Playing for Keeps (12 page)

"Julia?" Chance asked, not really caring. Stacy was the only woman who mattered to him.

"The producer of
Courting Danger
, you just met her. I know you want a part and--"

"You think I'm here because I want a job?"

"No, but she does and when you audition--"

Chance shook his head. "I'm not going to audition. If it's a choice between you and a role, there's no contest." He kissed her again.

Stacy pressed her hands against his chest. "Chance--"

He glanced down and grinned. "You've got the right idea."

She stifled a laugh at his overt invitation. "We should stop. Someone could see us."

He lifted her arm and kissed his way up to her shoulder. "So what?"

"What about your date?"

He kissed her neck. "She'll understand."

Stacy cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "No one can know about us. At least not yet. Trust me. I'll call you when the auditions are over. Now I've got to go." She turned to leave.

Chance grabbed her wrist. "You can't just leave like that. I told you, I'm not interested in just being friends."

A sly, sexy grin spread across her face then she winked at him. "In case you haven't noticed." She kissed the tips of two fingers then placed them against his lips. "Neither am I."

***

Stacy returned to the ballroom feeling amazing. Beautiful, desirable and wanton. She still couldn't believe the text Chance had sent asking her to meet him.

"Where did you disappear too?" Julia asked her.

"The bathroom."

Julia narrowed her eyes. "Liar. You went to go see him. What did he say?"

Stacy couldn't help a grin. "Nothing."

"I bet you he said he's not interested in the role, just you." Julia looked at her friend with pity. "And if you believe that, get ready to get your heart smashed again."

Donald Mott wasn't in a good mood. The past three weeks of auditions had not produced the actor he wanted. None of the over three hundred plus applicants had the quality he was looking for. He had a half hour before he had to return to Julia's office and hear another reading. He knew Julia and Stacy were already set on one known actor, impressed by his eight by ten glossy photo and impressive credentials. But Donald wanted something more. Someone fresh.

He stood in the hall chewing gum, instead of smoking like he used to. He was about to pull out another stick of gum when he spotted a striking figure leaning against the wall. There was something about the man's pose that drew him--intrigued him.

"Hey," he said.

The man straightened and Donald suppressed a smile, pleased by his height. He also looked curious, but approachable. "What?"

Donald handed him a script. "Come on."

The man glanced at the script then shook his head. "I'm not here to do a reading, I was just waiting for a friend."

"You're an actor, right?" He recognized the face, but couldn’t place him, and at that moment wasn’t particularly interested in who he was, he just needed a warm body. "Chase something?"

"Chance," he corrected without offense.

"Right. I want you to read for
Courting Danger
. You know about it?" He didn't give him an opportunity to reply. "Let's go."

***

Stacy hid her surprise behind a coughing fit, when Chance entered the room. Julia offered her a cup of water and a smug look that said 'I told you so'.
What was he doing there?
It had only been two weeks since the fundraising gala. He said he wouldn't audition. Had he lied to her? Was Julia right and he was just using her? Had she been fooling herself? She'd believed him but now he was here. Stacy took a deep breath determined not to let any of her feelings show.

"I know he's not on the schedule," Donald said to Julia. He said something else but Stacy wasn't listening. She couldn't stop staring at Chance. Still trying to figure out why he was there. He couldn't possibly read for the role of Melvin. He was all wrong. What was Donald thinking? Chance seemed at ease, glancing over her as if she were a piece of furniture. She stiffened at the subtle slight, then realized he was being professional and she would be too. She watched him shake hands with Julia. She hadn't expected the casting of Marshall's character to be so difficult.

She'd expected the role of Shiree to be more of a struggle and it had been a little awkward since the character was based on herself, but she and the rest of the production team had felt that Melody Crane was perfect. Now they just needed the right piece to the puzzle. She wanted to scream that he was all wrong. They were wasting their time, but if Chance wanted the opportunity, she wouldn't stop him.

"We'll use the scene from the second act," Stacy said keeping her gaze on the script, she did the reading with all the actors. "Do you need some background?"

"I know enough," Chance said.

"Do you need a lead in?"

Chance shook his head. Distant, but obliging, reminding her of the kind doctor he played on TV or that man who'd smiled when he'd found her in the men's room. Then she watched him briefly close his eyes and take a deep breath. When he opened them, he stared at her with a piercing, razor sharp gaze that made the blood drain from her face, taking her into the story.

"Shiree," he said in a tone that gave her goose bumps. "Do you think it's easy for me out there? Do you know how much I work?"

"Yes, but that audition I got for you--"

"Was beneath me and you know it. Reputation is everything. If I played a role like that, I'd be typecast for life."

"But you're more than one role," Stacy said reliving the moment she'd written about. Shocked that Chance had been able to embody Marshall's disdain with such perfection.

"I'm more than that role." He narrowed his eyes, a look of pleading despair entering them. "Do you even love me?"
Stacy wanted to turn away, but gazed back at him mesmerized. "Please don't do that. You know I do."

"Then why would you even think I'd do it? I'm a genius and I don't care how long it takes for the world to find out."

"But even a genius needs to eat."

"I thought you'd support me. What's a man to do when his own wife doesn't believe in him?"

"I'm not having this conversation." She turned.

He grabbed her wrist, but didn't force her to turn around. Instead he held her still and moved his lips close to her ear, his breath was warm but his words made her insides chill. "Don't walk away from me." He slowly walked around her and forced her to face him. This time the hurt and despair disappeared from his eyes, replaced with a cruel dominance. He deepened his tone. "When this conversation is finished, I'll let you know."

"Excellent!" Donald said. "We'll get back to you."

In an instant the chilly, arrogant expression left his face. Chance nodded. "Okay," he said then left without a goodbye.

