You guys are mean to poor Darcy. I can't believe all the hate that I got about him in private messages. He's a single, wealthy man who likes woman. That isn't a crime. Most of the women who go with him enjoy their time together as well. I can only imagine how you guys will feel about him at the end of this chapter. Just remember, he does redeem himself. Really, he does. Thanks to my two favorite ladies - you know who you are!

This Girl Is On Fire

Chapter 7 Part 1 -

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Seneca

"Again. Only, I'd like it done right this time." Darcy barked through the intercom.

Elizabeth fought the urge to hurl something, anything, at the glass between them. The last two weeks had been grueling. Fourteen days straight of sheer torturous hell. Absolutely nothing she or The Hole House did seemed to please him. No one was immune to his special Darcy brand of charm. He had made Doty cry twice calling her incompetent. Tara was told she needed to learn how to play her infernal guitar. Ricky's professionalism was questioned when, due to a traffic accident, he arrived five minutes late for a recording session. Elizabeth found herself having to talk Max out of quitting each and every day. The person she felt sorry for the most was Paul. She was not quite sure how the affable man managed to cheerfully show up for work, remain in such close proximity to their perfectionist producer and still retain possession of his winning enthusiasm.

Thinking back, Elizabeth could pinpoint the downward spiral in Darcy's mood to the morning after their dinner at Stan's.

Instead of her expected six-thirty morning call, persistent pounding on her door woke Elizabeth. The loud, unfamiliar sound made her shoot straight up in bed startled. When the banging started again, she staggered sleepily to the door and opened it. He barged past her, clearly in a temper, "Don't you even check who is at your door before you open it? I could have been some crazy deviant out to hurt you."

His presence was so unexpected that all Elizabeth could do was blink stupidly after him for several seconds. Wasn't he supposed to be out of town? Atlanta, right? He was looking at her as if he expected an answer. "I think most of the crazy deviants are still asleep."

"And, then you answer the door in that!" He ranted, ignoring her comment, motioning up and down with his hands. Elizabeth glanced down. She was wearing one of the modest silk slips from Victoria's Secret that Georgie had picked out during their shopping excursion. She had thought she looked pretty. He shielded his eyes as if the very sight of her offended. "Please cover yourself up."

Grabbing her comfy robe from its hook on her bathroom door, she wrapped herself in it, feeling decidedly unappealing. That's when she noticed Darcy was still wearing the same clothes as the previous night. The pronounced shadow along his jaw line gave him a sexy, dangerous air. He looked as if he had not gotten any sleep at all.

"Why are you here, Will?" She crossed her arms. "Surely, you didn't come all this way to critique what I wear to bed, did you?"

"Of course not. I came here - I came here because - "His red-shot eyes drifted over her person before he spun his back to her, only to begin pacing. "I listened to the playback of Always Loving You last night and it's not as good as I originally thought. We need to work on it. Today."

She rubbed her eyes, then checked her clock again. "But, it's not even seven o'clock."

"I'm well aware of what time it is, Elizabeth."

"But y-y-you're going out of town today."

Clearly she had not been able to keep the whine out of her voice because his eyes narrowed on her. "My plans changed. I'm not going anywhere but to the studio with you." Elizabeth understood now. The woman he had planned to travel with must have changed her mind. He looked downright hostile having to explain himself. "Did you have something more important planned than to work on your album today?"

She grieved for the sleep she'd never know. She was too tired to hide her reluctance. Clearly, that only angered him more. She sighed, "Just give me a minute to get ready."

In the cramped space of her bathroom, she stripped and took a quick shower. Dressing with care after his reaction to her nightgown, she slipped into one of her new flattering wrap dresses and completed the outfit with boots. She took her time blowing her hair dry, desperately trying to tame her loose curls into an updo, but then gave up leaving her hair free. After all, it was just Darcy. There was absolutely no chance of impressing him anyway. Brushing her teeth, adding a little lip gloss and a spray of perfume, she felt she could handle anything her producer could dish out.

