by Jillian Dodd
"No one has said anything to me."
Knox studies my face intently. "You look like you're telling the truth. But you're a good actress, so it's hard to know."
"Ahhh, you think I'm a good actress. I'm touched."
"You should be. And, yes, I know I gave you a hard time. But I watched the screen test. We were really good together. You've seen Independence Day, right?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Will Smith stole the show. Won the MTV award for Best Kiss that year. That's going to be us when this movie comes out. I just know it."
"So, are you a jerk or not?"
He shakes his head. "I just play one sometimes."
I think about Vincent. The upcoming music video I'm doing for Damian. My plan to let Vincent see me everywhere. "Then we'll get along just fine. And, after the holidays, I'll take you up on going to a club."
There's a knock at my door, but whoever it is doesn't wait for me to answer. The door swings open, and a girl looks surprised to see Knox and me sitting on the couch together.
"Oh, um, excuse me. Miss Douglas, they're ready for you in wardrobe."
"Thank you. I'll be right there," I tell her.
As I'm walking out the door, Knox says, "Find out if the rumors are true."
The day is a blur of rehearsals, hair and makeup, wardrobe, blocking, and shooting. Normally, there's a lot of down time on set--to nap, hang out, eat--but they're trying to cram a lot of scenes in before the holidays to make a preliminary teaser trailer that will air during the Super Bowl.
I see little of Cooper and Aiden, but when I do, they're both smiling. Cooper is happy because he won some of his lost pool money back from Aiden in a poker game.
I shoot a scene where I'm being held captive in a small room. Earlier in the movie, I'm kidnapped by some guys who work for Knox's character. They aren't the smartest, so I'm able to steal one of their phones.
In this scene, I use the phone to call Tommy/Trinity.
We shoot the scene three different ways, Matt trying to determine just how distressed I should be. He wants to see my growth in the film. From the girl who is only worried about the next party to the tougher girl I was in the screen test.
Needless to say, based on what I've been through, none of the versions were much of a stretch.
I'm thinking about my own journey as I grab some food and take it to my dressing room. I have a short time to eat before I have to block out another scene.
When I open my door, I find Knox, Cooper, and Aiden laughing and eating.
I wolf down my food and am quickly back at it.
I'm exhausted when I finally get back to the loft. Aiden took a cab home after dinner, but Cooper waited for me.
It's past one when I sneak into my room and find Aiden sprawled out across my bed. The remote is near his head and ESPN is playing softly in the background. It reminds me of that night when I went into Bryce's room. His scribbles. Why should I bother? Because she felt it too.
It was definitely love at first sight.
But after what Tommy said about him and Mom, I understand what I didn't understand when I first met B.
Love at first sight is only the first step of the journey.
It's the spark that starts the fire.
I tiptoe in my bathroom, thinking about the similarities between my life, my scripts, and the Bachelor Prince play. It feels like they were all just a rehearsal for the big show. And I can't help but wonder if they tell me about what's coming next. Are there parallels between what's going to happen to me in Retribution and with Vincent's version of A Day at the Lake? Will someone save me? Will I save myself? Or will the bad guy win?
I really need to get my hands on that script.
After washing off my makeup, I set my alarm and slide carefully into bed.
Aiden rolls over and pulls me into his chest. "I just realized one of your lies was that you were going to France for Christmas. Where are you really going?"
"I was going to stay here. I really want to see my family, but I can't risk it."
"No way I'm letting you be alone. Either you're coming to St. Croix with me, or I'm staying here with you."
"I didn't really want to be alone."
"But you were going to be, weren't you?"
"Yes."
"And now?"
"I'd love to spend Christmas with you, Aiden."
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21ST
Stunt planning.
Lunch
When I grab some lunch and take it to my dressing room, I find Tommy, Aiden, and Cooper already in there, eating.
"Aiden was just telling me about his parents' place up in Northern California, Keatyn," Tommy tells me.
"And Tommy was telling me about France," Aiden says.
"That's awesome," I say, but my heart is going awww, loving that they're talking.
Bonding, even, maybe.
Matt walks in the room with a plate and sets it down just as his phone rings. "Excuse me; I need to take this."
When he walks away from the table, he flashes Tommy a smile and a thumbs up.
Tommy breaks out in his trademark crooked smirk. The one that leaves women swooning.
"What's that all about?" I ask.
"He's on the phone with Edward Moffett."
"The head of the studio?"
"Yes."
"I take it that's good?"
"It could be very good, for you," Tommy says cryptically. "Gentlemen," he says to Cooper and Aiden. "Would you mind excusing us for a minute? I need to speak to Keatyn privately."
After they leave, I say, "What's up?"
"I have a plan."
"What kind of plan?"
"The kind of plan where we hijack the Moran plane that's going to St. Croix."
"Hijack it? Why?"
"So everyone will come to France instead."
"Really?"
"Yeah, the weather is gorgeous. I ordered barrels of wine. Officially, we're saying it's a late Beaujolais Nouveau Day party."
