But an altercation sent sparks flying amongst the entire cast. All because of a blast from his past, newbie actress, Harlow May. She’s made waves on the set, but not in the way you think.
Nathan is off his game and unable to do his job, according to costar Julie. Yet she’s the one who’s been demoted and the production is inundated with the sexual tension between Nathan and Miss May, the new star of the show.
Nathan’s declined to comment, but Harlow seems anxious to spill the beans on everything that happened between them so many years ago.
With an expunged criminal record from his youth and everything at stake, Mr. Hart may be playing with more fire than he can handle.
The steam from the shower floods into the main area of the dressing room as I open the bathroom door. I’m quick to shut it before it heats up the entire room. It’s Julie’s dressing room. Well, it used to be. She’s fired and now I’m her replacement.
I’m tired more than anything, although I feel a little sick over it all. This is a mess and a half and I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into. I just know it’s drama all the way around and I didn’t sign up for this.
But there isn’t a shot in hell that I’m going to leave.
* * *
September 24
* * *
I’m not leaving this car until he kisses me.
I refuse to be the first, but I also refuse to wait any longer.
Four days of flirting with him are enough for him to know that he can kiss me. My heart clenches at the thought that he doesn’t want to, which is a very real possibility.
“Alright,” he says, scratching the back of his head as we sit in front of my house in his old Honda Civic. He turns the volume to the music down and then puts a hand on the shifter. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says easily. I get the feeling that he’s waiting for this to end and I can’t let that happen. I know deep down inside of me that there’s something meant to be between us.
I nod my head, putting my hand on the handle and wishing I didn’t feel this way. I wish I had more confidence, but I don’t. I’m the one who’s chasing him, that should tell me enough, shouldn’t it? I’m stupid. So stupid.
The realization springs me forward. I should have known better.
“Hey,” Nathan says as I pull on the lever and put one foot on the asphalt below. His heavy hand lands on my thigh and I sit back stiffly in my seat to face him again, praying my true feelings don’t show.
Judging by his expression, they show.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“I just wish you wanted me as much as I want you,” I tell him, knowing full well I’m exposing more of myself to him than I want to; more than I’ve shown anyone else.
“Harlow, you don’t really want me,” he says like this is a joke. It pisses me off.
“First of all, don’t tell me what I want, and second of all, that’s not my name.”
His brow furrows with both confusion and anger as he replies, “Everyone calls you Harlow and you don’t snap at them.”
“You’re not everyone,” I admit to him, leaning forward as tears sting in my eyes. I feel stupid as my body gets hotter and hotter sitting here. I should just blame it on my hormones.
“Hey,” he says and draws my attention back to him as he licks his lips. “I want you, okay?” he says softly and then stares at me for a long moment.
He moves slowly as he leans forward and puts his hand on my chin.
This is it! My heart feels like it’ll burst, but at the same time I feel nervous, like it has to be perfect.
His thumb brushes along my cheek and then he leans in that much closer until he brushes the tip of his nose against mine. I close my eyes and tilt my chin up, just enough to give him the permission he’s looking for.
I’ll never forget how it feels to have his hot lips against mine. It’s not just my lips, it’s my entire body that reacts. My blood flows with a heated desire. My fingers dig into the cushion of the seat. My toes curl in my shoes.
It’s over too soon and I try to protest, reaching up to grab his hand as he pulls away. But when I open my eyes, his are still closed, for the longest moment. And I savor the sight.
“Trust me, Hally,” he says with his eyes still closed, “I want you.”
* * *
I let out an easy sigh at the memory, my chest filled with warmth. So many memories are coming back to me. Each of them another reason to run back into his arms.