about them lying together on the set, going through the motions of an intimate encounter. Yes, there were half a dozen cameras taping their every move, their every embrace, their every kiss to make sure the lighting was perfect and that the feel of the scene was appropriate. It was far from romantic. But that didn’t make it any less concerning to Elle.
“No, sorry. I just got in.”
“Well, if you see him, tell him I’m looking for him. I want to show him my outfit.” Gina flipped her hair and gave Elle a devious wink before walking away. Just before she was out of earshot, Gina yelled back to her, “Oh, and tell him it’s time to decide. My publicist needs an answer.”
Elle stared back at Gina with confusion, but rather than chase after the actress (which was exactly what Gina wanted) she pulled herself together, smoothed down her clothing, and joined Rob at the craft services table. Knowing she had no candy in her purse, she grabbed a doughnut and a napkin and plopped down in her chair.
“Morning.” Rob tipped his baseball cap to Elle before taking a bite of his cherry Danish. “Rough day? You look—”
“—like hell.” Elle heard the unmistakably blunt voice of Whitney.
“Well, good morning to you, too.” Elle took a bite of the buttermilk doughnut, allowing the ridiculously sweet pastry to soothe her distressed mind. She took another, and then another, oblivious to the crumbs accumulating on her chest.
“With the way you’re going to town on that doughnut, I’d say something is definitely wrong.”
Elle polished off the doughnut, brushing the crumbs from her top before hopping from her chair to grab another. Whitney’s mouth was agape when Elle returned to her chair.
“This must be serious.”
The slightly acerbic tone of Whitney’s observations annoyed Elle. She didn’t need sarcasm. She needed to be left alone to do her job. If she needed to run on her treadmill that night to make up for the pastries, she would. She didn’t need Whitney giving her a hard time.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.”
“Fine, okay. Whatever.” Whitney grabbed a fruit cup from the table. “If you want to get drinks tonight, I’m free.”
“Thanks. I just need to get through the day. I’ll be fine.”
It was a blatant lie, but Elle was tired of talking about her problems all the time. She was torn between two men, dealing with the guilt and actions of her past, and attempting to go about her life as if nothing had ever happened. For just one day, she wanted to give 100 percent of her energy to her job without all of those other emotions creeping in and ruining her composure.
“You two having trouble?” Rob was once again meddling. Perched in his seat, he leaned on the arm of his chair, his chin in his hands, waiting to hear the dirt. Elle grimaced in irritation. As much as she liked Rob, she was in no mood to deal with his prying nature.
“No, we’re fine. Everything’s fine.” She glanced down at her watch and sighed. “Shouldn’t we have started already?”
“I was waiting for you. Luke should be out in a minute and Gina’s ready to go.”
“Oh, believe me, I’m fully aware of that.” Elle ran her hand through her hair while her foot tapped against the linoleum floor.
“Alrighty then. Let’s get started.” Rob stood, walked next to camera one, and gestured for Tim to bring out the marker. “Places, people. I need quiet on the set!”
Luke emerged from the hallway, wrapped in nothing but a towel. His hair was wet, as the character of David was supposed to be fresh from a morning shower. Elle swallowed hard as they locked eyes. He winked at her before joining Gina on set. Gina lay on the bed, wrapped in her sheet, and Luke positioned himself under the door frame to the bathroom. Steam billowed behind him as one of the makeup artists touched up a spot on his chin. He lifted his chin to accommodate her, still locking eyes with Elle. She shifted in her seat as she observed him. The way he looked at her, no matter where they were, was exhilarating. She felt naked and exposed, yet sexy and sensual just from one look from that man.
And now she had to watch that deliciously sexy man look at another woman that way. She was used to the banter, the kisses and the exchange of smoldering looks between her characters, but