Page 45 of Unmasking Secrets
It was definitely flirty, which is what he was wanting. The brand’s neon sign is displayed in the corner of the background. The perfect product placement, advertising their new line of costumes coming out soon.
“Did you have something in mind for yours?” He places his phone down next to the table.
“Yeah.” I grab my phone and flip through to my notes, then turn the phone to him. “What do you think?”
“I love it! Let’s do it.” He moves back in place as I set everything up with my phone.
“Want me to flip it and record for you?” Jill stands on the other side of the light.
“That would be perfect because then I have another idea in mind to do with you.” I smile and move to stand behind Luke.
“Awesome. And count down now.” Jill speaks softly.
As the words come across the room, I pop out behind Luke, then hide behind him again. Mess up on the last one, but bloopers are always fun to share later too.
We get it set up and go again. This time, Luke leans in a little more. On the last one, he grabs me and dips me. My eyes fly open, and the clip ends.
“Yes!” Rebecca cheers from the other side of the room. “Jill, we should do the same one to post after them.” Both of the girls laugh.
The organizer has set up three main recording areas, with the brand easily being promoted in the background. We’ve been rotating for most of the day, using each set and collaborating with each other.
I forward the files to my email to back up later, then move to the kitchen for a snack break. Max is standing at the counter already chowing down on a veggie, chip, and dip tray.
“Whoever was in charge of the kitchen did a fantastic job.” He passes me a bottle of water.
I nod in agreement. Catered meals, an endless supply of drinks, and snacks definitely spoiled us. I’m not much of a drinker,especially during a work trip. Every now and then I like a fruity mixed drink, but I’m more than fine with water and tea. This is a work trip, and I definitely want to keep it professional. Max is the only one here who’s even seen me drink. And that is only because our friendship has grown outside of work. I could probably become friends with some of these colleagues, but I’m more of a homebody. I’m honestly fine with maintaining an online and business type of friendship with them.
It’s not long before the others are joining us. Everyone is taking a break to rest and refuel. The initial adrenaline rush of creating content is over, and energy is plummeting. Luke bumps my shoulder, and I look over to see him holding out his phone with a funny meme. I laugh.
“They’re loving it!” The organizer enters the kitchen. “Everyone is sharing and promoting, and we’re definitely seeing an increase in traffic since you all started teasing yesterday. Tonight, we want to treat you all to a night out for fun. A chance to let loose without having to create. We’ll resume tomorrow.” She smiles.
“Where?” Max asks.
“It’s a great place downtown. We rented it out, so you guys will be the only ones there. Food and drinks, whatever you want. Unlimited gameplay in the arcade. There’s also a bowling alley and laser tag.” She stops. “I feel like there’s something else. Oh, pool tables and darts. Basically, all sorts of fun. The limo is going to take you all there in about two hours and will bring y’all back around midnight.”
“Care for a round of bowling?” Luke whispers next to me.
“We’ll see how you feel after I whoop you at laser tag.” I grin.
“You’re on.” He chuckles next to me.
As exciting as it sounds, the idea of being up until midnight already has me feeling a little exhausted. I’m going to need a power nap if I’m staying up that late. I grab an extra bottle of water and head up to my room. It’s quieter upstairs too.
My eyes are barely closed when a knock sounds from the door.
“Yeah?” I call out, waiting to hear someone say something.
The door opens and Archie stands there. “Sorry to interrupt your nap. I don’t think?—”
“Stop.” I hold my hand up. ‘If you’re going to tell me this is a bad idea, I’m going to ignore you.”
“As your bodyguard, I just need to tell you my opinion. It’s up to you what you do.” He leans against the doorway.
My eyes trail over him, temporarily getting sidetracked with the way his muscles are stretching out his green shirt. The same pretty green that matches his eyes. I shake my head. “Everything will be fine. It’s this group of people that’s at the house now, nobody else.”
Archie holds his hands up. “Minus one bodyguard. Someone will need to stay behind to make sure nothing happens while everyone is away.”
“Fine, you do it.” I lay back down. “Close the door back on your way please.”
