Читать книгу The Hudsons: Max, Bella and Devlin - Catherine Mann, Maureen Child - Страница 12

Dana couldn’t stop smiling.

She lay flat on her back, eyes closed, fighting the urge to grin like a fool. Max lay beside her. She could hear his rapid breathing, feel his body heat and smell him. She inhaled deeply. Correction, she could smell them and the intoxicating aroma of their lovemaking. The urge to grin grew stronger.

Making love with him had exceeded her fantasies. And she couldn’t ask for more. She was so happy they’d finally taken this step—even if she didn’t know what had precipitated it.

The mattress shifted. She forced her heavy eyelids open in time to see Max leaving the bed. She soaked up the sight of his broad shoulders, tight butt, and long, muscled legs as he bent to scoop up his swim trunks from the floor. Yummy.

He disappeared into the adjoining bathroom without looking back. Something felt a little off. She chalked it up to the awkwardness of the first time with a new partner. Not that she had a whole lot of experience with that circumstance. And he did have the condom to deal with.

Rolling out of bed, she gathered her suit and shifted on her feet as she tried to figure out what to do next. Put the suit back on? Get dressed? Climb back in bed? She still hadn’t made up her mind when Max returned dressed in his trunks.

His gaze rolled over her, lingering on her breasts, which tightened in response to his widening pupils and intense expression. His gaze coasted past her waist and hips to her legs and then slowly returned. His eyes stalled briefly on her navel ring before gliding up until they locked with hers once more. She saw suppressed passion but also caution in his eyes.

Her fingers tightened on the fabric of her swimsuit. A sudden and unexpected wave of insecurity made her want to cover up. He dated some of the most beautiful women in the world. How did she measure up? She certainly wasn’t as skinny as his usual type. And she wasn’t blonde.

“I’m going to take a quick swim and have lunch before getting back to work. Shall I cook enough for two?”

She blinked in surprise. He’d taken her to restaurants for working lunches, but he’d never prepared anything for her or even offered to fetch anything for her from the Hudson Pictures canteen. And while all he’d be doing was heating up something the caterer had left, that he’d offer to include her now made her feel all warm and fuzzy and cherished.

“I could make lunch.” She’d rather stay here and cuddle with him. But they really didn’t have time for that.

“I can handle it. You take a shower or…whatever it is women do after…sex.”

Sex. She’d rather he called it making love. But he was a guy. A commitment-phobic guy. “Maybe I, um, could join you in the pool and then we could make the meal together.”

“I’m going to swim laps.” He turned on his heel and exited through her patio door.

Confused, Dana stared after him. Had that been a statement or a dismissal? Did Max regret what had just happened?

How could he regret what had been one of the best moments of her life?

And where did they go from here? Because for her, everything had changed. She no longer wanted to get away from Max, and she no longer wanted to win the bet. She wanted to win his heart.

Only the hum of the electronic equipment disturbed the silence of the room.

Dana sat at her desk in Max’s home office and tried to focus on work, but her mind kept straying. She wasn’t dumb enough to delude herself that Max was in love with her. Yet. His cool demeanor throughout lunch had proven that. There had been no tender, reminiscent smiles, no wicked glances promising more lovemaking to come later.

But he did desire her. She knew good acting when she saw it, and Max hadn’t been faking his passion earlier.

So why the oppressive silence now?

Max’s office chair squeaked as he twisted to face her. Her heart skipped in anticipation of what he’d say.

“How is the capturing coming?”

Work. She’d expected something…personal. She tried to mask her disappointment. “It’s going well. I should be finished in a couple of days.”

He swiveled back and then stopped. “My family is having a dinner tonight. I’d like you to join me.”

Happiness welled in her chest. He was including her—like a real date. That had to mean something. “I’d like that.”

“We’ll leave at seven.”

She glanced at her watch. She had just over an hour to get ready. And then she realized she wasn’t prepared—not to go to Hudson Manor as Max’s date. “I didn’t pack anything that would be appropriate for a night out. I’ll need to go to my place to change.”

