Playing for Keeps (11 page)

"Do you know what your problem is? You're too nice," Tyson said before Chance could reply. "You're taking your character Dr. Staton with you into the real world."

"No, I'm not like him."

Tyson patted Chance on the back. "Good, then go for this role. If Julia Jones or anyone related to her is at this fundraiser let them know who you are."

"Right," Chance said knowing he'd do no such thing.

Once Tyson had gone, Chance paced.
You can do this. You can do this. That role could be yours.
He grabbed his shirt, wishing the room didn't feel so hot. He didn't know what affected him more, the thought of trying for a role that few others believed he could do or the possibility of seeing Stacy again. The woman who hadn't known who he was. Who'd treated him like a regular guy. Then changed when she found out the truth. He wished he could be a regular guy.

Tyson came back into the room. "Do you know what your problem is?"

Chance covered his eyes and shook his head. "Just tell me."

"You're letting a woman stand in your way."

"What?"

"You didn't like when I mentioned Stacy's name. There's something you're not telling me, but I know that look. Don't pass up this opportunity because of revenge."

"Revenge?"

"I know she's the one who messed up my car. I don't want you to think that you are at a disadvantage because of what happened with the court case."

"I'm not going after the role."

"You will."

Chance couldn't help a smile. No, he wasn't going to audition for the role, but his friend had just given him an idea.

***

The last day of class had come faster than expected. Stacy was surprised to realize that she didn't want it to end. She'd finally felt she was making progress and now it was over. Now she could go back to her normal life and never see this place again. Ninety days. In three months spring had turned into summer, she'd met a man, lost that man, made enemies, made new friends, and started to write again. The experience had changed her, the women had too. They'd shown her where making the right choices could lead her.

"Where's Laurice?"

"Released."

Stacy had wanted to say goodbye. Laurice had been a challenge. Stacy still didn't know why she stayed, or why she made
every
meeting a fight, but her work had improved and they'd settled into a civility Stacy had grown used to. Stacy had wanted to tell her that her last story had been amazing. Coarse, and a little crude, but it was heartfelt and real. She had a talent with words, but now Laurice had already moved on.

The women said their goodbyes. There were a few tears. Priscilla asked if she could write her, but although Stacy said yes, she doubted she would. Even Nila had moved on from the puppy program. She'd left shortly after Stacy had met her, leaving someone else in charge and no forwarding address.

Stacy heard the jail door click close one last time, this time behind her instead of in front of her and walked out of the detention center closing one chapter and ready for the next.

***

But Stacy wasn't sure how ready she was when she looked at the stockings she was supposed to wear to her next function. Rania had called and told her what to wear, but she wouldn't wear them. She
couldn't
wear them. She'd heard of black fishnets, even red ones. But purple? How could she pull off wearing a pair of purple fishnet stockings to a high-class fundraiser? Maybe there had been a mix up. She shouldn't have joined this club. Maybe she wasn't ready for it. Besides, she hadn't met anyone yet, except for Chance and he didn't count. If she didn't wear it no one would know, right?

Ready to live dangerously?
Yes, she was, but did it have to be this dangerous? She liked to blend in. Besides, she wasn't supposed to be the star of the evening, the charity was. She knew there would be a lot of actors and actresses vying for attention while also elevating a worthy cause. They would try to charm and flatter her, so that they could be part of the film. Stacy took a deep breath.
I can do this.
She carefully did her makeup and hair, put on a backless, silver dress Rania had selected and then the stockings then stared at what she saw, hardly recognizing herself.

"Do you really think I can pull this off?" she said to Houdini who lay next to her bed. She bit her lip. "We'll find out," she said slipping on her heels.

The moment she entered the ballroom she got her answer. While she marveled at the opulent surroundings with its vaulted ceilings, large windows and black and white tile floors and imported glass vases bursting with large bouquets, others did a double take. Julia rushed up to her, fashionably attired in a classic black dress and diamond stud earrings. "I didn't even recognize you at first. You look sensational. You've got to tell me where you got that dress and those stockings."