While she was getting ready, Darcy had apparently made himself at home. She found him sitting on her freshly made futon, thumbing through her most recent work in her newest song book. His boundary issues were appalling as he pawed through her personal items as if he owned them. He glanced up from his reading, frowned darkly at her appearance, and then returned his interest firmly to the notebook. Obviously, the new dress had not helped improve his opinion of her at all. Ignoring him, Elizabeth grabbed her backpack and threw in a set of her work-out gear. Since she was up and she was going to be close by, she might as well go to the gym after their session in the studio. Apparently, she still had a lot of work to do to gain William Darcy's good opinion.

In the kitchen, the discovery of a freshly brewed pot of coffee waiting for her took a little sting out of his impromptu visit. Grateful, she poured the heaven sent concoction into a travel mug. After rinsing her coffee pot, she slipped into her leather jacket and turned to him. "I'm ready when you are."

Darcy did not seem particularly anxious to move from her bed. He looked almost tortured. Lost. As unlikely as it seemed to be at the time, Elizabeth now suspected Esme had been right at The Hole. Darcy was hung up over a woman. Esme had said his behavior started months before she was signed to the label so he had been suffering quite a long time. Poor Will! Her sympathy was well and truly engaged for her friend. He could be difficult at times but no one deserved a broken heart. It was probably the first of his life. She knew he wasn't the sort of man who was experienced at dealing with disappointment. Sighing again, she put her bag down on the kitchen table and squeezed next to him on the futon.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She offered gently, nudging his shoulder with hers. "You'd be surprised at how good it will feel to share with a friend."

Darcy's reaction to her offer was unexpected. Like a shot, he was up, moving away from her. He was through her door before she could even get to her feet. She felt bewildered and rejected by his reaction. Couldn't he see she was only trying to help? After gathering her belongings again, they met in the hallway as she turned to lock the two deadbolts on her door. As they descended the stairwell, she was not entirely surprised when he started to harp on again about what he saw as her 'apartment problem'.

"This is intolerable. You need to move out of this building. I mean it, Elizabeth. I checked last night and your building has several ordinance violations. You have to be reasonable. I can't stand it any longer. I can't allow you to keep living here."

"You can't allow me to keep living here?" She repeated in disbelief, stopping on the stairs. He continued down a few more before stopping to look up at her. She'd just had about enough of his high handedness. It was his turn for an ultimatum. "William Darcy, do you want to go to the studio with me or do you want to go home alone?"

An interesting expression settled on his face while he jingled the keys in his pocket and then finally he raised his eyes back to hers. "I want to be with you, Elizabeth."

"Good answer! I'm glad to see you finally have come to your senses." She smiled, brushing past him on the staircase. He lingered behind her, confusing her with his reluctance. "Well, c'mon, let's get to the studio and work on that song." She led the way to the street, stopping when she saw his fancy sports car parked at the curb. "No Sal today?"

"No, I gave him the day off when I thought I was going to Atlanta."

Elizabeth did not think it would be the Christian thing to remind him that it hadn't stopped him from making her work. As he opened her door and helped her in to the low slung seat, she couldn't help but feel the compliment that he had sought her out when he wanted company. Maybe he just wanted an impartial woman's opinion. As much time as they spent together, it was natural that he considered her a good friend.

They drove in silence. Elizabeth hoped he'd confide his troubles to her but perhaps that was too ambitious. He was as silent as a statue. An unhappy stone statue. Once at Darcy Records, they went straight to the studios which were eerily dark when they entered. No one was about.

That surprised her. "No Paul, either?"

"No." He grumbled, "We'll manage without him."

Only, they didn't. They made absurdly little progress.

After four hours of futility, Elizabeth felt her good mood flagging. She was exhausted after back-to-back-to-back attempts. Fed up with his quarrelsome attitude. If he wanted to fight with someone, he needed to find the woman he was mad at. She told him he was being unreasonable, to which he snapped, "I want the song the way it's written. Nothing more and nothing less."

"I'm singing it the way it's written." Her smile was brittle. "Unless I'm missing something here, it doesn't sound any different to me now than it did two hours ago when you decided to— can you check the playback."