“Back up your work and go. I’ll pick you up in an hour.” His neutral tone lacked enthusiasm and again, that niggling feeling that something wasn’t quite right hit her.

She brushed it aside. They’d made love and he was taking her to his family dinner. As her brother had always claimed, as long as you’re making forward progress, you’re headed in the right direction.

And Max was picking her up at her house. It would be almost like a date. Their first date.

Dana’s palms moistened and her pulse quickened as Max pulled his car to a halt in front of Hudson Manor. She’d been here several times before for functions related to work and to visit Lillian.

But tonight was different. Her role had changed.

Or had it?

It was hard to tell from Max’s demeanor. He hadn’t taken her in his arms and kissed her when he’d arrived at her place. In fact, he was acting as if they hadn’t been lost in each other’s bodies this afternoon.

She shook off her insecurities and looked up at the Hudson’s home through the car window. The French provincial mansion Charles had built for Lillian on Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills never failed to impress her. the gray stone facade with its wrought-iron decorative accents tripped every romantic switch she had.

Set on fifteen acres with two swimming pools, four tennis courts, stables plus a carriage house and a guest house, the estate had a fairy-tale quality that made it impossible for Dana to imagine living in such grandeur.

Charles and Lillian had filled the place with antiques they’d bought on their world travels, but the place didn’t feel in the least like a museum. Every other time Dana had come for a visit she’d been very comfortable. Tonight, not so much.

Max came around to her side of the car and opened her door. He offered his hand to assist her out. She grasped him tightly, glad for the reassurance under the changed circumstances. What would his family think about him with her?

She climbed from the car, took a deep breath and squeezed Max’s hand. She deliberately stepped into his body. “Thanks for including me tonight.”

He held her pressed against his length for a moment, but then released her without a kiss, leaving her feeling a bit adrift. “You’re welcome.”

She kept pace beside him as they headed for the front door. Why hadn’t he kissed her? Maybe he wasn’t into public displays? “I can’t imagine what it must have been like growing up here. It’s quite different from my home.”

“You get used to it.”

She laughed at his dismissive tone. “I don’t think so. According to Lillian when she gave me a tour, your house has fifty-five rooms. Mine had ten. There’s a bit of a discrepancy.”

He opened the front door and motioned for her to precede him. She entered the grand foyer with its marble floors, double-wide staircase and soaring ceiling. Until she’d visited Hudson Manor she’d had no idea there was such a thing as hand-painted wallpaper. Back home she and her mother had bought the stuff in rolls and redone the entire house themselves. It wasn’t the same. Not even close.

“Who’ll be here tonight?” She hoped he didn’t notice the nervous quiver in her voice.

He shrugged. “Probably everybody except Luc, who’s in Montana. He and Gwen are too close to the baby’s due date to travel.”

“Hudson Pictures will miss him as the PR director, but retiring to raise a family on a ranch does have its appeal.”

His gaze sharpened. “You’re interested in leaving L.A.?”

She shook her head. “Oh, no. I love the bustle and edginess of the city, but I was raised in a smallish town. I understand the appeal of a less hurried lifestyle.”

The quick shuffle of feet drew Dana’s attention. Hannah Aldridge, the sixty-something housekeeper who’d been with the family forever, hustled toward them. Her hazel-green eyes glowed with a warm welcome. “Good evening, Mr. Max, Ms. Dana. The family is in the front salon.”

“The salon?” Max sounded surprised.

“Appears there’s something to celebrate tonight.”

Excitement stirred in Dana’s belly. Was Max planning to surprise her by announcing their new coupledom to the family?

“What’s the occasion?” he asked, dashing her hopes.

“That I don’t know. You look lovely tonight, Miss.” Dana felt the heat climb her cheeks and smoothed a hand over her black cocktail dress. She’d bought both the minidress and shoes at a studio wardrobe clearance sale. That was the only way she’d ever be able to afford designer apparel.