"That's the day when France celebrates the release of the young wine with all the festivals and fireworks, right? We were there for that a few years ago because it's around Thanksgiving."
"That's right."
"So, officially that's what it is, but unofficially--ohmigawd, Tommy, are you going to propose?!"
"Not just propose. We're getting married, too. But it's a surprise."
"A surprise wedding?"
"Yeah. What do you think?"
"What does Mom think?"
"She doesn't know. She thinks we're just throwing a holiday party."
"That's amazing, Tommy. I wish I could . . ."
"I don't give two shits about Vincent. He's not invited. Garrett already has the security in place and will be personally supervising the event. Your presence is required."
I launch myself into his arms and hug him tightly.
"So, Mom thinks people are coming for a party. And the people who are coming for the party don't know they're coming?"
"Pretty much."
"What if Mom talks to Millie about it?"
"She won't. I'm in charge of getting everyone there, and she's in charge of the party."
"If you're able to pull that off, it will be a miracle. You know she and Millie talk daily."
"Cross your fingers that they don't talk about this. And what's the worse case? Millie finds out we're throwing a party and packs warmer clothes. She still won't know about the wedding."
"Yeah, you're right. And you don't have to worry about the paparazzi."
"Exactly."
"But what about a dress?"
"Kym's bringing full wedding attire."
"Mom's going to think that's odd."
"No, Kym told her she's already got designers wanting to dress her for the Oscars and she's bringing them for her to try on after Christmas."
"That's a good lie. So, did you decide how you're going to propose?"
"I loved the Me and You idea."
"I liked
that one too. Oh my gosh, Tommy. I'm so excited! And I get to see the girls!"
"They're upset you aren't coming for Christmas."
"I know. Are you sure it's safe for me to go? Like, positive?"
"Keatyn, we could all die tomorrow. We're taking precautions and we're going to keep living. We're also going to be very careful about how we get you to the airport. Garrett wants Cooper to take you to the plane before anyone else."
"Okay. What about everyone else's clothes? They will have packed for the beach."
"Matt is in on it too. He's telling everyone it's supposed to be unseasonably cold, even though the weather forecast says otherwise. He's telling them Inga feels there's a storm coming in. Or some other bullshit."
"That's funny."
Knox and I go through the choreography of the reworked scene we did for my screen test and then I go back to hair and makeup to get ready for my next scene.
I'm ready before the camera and lighting guys are, so I go to my room to lie down. I need a nap.
But when I get to my room, Cooper, Knox, and Aiden are playing poker.
"Can you go play somewhere else so I can take a nap?" I ask.
Knox goes, "Boo. Party pooper," and Cooper doesn't move.
But Aiden lays his cards down on the table and says, "I fold."
"Awesome," Cooper says, as he and Knox lay down their cards and he wins the small pile of coins.
"We're leaving as requested," Aiden says. "The star needs her rest."
"She's not the star," Knox sasses back.
"No, but she will be," Aiden counters.
His comment and the adorable wink he gives me put a huge smile on my face.
Aiden grabs a set of noise-reducing headphones, plugs in his phone, and hands them to me. "I made you a new playlist."
"Thank you. Are you going to lie down with me?"
He glances at his watch. "I'm going to let you rest."
"Where are you going?"
"Allan invited me to a stunt planning meeting. I think it will be cool to sit in on it."
"That would be cool."
He sits on the couch next to me and gives me a steamy kiss. "What were you and Tommy talking about at lunch?"
"It's a secret."
"I thought we weren't going to keep secrets from each other?"
"Um, no. We're trying not to lie to each other."
"Trying?"
"What I mean is, I want to tell you the secret, but I've been sworn to secrecy. Part of what makes it a secret. Besides, if I tell you, you'd have to lie to your family. And I don't want to put you in that position."
He runs his finger down my arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
"What kind of position do you want to put me in?" he asks sexily, leaning closer to me.
"Hmmm. I don't know. You feel like playing pool?"
He laughs and raises an eyebrow over a gorgeous green eye. "Ah. That kind of a position. I don't think that's what we were talking about."
"If I wasn't so tired when I get home, I'd offer to dance for you."
"I'm tired just watching. I never realized you would work such long hours. Or all the times you do the same scene."
"It doesn't help that they're trying to squeeze a lot into a few days."
"So, what's this secret? I won't tell my family."
"Good, because I'm dying to tell you."
He smiles at me.
"I get to spend Christmas with you."
"I already knew that."
"And also with my family."
"They're coming to St. Croix?"
"Umm, not exactly. We're all going to France."
"How's that going to work? We'll all be packed for the beach."
"Yeah, that's the only problem. Just tell your family to pack some sweaters. Say it gets chilly at night or they keep the house really cool or something."
"I'll do that. So, why isn't your family just coming to St. Croix?"
"Because they're planning a big party. And the location is more secure."
"Where is the house? I just realized I never asked."
"Southern France, between Nice and Cannes. It's in the country, up in the hills. You can even see the sea most days. It's really beautiful."