He cut her off by sighing loudly. An infuriating sound in her mood. "It still isn't right."

This was followed by more nuggets of advice:

"The truth of your conviction needs to be in your voice."

"The audience should be able to believe it when you say that you love us together."

"Be a professional and quit pouting."

"Lie to me if you have to! You should be good at doing that."

Wait a minute! When had she ever lied to him?

Elizabeth snatched the headphones from her head. She'd come here today as a favor to him but now she had to get away before she gave into the impulse and committed homicide. She was leaving. She was no longer going to be the stand-in for the woman he really wanted to argue with. When she stormed into the booth to claim her belongings, he stood. "Where do you think you're going? We're not done!"

Swiveling to face him, she was not going to stand here and listen to him unfairly insult her. "You may not be, but I am. I'm so done!"

He was gripping the arms of his chair so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. "I can't believe you're actually going to walk out on me again!"

She stopped. "You're right. Even though you were rude to me, I should not have allowed it to dictate my own actions last night."

That got his attention. "I was rude to you. When was I rude?"

"Really? First, you ignored me by talking/texting other people the entire time, then," His inability to acknowledge his own faults was amazing. "You called my home a dump, my belongings junk and told me I live in squalor. How did you honestly expect me to react to that?"

"I didn't—" He rubbed his forehead, looking very much as if he had a headache. "You're right. I was wrong for saying such things." His voice softened like butter in a skillet. "I agree we're not making any progress on this today. Let me take you back home."

"You can't take me home, because I'm not going home." She didn't want him to appease her after being so mean to her.

"Of course, how silly of me," He scowled. "You made plans to fill your day off. Let me guess, you lined up a 'makeup' session with Max. So, what's it to be his place or yours?"

"Not that it is any of your business, but I'm going to the gym. I need to vent my frustration on some inanimate objects."

He blinked in surprise, rubbed his mouth and said, "Actually that's a great idea. I think a run might just be the thing I need to clear my head too. We could even go to our spot for lunch afterwards."

"Are you kidding me? I've seen enough of you today, William Darcy." She was angry with him right now for taking what should have been a relaxing day and stressing her out. She closed her jacket. He moved forward but she put up her hand, pointing at him. "I'm serious! If I were you, I wouldn't follow me to the gym. Not unless you aren't as fond of your male anatomy as most men are. I just might separate you from it as angry as I am at the moment."

()()()()

After a satisfying workout with Sierra, Elizabeth went to The Hole where she complained bitterly about her disappointing day to a sympathetic Malcolm. It felt good catching up with her friends and they told her all about the newest acts at the bar and how the plans were coming along for their upcoming anniversary trip to California. Malcolm didn't know it yet but Phillip was going to propose on the trip. They drank, talked and laughed before she sacked out on the lumpy couch in the fellas' den and woke with a headache the size of a Buick the following morning.

After considering and rejecting calling in sick to work, the thought of Darcy's reaction if she did, propelled Elizabeth up and put on her borrowed clothes from Malcolm. Still smarting over his behavior, she ignored his six-thirty phone call. She took the subway and, by coincidence, met up with Max outside of Darcy Records. They rode up to the studio in the elevator together talking about trivial subjects that occupy friend's conversation.

When the elevator doors opened, Elizabeth was surprised to find Darcy waiting. She was self-conscious already about her outfit and had expected him to make a comment about her not taking his morning call or her attire, but he said nothing about any of it. The look on his face could have curdled milk. The only indication he was still angry with her was the way the door slammed at the end of the hallway when he took the stairwell instead of taking their elevator.

"Having a fight with your boyfriend, Lizzy?" Max asked before joining the rest of the band in the studio. Not deigning to answer his question, she followed after the bassist glaring at him. Paul brought them song eight, which was another love song: Jim Brickman's classic Destiny. In the end, it took eight horrible days until the song was recorded to Darcy's satisfaction.

