Page 39 of You Rock My World
“I can’t answer that.”
“Why not?”
“It wouldn’t be dignified,” she huffs, and I can almost see her biting her lip, her cheeks flushing.
“You get a pass, but only this once.” I glance at the time on the screen, stifling a yawn. “Speaking of movies, we should call it a night. We have to be on set early tomorrow.”
I’m recording a cameo for a fantasy TV show in Burbank. What I don’t mention is the surprise I have in store for her.
“Can’t wait to see you in armor.”
“Wish I could say the same, the costume is a pain to wear.”
“Mmm, but you look wonderful in it on TV. I’m looking forward to a live show.” Josie stifles a yawn of her own.
“You’re falling asleep on me. I’ll let you go. Night, Josie,” I murmur, wishing I could pull her close and whisper the words against her hair.
“Night, Dorian,” she replies softly before the line goes quiet.
I don’t get up right away but linger on the patio, picking up the guitar again, the melody from earlier flowing. I close my eyes and let the music wash over me as I dream about a future where loving someone has no catch. Where a relationship is a two-way street of giving and taking, and not a one-sided drain that sucked away at me until nothing was left but a hollow shell.
22
JOSIE
I show up at the studios early and makeup-free, following Tessa’s oddly specific instructions. Good thing, because security takes forever—just like she warned. My ID gets scanned, photocopied, and inspected like I’m here to rob the place, but I keep smiling until they finally wave me through. A studio golf cart whisks me across the lot, weaving past soundstages and trailers.
As we round a corner, another electric cart approaches from the opposite direction. My breath catches when I spot Dorian lounging in the passenger seat next to Tessa. Suddenly, I become self-conscious of my makeup-free face while my body forgets how to regulate, my temperature running hot and cold as everything in me pounds erratically in response to seeing him. I try to rein in my smile, to stay chill. I fail.
Our carts slow, and Dorian’s gaze locks with mine. Every detail of him sharpens—his blue eyes, tousled hair, his fingers drumming on his thigh. My senses are heightened. I’ve turned into a vampire, only I’m not starved for his blood, but for his attention. It’s the way he looks at me that keeps me alive.
Even if I wouldn’t mind sinking my teeth into his neck and getting a small nibble.
The carts roll to a stop, and Tessa hops out, eyes glued to her phone.
She waves at me. “I’m going to check with production that everything’s on schedule. Catch you two later.”
Dorian unfolds himself from his seat with the poise of a jungle cat, all lean muscles and coiled energy. I stumble out and don’t face-plant at least.
The drivers wave and drive off, leaving us alone in the shade of the massive stage buildings.
Dorian steps closer, a warm smile spreading across his face that makes me forget my insecurities about the lack of makeup.
The urge to run into his arms, to bury my nose in his neck and breathe him in, is overwhelming. But we’re in an open space where anyone could spot us. I need to stay professional. So I clench my hands at my sides, resisting the temptation.
“Hey,” I pant.
“Hey, beautiful.” His voice is honeyed velvet. “First time on a movie set?”
I nod, suddenly shy. “Yes.”
“Allow me to do the honors.”
With a flourish, he opens the studio door. As I brush past him, my gaze snags on the hair tie around his wrist—mine, the one he stole yesterday. A thrill spikes through me—he’s still wearing it.
Dorian catches me looking and winks. Confetti explodes in my belly, and I bite my lip to keep from grinning too wide. I duck my head to hide my smile and walk in.
Inside, the studio buzzes with activity. Crew members dart between rigs, actors rehearse off to the side, producers shout into headsets. The air fizzes with the smells of coffee, paint, and the sharp bite of sawdust. “Overwhelming, isn’t it?” Dorian’s hand grazes my lower back, his breath tickling my ear.
