Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(92)
“Well, I might see you later,” I said, standing and handing Nick his coffee. I led him away and we walked around the set. I pointed out things of interest and he took it all in. I was glad for him not bringing up the fact that Julian was here. I’d mentioned to him last night that he’d come on board as a technical consultant, but I don’t think Nick realised that meant he’d be around during filming.
We watched them shoot a scene between Alicia and Peter, the actor who was to play Ralph, the male escort character from the book. Then there was a short scene between Alicia and David. I got the sense that they were attracted to each other, just something in the way Alicia looked at him, and my mind started to wander. As a writer, you often drew inspiration from moments in real life.
“You’re mean,” Alicia said and swiped him on the shoulder.
“I’m just trying to give you a heads-up,” said David. “If you sit in that position, Gary the cameraman will be able to see right up your skirt.”
“Gary! Is this true?” Alicia exclaimed, and the cameraman’s cheeks went bright red.
David chuckled and looked back to Alicia. “You see!”
“Oh, my God, I’m asking Vanessa in wardrobe to lengthen this skirt before our next scene.”
When we broke for lunch, Alicia came right over. I introduced her to Nick and she led us to her private dressing room where her assistant had set up an array of food for us. We ate sushi and talked about some upcoming scenes.
“So, where are you two from originally?” Alicia asked as she brought a California roll to her mouth and took a bite.
“We’re from Torquay. It’s in Devon, on the coast,” Nick replied. I loved how he wasn’t intimidated or fazed by having lunch with a famous person. I personally had a little bit of training when Julian and I went to all those fancy parties. My brother was a fish out of water, but you’d never be able to tell.
“It’s a beautiful place,” I added. “We get a lot of tourists in the summer, but there are also quiet spots if you know your way around.”
“It sounds lovely. Maybe I’ll pay a visit before I fly back to the U.S.”
“You’ll want to wear a disguise if you do,” Nick suggested. “The locals might go a little crazy if they find out you’re in town.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said with a pretty, red-lipped smile.
“So, you and David seem to have great chemistry,” I said, then amended. “Acting chemistry, I mean.”
Alicia chuckled. “Well, it’s not too hard to have chemistry with someone who looks like him, but it helps that he’s actually a lovely person, too.”
“I’m so pleased with how your scenes are turning out. You two really bring Toby and Sasha to life.”
She preened at the compliment. “I’m glad to hear it.”
When we finished up, Alicia walked us to the door of her dressing room. Just as we stepped out, Julian was walking by with Sheila. He had her on a leash this time with a little pink harness. It was adorable.
“There’s my future baby.” Alicia bent down to pet the dog. “I’m still deciding if I should risk jail time and just steal you,” she whispered playfully as she ruffled Sheila’s head.
Julian glanced at me. “Ellen.”
I tugged on the handle of my handbag, remembering our car ride yesterday, how he’d held me. “Hey.”
“Cute dog,” Nick said, grinning.
Julian didn’t take his eyes off me. “She is decidedly cute. Ellen, I’ve actually been looking for you. I was wondering if we could go over the afternoon scene together? I just had a few notes.”
My throat tightened. “Sure.” I turned to Nick. “Will you be okay for a while?”
“He can hang out with me and David. We’re due to run lines in a couple of minutes,” Alicia put in as she stood, her perceptive gaze travelling from me to Julian.
Before I knew it, Julian was leading me to a small rehearsal room down the hall from Alicia’s dressing room. He opened the door and gestured for me to go inside. I stepped in, both exhilarated and nervous as hell to be alone with him yet again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Julian
Ellen’s shoulders were tense.
I followed her into the empty room and closed the door behind me. Sheila gave a little bark, since she had a thing about people closing doors. She really was a bossy little pup. I gave her a warning look and she piped down.
Ellen took a seat by the table, where I’d left a copy of the script. I hadn’t just been making up an excuse to get her alone. I really did have notes about the scene, but now that I did have her all to myself, the urge to approach her from behind, push her hair to the side and kiss her neck was strong. She wore a loose jumper that fell over one shoulder, baring her soft, smooth skin. The exposed black strap of her bra was an enticement I struggled to resist.
She started turning pages, all business. “So, which part did you take issue with?”
I placed a hand on the back of her chair, and she shifted away slightly. I moved closer, allowing the tip of my thumb to briefly touch her shoulder. She sucked in a small, barely perceptible breath.
“Page sixty-five. The conversation between Sasha and Ralph.” Ellen found the page and I reached across her to pick up a pen. If I wasn’t mistaken, she trembled a little when I got close.