The process repeated with song nine, another love song by W. D. Pembroke aptly titled, Calling Out Your Name. It started out as a casual ballad with a catchy piano and acoustic guitar, but as the song progressed there were complicated transitions for drums and electric guitar catching the audience, nearly, by surprise. It was a sad song - insinuating calling out your ex-lover's name during that special moment with your new one. The song was raunchy but, she had to admit, it made her feel sexy to sing it. That marathon six-day recording session, when Darcy rode the band hard, was only interrupted by Paul's intervention. The men could be heard disagreeing over the final cut of the song, while she and the band waited.

The two weeks that it took to record the last two songs on the record had made Elizabeth concerned. Exhaustion was leaving its mark on his face. It was no wonder. Between being President of Darcy Records and her producer, each a demanding job on their own, the man literally never quit. In her entire life, she'd never seen anyone work quite as hard as he did, and she'd spent most of her professional career around doctors.

Darcy evidentially played as hard as he worked. The traces of his many late nights were apparent in the redness of his eyes and the shortness of his temper. No wonder he was being so difficult to work with. He had to be living on fumes. She hoped whoever this woman was, she was worth it because she was beginning to worry for his health.

When she arrived the last morning they were to start on the final song of the album, her band was not in attendance. She tried Max's cell phone but he did not pick up. She hoped they were not running late because she dreaded Darcy's reaction if they were.

"Have you seen the band?" She questioned Paul as she shrugged out of her coat and hung it up in the studio.

"They're all here somewhere. Will told them we wouldn't need them today."

Elizabeth just barely held back a groan. He hadn't mentioned anything when they spoke on the phone, and Sal had driven her in by himself this morning.

"I thought Will was satisfied with the last take of Calling Out Your Name."

"I am," Darcy said entering behind her. He must be back in favor with his woman because she'd never seen him so disheveled. He hadn't shaved in days and his beard was full, his hair was unruly and she fought the urge to smooth some errant curls into place. He held out some sheet music in her direction. "It's the final song. The Hole House is not needed for it."

Taking the proffered pages, Elizabeth couldn't help but note the composer and lyricist. "I see W.D. Pembroke strikes again."

Darcy simply nodded before he wandered into the recording studio. Exchanging a glance with Paul, she followed him feeling like a prisoner headed for the gallows. Another love song. Was there anything she felt less like singing?

However when she finally took the time to read it, Elizabeth discovered to her joy that Stronger was not a love song. It was a testimony. About focusing on dreams. Never settling. Never surrendering. Demanding respect. Refusing to accept less than she deserved. It was all the things she wanted for herself. Things she wanted for her sisters. Things she wanted for all women everywhere. As she re-read the lyrics, she felt empowered. Liberated. It had both heart and attitude. She was a little jealous that she had not written it herself.

Darcy seemed impatient for her opinion. "Do you like it?"

"I do." There was nothing about it she did not like. "It's perfect."

"Shall we, then?" Her response seemed to energize him. He sat at the piano, flexed his fingers before settling them on the keys. "Ready?"

Elizabeth found herself settling in front of the microphone with more enthusiasm than she had mustered for several weeks. The song felt so easy. Both the lyrics and the melody suited her style. As expected with a new song, they faltered a few times, making adjustments for one another but on just their twelfth attempt they struck the perfect balance. She knew with certainty no other takes would be needed as the last note faded. It had felt right. Flawless.

Paul came through the intercom. "Let me check, but I think we've got something really special here guys."

Perplexed that they could share such an experience, Elizabeth looked at Darcy with something akin to confusion. He met her gaze unsmiling, looking almost troubled, before dropping his attention to the piano keys in front of him. He played through the first few bars of Stronger again effortlessly not needing the music before him. As with Start of Something Good, she wondered at his ability to memorize melodies so quickly.

Paul's voice filled the room once more. "Will, it's really terrific."

Standing and not looking in her direction as if he were all alone, Darcy placed a call. "You can send them down now. I'd like you to join us too."

A few minutes later, the booth was overrun. The band appeared. Maggie and other Darcy Records employees arrived with bottles of champagne. A small buffet and a cake appeared. As a group, they toasted her first album and she was bathed in best wishes.

"The awaited first album is finally complete. Congratulations!" Richard kissed her cheek before clinking her glass with his.

