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“I met Micah quite some time ago,” Richard said, pulling Maddie from the thick haze of Micah to the reason for their meeting. “And told him we were looking for something just like your film. I was surprised when he brought us your project.”

“I have to admit,” Maddie said, “I was surprisedtoo.”

Micah pulled out a chair for her and she nodded politely as she moved to sit. He leaned in as he pushed her in to the table. “I would have told you if you’d answered my calls,” he whispered in herear.

Maddie shuddered at the feel of his breath on her skin. “Voicemail works for more than just pining,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Touché.” He sat next to her, then leaned in again, a broad smile on his face. “You’re going to be awesome,” he whispered. “This is your moment to shine. Enjoy it.” He squeezed her knee under the table, which turned her belly molten and made goosebumps run up her arms. But it also gave her the confidence she needed. He believed in her. He was there because he believed inher.

Richard ran the meeting. He highlighted the elements of her film that he and his partners liked the most, as well as their concerns going forward. He worked through all of her budget items, suggesting adjustments and additions. Then he asked Maddie about her vision and ideas for the movie. Occasionally, Kelsey and Lance interjected, adding their own thoughts. When Beaumont had invested in her film, he just handed her a check and expected her to deliver. Maybe, with their guidance, she could actually pull thisoff.

Micah sat quietly, only speaking when directly addressed. His presence was never forgotten by Maddie, though. The hair on the right side of her body, the side closest to him, stood on end. She wondered if he might touch her again, perhaps bump her under the table. After his knee squeeze, however, he kept his hands to himself.

When the meeting ended, nearly two hours later, Richard announced that they would commit seventy-five percent of her needed funds and would leave all creative control to her. “Don’t think that means we wouldn’t like to give input. Please come to us often. We want to build this with you, if you’ll letus.”

“Yes!” Maddie almost squealed. “Yes. Thank you andyes.”

Micah cleared his throat. “Maddie, you know I love your film, but I understand if you don’t want me on the team—” He paused, making sure she knew exactly what he was saying, letting her know she didn’t have to include him on the project. Then to the rest of the room he said, “Since I’m only a silly actor, after all.” Richard and Lance chuckled. “I certainly couldn’t add the production expertise that Richard and Lance and Kelsey could. But I’m more than committed to providing the additional twenty-five percent.”

He met Maddie’s eyes. “I’d even be a silent partner, if you prefer.”

No, she didn’t prefer. She loved his thoughts about film and the ideas he’d given her over the last several weeks had been amazing. He’d been invaluable, stimulating her creatively, inspiring her daily. For a moment, she let herself fantasize about working with him again.

But working with him would only make her want him. And she didn’t need to revisit the list of reasons why that would end in heartache. The heartache she was feeling was already worse than she could ever imagine. Spending more time with him could only make it worse.

She put on a smile, mostly for the rest of the room. “I want you on the team,” she said to Micah. “But could I think about the silent partnerpart?”

“Of course.” But she saw Micah’s eye twitch as he spoke and knew her response hurthim.

Well, too bad. She hurt, too.

“Great!” Richard exclaimed. “I’ll have the papers drawn up and a check ready for you by the end of nextweek.”

Maddie exchanged an excited glance with Bree. It was happening, really happening! A real company was making her movie!

Her mind was dizzy as Richard wrapped the meeting up. Goodbyes were said and the next thing Maddie knew, she and Bree were stepping into the elevator with Micah.

Then there was a whole other reason to feel dizzy. Because now she was in a tight space with Micah, with Bree as her only safeguard. And Bree had already sold her out with Micah once that week. She braced herself for the awkwardness to setin.

The minute the doors shut, he turned to her. “We need totalk.”

No, not here, not now.She chose to divert him. “Yes, we do. Thank you, Micah. I’m so incredibly grateful that you hooked me up withThr –“

“That’s not what we have to talk about.”

“Micah…” She didn’t know how to handle him, particularly with Bree there.

“I’m not letting you out of this elevator until you agree to talk.” He moved toward the electrical panel. “I’ll pull the emergency button if I haveto.”

She put her hand out to stop him. “No, don’t dothat.”

“Then you’lltalk?”

“I—” She wanted to talk, she did. She missed him. She had so much she wanted to say to him. She just didn’t know if she could bear what he’d say in return.

“You promised, Maddie,” Bree hissed at her. “You promised if you had the chance—”

If Maddie didn’t agree, Bree would tell Micah all her thoughts and feelings for her. “Fine. We can talk in the valet lounge. Bree, I’ll meet you at thecar.”