"I will, when I remember."

Julia lifted a brow. "Keeping secrets?"

"Just a few." Stacy pulled out her cell phone and stylus and started writing down notes.

"What are you doing?"

"I have to keep busy," Stacy said. She hadn't been to a party in so long she felt out of touch.

"There are plenty of men here who'd love to keep you busy."

"That's not why I'm here."

"Consider it a bonus. Relax. Just have several drinks and smile and let them do the rest."

Stacy waved her friend away. "You go and do that. I'm already working on ideas for my next screenplay."

"Oh, I like the sound of that. Don't let me bother you." She leaned in close. "Just remember, Mr. Right could be here."

Stacy watched Julia join another conversation. She still hadn't forgotten about Chance. Why did Mr. Wrong still seem so right? Stacy shook her head, annoyed with her thoughts and jotted down a possible scene when a man bumped her elbow and her stylus slipped through her fingers and dropped to the ground. She bent to pick it up when someone absently kicked it out of reach. She made her way through the crowd, but people kept kicking it in various directions. Finally it hit a man's shoe and she hoped he'd stay still long enough for her to reach it.

***

Chance glanced down when he felt something hit his shoe, and saw a stylus. He bent down to pick it up then stopped when he saw a pair of shiny black heels come into view. He slowly lifted his gaze and saw a pair of legs that made his mouth go dry. Chance would not have considered himself a leg man until that night. If he were truly honest he liked hips. Not that he'd admit that to anyone. But when he saw those smooth brown legs in purple fishnet stockings he was mesmerized. He finally raised his gaze to the form fitting silver dress and grew eager to see the owner of both. He grinned, but when he saw her face, his smile froze in place.

"Thank you," Stacy said in a stiff voice.

Chance handed over the stylus, not knowing what else to say. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth, his throat dry as he stared at a woman so stunning that everything else faded away. The lights could not rival the sparkle in her eyes, the flowers could not compare to the scent of her perfume. He wanted her and hated her at the same time. This wasn't the woman he'd been angry with, the woman who'd smashed his car, who he had found crying in the men's room, who he'd kissed with mascara running down her cheeks or who'd asked him to 'just be friends'. This was a woman without weakness. She carried herself like a member of a monarchy, her stance had an imperial bearing as if she could easily crush a man under her heels or slice him with a glance. This was a woman of power who didn't need anyone--especially him. With one glance she could send him soaring into heaven then crashing down to Earth.

Chance felt anger rising, hating how much she affected him. She was as tempting as a jet to a man who liked speed, a rainstorm to a parched desert. Everything about her was just right for him. He wanted to taste her raspberry colored lips, discover what was under her dress and spend a night with her. He hated that he still cared that she didn't remember him and that he wanted her to. He wanted to see a spark of recognition in her eyes. But all he saw was awkward surprise. This wasn't the Stacy he'd been thinking about. This wasn't the woman he'd been planning to coerce. She was the beauty he'd expected her to become, but just as she'd ignored his feelings in the past he knew she would again. She was a stranger to him now and it wounded his ego, but strengthened his resolve. She'd forgotten him and he'd do the same. He turned and took a glass from a passing waiter.

"You're right," she said in a soft voice. "I miss you."

Chance took a long swallow then gritted his teeth. He hadn't expected her to say that and she sounded sincere. He felt himself weakening, although he fought to keep an emotional distance. Chance steeled himself against her words, against his desire to forgive her and admit that he wanted to be with her, that he wanted to stand closer to her so that he could feel her soft, supple skin against his.

Stacy lightly touched his sleeve. "I made a mistake and I have to say this fast before Julia sees me and thinks I've lost my mind. Can I call you?"

Chance opened his mouth to respond, but before he could someone grabbed his face and kissed him full on the mouth. It was only when she pulled back he recognized it was his date. "Baby I've missed you." She turned to Stacy and held out her hand. "I'm Tameka Hart."