“Thank you, Hannah.” A part of her wished Max had been the one to issue the compliment. Yes, his gaze had gobbled her up when she’d opened her door to him earlier, but he hadn’t said a word about her appearance even though she’d taken extra care to look good tonight. “How is Lillian this evening?”

“She’s well, and you’re a peach for asking. Go on through. They’re waiting for you.”

On the short walk to the salon Dana tried to rally her courage. She told herself she knew these people and they knew her. She had nothing to fear. But the bats swooping and diving through her stomach didn’t get the message.

The room fell silent the moment they crossed the threshold, tightening her nerves even more. How would Max explain their new situation? If he’d simply take her hand, everyone would get the message. But how would they react?

A chorus of welcomes greeted them. Dana forced herself to smile and wave at the nine people gathered in the room. Max broke away immediately to cross the room to his grandmother’s side, leaving Dana by the door. Lillian looked as good as could be expected for her age and her condition. Her blue eyes twinkled and her expertly tinted auburn hair was perfectly styled. Her private nurse stood just behind her shoulder.

Dana felt a twinge of loss. Lillian’s terminal illness was hitting them all hard, and while having time to prepare for her passing was a gift, that day was still going to be hard for everyone.

Max knelt, kissed Lillian’s cheek and held her hands as he spoke to her so quietly Dana couldn’t hear him. His gentleness and genuine affection for his grandmother tugged at her heartstrings.

At a loss, Dana tried to decide whether to join Max and interrupt his private moment with his grandmother or to impose herself on another group’s conversation. Before she could decide Markus and Sabrina, Max’s parents crossed the room toward her.

Sabrina, looking as elegant as ever in a designer evening pantsuit with her dark blond hair twisted in a French plait and her blue eyes sparkling, embraced Dana and kissed her cheek. “I’m happy you could join us, Dana.”

“Thank you for including me.”

Markus took her hand in both of his and gave it a squeeze. He looked to be in one of his jovial moods tonight. “It’s the least we can do since our son is working you around the clock.”

Her smile wobbled. Max must not have said anything about their being a couple now. But what could he say? He could hardly call his mother and say, “I slept with Dana today, so I’d like to bring her to dinner tonight as my date.”

Okay, Dana admitted, maybe her expectations had been a little skewed. “I’m enjoying the challenge of my new position, and Max is teaching me a lot.”

“May I fix you a drink?” Markus offered.

She did a quick scan of the room. Everyone seemed to be holding a glass. “A glass of white wine would be nice. Thank you.”

“Sweet or dry?”

She wrinkled her nose. Living in California hadn’t made a devoted wine fan out of her yet despite her vacation through Napa Valley on an educational winery tour. She’d learned a little about wine, but only enough to get by. “The sweeter, the better.”

“I have something you might like.”

Markus went one way. Sabrina took Dana’s hand and led her in the opposite direction toward Max’s brother Dev and the very slender brown-haired woman by his side.

“Dana, did you get a chance to meet Valerie Shelton, Dev’s fiancée, in France?”

“I did, but only briefly. It’s nice to see you again, Valerie.” Dana shook her hand. Valerie was Dana’s age, but seemed much more reserved. Dana had yet to figure out what about the cynical Dev appealed to the innocent and reserved Valerie other than looks and money. He was as rich and handsome as the rest of the Hudsons. But she’d always considered the COO of Hudson Pictures to be a bit aloof.

“It’s nice to see you, too.” Valerie gave her a shy smile. “I heard you’ve had a promotion since returning.”

Sabrina nodded. “Dana is Honor’s associate producer now.”

“That sounds exciting.” Valerie glanced at Dev. The adoration shining in her violet eyes made Dana’s breath catch. She hoped her feelings toward Max weren’t as obvious to everyone around them. She’d have to be more careful.

Dev didn’t seem to notice Valerie’s tender regard. In fact, his cool blue eyes were watching Dana. Was he also concerned about her dinner with Doug? She prayed Doug would come through with the script so she could put both Dev’s and Max’s minds at ease.

