“That was intense,” Calvin said, running his hands up and down her arms.
“I’m sorry about the personal questions about you. I should have warned you that I thought it was a possibility,” Bella said to him.
He smiled down at her. “I figured it could be, with me standing five feet away.”
“Do you think that will send a clear message to Michael?” she asked as the ferry left the docks.
“If not, I don’t know what else could.” He sighed before leaning down and kissing her.
Two days later, they stepped off the plane in LA. The entire trip was less nerve-racking with Calvin by her side. Somehow, everything she did with him was easier and more fun. The long plane ride seemed to fly by quickly, as opposed to the one she’d taken out to Maine by herself less than three weeks ago.
As they waited for their luggage to arrive, a swarm of reporters flooded around them, screaming questions at them. It took two security guards to clear a path so they could finally get their luggage and head towards the doors to catch a ride to her apartment.
Then one question thrown at them made her stop and turn towards the group.
“What are your thoughts about Michael Himes lawsuit against you?” someone shouted at her.
“Sorry?” she asked the male reporter who’d shoved a microphone in her face. “What lawsuit?”
“You didn’t know about the legal action the award-winning director has threatened to file against you for defamation?” the man asked.
“No,” she answered and turned to push their way to the string of waiting taxis.
When they were in a car, heading towards her place, she pulled out her cell phone and called Maggie.
“What’s this about Michael suing me?” she asked when her agent answered the phone.
“What?” Maggie asked. “When?”
“I don’t know. Apparently, the press already knows about it.” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
“I’ll call you back,” Maggie said before hanging up.
“You okay?” Calvin asked.
“How can he sue me?” She groaned.
“Hey, whatever it is, we’ll deal with it.” He had taken her hands in his and was rubbing his thumb over the insides of her palm.
“I know, it’s just… why can’t the man leave me alone?”
“Good question. I may just have to have a one on one with the man.”
“Don’t you dare.” She sat up and turned towards him. “That’s all we need is you getting into a fistfight with him. Can you imagine the lawsuit then?”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t…” Then his eyebrows shot up slowly. “Okay, maybe I would.” He laughed and kissed her. “For you, I’m willing to overlook it.”
“Thanks.” She rolled her eyes.
By the time the taxi arrived at her apartment complex, she was exhausted and thankful the event wasn’t until tomorrow night.
“I’m planning on sleeping until noon,” she said as Calvin helped cart their luggage out of the back of the taxi and tipped the driver.
One of the security members of her building rushed to help them carry in the bags.
“Good to have you back, Miss Rothschild,” the man said as he shifted her bags under his arm.
“Thanks, Kenny.” She smiled at the older man. “Kenny, this is Calvin. He’ll be staying with me for a while.” The man nodded his welcome. “Is everything okay? Did the police finish up their… with everything?”
“Yes, ma’am. They’ve come and gone. They left last week sometime. The place has been quiet since then,” Kenny responded.
“Thank you,” she said as the elevator doors slid open.
Stepping into her apartment for the first time in over a month, she felt oddly empty as she looked around. It no longer felt like her home. Even her furniture, although nice, just wasn’t to her tastes anymore. Instead of the shiny new expensive items, she longed for worn and comfortable things surrounding her.
“Nice place,” Calvin said beside her.
“It was home.” She turned to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Now you are,” she said before kissing him.
They ordered Chinese delivery since her fridge and cupboards were bare. By the time their food arrived, Maggie had called her back.
“So?” she asked as Calvin set the food out on the kitchen table. “Is it true?”
“Apparently, he didn’t like some of the things you said during your interview.” Maggie chuckled. “He’s threatened to sue, but so far, he hasn’t. I don’t think he has a leg to stand on, since he did his interview first and slandered you first. I think they’re just empty threats.”
Bella relaxed. “What’s his deal?” she asked as she dished up some chow mein. “Why is he so obsessed with me? I thought he’d moved on. Wasn’t he seen with a few other actresses while I was away?”
“Several,” Maggie answered. “But I think you are the only one who has turned him down.”
“Great, just my luck.” Bella rolled her eyes and smiled at Calvin. “My taste in men does not include sniveling directors who throw fits when they don’t get what they want, then set out to ruin people who don’t like him.”
Maggie chuckled. “Is your man with you?”
“Calvin,” she supplied with a smile. “Yes, we’re having Chinese.”
“I won’t keep you. Tell me the man has a tux and that you’ll be at your hair and makeup appointment on time tomorrow.”
“He does and I will.”
“Good, now get some rest. You can’t have dark circles under your eyes for the award ceremony. I mean sleep, sleep and not sexy playtime with Mr. Tall and Hunky.” Maggie chuckled.
“Yes, Mom,” Bella said before hanging up.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Calvin stood in complete shock as Bella walked out of the bedroom. He’d pulled on his tuxedo and had been waiting for the limo that Maggie had sent for them to arrive. But when he turned to see Bella walking towards him in a sexy silver number, he was pretty sure every part of his body hardened.
“Well?” she asked as she did a little turn. The back of the silver dress exposed her entire back with only a few thin strips of material that crossed her shoulders.
The silver shimmered in the light, highlighting her soft curves. Long dangly earrings swayed as she turned. They matched a long silver chain filled with diamonds wrapped around her neck and several bracelets that traveled up her arm like a choker.
She’d gone to a hair appointment earlier and had come back with her long hair twisted up in an elaborate knot.
Walking over, he reached out to touch her, then pulled his hands back. He didn’t want to mess her up. Not when she was looking so perfect.
“You look… amazing,” he said, a little breathless.
“Thank you.” She ran her eyes up and down him. “Wow, you look even sexier in a tux.”
He chuckled and then held out his hand. “The car is here.” He motioned towards the door. “Shall we?”
She nodded and they walked out.
When they slid into the car, he turned to her.