Stacy dropped her gaze to the script, although she wanted to run after him. She needed him. She needed his unexpected brilliance. He'd both horrified and mesmerized her. He took the role to the next level. The whole production would be more resonant with a performance like that. He could help her show the world that she didn't need Marshall to succeed. That she was her own woman and she could stand on her own. That she made quality work.

Donald looked satisfied with himself. "He's the one. Either he plays this role or I'm out," he said then his cell phone rang. He glanced at the number. "I have to take this," he said then turned and answered.

Julia swore. "You know what that means, right? If Chance is the only actor Donald will work with then we have to convince him to play the part. If not, it could sabotage the entire production. I already know of three actors who will walk if Donald isn't the director. Chance is one clever bastard."

"I don't think Chance orchestrated this," Stacy said, offended by Julia's distrust.

Julia sent Stacy a significant look. "Maybe not. Maybe he just happened to be here, and Donald just happened to chose him. Maybe. But I'll guarantee you this, the moment you offer him this role you'll be old news."

Stacy couldn't ignore the truth of her friend's words. He'd breezed in and out of the room as if they were strangers. Donald was right. He was perfect. He was on the cusp of a new level of stardom and was still young enough not to be tied down.

Stacy rode the elevator with a feeling of dejection when her cell phone buzzed. She looked at it and her heart leaped when she was a text from Chance.

MEET ME.
He said then gave her a location in Central Park.

Stacy bit her lip then sent him her reply.

The slight bite of early autumn chilled the air, but few leaves had changed their colors yet. Stacy watched a family of four walking carrying balloons and a group of joggers make their way past her. She glanced at her watch again, wondering if she'd gone to the right spot. Then she saw him running towards her carrying a small bouquet of flowers. He quickly kissed her. "Sorry, I'm late and I can't stay long, but I had to see you. Here," he said handing her the flowers.

"What are these for?" Stacy said taking the flowers and smelling them.

"I didn't plan on auditioning. I was--"

"It's okay. You were perfect."

"I don't want you to think I was lying to you." He led her over to a bench and they sat. He rested his arm behind her and let his hand graze her neck, his fingers cool and smooth against her skin. His expression grew serious. "Stacy--"

A young woman with corkscrew curls came up to him. "Excuse me?" When he looked up she clapped her hands together and grinned. "I knew it was you. You've got to tell me what happens next."

A slow smile spread on his face. "My lips are sealed, but you won't be disappointed," he said then winked.

The woman blushed then hurried away.

Chance turned to Stacy and just as quickly as he'd made the other woman blush, his intense brown gaze made Stacy feel as if she were the only woman in the world. "How are things with Houdini? I know of a great dog park."

"He's doing much better," Stacy said with a laugh. "I had to get rid of my last dog sitter and I now drop him off at a Doggie Day Care when I can't be at home. I know he'll love to see you."

Chance tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his knuckles brushing against her cheek in a tender caress. "Thanks for coming."

"You were brilliant at the reading," Stacy said not knowing what else to say. "How did you do that?"

He rested his arm behind her and shrugged. "I got into character. I enjoy it when I get to play someone complex and full of contradictions."

"You understand him well."

Chance lowered his head and licked his bottom lip, briefly reminding Stacy of someone, but then the memory faded. "I'd better, if I want him to come alive on screen."

Stacy suppressed a grin. He was interested in the part, Donald would be happy. "Do you relate to him? Do you understand him?"

"Sure. But am I like him? No. He's full of insecurities that makes him push away the very woman he loves and the life he loves."

"He only loves himself."

"If that were true he wouldn't be so miserable. He lives with a mask on."

"And you don't?"

"No, what you see is what you get. Wearing a mask would be exhausting. But for a few hours I can be whoever you want me to be," he said with a devilish glint in his eye.

He was a true chameleon. He could seduce her with a casual glance, a simple touch or the tone of his voice, but was it real or just an act? She couldn't be sure. "So you're interested in playing the role?"

"I'm really not sure yet. Tell me about Julia."

Stacy pulled out her cell phone. "She's a fabulous producer and--"

Chance covered her hand. "I don't want her resume. I want to know why you warned me about her."

"She thinks I'm making a mistake seeing you. It has nothing to do with you personally," she said quickly, when she saw his expression darken. "She just doesn't trust me with actors, especially after my ex."

Chance paused. "Do you still want to see me?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to take the role?"

"Yes."

"Then there's only one way you'll convince me."

Stacy leaned forward eager to hear him. She was so close to getting all that she wanted.
I'll do anything
, she wanted to say, but instead said, "What?"

"Remember who I am."

She sat back confused. "Remember who you are? I know who you are. You're Chance Jamison the actor on a popular TV show...why are you shaking your head?"

"That's who I am now. I want you to remember who I really am."

"Who you really are?"

"You're starting to sound like a parrot."

Stacy rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand."

"We met before. A long time ago. I want you to remember that."

"Why?"

"Because the moment you remember me, you'll remember the woman you used to be." He stood. "You have three days."

Stacy jumped up and grabbed his arm. "But that isn't fair. Maybe you're confusing me with somebody else."

"I'm not."

"At least give me a hint. How long ago? Was it at school? Where did we meet?" She lifted up his shirtsleeve.

Chance grinned. "Checking for tattoos? I don't have any and don't worry, we weren't that close. Even though I wanted to be." He winked. "There's your hint. Good luck."

"Wait," Stacy said before he could turn "Are you saying you don't want to see me again? Was I cruel to you?"

"No, anything but. I just won't play Melvin until you remember. I want you to trust me. By remembering me, you'll know you can trust me." He turned and walked away. Stacy fell hard onto the bench.

She'd met him before? Who the hell was he? Why couldn't she remember? She would have definitely remembered someone like him. Why didn't she?