Dana forced her attention back to Valerie. “It’s a dream job, but it’s also hard work. No one wants to disappoint Lillian.”

Markus returned to Dana’s side and offered her a wineglass of pale gold liquid. “Try this, Dana. It’s a German Riesling, 2006 vintage.”

She accepted the glass and dutifully sniffed and sipped and rolled the wine around on her tongue as she’d been taught before swallowing. “It’s very good. Nice and fruity. Thank you.”

“Excellent. Let me know if you need a refill.”

A tap on the shoulder made Dana turn. Bella, Max’s baby sister, stood beside her. She had Max’s blue eyes, and her grandmother’s auburn hair. “Doesn’t look like Max has you tearing out your hair yet.”

“Not yet.” Dana’s gaze tracked him to the opposite side of the room where he now stood talking to his cousin Jack and David, Max’s uncle and Jack’s father, with his back to her. David was Honor’s director. She tried not to feel hurt by Max’s neglect, but she had expected to be by his side tonight, not on opposite sides of the room.

Dana returned her attention to Bella. They’d known each other superficially for years because of Hudson Pictures, but not all that well until they’d gotten to know each other better while on location in France. Bella was not only beautiful, she was feisty and a lot of fun—when she wasn’t wrapped up in her costar.

Dana scanned the room for Bella’s man of the moment. Bella had played Lillian in Honor. Ridley Sinclair, a box-office star and Bella’s current beau, had played Charles. Dana wasn’t crazy about Ridley and thought Bella could do better than a guy so self-absorbed, but their off-screen romance had burned pretty hot.

“Is Ridley joining us tonight?”

“No. He’s off doing…whatever.” She waved a dismissive hand, but sounded a bit put out.

Markus patted his daughter on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you ladies to catch up.” He left to rejoin his wife.

Bella hooked her arm through Dana’s. “Excuse us, Valerie and Dev. Dana, do you remember Cece, Cousin Jack’s wife?”

“Yes, I do. Max worked quite a bit with Cece on fine-tuning the script.” But Dana let herself be led to Jack, Cece and Max’s side, hoping Bella hadn’t seen the same lovestruck expression on her face that Valerie had displayed earlier. David stood on the fringe of the group.

Cece was a petite brunette, a brilliant scriptwriter and obviously in love with her husband. She grimaced as Dana and Bella approached. “They’re talking shop again. Didn’t Lillian forbid that tonight?”

“I did,” Lillian called out. She winked at them and beckoned Dana.

“Excuse me,” Dana said before going to Lillian’s side. She kissed the papery cheek.

Lillian squeezed her hand. “You’ve made progress.” Dana drew back. “I’m sorry?”

“He was watching you while he was talking to me.”

Dana’s heart skipped a beat. She started to turn and look at Max, but Lillian caught her hand. “Don’t look, dear. Never give all your secrets away. It gives a man too much power.”

“Max was watching me?” she whispered.

Lillian nodded.

A blush scorched Dana’s cheeks. “We’re spending a lot of time together. Working,” she added hastily, because there were some things you just didn’t share with a man’s grandmother.

On one of Dana’s recent visits Lillian had confessed she’d known about Dana’s crush for years and kept hoping her grandson would wise up. But she’d also warned Dana that Max’s love for Karen had been all-consuming and her loss devastating. She wasn’t sure Max would ever love that deeply again.

“Of course you are, dear. I’m glad he’s giving you a chance to pursue your dream and that he brought you tonight. Keep up the good work. And remember, Dana, the best things in life are worth waiting for.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll try not to forget.”

“Take care of him.” The after I’m gone remained unspoken. But those silent words put a lump in Dana’s throat.

“You know I’ll do my best as long as I’m with him.”

Lillian shoed her back to Max’s side. Dana desperately wanted to take his hand, but didn’t know if the gesture would be welcomed.

“No little man tonight?” she asked Cece.

Cece and Jack both smiled at the reference to their son—the son Jack hadn’t known about until he’d tracked Cece down to ask her to write the script.

