Scripted Reality

by Karen Frances

  His mouth falls away from mine and I take the opportunity to watch him as his body quivers beneath me with his eyes closed.

  What a sight.

  My eyes close as he reaches one hand under my dress and pushes the lace material of my thong to the side. I continue to stroke his length when I feel his fingers sliding deep inside me. He bites on his lower lip as I clench around him.

  I’m desperate for more.

  I reluctantly let him go and he moans. I’m not the only one missing that. Placing my hands on his shoulders to steady myself, I rise to my knees, giving myself space to hover over him. His erection brushes between my legs and I whimper. My body aches all over with need and want. I grip tighter on his shoulders to steady myself and he chuckles lightly against my ear before nibbling at my earlobe.

  I drop my head to the side and he kisses my neck. Warmth floods through my veins and I can’t deny the pulsing knot that has formed in my stomach. The ache between my legs grows stronger with each passing heartbeat.

  I can’t wait any longer. The heavy scent of our lust fills the air around us and has awakened every sense I possess.

  “God, Ella.” He gasps as I lower myself onto him, and his hands take a grip of my waist. Neither of us move; I’m enjoying the feel of him deep inside me.

  With our eyes level and on the other, the urge to close mine is overwhelming. I wanted this intimacy. I’m the one who wanted to be in control, but as I look into the depths of his eyes, I know I’m not the one in control.

  He pulls my body down harder on him, pushing himself a little deeper. I inhale deeply as my body clenches harder around him. “You’re so perfect.”

  A brief shiver ripples through me. With our eyes still focused on the other, we start to move slowly. I want to feel every last inch of him. Our hearts beat in time with the other’s. I don’t see or feel him moving one hand until I feel the palm flat against my lower stomach. Everything in my core tightens when his fingers touch my clit. He teases me with expert circles, massaging me slowly.

  Heavenly.

  I’m fighting the heaviness in my eyes, fighting to keep them open, not wanting the connection that we’re sharing to be broken, not even for a second.

  Sweat beads lace his skin. He arches his neck back, head firmly against the back of the seat, yet his eyes still remain on me. “Oh God,” he bites out, his teeth grinding as I slide up and down his length. “You’re incredible.”

  He’s deeper and my body is adjusting to the intrusion. Pulsing around him, I’m on the verge of an orgasm. But I want to hold back and wait for him. Tonight wasn’t meant for me to be selfish. It was about me showing him that I want him; only him.

  Leaning toward him, I slide my tongue along his lower lip, at the same time lifting myself slowly from him. A tight grip on my hips pulls my body back onto him and I grab his mouth in a needy hurry as I grind against him. Kissing him hard as I rock my hips, my eyes close.

  “No you don’t,” he says, pulling his lips from mine. I open my eyes and our connection is restored. I focus on him and on the driving urge building within me.

  Connor commands the rhythm as he pulls my hips up and down. My need builds and there’s no way to stop it or slow it down.

  He watches me fall apart, holding my gaze. There’s something erotic about him watching me grind and moan against him as I ride out my orgasm.

  “Fuck . . .” he growls, thrusting his hips harder against me. I feel him tremble deep within and I watch, needing to see the moment he’s pushed. His eyes darken and almost close but he regains control quickly and his eyes stay focused.

  “Ella!” He cries my name as I feel him reach his own climax. His body shakes as his orgasm takes hold.

  I remove my hands from his shoulders. Cupping his face, I brush my lips across his. He wraps his arms around my back, crushing my body to his. He kisses me softly. My emotions are running in all directions.

  “That was incredible,” he breathes against me, still looking me in the eyes. The way he’s looking at me has my chest hurting. His eyes are warm and tender. “You, Ella McGregor, are full of surprises.”

  “I am. Our night isn’t over. We still have a very inviting bed in our suite.”

