Page 26 of Unscripted with Mila

I was startled to feel his fingers under my chin, lifting my head and making me meet his eyes. “You were the one who wanted me for the role?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

I felt the rush of blood flood my cheeks. “You were my muse while I wrote the book.”

He looked shocked. “Me?”

I decided to be honest. “I’ve followed your career. I’ve always been a fan. You have the right intensity to play Duncan.” I shifted, warming to my words. “You’re not Nicholas on the screen. You’re the character. You melt into the role. I’m sure it’s not, but it seems effortless. I wanted that for this film. I wanted you. I pushed very hard for it.”

For a moment, there was nothing but the heat of his stare. “Even with my reputation?” he asked quietly.

“I don’t listen to gossip. I make up my own mind.”

Something passed over his face. An expression I couldn’t identify. But I could see pain and worry behind it. Anxiety. “I hope I don’t disappoint.”

I shook my head. “You won’t.”

He dropped his hand, and I instantly missed his touch. He didn’t say anything for a moment.

He pulled something from his back pocket, holding it out.

“My hair clip!”

“You dropped it. I was hoping I’d see you again to give it back. I didn’t have it on me earlier,” he added with a slight edge to his voice.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I just didn’t know how to tell you.”

“What happened today? Can you explain it to me?” he asked.

She sighed and nodded. “I have a condition.”

“What kind of condition?”

“It’s called vasovagal syncope. It causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, and I faint.”

He leaned forward, gripping my knees. “Is it serious?”

“It can be, but mine is not. I’ve had it most of my life. When I get overly stressed or something else triggers it, I drop.” I shrugged, feeling self-conscious. “It hasn’t happened in a long time.”

“What triggers it?”

“Various things. Usually for me, it’s when I’m anxious or emotional. I have also found when I’m tired or get too much sun, that seems to make me more vulnerable to it happening.” I paused. “Today was a culmination of all of the factors.”

He stroked my knees, his touch searing me through the fabric of my leggings. “And you were worried about meeting the cast today?” he asked softly.

“Yes.”

“Meeting me? Officially?”

“Yes.”

“I set you off?” he asked, sounding upset.

“You were so angry.”

“I thought you’d played me. Had a laugh at my expense. I hate being lied to. Despise it.”