Kristi Gold - Hotel Marchand 04 Read Online Free PDF Page B

you?”
    She released a mirthless laugh. “Do you mean forget that you were instrumental in my losing respect and in turn, losing my job?”
    “I don’t understand that. You made your movie and it was a critical success.”
    He made it sound so simple, when it had been anything but. “Critical success, yes, but not a commercial success. When Garnett-Mason took over, they only cared about the bottom line. And the bottom line was my inability to keep you on the project.”
    “My leaving had nothing to do with you.”
    “Really? I don’t remember the exact wording of the clause that released you from the contract, but I do remember it had something to do with finding it intolerable to work with me.”
    “The attorneys chose to handle it in that matter in order to avoid an exorbitant settlement.”
    “I see. This had to do with money.” She fisted her hands at her sides. “The cost for me was incredibly high. But then, I should have known that was a possibility when you ended up in my bed.”
    His anger showed in the steel set of his jaw. “Do you think that’s what this was about, Renee? Our sleeping together?”
    “Isn’t it?”
    “Hell, no. If I could have stayed on to direct, we would have handled that aspect. The reasons I left were personal and valid. And because of the possible litigation, I couldn’t tell you about it back then.”
    “Then tell me now.”
    He swiped a hand over the back of his neck, and when he looked up at her, she saw something akin to remorse in his eyes. “I wanted to call you over the past few years and explain. I wanted to tell you more times than I can count. But I wasn’t sure you’d talk to me, and even if you did, I didn’t believe you’d understand. I’m still not sure you would.”
    “What makes you think that?”
    He took a step forward. “Do you remember that night when I tried to tell you about my divorce, you stopped me and said you didn’t want to get into anything too personal? And do you remember what you said to me the morning before I left your place?”
    Yes, she remembered everything about that morning after. Right down to their lovemaking, which ended shortly before dawn. “It was a long time ago, Pete.”
    “Then let me jar your memory. You told me our sleeping together was a mistake. You said it wouldn’t happen again, and from that point forward, we’d only discuss business and behave professionally.” He managed another step. “I regret how it ended, but I’ve never regretted the time we spent together, or that night. I never will.”
    The conviction in his tone threatened Renee’s vow to avoid making another mistake with him. For that reason, she turned back to the window. “It’s late, Pete. You need to go.” Before she completely lost sight of her anger and asked him to stay.
    When she heard the sound of his footsteps coming closer, not moving away, Renee’s body went rigid. And when he pushed her hair back and rested his lips at her ear, an unwelcome heat flowed through her. “If making love with you was a mistake, I’d gladly make it again. And again.”
    The soft touch of his lips on her neck, then on her cheek, brought about a few unwanted tingles. Without turning around, she said, “You’ll find a phone in the kitchen so you can call a cab.”
    “I have a cell phone, and I prefer to walk.”
    “Do you know where you’re going?”
    “I have a good sense of direction, no pun intended.”
    She could hear the smile in his voice, and even though she didn’t want to, Renee couldn’t help but smile back. “Try not to get lost. I’d hate to have to explain that to your friends and your nephew.”
    Clasping her shoulders, he turned her around. “This isn’t over, Renee. While I’m in town, I’m going to explain to you what happened, when I think you’re ready to hear it. And I plan to make it up to you, somehow, some way.”
    “Go back to the hotel, Pete.” She’d said it with such minimal conviction, she expected him to