  “We do, and I know I’ll never get enough of you.” I lift myself from him, sort my clothes, and sit back in the chair beside him. He wraps his arm around me and I snuggle in close to him, enjoying the comfort his body provides me with.

  Who needs to go to the after party when we can have our own private party for two?

  “ANY MORE TEXT MESSAGES FROM Donovan?” Trevor asks as we drive through London in the back of a black cab.

  “No, nothing. I thought there would be something, especially after my confrontation with Katherine last night.”

  “What the hell happened when I left?”

  Shit! I forgot this would be news to him. He’s going to be mad. I need to tell him what happened in case he has to do some sort of damage control, should Katherine have taken the story to the papers.

  “I’m waiting on an explanation, Ella.” Trevor is like my dad in so many ways and now is one of those times as he scowls at me, waiting for me to elaborate.

  “It wasn’t that bad.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  I tell him everything, not leaving anything out, including the part when she insinuated that Donovan would be at the after party. I tell him that helped make up my mind on not attending.

  “Okay, it doesn’t sound so bad. But this is Katherine Hunter. She has a way of manipulating stories to her own advantage; just look at what happened with Alex Mathews. I’ll keep a close eye and ear to the ground just in case she decides to make a song and dance out of your meeting last night.” What she did to Alex was awful, accusing him of rape back in New York. But the thing that sticks in my mind is that, at the time, Libby’s niece was unwell and she had to travel home to Scotland alone, not knowing what was going on with Alex.

  “Thank you.”

  “Now, I’m going to spend much of today with you on set before I go and check out how Connor is getting on. With a bit of luck, you might get finished up early and can come with me. Are you looking forward to today?”

  “Yes, I am. I love everything this company stands for. Do we know if it’s the same photographer from Glasgow?”

  “I’m not sure. We’ll find out soon.”

  I turn my attention back outside and watch the world go by at an alarmingly fast pace. This is one of the reasons I love home so much; everything is so much calmer in Glasgow. What I realise as we drive is that I don’t miss this fast-paced way of life. Yes, I’ve been enjoying the last few weeks; photo shoots, meetings with production crews, reading scripts, but I get to go home at the end of a long day. Relax and chill out. I could never do that in L.A. There was always some event or another Donovan wanted me to attend.

  That lifestyle is no good for anyone. You eventually burn out.

  I’m still surprised he hasn’t been in touch again since yesterday. It’s making me a little nervous, wondering what the hell he’s playing at now.

  As for him and Katherine Hunter, something isn’t adding up with them. If they’re together why wouldn’t he attend the premiere with her?

  He’s playing with my mind. He’s got me thinking about him and that’s what he wants. Although, I’m not sure what he hopes to achieve by reaching out to me now. He should’ve done that months ago. Maybe it’s because he realises I’m taking this further. Not only me. I know the bank is going ahead with pressing fraud charges against him.

  Johnathon has been in constant contact with my dad, who has kept me up to date with everything.

  “We’re here,” Trevor says as the cab stops. I chase my thoughts away and focus on my job. Today isn’t just another job. I don’t think anything I’ve done over the years has been just another job. Today is about having fun and getting the assignment done so that the client is happy with the finished product.

  We exit the cab an
d I stand on the pavement and stare up at the building before us. I thought we were going to a studio. Instead, I find myself outside a plush hotel on the south bank of the River Thames next to Westminster Bridge. Many of the top London attractions are just a short stroll away, including the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. The view from street level is okay, but I bet the views are breath-taking from one of the many bedrooms within this historic building.

  “Come on, Ella. I’m sure you’ll be able to admire the views much better inside,” Trevor says, pulling me from my trance-like state.

  We enter, and wow. It’s all high ceilings with period features, marble pillars which look original, and dark wood panel walls with lots of cream soft furnishings. Trevor leaves me gaping in this impressive and warm hotel entrance, making his way over to the reception desk. After a few minutes, he re-joins me.

  “Inspire has taken over much of the hotel today. We have to go to the fitness reception where someone is waiting for us.” This sounds interesting, but why would we be shooting at the gym?

