Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I’d felt her mouth on mine for hours. Tasted her. Her scent was on my hands, clinging to my skin from where my fingers had tangled in her hair.
It was her name I had moaned out when I’d finally taken myself in hand, images from our past and present colliding in my mind as I orgasmed, my face buried deep into the thick pillow to hide my pleasured noises.
Davis regarded me. “You don’t strike me as a man who admits defeat that easily.”
“I hurt her once. I refuse to do so again. If she says no, it’s no.”
I thought of the note I had left her earlier.
“But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
He grinned. “So, I never really had a chance, then.”
“It’s not up to me.” I flashed him a smile. “But no.”
He laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “No hard feelings. But maybe I’m not ready to give up either.”
“May the best man win.” I finished the water. “And just so we’re clear? Don’t mess around with her. She deserves better.”
He shook his head. “I’ll remember that.”
“Good.”
The set buzzed with the arrival of the lead actors. The set decorators rushed around preparing, the catering trucks getting ready to feed hungry crews and picky divas alike. Coffee flowed freely. The reading went well, taking the entire afternoon as dialogue was tweaked, new dialogue and scenes adjusted. I liked most of my costars, feeling a camaraderie I hadn’t felt for a while with two of them. The third, I was reserving judgment.
The script was solid. Davis led with an understanding but firm hand. The ranch was a great backdrop, and I had to admit the familiarity of it all filled me with a confidence I had been missing lately. I knew this place. The town. The people. I could offer insights. The cast listened. Davis listened. I wasn’t just a pretty face playing a part. I had a voice and something to offer.
I liked it.
A couple days later, I was restless as some scenes were being filmed that I wasn’t part of. I walked around, sat in my chair reading, preferring the outdoors to the trailer that served as my dressing room and private area. I liked the sun on my face, the scent of the fresh hay and earth in my nose. Some of the ensemble hadn’t been a fan of other scents that wafted around on occasion. Manure, ripe and strong, filled the air, making me chuckle and the city slickers wrinkle their noses in disgust and head toward their trailers fast.
I didn’t bother to tell them the air conditioner would suck the scent in there as well, intensifying it. They’d learn that lesson on their own.
My phone rang, and I glanced down to see it was Annie calling. I blew out a long breath before answering.
“Hey, Annie.”
“Oliver.”
“What’s up?”
“I saw a few stills. Davis sent me some rushes.”
I closed my eyes, bracing myself. “And?” I asked lightly. “Did I pass inspection?”
“Don’t get smart with me.”
I sighed. “Just say it, Annie.”
There was a moment of silence, and I knew she was taking a hit from her vape. I heard the long exhale.
“Davis says you’re working hard. Contributing to the entire project.” She paused. “Good job, Oliver.”
Shock rendered me speechless. She kept talking.
“You look like a natural on that horse. Your characterization of Colton is spot-on. Davis says you’re going to steal the entire film.”
Then as quickly as her praise came, it ceased.
“As long as you don’t screw this up and fall back into your bad habits.”
I chuckled. There was the Annie I knew.
“I’ll try not to.”
“You got everything you need? The place you’re staying at okay?”
“Yep. It’s fine. Nice, quiet place.” I refrained from telling her who my landlady was. I wasn’t ready to share that information.
“Okay. Just wanted to check in.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t fuck this up.”
And she hung up.
I slid my phone back into my pocket. That was Annie. Direct and to the point. Good job—don’t fuck it up. Checking in but pretending not to care. She cared about very few people. Most of the time, I liked to think I was one of those few.
Other times, I doubted it.
My name was called, and I headed toward my mark. It was time to make magic again.
“Cut!”
I groaned as I slid off Rusty. It had been a long day. On and off the horse, who decided not to cooperate today. Take after take happened until Davis was happy.
My back and my ass were not. I ached from head to foot. I had a headache as well. I was hungry, having missed lunch while we were out filming some of the long riding sequences. The snacks I had took the edge off but didn’t fill me up.
Davis came over. “Long day, but we got what we needed.”
“Good.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “Go home and get some sleep. You don’t have to be on set until later in the morning.”