She gestured for Ethan to stand so she could do his back. The muscles bunched under her fingertips as she applied the makeup. She caressed the smooth skin on his toned shoulders down to the waistband of his pants. Once finished, she slowly walked to the front of him and brushed her hands across his chest, his heart pounded strong and fast under her palms. It pleased her to know that he was just as affected.
Finally done, she stepped back and drew in a shuddery breath. “Finished.”
She risked glancing at him. His eyes slammed into her with the force of a hurricane. Ethan reached for her and Holly took a step back.
“Not here,” she said, turning her back to put away the products she was using. God, he was making it hard to stay strong around him.
Victoria and Flora walked into the room; the actress draped in a silk robe. Shrugging it off her shoulders with confidence, she stood in front of the mirrors wearing only a black bra and G-string. Flora began working on her makeup.
Holly glanced at Ethan. Was he unaffected by her near nudity? They were once seeing each other.Sleepingtogether. Was he still attracted to her? He showed no signs of interest, though how could he not? She was gorgeous. Any man would have a hard time keeping their eyes to themselves.
“Filming today’s going to be easy,” Victoria said, looking at Ethan through the reflection of the mirror.
“Why?” he asked.
She gathered her long hair in one hand and held it above her head so Flora could powder her shoulders. The motion causing her breasts to rise. Holly would poke Ethan’s eyes out if he looked.
“It’s a sex scene, darling. We both know how hot we are in bed. I know it won’t be long before you’re back in mine.”
“Victoria,” he said her name with a deep warning tone.
Did she even realise Holly was standing in the same room? Of course she did. A small smirk played on her lips.
What hit hard was Victoria was right. Once Ethan and Holly went their separate ways, he probably would end up in her bed again. Pain sliced through her chest at the thought of him with another woman.
Trudy walked in next. “They’re ready for you on set,” she said to Ethan and Victoria.
“Be right there,” Ethan said.
“I need a few more minutes with Victoria,” Flora said.
Trudy nodded at Holly. “You’re needed for touch-ups.”
“Me?” Holly squeaked. No, she was going to hide away in the makeup room until filming the sex scene stopped.
“Yes, you can’t expect Nancy to do it. That would be awkward.” Trudy giggled, probably not realising howawkwardit would be for Holly. If she looked up from her clipboard once in a while, she’d see what was going on in front of her face.
“Oh, right… yes… of course,” Holly stammered. “I’ll just get my bag.” She grabbed the pouch off the counter and fumbled with the strap as she tried hooking it around her waist.
“Don’t forget to pack the Vaseline and water spray,” Trudy said.
Holly paused. “What for?”
“It’s a sex scene. It will help Ethan look like he’s been working hard and getting nice and sweaty.” Trudy smirked.
“I’m sorry you have to do this,” Ethan whispered in her ear.
Oh God, what was Holly about to walk into?
* * *
Ethan got to set. The stage crew were running around putting the finishing details together for filming. Today’s shoot was in a living room. A dark-blue couch, matching armchairs, timber coffee table, TV on the wall and nick-nicks scattered around to help it appear lived in. Nothing suggested what kind of scene they’d be shooting except for the fact Ethan only wore trousers and Victoria, who was having her hair touched-up, was in black lace underwear. She winked at him when she caught him staring at her. He was staring because this drop-dead gorgeous woman dressed to bring any hot-blooded man to his knees didn’t spark an ounce of interest. Anything he’d physically felt for her, had been snuffed out as quick as a candle the moment his eyes had landed on Holly dressed as a sex worker.
It would be difficult filming a sex scene, no matter what Victoria said, when he had another woman on his mind. One that only moments ago had had her hands all over his body. Her palms skimming over his chest made him want to skip filming so they could do a hell of a lot more with their hands.
He had a job to do, one he didn’t want Holly to watch. When had that ever bothered him before? This was acting. Nothing about a sex scene was sexy when dozens of people were on set with cameras practically shoved up his arse. He shouldn’t have a problem with her watching and yet, his stomach clenched.
Another unexpected problem plaguing him was Holly’s ex, Oliver texting her out of the blue. He hadn’t been prepared for the jolt of jealously. Holly was adamant she wanted nothing to do with her ex. It didn’t stop the urge to want to threaten him with bodily harm to leave Holly the fuck alone.