Stacy shook her hand. "Stacy Price."

"Do you mind if I steal him away for a minute?" Tameka said taking his arm. "There's someone you have to meet."

"No, I don't," Chance said quickly, trying to get over the kiss and the look on Stacy's face.

"No, please," Stacy said, taking a step back. "Go ahead."

Chance shook his head, taking a desperate step towards her. "No, it's not--"

Another attractive woman approached them. "I've been looking for you," she said to Stacy, looping her arm through hers.

"Julia, wait--" Stacy said sending Chance a quick look as if she wanted to say more.

Tameka rubbed his lips with her finger, making her possession of Chance clear. "Sorry, baby I got lipstick on you."

"Excuse us," Julia said with a cool glance then led Stacy away.

He spun around to Tameka. "What the hell was that?"

She blinked at him surprised. "What? I thought you'd be happy?"

"Happy?"

"You looked trapped. I was trying to save you."

Chance swore and hung his head.

"Wasn't she coming onto you pretty strong?"

"Never mind," Chance said watching Julia take Stacy far across the room. "Forget it."

***

"What are you doing?" Stacy asked, pulling away from Julia.

"Stopping you from making a fool of yourself. Do you know how many women have made a beehive towards him in the last hour?"

Stacy put her phone and stylus away with trembling fingers. She hadn't expected Chance to be so cold. At first her heart leapt when he stood and flashed his engaging smile and his beautiful eyes sparkled with amusement, that was until he recognized her. Then all the charm disappeared, like he'd flipped a switch. "He was alone when--"

"Well, he's not anymore."

Stacy turned and saw Chance surrounded by two other women in addition to Tameka. She sighed. "I just wanted to talk to him."

Julia lightly patted her on the back like a wise older sister. "You just suffered a moment of weakness. That's why I'm here to rescue you. He's moved on and so should you."

"Who is she?"

"Which one?"

Stacy jabbed her friend with her elbow, knowing Julia was being obtuse to prove her point. "You know which one. His
date
."

"She's an actress. Don't look surprised. What did you expect? A teacher?"

"Chance isn't like that, if he likes her it's for other reasons than her looks."

"He may be interested in you for other reasons."

"What do you mean?"

"I just got word that Chance is interested in the part of Melvin."

Stacy laughed.

"I'm serious."

Stacy shook her head. "That's not going to happen. He's all wrong for it."

"I agree, but I heard from two key contacts who are really pressing his case, which I found surprising considering he works without a manager or agent."

"Hubris?" Stacy asked knowing that wasn't the case, but wanting to sound unbiased.

Julia sent Chance a considering look. "Or maybe he's just smarter than we think. Be careful Stacy he may have a hidden agenda."

***

He couldn't focus. Damn what had Stacy meant to say? What did Julia have to do with anything? Why did Tameka have to come at the wrong moment? Did she really miss him?

"You're a million miles away," Tameka said.

"Sorry." It was now or never. He had to get his questions answered. He pulled out his cell phone and sent Stacy a text then looked up at Tameka. "I'll see you later, okay?"

"Where are you going?"

"I just need a few minutes to figure out something," he said then left the room. Minutes later he stood in the second floor stairwell wondering if Stacy got his text and whether she'd reply. After fifteen minutes he leaned against the wall defeated. She wasn't coming. He was about to leave when he heard the door below him open, then Stacy appeared on the landing.

"Do you know how many stairs there are in this place?" she said breathless, leaning against the railing.

She came.
Chance raced down the stairs, pulled her into his arms and kissed her, sinking into the pleasure of the sweet feel of her lips. She didn't pull back or draw away. Instead she deepened the kiss, her tongue darting inside his mouth. He felt his body grow hard; her soft form pressed against him. His hands explored the hollows of her back. "God, it would be so easy to get you out of this dress," he whispered then covered her mouth again.

After one long, delicious moment, she broke away. "Julia, can't know about this," she said in a hurried, anxious tone.