arms in front of her—protecting herself, protecting their child. “We couldn’t. I told you, there’s no future for us. I like to be in the driver’s seat and so do you.”
“I don’t mind riding shotgun to a beautiful woman on occasion.”
“Liar.”
He laughed. “Okay, you got me. But we manage okay. What’s wrong with having a little fun?”
“It’s not me.” Which was true—even if there wasn’t a child to consider. “And I’m too busy. Don’t forget the awards are this weekend. We’re handling the Obsidian party.”
“But you’re on vacation. And we’ll be back by Saturday.”
“I prefer to be available in case the new assistants need help. And, believe me, I have things to keep me occupied.” Like planning a new future. Making an actual doctor’s appointment. Strategizing how she was going to handle him.
Ray stepped back, propped his hands on his hips. He appeared truly perplexed by her refusal. “Lauren, it’s my grandmother.”
Okay, he knew what button to push. She didn’t wish his grandmother ill. She actually admired his attempt to help the older woman. But she couldn’t let her sympathy lead her down a dangerous path.
“I’m sorry. She’s going to have to make do with you.”
“Right.” His blue eyes turned cold. He turned away. “Sorry to have bothered you.”
She closed her eyes rather than watch him walk away. A moment later she heard the front door close behind him.
* * *
Lauren’s conscience niggled her all morning and into the afternoon. For all his forceful charm and pre-planning ways, Ray had genuinely been concerned for his grandmother.
And, though they were no longer and never really had been seeing each other, the tabloid and internet pictures gave the appearance they had. Ray’s penchant for privacy—well known in Hollywood and no doubt by his family—only added credibility to his grandmother’s assumption.
But every time she considered changing her mind her heart raced and she remembered how insane his proposal was. If she agreed to go with him she’d be the unbalanced one. The man rode roughshod over everyone. Case in point: he had bought her airline ticket without even getting her agreement first.
So arrogant, so controlling... She shuddered. So not a good combination.
Except her life was now irrevocably linked to his. The trip
