Page 61 of Taming a Heartbreaker

He’d heard, but he hadn’t listened. “Fine,” she said, “then don’t hear it because personally, I’m tired of saying it.”

“You don’t have to say it. We’re divorced now.”

“Thanks for reminding me.”

There was a moment of awkward silence between them, although the chemistry they shared was keeping things sizzling. She knew he felt it as much as she did, and wasn’t surprised when he tried easing the tension by asking in a civil yet curious tone, “What are you making?”

She glanced over at him. “I’ve smothered pork chops with gravy and got some rice going along with homemade rolls and field peas.”

“You prepared all that?”

“Yes. I made more than enough—you’re welcome to dig in, too. Later we can toss for the bedroom.”

He raised a brow. “Toss for the bedroom?”

“Yes, toss a coin to see which one of us will get the master suite, and who will have to settle for one of the guest rooms.”

He shrugged. “Save your coin, I don’t mind using the guest room. I’m going to wash up.”

Carmen watched him walk out of the kitchen, thinking that while revenge might be sweet, she needed to watch her step where he was concerned, especially since all she had to do was look at him to remember how things used to be between them—both in and out of bed. But for some reason she was reminded more of how things were in bed than out. It didn’t take much for sensuous chills to flow through her body whenever he was near, even during those times she found him infuriating.

A wave of uneasiness washed over her. It was too late to question whatever had possessed her to take him on since it was too late to back off now. And the one thing she did know was that she would not go down in defeat.

“I never got the chance to thank you for mentioning me at the Academy Awards during your acceptance speech,” Matthew said, glancing across the table at Carmen as they ate. “You didn’t have to do that.”

He hadn’t expected her to give him any kind of acknow-ledgment when she’d accepted her award. He’d figured, considering how things had been during the divorce, that his name would be the last one off her lips that night. It had been quite a surprise. But then, she was always surprising him, like when he’d returned from washing up to find she’d set the table for two.

“Of course I did, Matthew,” she claimed. “Regardless of how and why our marriage ended, I would not have taken that role if it hadn’t been for you. You made me believe I could do it.”

He didn’t say a word as he thought back over that time. He’d known she could do it and along with Bella Hudson-Garrison, who was cast as the lead, Carmen had given a stellar performance. Bella had walked away with an Oscar for best actress, and Carmen won best-supporting actress.

He had arrived at the Kodak Theater and walked the red carpet alone, surprising many by not having a woman on his arm. His manager, Stan, had tried convincing him to bring a date, since chances were Carmen would be bringing one. But he hadn’t taken Stan’s advice. And when he saw Carmen had also come alone, he’d been happy, although he’d tried convincing himself he didn’t give a damn.

He’d felt bitter that night, knowing she should have strolled down the red carpet on his arm. And she’d looked absolutely radiant; her gown had been stunning. On that night for a brief moment, he had placed his anger aside and had rooted for her getting the award she truly deserved. And when she had unselfishly acknowledged him as the driving force behind her taking the part, the cameras of course had switched to him, to gauge his reaction. His features had remained emotionless but on the inside, he had been humbled by what she’d done.

“So, Matthew, what’s this new business venture you’re involved with here in New York?”

He blinked, and realized he’d been staring at her like a fool. He quickly glanced down at his wineglass to get his bearings and recoup his common sense. When he felt pretty sure he had done both, he responded, “You know that although I enjoy doing features, it’s always been my dream to make a documentary.”

Carmen had known that. While married, they had talked about his dream many times.

“Well, earlier this year I learned that New York is gearing up to celebrate the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s 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.”

She nodded. “That was a while ago.”

“My name was given to the committee, and I’ve met with them several times over the past year. I learned yesterday that I was selected. They’ve requested that I use a New York–based film crew, and I don’t have a problem with that. It only means I need to be here for preproduction, not in L.A. It’s important that I get to know the people I’ll be working with and they get to know me and my style.”

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. She’d 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 he’d 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.

“Congratulations, Matthew, that’s wonderful. I am truly happy for you,” she admitted, standing and carrying their plates to the sink.

“Thank you,” 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 time—especially him.

It hit him just how much he missed seeing her and spending time with her. The last time they’d been together had been in the judge’s chambers, ending their marriage with their attorneys battling it out to the end.

“So, you’re committed to being here all summer then?” she asked, turning around, leaning against the counter and meeting his gaze.

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