Elizabeth really liked the attorney. He had an easy zest for life and she had quite enjoyed her lunches whenever he had occasion to join her and Darcy. It was hard to miss the easy affection between the two men, more like brothers than cousins.

"I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will. Whenever your producer let's me hear it that is! He's been mighty secretive about the entire project." Richard looked around, "Where is he anyway? I thought he'd be in here basking in the moment with you by your side."

"Oh, you know how busy he is." Her smile felt hollow.

While Elizabeth had always known that she was just another performer in the vast, endless Darcy Records assembly line, it smarted that he wouldn't celebrate the culmination of their work together, that he wouldn't take part in the festivities with her. It was hard to remember that he was used to this. It was an everyday occurrence in his world to finish an album, but it wasn't in hers. It was special to her. He should have been here to share it with her. Them, she corrected, her and The Hole House.

She suddenly felt like crying. Richard, she discovered, was watching her closely. Sipping from her champagne, she explained, "I never realized how intense the process to make a record was. I think there were times that Will and I were close to killing one another. I'm a little surprised we both survived it."

Now that there would be no others, the many tempestuous disagreements they had in this very room didn't seem so bad suddenly. He demanded perfection from her and the band. Was that so very wrong? Shaking off such morose thoughts she raised her glass to the only other, notably absent, contributor to the album. "To Mr. W.D. Pembroke, whoever and wherever he is, thanks for the songs!"

"I didn't realize he was writing again." Once again, Richard searched the room. His interest piqued. "You don't know how happy I am to know that. That's really amazing news, Lizzy. He's been missing that part of himself for a long time."

"Oh, do you know W.D.?"

The attorney was clearly surprised at her question. After a long moment, he nodded slowly. "I guess I probably know him better than anyone."

"Perhaps, you'll introduce me to him. I'd really like to meet him someday but Will blows me off whenever I mention it." Elizabeth had a major curiosity about the song writer. More than once, she found herself hoping Darcy hadn't shared her initial knee jerk reaction to Start of Something Good with him. While at first she didn't appreciate W.D.'s turn of a phrase, she'd developed true respect for his ability and his creativity. She, too, glanced around but was only surrounded by familiar faces. "I'm actually a little surprised Will didn't think to invite him to join us, since he wrote three of the songs for the album."

"Three songs? Really?" Richard took his time to continue, "Don't take him not being here personally. He's a private person. In fact, he's been sort of a recluse these last few years. He hasn't written anything I am aware of for a very long time." He seemed to want to say something else, but decided on, "I promise I'll introduce you to him if he wants me to."

Elizabeth wasn't entirely satisfied with this answer. Why wouldn't W.D. want to meet her? If he had some objection to her, couldn't he have just refused to allow Darcy to record his songs with her? Unless, poor W. D. was in the same boat she was and he had signed his soul away to Darcy Records without fully considering the ramifications. The thought made her feel sad. He should have a choice in who was going to sing his beautiful songs.

"Have you known him long?"

Richard scratched the back of his neck. "Most of my life. But, I haven't seen him in years."

"What's he like?"

"Complicated, he is an extremely complicated man." He looked at her thoughtfully, "I'd really like to hear the songs he wrote for your album. I bet they are pretty special."

"They are. They are amazing. He's really gifted."

Georgiana, who had just arrived, joined the group. Elizabeth had been keeping an eye on the young woman for the last month and a half. Other than being a little tired during their excursions, she was relieved to not detect anything amiss with the college student. She remembered her own hectic senior year and could not blame her friend for being exhausted.

Entering the dark recording studio, Elizabeth turned on the lights and finally found her missing producer. Still, Darcy was sitting in one of the chairs before the huge mixing board staring into the recording studio where the partygoers were drinking and milling around with one another. The laughter and conversations a room a way were muted here.

Georgiana nearly flattened Elizabeth in her haste to get to her brother. Turning in his seat as if he sensed his sister's arrival, Darcy hugged her tightly, cradling her to him, absorbing her comfort, all the while not standing as if he didn't have the energy necessary to rise.

