He leaned back in his chair and watched intently as they slipped into character. It was spellbinding. There was undeniable chemistry between them and like the flick of a switch they had morphed into their characters. Griffin raked his hands through his hair then he interlaced his fingers behind his head. No pressure here. His foot tapped restlessly against the floor.
Just as he was considering his escape plan, Penelope looked up and caught his eye. The corners of her lips tilted up contemptuously, like she was fully aware that he was about to bolt. He took a deep calming breath and willed his muscles to relax. Fuck her.
“That was great you two! No surprise there. Now let’s turn to page eighty, one of Penelope and Griffin’s scenes. Remember Griffin, your affair is new, and you’ve just had mind-blowing sex. You’re getting cold feet but completely under her spell,” Stewart instructed.
He watched as Penelope studied her lines. She glanced up from the script and caught him staring, her eyes flashed with irritation as she said, “You’ve got the first line.”
“Who me? Oh, sorry.” Clearing his throat, he began, “Looking at you makes it hard to breathe. We just made love and I’m aroused all over again. I crave you.”
Penelope smiled seductively at Griffin, her gaze roving over his body, “Then what are you waiting for?”
Griffin sucked in a sharp breath, then read the next line, his hands shook slightly as he gripped the pages of his script, “We’re getting careless. If your husband discovers our affair, he’ll make your life a living hell.”
“Quit worrying darling. He’s busy campaigning and way too self-centered to concern himself with me.”
“I may be getting paranoid, but I swear I was being followed the other day.”
“You’re definitely getting paranoid. Now bring that impressive body over here and make love to me again and that’s an order. This time let’s take it real slow,” Penelope read.
Griffin swallowed hard. Her voice was so smooth, like velvet and sexy…slightly husky…he felt like he was being stroked with her words. Running his hand through his hair, he read the next line, “We’ve got to be more careful. I can’t risk it for either of us. Your husband has everything at stake. His election is on the line and God only knows what he’s capable of doing to defend it.”
She flashed him a dazzling smile, “Whatever you say. Now could you please come play with me?”
“Damn you, you’re a temptress, you know that, right? I don’t think I could quit you even if I wanted to. No matter how hard I try or what I tell myself…you’ve cast some kind of spell over me. I dream about you…you’re all I can think about.” He swallowed hard reading ahead to the blocking for this scene.
It was going to be torture. He’d be in bed, making love to Penelope Winters—or rather Sydney O’Connor, the character—a very dangerous mistake to forget that important detail. And now the scene called for him to be on top of her, devouring her. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep it straight…what was real and what was acting. When she looked at him with those sultry eyes, he didn’t feel much like it was acting…he hoped he didn’t get the part.
Looking pleased with herself, she said, “You make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.”
He groaned inwardly, “You should feel like that Sydney, because you are. Your body is so lush.” Scene fades as the camera cuts, with him on top of her making passionate love.
Dead silence. Griffin was beginning to wonder if he’d bombed when Stewart stood up and began to clap, his eyes gleaming with excitement. After another moment the two producers joined him, “I knew it! You two are off the charts sexy!” the director said.
Griffin glanced around the table noticing that Noah’s lips were tight, and his face appeared pinched. Penelope kept her gaze lowered but her cheeks looked slightly pink. The producers were grinning from ear to ear.
“On to phase three as far as I’m concerned,” Stewart said.
Both producers nodded their heads in agreement, one adding, “That was sizzling hot. You two were combustible.”
Noah chimed in, “Yeah but he is a complete novice. No offense Griffin, but this is one of the leading roles. We can’t afford to have this film tank.”
“You’re right and that’s precisely why we need Griffin. It all makes sense. He is stunning, sex appeal up the wazoo, chemistry between him and Pen is undeniable, an unknown brings something special to the table. A blank slate if you will. No baggage attached. We’ll do a real scene tomorrow and if it’s even half of what I’m expecting, Griffin is the next Bryan Kent.”
Noah said, “Penelope we haven’t heard a peep from you. What do you think?”
Her eyes flickered with some hidden emotion. “I have my own concerns with casting Griffin. It’s going to be more work. He’ll be learning on the fly. It’s a lot to ask of him and of Noah and me.”
“They’re right you know,” Griffin said. “Look I’ll be the first to admit I’m in way over my head here.”
“Nonsense. You read beautifully. I think you were made for this part. We need someone that can hold his own and be believable opposite such star power. You’re it. I have an instinct for these things,” Stewart said.
“I’m just not interested. I’m sorry I wasted your time.” Griffin stood up to leave.
“I know this must be intimidating as hell, but we’re desperate. We’re already behind on shooting. Production got pushed back when the actor backed out. You can name your price.”
Griffin bit back a laugh. “It isn’t about the money, trust me on that.”
Noah sat with his arms crossed over his chest, while Penelope worriedly bit her bottom lip. Penelope spoke again, “I’ve changed my mind. I trust Stew. He’s brilliant and he’s never steered me wrong. I say we give it a try.”
Griffin’s eyes widened in shock. Was this the same woman who only minutes before had insulted him? “Why the change of heart?”
She shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly, “Stew’s right. We must put the film above our personal feelings. I don’t have to like my co-stars,” her eyes strayed to Noah, “I just have to be a professional and do my job.”
He sputtered, “You’re unbelievable. Two introductions and you’ve already decided you don’t like me.”
“I have my reservations yes, but again, I bow to Stew’s wisdom.”
“Gee thanks for the hearty endorsement,” Griffin said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. She looked away.
“Well I’ve put my two cents in, but I’ll respect your decision Stew.” Noah grinned, then said, “May as well give it a shot Griffin. If you like adventure, this will be the ride of your life.”
That jogged Griffin’s memory of why he’d even considered it in the first place. Boredom. Well hell, he’d sure got his adrenaline fix today. Despite major misgivings he heard himself say, “I guess I’m willing to go the next step. If you believe in me at least I can give it a try. If by some miracle this happens, I’d have to find a substitute golfer for a charity event I’m scheduled to participate in. If I can’t find one, I won’t accept the part.”