  We arrive at the gym and are met by Martin Brown. “Ella, wonderful to see you again,” he says, kissing me on the cheek before turning and greeting Trevor. The two men exchange a few words before Martin turns back to me.

  “It’s great to be here,” I say. “But I have to tell you now; I’m not a fitness addict.”

  He laughs and Trevor joins him. “That’s funny. You will be modelling clothes across our whole range today, from gym gear to bathing suits, from jeans to eveningwear. I’ve told you before, we strive to give our customers what they want at affordable prices. Come on. You can meet everyone.”

  I follow behind him with Trevor at my side, and all I can think about is that I’m not sure about stripping down to a swimsuit. I’m introduced to the whole team; make-up, hair stylist, wardrobe, Will the photographer from Glasgow, and there’s also a woman who introduces herself as a videographer. There’s a lot of people here. Not as many as I’d find on a movie set, but a lot more than I’d expect for a photoshoot.

  “Ella, don’t worry. I’m staying with you as long as you need me to,” Trevor says, giving me the reassurance I need.

  “Can we leave the pool shots until last?” Martin calls out, asking Will the question. He nods. “Ella, can you go with make-up? Trevor, can I get you and Ella some tea or coffee?” I don’t hear Trevor’s response but I’m hoping he says tea as I’m led away.

  The Inspire team has completely taken over the whole fitness centre; the women’s changing rooms are now a dressing area, complete with everything I’d expect to see on set. There’s a dressing table, and rails and rails of clothes. There’s no way I’ll get through all these changes today.

  I do as I’m told and sit down and let everyone get on with their jobs. Make-up is applied and it looks really natural. My hair is loosely piled on my head and I’m giving my first outfit of the day to wear; casual grey jogging bottoms with a white sports bra top and trainers.

  The make-up artist and hair stylist lead the way into the hotel’s state of the art gym, where Will is already waiting.

  “Are you ready to rock this?” Will asks as he positions me on a treadmill.

  “Not if you switch this damn thing on.” Everyone in the room laughs, including me.

  And we start.

  Moody, relaxed, and happy; these are all poses that come to me naturally today. And changing from one outfit to another so far hasn’t been so demanding. “Ella, the next shot I want is you with some weights.”

  “You’re kidding! I worked up enough sweat on the rowing machine for you.”

  “You did, honey, and you were fabulous. Now, here.”

  The squat rack. I think Will and I are about to fall out. There has been a gym instructor present the whole time. He shows me what I’m expected to do and then puts a lower weight on the bar. I stand with the bar on my shoulders, gripping it as though my life depends on it. I’m wearing a pair of shorts and a sports bra.

  I feel my face flush as I think about what I have to do. “Will, are you sure you want this shot?”

  “Yes.”

  “You only want to see my arse,” I say jokingly.

  “Honey, you’ve now given me another idea for a shot. One that includes your fine arse. Now, when I count to three, this time, I want you to squat. Don’t worry if you can’t lift the weight yourself. I can always edit out the instructor or keep him in. Whatever works.”

  He thinks I can’t lift this on my own. I know I’m useless when it comes to the gym, but I want to prove him wrong. With the instructor’s help, I take two steps back. “I’m fine,” I say, and he lets go of the bar but stands close enough that, should there be a problem, then he can take control.

  “One, two, three.”

  I squat down and push back up into a standing position over and over as Will snaps away, moving around me. When I rise back up after the tenth squat, Will calls out, “Cut!” The instructor takes the bar from me, telling me I did good.

  “Why are you calling out cut? Are we finished?”

  “I’ve just always wanted to say it.” I shake my head at him. Bloody man. “That’s us finished in the gym.”

  I look at the time and it’s already gone three p.m. I make my way over to Trevor. “You can leave, you know? Connor needs your attention just the same as I do so you can’t stay here all day.”