Georgie's voice wavered, "Will?"

"I'm fine." He gave his sister a weak smile that Elizabeth did not find convincing at all.

Concerned, she moved closer to the siblings, asking him herself, "Are you sure you're alright, Will? Can I get you something? Some champagne?"

He shook his head.

Georgie smiled up at him. "Richard wanted to hear the songs someone named W.D. wrote for the album."

Darcy's gaze immediately shifted from sister to cousin, but he didn't immediately move to fulfill the request. Was it Elizabeth's imagination, or did it seem that he was disappointed? Had the finished CD fallen short of his lofty expectations? Was that the problem? The reason he couldn't celebrate? She had disappointed him. She'd been a bust.

Quite reluctantly, Darcy moved forward, pressing some buttons and Elizabeth heard a whirl. "This one is called Start of Something Good." Through the speakers, she heard the familiar guitar riffs of the song play. It was the first time that she'd heard the finished product. She was shocked. Looking at her producer with new appreciation, she had never dreamed she could sound that way. William Darcy was a bloody genius.

"Wow, Lizzy!" Georgie's voice had more than a touch of awe after the song finished.

Richard was more business oriented. "When will we release it to the radio stations?"

"Not any time soon."

"Why ever not?" The attorney asked, taking a seat next to his cousin. Dollar signs were prominent in his eyes. "It's really quite good, Will."

"It is." Darcy looked pained at having to admit it.

Pressing another button, Calling Out Your Name began. Shutting her eyes, Elizabeth could hear the perfect blend of guitar, drums and keyboard as the song came to a crescendo. W.D.'s musical artistry could not be denied. Neither could the anguish in her voice as she sang about losing someone she desperately loved while having to move and love another.

Instead of being excited as he had been for the first song, Richard looked perplexed.

"As good as all the songs are," Darcy pressed another button. "Paul and I just decided that Stronger will be your debut single, Elizabeth."

As the song played, Darcy finally looked at her and held her gaze. Goosebumps covered her skin. The connection they had forged creating the song sprung up again. She was rooted to the spot, unable to move. No song had ever fully captured her essence the way this one had. As it came to a conclusion, he bowed his head in her direction. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to her. At long last, she'd succeeded in pleasing him. The enormity of the honor of it made her feel absurdly happy.

"I think Stronger should be the title of the album, Will. Don't you?" Georgie asked breathlessly. "This W.D. guy nailed it on that song - it's perfect for Lizzy."

Darcy nodded wordlessly. Richard frowned, looking between his cousin and her. She was not sure why the attorney looked so concerned. The songs were wonderful. She'd never sounded better.

"Lizzy?" Ricky ducked his head into the booth, drawing her attention. "The fellas just got here and are looking for you." Making her apologies, Elizabeth followed him eagerly back into the studio anxious to greet her friends.

*)*

When the last of the well wishers left nearly an hour later, she went to recover her belongings from the booth. After playing the tracks for his cousin and sister, Elizabeth expected that Darcy would have retreated to his office to get back to more important work. She had never dreamed she'd find him sitting alone, giving every indication that he had not moved from the spot in all the time she'd been gone.

"I hope you are ready, Elizabeth." His voice was flat. "Stronger is going to be a hit. A monster smash. Your name will be everywhere. Your songs are going to be played all around the world."

"I hope so." Darcy had given her so much, invested so much. She hoped the album was a good return on his investment. That he would make his money back quickly. Lingering, Elizabeth was reluctant to leave him like this. His mood felt dark and murky to her. "You'll have to introduce me to W.D. so I can thank him personally."

"Thanks are unnecessary. Trust me. It was his pleasure."

"Well, I'd like to tell him myself all the same." She slid on her coat, but stalled. She considered the empty seat next to him for a long moment but stayed on her feet. "Richard said he knew him, but he hasn't seen him in a long time."

"No, he hasn't. No one has." He laughed shakily without any humor at all. "I actually thought he was dead at one point."

She did not know what to say to that. "Maybe the three of us could go out for drinks sometime? I'd really like to show him a measure of my appreciation in person."

