As he took his position on set, the crew burst out laughing and he glanced at them. They aimed their smiling faces at him. He frowned, not knowing what was so damn hilarious.
“What?” he snapped. Not enjoying being the butt of their private joke. Did they think Holly storming away from him funny?
Trudy pointed at him. “Check out your back.”
He flicked his head from side to side trying to see his back, looking much like a dog trying to catch its tail.
Trudy clutched him around the arm and led him to a mirror on the living room set and turned his back to it.
“Have I suddenly, grown wings?” he asked
Trudy smirked. “See for yourself.” She pointed to the mirror.
He glanced over his shoulder, there were no wings.
Ethan chuckled.
Chapter 21
In her room at the hostel, Holly checked her phone for messages. Ethan hadn’t called, he was probably too mad at her for the artistic work she’d left on his back. She was also waiting for her parents to return her call. Since they hadn’t, she tried them again. When it went to their voicemail, she didn’t bother leaving a message. Instead, she sent them an email informing them on her plans to stay in Sydney for a year to complete a makeup course and then she’d return home. She mentioned how they could come up with a plan on how she could work her makeup around the family business.
With nothing more to do, Holly went into the bathroom and showered. When she finished washing her hair, she stepped out of the stall and wrapped her body in a scratchy towel. Someone knocked on the door. Her heart gave a little leap. Ethan was the only one who knew where she was staying. Images of the sex scene on set, burst her excitement. While Ethan was in his dressing room after filming, Holly ordered an Uber to take her home. She wasn’t ready to face him and needing time to analyse her overreaction on set.
In case it wasn’t Ethan, she quickly replaced the towel with a robe and left the bathroom.
“Who is it?” she called. She couldn’t be too careful.
“It’s me.” He didn’t say his name, he didn’t have too, she’d recognise his deep voice anywhere. “Open up. The paps have followed me. I think I’ve dodged them. They’re sneaky fuckers so I can’t be sure.”
Tightening the belt on the robe, she combed her fingers through her wet hair and hoped she didn’t look like a drowned rat. Maybe it was better if she did, then he might leave her alone.
She hadn’t been prepared for the blast of jealousy that raged through her body when she saw Ethan having fake sex with Victoria. It had nearly knocked her off her feet. She knew it was only acting—very good acting because God, it looked damn convincing. She wanted to scratch Victoria’s eyes out and set fire to Ethan’s arse. Not even when she literally saw Oliver doing the deed with another woman did it stab her in the heart so deeply. She’d only known Ethan for a few days. He shouldn’t be causing such a reaction from her.
One good thing about being brought up as an Ainsworth, it taught her any public displays of emotions wouldn’t be tolerated. So, while watching them bonking like rabbits, Holly dug deep and found her self-control, and was pleased she didn’t go bat shit crazy on Victoria. But it slipped a little because she’d left her little drawing on Ethan’s back.
Victoria was still into Ethan, even though her plan was to portray a broken-up couple. Her eyes said it all. They devoured him from head to toe and every good part in between. She wanted him.
Did Ethan want Victoria too? Did he alreadybring his movesto her house or was that his next stop? Again, the rise of jealously and betrayal nearly choked her.Betrayal?No, they’d have to be committed to each other for her to feel like that.
“Holly, open up,” Ethan said.
She blew out a long breath, pulled back her shoulders and opened the door, blocking the entrance to the room. “What are you doing here?”
He frowned like he didn’t understand the question. He looked so handsome in his signature trousers and button shirt. This time he wore a dark green one which intensified the colour of his eyes.
“I wanted to make sure you’re okay,” he said.
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” She leaned a shoulder casually on the door frame trying to give the impression the day hadn’t affected her. And it shouldn’t have, it’s not like they were a couple in an exclusive relationship. Dammit, it still made her jealous.
“Can I come in?”
If she said no, he’d know therewassomething wrong, so she moved to the side and gestured for him to enter. The smell of woodsy cologne followed him and she wanted to bury her nose in his neck.
There weren’t a lot of seating options in the room, so Ethan took the small chair next to the table and Holly sat on the edge of the bed. The robe gaped high up her thighs and his gaze zoned in on her legs. She quickly closed it.
“I wanted to talk about today’s shoot.” He dropped his elbows on his knees and leaned forward.
The tiny room didn’t give them much space between them and if she mirrored his posture, they were close enough to lock lips. She fought the temptation.
