Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1) (4 page)

“Hey, it always comes down to the bottom line. If you’re willing to put your money into the project, how can I say no?”

Max shook his glass, almost empty again. He’d better slow down with the drinking. He swallowed the rest. Damn, his nerves sure were on edge.

“What’s gotcha, old friend?”

Doug and he went back to NYU. They had a solid bond. Max couldn’t keep much from him. But, then Max held back from himself. He’d been so out of touch with who he was, he caved into the world’s definition of him. “Ah, maybe I’m itching for a new project. Maybe a little bored.” Truth was, Max wasn’t sure what was wrong with him. He hadn’t been able to get Felicity off his mind since he met her.

“Nope, I think it’s something else. Trouble with the love life? Or lack thereof?” Doug smirked.

“No trouble. No action. But I’ve been thinking lately, it’s time to shed my false image as a confirmed bachelor and find the right lady.”

“You?” Doug choked on his beer. “If you’re serious, you have your pick from any pool of women out there. Anyone, including the Beverly Hills jet set.”

“Problem is I’m curious about a . . .” Max cleared his throat “. . . particular female.”

Doug half-stood and slapped Max on the shoulder. “No! So my suspicions are correct. This is all about Felicity Burgess.”

Max felt the smile widen on his face. A smile he wouldn’t soon be able to wipe off.

“You’ve got to be kidding me, buddy?” Doug shook his head and chuckled. “How about it? From what you’ve told me of her and having read the article you sent me, I see she’s a hard-working, self-made professional. A real departure from your usual Hollywood starling or model, huh?”

Max stared at his empty glass. He thought maybe he’d have one more. “She’s gotten under my skin. From the moment I met her in the ER.”

“Who’d think it? Max Marx wants a woman of substance.”

“It’s her confidence that strikes me. She obviously knew me, but was unabashed. And, the way she determinatively pitched her show. Her self-assurance is uncanny and her maturity is beyond her years.”

“No wonder, with having raised her kid sister and no parents.”

“I believe that. She’s single too.”

“What’s the problem, man? Make your move.”

“I think we need to put first things first. Let’s see about the show. Besides, I don’t want to mess her all up. I’m not the commitment type. And Felicity deserves better than a cad like me.”

Doug got the waitress’s attention and signaled for another round. “GQ’s
Sexiest Man Alive
has problems getting the girl?” He laughed. “That has to beat it all.”

“She’s not just any girl. She’s special.”

The waitress served another round of drinks, winked at Max, bending over more than necessary to show her ample breasts, which almost popped out of her blouse.

Do they ever stop?

Max smiled politely slightly moving away as he accepted the drink.

The waitress slid away with an exaggerated ass wiggle.

Doug chuckled. “Yeah, I think it’s a good plan. We’ll just see how things go with the show first.”

And Max was determined to make it a success.

Chapter 4

Felicity arrived at the
Sharpen
offices a half hour ahead of her appointment. As she sat in the overstuffed deep purple couch and took in the plush lobby decorated in art deco furnishings and paintings, she imagined working there. Intuition told her she belonged, but she still needed to sell herself. The perspiration accumulated under her arms as nerves got the best of her. She pulled out her plans from her attaché case.

The words and charts blurred as she lost focus and felt her heart rate rise increasing her anxiety.
Breathe, Felicity. You can do this.

Max strolled in the front door in casual stride, his gaze caught hers, and he gave her his broad smile as he sauntered over. “Ready for your pitch?”

Felicity stood, teetering slightly on her high-heeled pumps. Max took her arm to steady her. “I am. A little nervous.”
God.
She simply couldn’t help thinking . . . h
e was so hot.

“Ah, there’s nothing to be nervous about. We’ve got it in the bag.”

He led her down a maroon carpeted hallway to the corner office. Felicity read the gold plate.
Doug Perry, Executive Producer.

Impressive.
Felicity peeked through the office window and observed Doug talking on the phone as he wildly threw his hands about. Max led her through the door without knocking as Doug waved to them pointing in the direction of a round table off to the side of his office as he continued his conversation.

Felicity scrambled to assemble her charts and presentation materials. She’d rehearsed numerous times but now the words and charts jumbled in her mind. Would she be able to pull this off? Could she speak coherently? The panic rose inside of her. She knew she was still young but this was her chance at the big leagues and it was do-or-die time.

Max rubbed her arm. “Relax, Felicity. You’re well prepared and have a great concept. Enjoy the process.”

Felicity smiled but could feel her facial muscles twitch. “I know, but you can never be too prepared.”

“Doug’s bought into the project.”

Doug ended his phone conversation and headed over to the conference table with a manila folder in hand. “Talking about me already?”

Max made the introductions, everyone shook hands, and Doug sat directing his attention to Felicity. “Max and I have talked about your proposed project. According to
The Hollywood Reporter
article and the Meter ratings, I see
Teen View
has done well with its audience. For
daytime
TV.”

The sting of the implication jabbed at her like a sharp knife. Doug was right. Prime time TV would be a leap for her experience level. Still, she intended to give her presentation, have her say, and go for the assumptive close. “I’m glad you’ve read up on my work.”