"You'd like to show him a measure of your appreciation? In person?" He repeated, swiveling in his chair to face her. "Lucky W.D. I guess his crappy lyrics finally grew on you."

His sarcasm was unnecessary. "Stronger is a special song, Will. You know it is or otherwise you wouldn't have picked it to be on the album." He felt so strange to her. Distant. "I'd simply like to tell him. It's like he could see inside me and put what he found on paper." She placed a hand on her stomach. "I connected with the message. Felt it deep within myself."

"I'll be sure to pass on your compliments to him."

She frowned at his despondent tone. Did he think she did not appreciate his contributions? Was that part of his problem? She took a small step forward. "Will, I can't believe how you made me sound. You and Paul..."

"We didn't do anything." He contradicted her sharply, then after a moment, added softly, "It was all you."

She glanced into the darkened recording studio, "I can't believe it's all over."

He didn't answer, but after a moment, he rose to his feet. "Let's go somewhere and celebrate. Just the two of us. We can do anything you want." She was intrigued. Darcy looked so much like he had the day they went to breakfast after returning from his trip to Europe. "We could go back to Stan's. We can try everything on the entire dessert cart!"

Darcy's invitation was unexpected. But, Elizabeth had actually lost three pounds this week. She didn't want to destroy her hard won progress. She finished buttoning her coat. "Tempting. So very tempting, Will, but I'd better not. I can't imagine what I'd have to do to get rid of those types of calories."

"We could work them off afterwards together back at my place."

Why would they go there? The gym was closer. "It's not my cheat day."

There was a hard glint in his eyes. "Of course, it isn't."

He looked as if he didn't have a friend in the world, and she fought the urge to repeat Georgie's actions and hug him fiercely. She looked at the doorway then back at him, undecided. Then impulsively, she stepped closer to him. "Listen, Malcolm and Phillip are throwing a party at The Hole tonight to celebrate the album. Why don't you swing by?"

"I'm sure I wouldn't be welcome."

"Don't be ridiculous, Will! Of course, you'd be welcome." Darcy looked doubtful as if he didn't believe her. She grabbed his hand in hers. "You know I want you there to celebrate with me." She smiled at him ruefully, "When was the last time you just went out and cut loose? C'mon, I'll even buy you a drink. One of the ones with the fancy umbrellas." He looked as if he were seriously considering her offer. Seeing his indecision, she teased, "Daisy'd be thrilled to see you again."

She knew immediately she'd pushed too hard. He pulled his hand from hers. "I'm going to have to pass. Being with a group of people is the last thing I want right now." Elizabeth disagreed with him. Human interaction might be just the thing to snap him out of his funk. "Go have your fun tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice but failed miserably.

"Yes, tomorrow!" Darcy snapped. He ran a hand through his hair as he seemed to be wrestling with something. He continued, in a much more neutral tone, "In the morning, I'll pick you up to take you to your workout. Just like usual. Just because the CD is recorded, there is still a lot of work to be done. We'll have lunch together. Then, we'll meet with Paul tomorrow to hear the final cuts. We'll have meetings with the marketing team I've arranged to work with you after we're done with Paul."

"There is no reason for you to pick me up tomorrow; Sierra is out of town, remember?" Something was clearly off with Will. "Why don't you sleep in? Get some rest. Maybe do something you want to do for a change?"

"Do something I want to do?" He scowled, unexpectedly. "Is that some sort of joke, Elizabeth?" She didn't know why her concern for him made him angry. "Sleep in? I don't sleep the day away. What is the real reason you don't want me coming by in the morning?" He tugged hard at his tie pulling it back into place and the professional mien she associated with him instantly shrouded him. "Is it Max? Do you plan on staying up all night celebrating with him?"

Elizabeth was getting real sick of people implying she was sleeping around." Who I spend my nights with is none of your business! I don't ask you who you have coming and going out of your bed. Lord knows though, what a real struggle it must be for you to keep all their names straight."