Cece shook her head. “We left Theo at home. This would be too late an evening for him.”

“Good point.” Dana had seen Theo only a few times, but he looked exactly like his black-haired, blue-eyed daddy, and he was completely precious. An old familiar ache squeezed her chest. Way back when, she’d believed she’d have several children of her own by the time she reached twenty-eight. “Let me know if you ever need a babysitter.”

Cece grinned mischievously. “Don’t make that offer lightly. I know your number.”

Bella, her eyes brimming with excitement, shifted on her heels. “So is everything ready for the sixtieth anniversary bash and the movie preview?”

Jack nodded. “My staff has everything under control.”

Bella looked at Dana. “I can’t wait to see the first cut to see if I did Lillian proud. I mean, I saw the dailies, but…”

Dana touched her arm. “Bella, from what I’ve seen so far, you have nothing to be worried about. And once Max works his magic…”

Bella gave her a quick hug. “The three of us, you, me and Cece, are going to have to do some serious shopping. Oh, and we should probably include Valerie. I want a drop-dead gorgeous dress for this.”

David rolled his eyes. “Shopping. That’s one topic guaranteed to run any man away.” He excused himself and went to his mother’s side.

Max’s gaze followed him and then he turned to Jack once David was out of earshot. “Is everyone behaving tonight?”

“Yes. Your father and mine are keeping it civil. For a change.”

David Hudson did not get along well with his older brother or his brother’s wife. There was a tension between them that Dana hadn’t figured out yet despite the numerous interactions between David and Max. As director and producer they worked closely together.

Max scanned their little gathering. “Hannah said there was going to be a celebration. Anybody know what’s going on?”

Jack shook his head. “No clue. Cece and I have no news. You?”

Dana tensed and waited, holding her breath, but Max shook his head. “Not me.”

Her hopes sank like lead. She’d waited so long for it to happen that she really wanted to share the news that they were a couple. It was practically bubbling inside her.

Dev joined them with Valerie trailing behind. “I can answer your question.” Dev turned to the room and used his key to tap on his glass. “May I have everyone’s attention?”

He waited until the room fell silent. “Valerie and I eloped yesterday.”

Gasps and surprised grunts filled the room. After a startled moment, Sabrina and Markus made their way across the room. Sabrina hugged her son and then her new daughter-in-law. Markus shook Dev’s hand and then briefly embraced Valerie.

“Valerie, darling, welcome to the family,” Sabrina said, and then turned her hurt eyes on Dev. “I wish you’d let me arrange your wedding. Your father and I would have enjoyed sharing such a special moment.”

Dev shrugged. “We didn’t want fanfare.”

“A wedding on the estate grounds would have been nice,” Lillian added.

“Oh, that’s a lovely idea,” Valerie gushed, but then seemed to regret her words. “But Dev and I couldn’t wait.”

Dana thought Valerie looked as if she would have liked some pageantry.

“Are you pregnant?” Bella asked bluntly, but not unkindly.

Valerie’s cheeks turned crimson. She dipped her chin. “No. Oh, no. That’s not what I meant.”

An awkward silence descended. Dana moved forward to hug Valerie and break up the uncomfortable moment. “Congratulations. Perhaps I could arrange a belated bridal shower for you?”

Valerie’s eyes filled with gratitude. “That would be nice, Dana. Although I’m sure we won’t require any wedding presents. Dev tells me he’d like to live here in his suite of rooms.”

“Every woman needs gifts. Sexy lingerie, for example,” Bella said with a wicked smile that made Valerie blush more.

“I’ll call next week and we’ll work out the details.” Dana stepped aside and let others offer their good wishes.

She glanced at Max and found his narrowed eyes focused on her. What was he thinking? From his forbidding expression she’d bet he wasn’t remotely interested in following in his brother’s footsteps to the altar.

All she had to do was find a way to change his mind, because there was nothing she’d like more than to marry Max on the grounds of Hudson Manor and begin her own fairy-tale romance.