Page 7 of My Lucky Star
His voice jolted me and I looked up from the carpet. “I was admiring the decor.”
He stood at the doorway, a towel around his neck, waiting. I attempted to move, but somehow the brain–leg signal got intercepted and my feet did nothing.
He closed the distance, offering his hand. “I’m Cem. Nice to meet you.”
“Gem?”
“Cem.” He leaned in and patiently repeated the soft sound that definitely didn’t exist in the English alphabet but had me completely enthralled.
“Cem,” I said, mimicking the way his lips puckered and teeth nearly touched.
“Perfect!”
My chest filled with pride at my achievement. “I’m Aria.”
His handshake was firm and sent a warm tingle up my arm.
“Where are you from?” I asked.
“Turkey.” The way he said it sounded foreign, tur-key-ye. He looked at me pointedly. “So, what do you need? You said something earlier but I think I missed it.”
Probably because of all the ogling, I thought, feeling a little hot. I filled my lungs with the smell of lemony soap and general mustiness lingering in the hallway and threw on a professional smile. “I was hoping to take some photos.”
Cem held up his hand. “No! No photos.” The change in him was so instant I took a step back, hovering on one foot.
The way he shielded his face made me think of paparazzi. He must have meant photos of himself. “Oh, no,” I said. “I meant photos of the hotel. No people. Only the hotel.”
He dropped his hand, but the suspicious look in his eyes remained. “Why would you take photos of the hotel? It’s for sale. They have photos.” He stepped back into his room and returned a few seconds later with a brochure. “Here. You can have this.”
I turned the sales brochure in my hand. It had a couple of photos, the same ones I’d seen on Trade Me. “I’d rather take my own photos if possible. We have to email them to the location scouts.”
“Location scouts?”
I nodded, my spirits lifting as I detected the curiosity in his voice. “We wouldn’t bother you during your stay. I only want to talk to the owner about using this place as a movie location. It’s a great opportunity.”
His curiosity morphed into keen interest. “Movie location? What movie?”
I shrugged apologetically. “I don’t know much about it. An American production. A historical drama or something. They’re looking for an authentic Art Deco building. This would be perfect.”
“So, you work in the movie business?” He leaned his head against the doorframe. I’d never seen anyone look so effortlessly self-assured wearing only boxers and a towel.
I dragged my gaze higher. “Not really. I organize locations, promote local businesses and landscape, trying to get some movie business in town.”
“We’re sort of in the same business then.” A hint of a smile.
“What business are you in?”
He stared at me for a beat, then burst out laughing. “You don’t know who I am? Of course not. For a moment there I felt like we knew each other. Sorry. It’s been a crazy week and I haven’t quite...” His eyes glazed. “I’m not used to this yet. I don’t know where I am.”
“You’re in Napier.” My confusion made it sound like a question. “In Napier,” I repeated, forcing my voice to a lower register, wishing I hadn’t opened my mouth at all.
“Yes, I know. New Zealand. I apologize. I haven’t slept in a long time.” He smiled, then yawned so widely I had to stop myself from yawning with him.
“Did you just arrive from Turkey? You must be exhausted.”
He nodded, eyelids dipping. “I am. Sorry, it’s hard to speak English when I’m tired.”
“I can imagine.”