His eyes frosted. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"What do you think I mean?" How had they started fighting again? And, of all things, about this? Exhaustion clung to him. She was tired too. Not a great combination with their strong personalities and with her emotions all over the place, due to finishing the album. She laughed at the futility of it all. "Never mind! I think we just both need a good long break."

"A break?" He rubbed his jaw watching her warily. "The weather is fabulous in Cabo this time of the year and I have a place there, I could open it for a long weekend. A few days on the beach enjoying the ocean could be just the thing to rejuvenate."

Pulling a face, Elizabeth remembered Suzzanne's desire for the trip. She didn't want to go anywhere that woman had been. "While I appreciate the offer, I don't think a trip to Cabo would be any fun for me."

He looked comical. As if she had questioned if his manhood worked.

"I don't want to go to Cabo, because I don't have anyone to go with me, okay." He seemed surprised by this. She held up her hands in prayer, playfully teasing, "Please give me a few days to myself, Will. We've been going at this every single day for months and I just want some time alone."

"You want to be alone?" Darcy's eyes narrowed as he leaned back against the sound board. "But yet, you're going out to a party tonight. That's not exactly the actions of someone who wants to be alone."

"After the party tonight," she stressed the next part, "I'm going home alone. I'm going to pull my blinds. Turn off my phone. I need some me time. Time to just vegetate for a few days. I need to unwind."

"You're getting an entire week off for Thanksgiving."

She was not going to be responsible for her temper. "That's more than a month away, Will."

"It's not in your contract that you get any other time off."

Oh, yes, the contract! That giant albatross she wore around her neck. A subject they had canvassed each and every day after Stan's.

Darcy straightened, turned from her, ran a hand through his hair then turned back. "You said you had no one to go with on vacation, but what if I can clear my calendar for a few days. I could go with you and keep you company. Wherever you want to go. Anywhere in the world? If not Cabo, somewhere in the Caribbean?" He paused looking at her as if gauging her response. "Somewhere exotic, maybe Africa?" He snapped his fingers. "I know, how about somewhere in Europe? You said you always wanted to go there. Let me take you. I can make sure that we aren't disturbed. I'll help you unwind. You can relax with me."

Relax with him? He probably had a detailed list written of ways to do it.

"That's really a sweet offer, but it's not practical and you know it." His generosity was sometimes was astounding as his conceit for the feelings of others, but she didn't want him traveling with her out of pity. If she ever needed an example of his friendship she could look no farther. "I just want to go back to my place and sack out for a few days. I promise I'll be in touch. I won't really turn off my phone, and you can call me anytime you want. Just can it be after 8:00am at least?"

He started to argue, but she put a finger against his lips.

"I owe you everything, Will. Don't you know I know that? I couldn't have done any of this without you. You've simply made all of my dreams come true. Every one. I'll always be eternally grateful to you for it."

Giving into the urge she'd been fighting, Elizabeth hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face into his neck. He smelled deliciously male. Rising up on her tip toes, she pecked his cheek lightly. Then seeing the mark her lipstick left on his cheek, she rubbed the smear. His skin was rough, purely masculine beneath her touch.

Darcy's entire body tensed. Releasing him with a sigh, she moved back from him. His grip was sudden and rough at her hips, stopping her escape. The feel of his hands on her made her pulse accelerate.

"Elizabeth." His husky voice drew her eyes to his.

Heat blasted through her body. How could something as cold as those clear blue eyes incinerate? They pulled on her. Called to her. Her body glided up his, her breasts pressing against the hardness of his chest, as she lifted herself on the balls of her feet.

Darcy did not move, he did not encourage, but his eyes beckoned. She licked her own lips, knowing she was going to kiss him. Not a peck on the cheek, but a real kiss on his lips. An excruciating ache yawned open deep within her, and she knew the only way to fill it was to feel his hot tongue against her own. Where had this idea sprung from? He was her dear friend. Her boss. She should not be doing this. Rational thought did little to dissuade her irrational behavior.

The door to the booth opened and the spell was broken. Elizabeth sprung away from Darcy like a cat splashed with cold water. She heard Paul's hurried explanation that he had forgotten his car keys, but she could not look at either man. She bolted, mortified at what she had almost done.