  “I know that, but . . .”

  “No buts. I’m happy here with Will and the others, even though I swear he’s spent longer in the gym on purpose.”

  “I think he has. Only if you’re sure?”

  “I’m sure. So go. Hopefully Connor is having more fun than me.”

  “What! You’re not having fun, Ella?” Will interrupts my conversation. “We’ll just have to make things more interesting upstairs in the function room.”

  “Will, take care of Ella,” Trevor says, after kissing me. “If she has any complaints it’s on your head.”

  “I promise. But why not Martin?” Will asks me. I shrug my shoulders.

  My make-up is re-done, along with my hair, and I’m handed the first of many dresses and then escorted through the hotel. Will continues to take pictures as he walks behind me. He asks me to stop in the reception area and pose. I do because it’s my job and I’m really enjoying it.

  “We’re almost done, Ella. Back downstairs to the pool and then I want to get a few shots outside with the London Eye in the background.”

  “Okay.” It’s been fun but hard work. It’s now gone eight p.m. Trevor has called several times, checking up on me. He’s spoken to me and Martin. There have been a few problems with Connor’s filming today. Trevor wouldn’t tell me what it was though, and I’m sure Connor will tell me all about it when we get back to the hotel.

  Time to change again.

  “I can’t wear that!” I yell as the two-piece skimpy outfit is held before me.

  “Ella, there is a range of accessories to go with it, including a sarong,” Will tells me. Martin has long since gone home, along with a few others, but there’s still about eight people left, not including me.

  “Fine. Let’s get this over with.” The lady that’s been dealing with my outfit changes sighs heavily, relieved. I put on the first skimpy bikini and, I have to admit, it’s something I would pick for myself, I’m just not feeling confident wearing it. She hands me the sarong and we make our way to the pool area where the others are waiting. Will has already set up.

  “Some pics with that but then I need some without and then I want you in the pool,” he tells me. He’s been very demanding today; he wasn’t like this in Glasgow.

  He’s had me in and out of that pool for an hour and I’m at the point where I’m not sure I can smile or pose any longer.

  “That’s a wrap,” Will calls out, and I inwardly cheer. “Ella, the ladies will take care of you.”

  “I thought we were finished?”

  “In the pool, yes, but I want some outside shots of you all.”

&nbs
p; Ah, I remember he wanted that.

  “Okay.” I climb out of the pool and grab a towel.

  I follow the ladies who have both been amazing today and I allow them to do their best for one last time. When they’ve finished, I thank them for everything. They tell me that all the outfits I’ve had on are now packed in a case and will return to my hotel with me along with my own clothes. Which means I’m travelling back wearing these tight ripped blue jeans and white lace top, and also the black high heels and black over-sized handbag that finishes off the outfit.

  I meet Will in reception. “You look so much more relaxed now you’re back in clothes,” he shouts as I walk toward him. People turn and look in my direction. I want to bloody kill him. “A couple of shots on the ground then can I convince you to take a trip on the London Eye for a few more? Then I promise you we’re done and the hotel will organise a taxi for you.”

  “Done.”

  “Ella, thank you so much for today. You’ve been incredible. And the last few shots, I think, are the best of the day. You must be tired?” he asks as we walk back to the hotel.

  “Yes, I am, but I had fun too.”

  “Glad to hear it. Come inside the hotel and I’ll organise your taxi.”

  “No, I’ll wait out here. It’s a nice night.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, go on. I’ll be fine.”

  He gives me the tightest of hugs and thanks me again, telling me he’ll send a porter out with the case, and we part ways. I stand just in front of the entrance and wait. A porter comes out with the case and tells me the taxi won’t be long and he waits with me.

  The sky has darkened over the last hour, but the city is still glowing from an array of beautiful lights. The London Eye is illuminated against the skyline and bright lights shine from the many buildings around me. Terrace bars further along the bank are filled with people all enjoying their night, the start of the weekend for many.