If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

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A Secret Cravings Publishing Book

Mainstream Romance

If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

Copyright © 2012 Jean C. Joachim

E-book ISBN: 978-1-61885-484-1

First E-book Publication: January 2012

Cover design by Dawné Dominique

Edited by Tabitha Bower

Proofread by Renee Waring

All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Sweet Cravings Publishing

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

Secret Cravings Publishing

www.secretcravingpublishing.com

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my readers. Thank you. Without you, my books would still be stories floating around in my head.

Acknowledgment

Thank you for your support
, and encouragement: Kathleen Ball, Tabitha Bower, my editor, Dawné Dominique, Jack Drucker, Sally Gallagher, Ariana Gaynor, Lisa Ingham, Larry Joachim, Dawne Prochilo, Marilyn Reisse Lee, Sandy Sullivan, Ben Tanner, the Tuesday Tales writers and Beth Walker

In memory of Jack Harding

He packed a lifetime of caring into twenty years.

The author acknowledges the trademark status and the following trademark owners menti
oned in this work of fiction—

Starbucks

Skype

PBS

Facebook

Martinelli’s

Piper Hiedsieck

Absolut

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*
Hunting Jaguar
, paranormal erotic romance:

Rachel Hayes' father set out to prove the existence of the Miloni temple and the Jaguar people. Tumi is a descendant of the Miloni race and is sworn to protect their secret with his life. Will he be forced to uphold his vow at the cost of his heart and Rachel's life?

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                                                                                                                                            Best wishes,

             
                                                                                                                              Beth Walker

IF I LOVED YOU

Jean C. Joachim

Copyright © 2012

Chapter One

Megan could hardly breathe. Her mouth, suddenly dry as desert sand, managed a smile as her eyes connected with his. Instantly, she understood Chaz Duncan’s enormous film success. His presence filled the room the second he entered it.

Chaz stood about five foot eleven, with a slender build and shoulders that stretched from New York to California. His expertly trimmed, rakishly long, dark brown hair threatened to fall into his eyes at any moment. His eyes were the darkest brown, fringed by long black lashes. His nose was straight and just long enough. His lips were perfect, with a slightly fuller lower lip that looked completely kissable.

He wore chocolate brown pants tailored to his body topped by a fitted white silk shirt, open at the neck, revealing a hint of chest hair. The scruff on his face was the right length—not too long to appear sloppy, but long enough to be sexy as hell. A burnt-orange and red, narrow-striped tie dangled down below the undone top button of his shirt. He struck a studiously casual stance with the brown jacket to his suit slung over his shoulder, hooked on the finger of one hand. He took a step forward and extended his hand.

She took a breath as his warm, dry hand enveloped hers in a firm grip. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Duncan. Won’t you please sit down?”

“Chaz, please,” he said, taking a seat.

Megan returned to her seat. “Coffee?” She directed her gaze at her visitor.

“Love it. Black.”

“Andy, black coffee and water for me.” She called out to her assistant seated at a desk near her door.
About a gallon; a pint to drink and pour the rest over me before I burst into flame.

Chaz put his jacket around the back of the chair before parting his lips in a dazzling smile. The heat of his stare as his gaze traveled the length of her body, stopping momentarily at each attractive curve, raised her body temperature. The sudden warmth caused by his attention forced her to take off her jacket. She noticed he glanced at her chest as she pulled her arms back. Megan scooted her chair up to the desk. She sat up as straight and tall as she could at five foot four. Chaz slid his chair closer.

With a trembling hand, Meg picked up her list of questions then cleared her throat. When her gaze met his, she noticed an amused air, as if he was stifling a chuckle. Andy interrupted them to bring in the coffee and water. Chaz closed long fingers around his coffee cup and leaned back. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She put the paper down on her desk. “Look, I know you’re famous. My brother is famous…”

“Mark Davis. Star quarterback for the Delaware Demons, right?”

“He’s my twin.”

“You don’t look at all alike. Can you toss a football?” A smile curled his lips.

“Like I haven’t heard that one before. I don’t give a damn you’re famous, okay. Can we get that straight? I’m not impressed, not going to grovel at your feet. You’re simply a potential client whose money I may be managing. No more and no less. I’m not going to swoon and ask for an autograph or throw myself at you. Of course, I’ll do my best to take care of your money as if it was my own, but that’s as far as it goes.”