that New York is gear ing up to celebrate the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Statue of Libertyâs dedication, and that the city is looking for someone to film a documentary highlighting the event. The last big documentary was directed by Ken Burns back in 1986, and it was nominated for Best Documentary Feature.â
She nodded. âThat was a while ago.â
âMy name was given to the committee, and Iâve met with them several times over the past year. I learned yesterday that I was selected. Theyâve requested that I use a New Yorkâbased film crew, and I donât have a problem with that. It only means I need to be here for preproduction, not in L.A. Itâs important that I get to know the people Iâll be working with and they get to know me and my style.â
She knew just what he was talking about. Matthew was an outstanding director, dedicated to his work and he expected those who worked with him to be dedicated, as well. Sheâd been in two of his movies and both times had been in awe of his extraordinary skills.
A sincere smile touched her lips. She was happy for him. In fact, she was ecstatic. God knows heâd worked hard to prove himself in the industry, which was one of the reasons why they were sitting across the table from each other not as husband and wife but as exes. Still, she would put the bitterness aside and give him his due.
âCongratulations, Matthew, thatâs wonderful. I am truly happy for you,â she admitted, standing and carrying their plates to the sink.
âThank you,â Matthew said, leaning back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he watched Carmen move across the room with more grace than any woman he knew. There was a jaw-dropping sexiness to her walk that had the ability to turn on any man, big timeâespecially him.
It hit him just how much he missed seeing her and spending time with her. The last time theyâd been together had been in the judgeâs chambers, ending their marriage with their attorneys battling it out to the end.
âSo, youâre committed to being here all summer then?â she asked, turning around, leaning against the counter and meeting his gaze.
He smiled, wondering what she would do if she knew he was practically stripping her naked with his eyes while thinking of all the naughty things he wanted to do to her body. âYes.â
âWorking?â
âBasically.â
âWhich means Iâll rarely see you.â
Matthew flinched. She knew how to say things that could make him grit his teeth. She made it seem as if heâd never given her any attention while he worked. Well, that was about to change. He was on a mission to seduce her and then kick her out on that hot little behind of hers.
âMaybe you will and maybe you wonât. There will be days when Iâll be working from here.â
She shrugged. âIt doesnât matter, Matthew. Work drives you no matter when and where youâre doing it. Thatâs all you ever think about.â
He could tell her that wasnât true since at that very moment, he was thinking about how he wanted to make love to her once he got her back in his bed. âIf thatâs what you want to believe.â
She laughed shortly. âThatâs what I know. Now, if you donât mind, I intend to go to bed.â
He shot her a confused look. âBed? Donât you think itâs kind of early? The sunâs still up,â he pointed out.
She lifted a brow. âAnd your point?â
My point is that I canât very well seduce you if you are making yourself scarce. âThereâs still time to do things tonight.â
âI agree, which is why, after putting on my pjâs, I plan to sit out on my bedroom balcony with a good book and watch the sun set over the ocean. I might go for a swim in the pool later tonight, but you shouldnât be concerned that Iâll be