Max had sent her picture of Charlie to Claire’s mobile straight away. Her boss was delighted. As Max had taken the photo herself there was no chance of any rival papers having the same story. Indeed, as no other journalists had been inside – Max was sure of that – Claire could bill it as a ‘world exclusive’. Max added Claire’s name on the byline. Many journalists wouldn’t but it was newspaper etiquette to credit a writer who had contributed to the story and, after all, Max wouldn’t have had an exclusive without Claire’s tip. She had no doubt that Claire would have added her name to it in any case.
Max had sent the copy on her BlackBerry, hamming it up for all its worth.
CHARLIE’S BACK ON THE CHARLIE EXCLUSIVE BY MAXINE SUMMERS AND CLAIRE ROBERTS
It was the ticket they all wanted, the hottest showbiz event of the year – and our girl made it inside to bring you all the news.
We can exclusively reveal that Hollywood mega-star Charlie Jackson – who just last week vowed he had overcome his deadly addiction to cocaine – is back on the Class A drug.
Our girl caught the actor, who has starred in gritty blockbusters including Russian Roulette and My Name is Carl, with a nose-full of the stuff.
And she even got the picture to prove it.
It was the early hours back in the UK, too late to make that day’s paper. Claire could use it as her list-topper for tomorrow’s conference.
In fairness, Claire was a decent boss. She would credit Max with the story – of course, pointing out she had received the tip about the party in the first place. But still, newspapers were full of bosses a lot worse than Claire, who was undoubtedly talented.
Max was elated but suddenly overcome by tiredness. It was 11 p.m. – 4 a.m. UK time – and she was jet-lagged. She called Sean, who told her he was still with Cath and Connor in the same bar, and joined them for a nightcap. Max had one drink then apologized for bailing out so early – it certainly wasn’t like her.
She’d treat them to dinner at Soho House during her stay. Or rather, her company would. After telling Claire about the picture, her boss had insisted that she spend her expenses like there was no tomorrow while in New York. Who was she to refuse? And Max loved to mix the two – glam hang-outs with friends she adored.
Max hailed a cab back to the Wellington. She couldn’t wait for bed. As she asked for her key at reception she realized she was slurring slightly. The drinks had gone straight to her head, mixing with fatigue to make her feel a little giddy.
‘Hey.’
Max froze as someone tapped her on the shoulder. Shit. Had the doormen from the Hudson tracked her down? Would a scene involving handcuffs and police follow?
Max slowly turned round.
‘Luke?’
It was him. It really was. Luke was standing in front of her, all twinkly eyes and ruffled hair. God, he was gorgeous.
Was he here to work? On holiday? Why did he look happy to see her when she’d ignored him? Max should be embarrassed for the terrible way she’d treated him. But there was something about the way he was looking at her. Those bright blue-green eyes were laughing again.
‘What are you doing here?’
Luke was calm. She liked that. God, he was hot. How come he was so calm? Why here? Max felt her heart rate rise, her face redden. How could she not freak out?
‘I’m here to see you.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’ve come to New York to see me?’ Max wondered if her heart had actually stopped as she said those words.
‘Yes. Lucy told me that you do in fact really like me and that you callously ignored me because of what she said to you.’
‘She did?’ How did Lucy know that?
As if reading her mind, Luke cut in. ‘I think your mum might have had a gentle word.’ Luke’s eyes were smiling kindly.
‘I see.’ It was beginning to make sense. Max had never been able to hide the truth from Marj. Or Lucy, normally, but she’d had so much on her mind.
‘Have you been waiting for me for a long time?’ Max asked.
‘Not really – a couple of hours, but I’ve had a few beers and the New York Post to keep me company.’
‘Oh OK.’
Luke suddenly seemed a little less sure of himself, shuffling on his feet. ‘You don’t think I’m a mad stalker coming all this way to see you? I believe that if you want something you should just go for it…’
Max laughed, throwing her glossy brown hair back. She looked up into his face. ‘You know what Lucy said… that I really liked you?’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘Well, why would she go and lie about a thing like that?’
Luke smiled down at Max.
God, she wanted him. ‘I’m so sorry for ignoring you… I really didn’t want to, it’s just…’
Max desperately wanted to tell him how she’d done it for Lucy, but how could she? She couldn’t blame Lucy; that would be cowardly. The last thing she wanted was to be the cause of Luke and Lucy falling out.
Luke was leaning in towards her. He was whispering to her, telling her it was OK, he knew everything.
He gently brushed Max’s hair from her face and his lips, so soft and warm, were on hers. She moved in closer to his body. She felt his tongue on hers. She wanted all of him.
Max had no idea how long she lost herself in him for – seconds, minutes? She pulled away, suddenly aware people were watching.
Luke was grinning. ‘They must be thinking, “Get a room.” ’
Max laughed. ‘Just as well I’ve got one, then.’