Felicity fumbled with her spreadsheets, dug deep for her most confident voice, and delivered her presentation. Without flaw. Or so she thought.

“In conclusion, I think
Executive Women in Action
will garner ratings to support the show. With a Sunday prime time TV spot, I believe we’ll come out breaking down the pen.”

Max shifted, his brow furrowed. “With my next Forth shoot not starting for a couple of weeks, I think I can help Felicity get everything off on the right note.”

“The timing of your film with the new show has me concerned.” Doug opened the folder and handed Max and Felicity a copy of the contract. “As told by section Five, Letter A, the terms of the contract clearly require Max’s full-time attention as producer/director of
Executive Women.
Now, we can give some leeway, Max, but I think we should delay things until you return from Australia. I don’t expect you’ll be able to run the show from abroad.”

Run the show?
Was she invisible?
She’d already proven her abilities as a director with
Teen View.
Why didn’t he think she’d be capable?

Max shook his head. “I see no reason for delay. We can get started on the prep work, line up the interviews for show candidates, and start filming in October. I’d be back by then.”

Doug seemed to consider what Max said. “Possibly. All right, let’s review the contract in full. I want to make sure you are both on board with the terms and conditions.”

Doug went through the contract line-by-line. By the time they were through, Felicity feared she’d barely get credit for the show, let alone have much decision-making authority. But the salary would be close to double of hers at Applaud! so she couldn’t complain. She’d have primetime exposure. “Doug, with all due respect, I’m currently running the entire production of
Teen View
now. I realize I don’t have the title of director but I’m pretty sure the folks at Applaud! will vouch I handle most of the day-to-day affairs . . .” Felicity seemed to lose her thread of thought.

Max jumped in. “I think what Felicity is trying to say is that she’d like more input toward the direction. And I don’t have a problem with it.”

He doesn’t have a problem with it? Since when did Max think she’d be anything less than the director of her own show?

“. . . but I agree, at least in the beginning, we need my daily input. And being away is going to make it difficult. I still think we can get a lot of the preliminaries out of the way before I leave.”

“That’s fine with me. It’s your hide if the show tanks.” Doug hit Max on the shoulder. Felicity couldn’t be sure if Doug jested or had serious intent. “We’ll have the show run out on a six-week trial, like the contract specifies. If things don’t work out, I’m sure Max will recover.” Doug smirked at Max and then directed his attention toward Felicity. “I take it you’ll be continuing with your program at Applaud!? How do you think you’ll be able to swing the filming for
Executive Women
in conjunction with
Teen View
?”

“It’s not going to be a problem. I’ll be closely coordinating with my production assistant, Shantae Johnson, and my schedule will be free for evening taping here.” Felicity filed her copy of the contract in her briefcase.

Doug nodded. “Well then, I think we have a deal. Do either of you have any questions?”

Max and Felicity said no.

Doug pointed to the signature lines of the contract. “Then if you’ll both sign on the dotted line, we’ve got a deal.”

They wrote their signatures.

Doug glanced at his watch and stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a conference call in a few minutes.”

They said their goodbyes and exited Doug’s office.

Felicity let out a sigh of relief. They had a deal with a prime time network! Yet Felicity feared she might be getting into another situation like with Applaud! and wind up doing all the work without getting the credit. And possibly never get the director title. Even still, she needed to move forward and be pleased with what she had. Even if she had to report to Max, who literally had no production experience. Who knew? Maybe it might even be fun.

Felicity appreciated that Max had been professional and helpful through the contract negotiations. However, having the contract finalized felt anticlimactic. She’d have a show with a major network and on prime time but would the show really be hers?

Outside the Sharpen offices in the balmy late summer, afternoon, Felicity was alone with Max.

Now what?

“I think a celebration is in order.” Max winked at Felicity. “I’ve taken the liberty to reserve a private table at The Devine.” Max squeezed Felicity’s shoulder. “Come on, I’ll drive.” He placed his hand at the small of her back and led her to his car. “You did a tremendous job in there. It’s impressive for someone your age to have accomplished the launch of not one but two shows in the span of three years.”

“I’m twenty-four, Max. Just ten years behind you.”

Max didn’t comment, but opened the door to his sleek Mercedes. Felicity noted his monogram affixed in gold on the car door. He waited until she got in, closed the door for her, and walked around to hop into in the driver’s seat.

“I’d like to think I had done it alone, but if it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have a new boss or a new show.” Felicity said, hearing her voice get bashful.

“All it took was having a contact. You did the ground work.”

Max pulled out of his spot and smoothly drove out on the highway. The short drive to the restaurant was quiet but comfortable. Felicity was giddy with happiness partly over the contract and partly for being in Max’s company. For reasons she couldn’t fathom, she fantasized about him taking her hand to hold over the center console. However, he didn’t.

Max parked behind the back of the restaurant and helped Felicity out of the car. He steered Felicity ahead of him and whispered, “It’s the only way to avoid the paparazzi. I don’t want any attention taken away from you and your success with their silliness.”

