Penelope slipped into her character, abruptly morphing into Sydney O’Connor as easily as putting on a mask. She exaggerated the sway of her curvy hips, the short silk robe leaving little to the imagination as she walked toward Griffin. No not Griffin, Bryan.
“You’re back…and it appears that we’re alone.”
Bryan’s eyes narrowed as she approached, his body stiffened warily.
“Alone, Ms. O’Connor?”
She chuckled seductively, “When did we go all formal again? Ms. O’Connor?” Sydney playfully skimmed her hands over his toned hard belly and felt him shudder beneath her fingertips. “I sent them away.”
Eyes widening, he visibly gulped, “You did what? They work for me.”
“They’re gone. I sent them on a wild goose chase. Ultimately, they’re working for me, but let’s not waste time arguing the point.” Glancing at her watch, she said, “We should have at least an hour to play.”
Bryan took a step back and she took a step forward. He swallowed hard then his gaze took a slow journey from her face to her breasts, lingering before returning to pin her with his intense electric blue eyes. He looked hungry for her. “Tell me why this is a good idea,” he said on a groan.
“Because you’re a very naughty boy Bryan, and you want this as badly as I do,” she said. “I’ve noticed your eyes following me.” She smoothed the palms of her hands up his chest then wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Her skin heated through the silk fabric. Her nipples hardened as they pressed against him.
He kissed her tentatively at first but as the heat ignited, he opened his mouth and covered hers. Running his hands down her back, he cupped her bottom and pulled her hips against him. Her fingers clenched tightly, gripping his hair as she moaned against his lips. He ground his pelvis against hers. She stiffened for a moment as she felt him grow hard.
He broke away and put his hands on her shoulders, holding her away from his body. “No Sydney. We can’t do this. It’s a slippery slope. Your husband is a fucking Senator for God’s sake!”
“I don’t care. I’m lonely. All he cares about is his reelection. He’s had countless affairs. I’m sure of it.”
“Then divorce him, but you’re not going to use me like I’m some boy toy.”
“Is that what you think?” Her eyes welled with tears. “You must think I’m some kind of slut. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve been the perfect politician’s wife. Seen but not heard. His needs always coming before my own. But for the first time, I’m doing something I want. I need you Bryan.”
“Jesus Syd, don’t cry,” Bryan pulled her back into his arms and buried his nose in her hair. “You smell so good.”
“I can’t do this anymore. I feel trapped, like I’m living someone else’s life. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I don’t want this life.” She began to sob.
“Baby. Shh. It’s going to be okay. Shh.” He held her in his arms brushing her hair back from her brow. He rained kisses all over her face, licking her salty tears then tracing the outline of her mouth with his tongue. She shuddered and felt a warmth between her thighs...for real! Yikes. This was feeling a little too authentic. Snap out of it, girl.
She slid her arms around his waist. “Please just hold me.”
His body suddenly tensed, “I heard a car door. I thought you said they’d be gone for an hour.” He disentangled himself and stepped away. She felt lonely and missed the warmth of his arms around her. Wait a minute. Who? Sydney or Penelope?
“Cut,” Stewart called. “Fantastic! You both nailed it. Let’s take five before the next scene.”
Griffin stared into her eyes, his burning with intensity. Her breath caught in her throat. Looking embarrassed, he said, “Sorry about…you know.”
“It happens. Even to the seasoned actors. I won’t hold it against you.”
“That was certainly interesting,” he said, then raking his hands through his hair, he blew out a breath.
Dolly swooped in just then to powder Penelope’s nose and Griffin walked off the set and disappeared outside. Dolly whispered, “What the hell! That was gorgeous super-hot sexy. I felt like a voyeur watching. It almost made me blush!”
Penelope felt her cheeks grow warm. “Thanks.”
“He doesn’t know it yet, but his life is never going to be the same after this film is released! My God! He is scrumptious.”
Penelope laughed. “Down girl.”
“How are you not swooning?”
“I told you, I’m off men…maybe permanently.”
“I give you another week until you’re completely under his spell.”
“Gee, I thought you were my friend. Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I’m rooting for you, can’t you see? You two would be perfect for each other,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
“Places everyone,” Stew said.
Griffin returned to stand in front of Penelope, his eyes veiled.
She looked up at him from under her lashes and felt that annoying heat dance across her cheeks. He smiled at her and winked. As if he knew. That did it. Her irritation canceled out the embarrassment and she glared.
“There she is…” he whispered.
“Three…two…one…action.”
Noah entered the set and it was game on.
10
Griffin breathed a sigh of relief when Stew called it a wrap for the day. He was a bundle of nerves and if he didn’t get away from Penelope soon, he could potentially embarrass them both. After the first scene, he had managed to contain his desire for her, but it was taking its toll. His neck muscles felt as tight as guitar strings and his stomach was in knots. He grabbed his water and was walking off the set when she called to him. He turned and watched her approach.
“Hey, I’ve invited the cast and crew over for a catered cookout this Saturday. Can you make it?”
He bit back a laugh, “What? I thought you didn’t like me.”
Her body stiffened, “You know what? Do whatever you want. I was trying to be nice. I didn’t want to leave anyone out.” She pivoted and stomped off.
“Penelope,” he called out, but she ignored him and kept walking.
He stood there scratching his head. What a bitch. That woman was as prickly as a cactus. He couldn’t seem to find the right approach with her. He was continually off balance. She was moody, aloof, and frustrating. He’d tried charm, which had gone over like a lead balloon, he’d tried cool, she didn’t even notice, he’d tried funny, she had no sense of humor…now he had offended her over a simple off the cuff comment.
Whatever. He could usually read women, but he was failing miserably with Penelope. She was complicated. Never one to shy away from a good challenge, it took sheer force of will not to get sucked into finding out what made her tick. She was almost irresistible. Almost. He had to fight it; this was one challenge he’d have to pass on. She’d made that perfectly clear.
Dolly touched his back as she passed him on her way out. “Hey, great job. Honestly, you’d never know you weren’t a seasoned actor. You’re keeping up just fine with the headliners.”