Page 32 of By The Book
To a Hollywood actress known for her beauty and style? “No.”
“Trust me, it’s there. You’ll do just fine. And remember the compensation whenever you get frustrated with me having you repeat things,” Oliver continued. “You’re saving me, and I’ll be sure to pass my gratitude along in the payment. Now, you two ready?”
Claire looked at Denz, expecting him to protest, but realized he looked as uncomfortable as she felt. It was then that she remembered Denz had to work with Oliver professionally at times, so he was probably a little uncomfortable protesting something as simple as a kiss.
But for her…it wasn’t just a kiss. It was herfirstkiss…since her last first kiss with Scott. “Wait. Uh, who…does the kissing? I mean, does he o-or—”
“You do it,” Oliver said.
Oh, boy. “Uh…”
“Okay,” Oliver said, his voice loud and carrying to those around them. “Let’s get out there and wrap this up.”
“Just remember you’re in love and this is the end,” the female assistant said to Claire. “One really good kiss and you’re done and can go on a shopping spree. Oh, and you can keep the dress. Perks of the timing.”
Keep the dress? The designer label on it had made her gasp. She had a pretty good idea of what dresses like this cost.
But maybe it would work for the wedding she’d agreed to attend?
Only if you get this right. I doubt you’ll get to keep the dress if you say no.
Everyone turned to head toward the beach where the scene apparently took place, and Claire took a fortifying breath.
“You okay?” Denz asked, pausing as he walked by her.
“Yes. F-fine.” She motioned for him to lead the way but startled when he reached out and grasped her hand in his to steady her on the shifting sand.
“Breathe, Claire. It’s just a kiss.”
A huff of a laugh bubbled out of her chest. “I j-just can’t believe this is happening—or that I’m actually going along with it.”
“Nice chunk of change up for grabs,” he told her. “Does that help offset having to kiss me?”
She couldn’t answer that because she honestly wasn’t sure of her answer. She didn’t imagine kissing Denz would be a chore but—
“Okay,” Oliver said from up ahead of them. “So here’s the deal, you two know your time is up. Fun is over. Time to get back to reality. That means duty for you,” he said to Claire, “and reassignment for you because you’ve crossed the line.”
“Got it,” Denz said.
“Denz, you’re facing the ocean and turn when you sense her behind you. You’ll be filmed from behind and above, which is why close in looks works fine here. Claire, you start off walking but rush the last few steps and throw yourself into his arms and kiss. Now, it’s up to you if it’s stage kiss or real. Just make it look good. You want to practice a few times? Get a feel for it?”
Practice?
“Sure,” Denz said, answering for them both.
“Places!”
Claire jumped at the booming voice, aware of the sound of the camera-drone taking flight. She met Denz’s gaze and blinked. “How did this happen?”
A low chuckle rumbled out of him and soothed her fraught nerves.
“I’m not quite sure myself. So how do you want to do this?”
“Stage,” she said automatically. “I-I kiss down, you kiss up?” she asked, remembering her high school theater teacher’s instructions when it came to onstage kisses.
“Whatever you want.”
Denz turned his back to her and Oliver called action. She took a few steps then picked up speed. Denz turned and she flung herself toward him, lifting her arms, shoes in hand, and smacked them both in the face when the strappy sandals kept speed.