Felicity imagined the feel of his whiskered cheek against hers and felt her heart swoon. Would this be a date? Or, just a professional dinner?

It FEELS like a date.

Max knocked at the back door, and a man introducing himself as their host led them through the kitchen to a private dining room. Felicity supposed Max had arranged with the restaurant management to meet them at the kitchen entrance. She noted the white oak hardwood floors, mauve-brushed velvet wall coverings, oil paintings circa the 19
th
century, and yards of pink fabric draping across the ceiling sprinkled with crystal chandeliers. A distinct smell of broiled seafood filled her senses as a waiter passed with a steaming plate.

The manager showed them to a private table. A side-by-side dinner setting faced a cushioned pink velvet bench. Felicity relished the idea of sitting next to Max.

Once settled, Cristal served, Max raised his glass. “Congratulations. You did good, kiddo.”

Kiddo? Seriously?
Okay she didn’t want to comment on his use of the term and possibly spoil the mood. Instead, she chose to ignore the offense and graze over the comment. “I can’t believe I’ve gotten myself into two full-time jobs.”

“From what you tell me, Shantae seems very capable. I’m sure she’ll be a great help.”

“Still, I’ll have to get used to splitting my time between two sets. There’ll be little time for anything else. But, I thrive on the stress. It keeps me out of trouble.”

Speaking of trouble, the way Max gazed at her, his coal-black eyes glistening with amusement unraveled her. The thought of whether or not he took her seriously niggled at her mind again. She’d hoped Max wouldn’t be watching her every move on the set. Yet, she liked the idea of working close with him.

“It helps that you’re young and have a ton of energy.” Max sipped his champagne.

She needed to nip the youth comment in the bud. “Granted we’re a few years apart, however I hardly think it appropriate for you to continue to refer to me as ‘kiddo.’”

Max chuckled and lifted his glass. “
Touché
. We’re
both
young. How’s that? And we should enjoy every moment we can, while we can.”

Felicity laughed. She finished her drink, and Max refilled it. The champagne buzzed in her head. Between the butterflies in her stomach and the alcohol, she let herself fantasize about Max and lost focus on his words.

Felicity couldn’t stop thinking of kissing him as she watched his facial gestures. His dimpled smiles intermixed with talk about how he’d like the show to progress. His hotness got her wet between the legs. She wished she could grab him, kiss him, and crawl into his lap. He could talk all night long as though
Executive Women
was all
his
show. She couldn’t care less. In truth, without him, none of this would have been possible.

“You’re not eating the appetizers.” Max pushed the olive and cheese platter toward her.

Felicity unconsciously popped a few pieces of cheese in her mouth enjoying the bite of the sharp taste. “I know much of this business is who you know. I will forever be grateful to you.”

“It’s
you I
should be grateful for. I’ve been searching for a segue from movie making. And I think it will be challenging to actually get involved with a TV show instead of just being an investor or actor.”

The words rang a wrong chord in her. Felicity didn’t want Max to take over the entire artistic direction. Still, she didn’t want to react negatively to the comment and directed her mind onto a different course. “
Teen View
has renewed for two more seasons. Now with the extra cash Jenny and I can move to a better place, get new furniture, and a new car. Things are looking up.” She finished her drink and poured herself another glass. She normally didn’t drink so much but the alcohol reduced her inhibitions. And she believed in the moment the drinks would give her fortitude to behave professionally. But maybe not. “I think the champagne has gotten to me a little. I’ve got the loose lips syndrome. When the dust settles with work, perhaps I can concentrate a little on my social life.”

Max appeared puzzled and hesitated to respond. “Oh, well, you mentioned you wouldn’t have much time for anything else besides work.”

“Er, yes, yes, I will be very busy. But, I’ve been working feverishly to set things up at
Applaud
! to make the transition run smoothly. At the same time, I needed to get Jenny and me out of our crappy apartment.” Felicity felt her face burn with embarrassment but trapped herself into further explanation. “I used my last pay check in anticipation of the advance money from
Sharpen
to negotiate a new lease. We found a lovely patio apartment closer to work. You’ll have to see it sometime.”
Darnit.
She knew she’d come off as though she flirted with him, but she couldn’t help it.

“You mean you already negotiated a lease?”

Felicity’s pride swelled.
That’s right
, she’d already been on it. “Yeah. Well, Jenny’s been a great help. She did a lot of research and found the place on her own. I’m so proud of her. I think I’m finally on an even-keeled relationship with my sister. And it’s such a blessing now. I’ll be working double-time, at least for a while.” Felicity tried to stop herself from rambling.

“I could help you with the move, if you like.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary. We’re used to handling things on our own. It builds backbone.”
Oops.
Maybe she sounded too fierce. Felicity downed another glass of the Cristal.

Max filled his glass and lifted the empty bottle. Their waitress immediately appeared and he ordered another bottle of champagne.

After serving the new bottle, the waitress reviewed the dinner specials with them. Felicity asked Max to order her whatever he chose for himself. He put the order in.