Decision amended. One more timethenshe’d call it quits. She sighed and flopped down on her back on the bed.
Chapter 20
The next day, Holly called an Uber to take her to the studio. Ethan had messaged that he’d pick her up. That wouldn’t work. Firstly, she wanted to stop relying on people for everything. It was time to be more independent. And secondly, if Ethan showed up at her hotel room—he’d shared his plans, in explicit detail of what would happen when he arrived.
As enticing as it sounded, and she wanted him to do everything he promised in the message, it took all her effort to refuse. She didn’t have flexible hours. Even though Nancy wouldn’t fire her for being late, Holly didn’t want her to think she was taking advantage of her generosity.
In the makeup room, Holly busied herself getting the products ready for the day. She lined up foundation, moisturiser, eyeshadow and lip-gloss neatly on the bench. She spoke with Trinity before work about an advance and thank God, she agreed. Her pay would be in her account by this afternoon. It was a major relief to know she could afford cheap accommodation and food.
Every time she heard someone at the door, she glanced their way. Her heart tripping with anticipation hoping it was Ethan. Wanting to see him caused butterflies to flutter in her stomach. God, she needed to calm the hell down.
“He’s in wardrobe,” Nancy said.
Holly jumped not realising Nancy stood so close. “Who’s in wardrobe?” she asked while rearranging the brushes on the counter.
Nancy grinned. “My son. You’re watching the door every two seconds.”
“I wasn’t—”
“Speak of the devil. Good morning, sweetheart.” Nancy beamed at her son.
“Morning,” he said. “Hope you’re saying nice things about me?”
“Always.” Nancy winked and laughed.
He glanced at Holly for confirmation. Her tongue got stuck to the roof of her mouth. Unable to speak a word.
When Nancy said he was in wardrobe, she’d expected to see him turn up in the clothes he normally wore. Either a navy suit for a detective or one that had rips and burn marks all over it because he was chasing the bad guys. Now he wore only suit pants that hung low on his narrow hips and nothing else. His tanned broad shoulders, chest and washboard abs were some things she’d never tire of looking at.
Finally finding her voice she said, “I thought you were in wardrobe?”
He looked down at his legs and splayed his arms out wide. “This is from wardrobe. I’m doing a sex scene.”
Blood went rushing to her ears and she clutched the back of a chair because she felt a little light-headed. Of course, there’d be a sex scene. His movies always had one or two. She’d hide in the makeup trailer so she wouldn’t have to witness it. Because watching him getting hot and heavy with another woman, even if it was only for a movie, was something she’d rather not see. Not that she’d be jealous or anything. It would just be weird, that’s all. “Oh, so I… you don’t need…” She waved her hand up and down the length of his body. His near nakedness making her insides a little shaky even though she’d seen a lot more and done… well, she couldn’t think about that now.
“He still needs makeup. His chest, back and arms need to blend in with his face,” Nancy said. “I’ll leave you to it.” And she left the room.
Busying herself with what she needed, Holly led him to a chair and he sat down. He spread his legs and wedged her between them. “I missed you last night. I wanted to go to your hostel.” His hands slid up her thighs and clutched around her waist. “It was late. I thought you might be sleeping.”
Sleep had eluded her for hours because she couldn’t get him off her mind.
The pads of his thumbs found their way under her shirt and made small circling motions on her bare skin. God, she wanted to take this further. If she was going to haveone more timewith him, then it wouldn’t be in the makeup room or at work again.
She stepped out of his grasp before she succumbed to his wandering hands and his green hooded eyes.
“What did the police say about your car?” She needed the change of subject if she wanted to function like a normal person.
“Chances of finding it are slim. It’s probably already stripped and sold as spare parts.”
“I’m so sorry. I never should’ve taken you there,” she said squirting a dab of foundation on a sponge and applied it on his face.
“It’s insured. I’ll get another one in a couple of days. Besides, it was worth the adventure.” Their gazes collided and they laughed.
“We should do it again soon,” Holly joked.
Ethan scoffed. “An adventure I’m happy to pass on. We’ll have to think of something that doesn’t involve baseball bats and car thieves.”
They were discussing another date. Her heart jumped for joy, her head warned her to guard it and the sooner she put distance between them, the safer she’d be. Maybe she should cut all ties now and forget aboutone more time.