"I can't wait. What's the party for?"
"Just to celebrate our being together."
"Very nice," he says, giving me a kiss and heading out the door. "Get some rest. We have a date with a naughty Santa gift later tonight."
"We do?" I ask, suddenly perking up.
Aiden smiles. "Yes, we do."
"Which one?"
"I told you, I have a sweet tooth," he replies. "And a sweet tongue."
"You said you wanted me in the candy thong and a pair of cowboy boots."
"And nothing else," he says in a way that almost sounds like a threat.
A really sexy one.
Cuss and get laid.
11pm
I get back to my loft around eleven. Cooper is tired and heads straight to his room.
Thank god.
Aiden's in my kitchen, nothing but a pair of athletic shorts hanging dangerously low on his hips and a candy necklace hanging deliciously around his neck.
I can't even think straight.
He kisses me in greeting and sits me up on the breakfast bar while he opens a bottle of champagne.
Who knew something so simple could be so sexy?
He sets the bottle on the counter and cuts the foil off. Then he untwists the metal topper. Every muscle in his arm ripples with each twist. I see a flash of his clover tattoo.
And I feel lucky just to be sitting here.
"You're wearing a candy necklace," I say, stating the obvious as he pulls the cork out.
He glances up at me as he pours the champagne. "I put it on, but it's up to you decide where you want it."
I gulp.
Imagine the Titan saluting me and wrapped in candy.
He leans across the bar and clinks my glass. "Here's to a sweet night."
I definitely drink to that and follow the hottie god as he takes the champagne into my bedroom and locks the door behind us.
I go into my closet, strip, and put on the candy thong and cowboy boots, as requested.
The candy thong is not particularly comfortable, I might add.
I look at myself in the mirror. The pastel embroidered cowboy boots are the same colors as the candy, so I match. But . . .
"You're taking an awfully long time in there," Aiden says, knocking on the door.
"I look ridiculous."
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that."
I shake my head at myself in the mirror, knowing I'd be ridiculous for Aiden any time if it makes him happy.
And turns him on.
I push my shoulders back, stand up straight and proud, and march my mostly-naked ass to the doorway.
Aiden's standing by the bed, holding two glasses of champagne.
I know I look silly, but I might as well have some fun with it. I lock eyes with him, spread my arms and legs wide, and pose in the doorway.
Aiden immediately sets the glasses down. His eyes are dark and sexy as he strides across the room. He places his hands on my shoulders, moves them out across my arms, and lands on my hands, which are braced in the doorway. "Don't move your hands," he insists. "No matter what."
I nod as he drops to his knees.
He studies the thong then touches a piece of candy. "One." He touches another and says, "Two." He quickly moves his finger across more candy, counting. "Eight pieces of candy in my way to the sweet spot."
"One," he says taking the first piece of candy in his teeth and biting it off.
"Two," he says, eating another piece as he caresses the backs of my thighs.
He cups my ass with both hands. "Three."
I push my hands harder into the doorway, wondering how I'm going to make it to eight.
His tongue flicks across me as he says, "Four."
He removes one hand f
rom my ass and places his finger through the little hole he's created, touching the very upper part of what he's aiming for.
Ohmigawd. Down just a bit further, I want to beg, as he says, "Five," and flicks his tongue where his finger just was.
"Oh," I say, dropping my hands and running them through his hair.
He moves his tongue under the candy that's blocking his way and gives me a little tease of what's to come.
Then he stops and stands up, grabbing my hands and pressing them against the door casing. "I thought I told you not to move your hands."
"Uh . . ." I say breathlessly.
"Do you want me to get to number eight?"
"Yes." I'm so full of desire and lust that I can barely speak. Plus, his eyes. They have that dark, hungry look that practically hypnotizes me.
"Good," he says, pausing to suck on my breasts before he moves back to bite off number six.
"Seven," he says, biting off another piece while sliding a finger inside of me.
I suck in my breath and hold it as he discovers just how turned on I am.
He quickly says, "Eight," and then delves his tongue into the spot where his finger was.
"Holy shit," I think I say, as I push my hands harder into the doorway for support.
He uses some magical combination of his fingers and tongue on me.
I'm breathing hard and saying ohmigawd over and over until my legs are weak and the only thing still keeping me standing is my arms, barricaded across the door frame.
When he feels my knees start to give away, he picks me up and pulls me on top of him on the chaise. I push his boxers down and glide myself across the Titan.
Aiden rhythmically moves my hips against him.
"Aiden, I want to . . ."
"Not tonight," he says, kissing me, but still guiding my motions.
The friction alone causes me to moan and that's when his grip tightens and he loses control.
"God, you're sweet," he says into my ear.
A little later, we're lying in bed and I'm softly trailing my fingers across his chest.
"You know, I was thinking . . ."
"Sounds dangerous," he teases.
"You might not be able to come to France with me. What's your grade in French?"
"Does it matter? I have my dirty French book. That's all I'll need."
"You can cuss and get laid." I roll my eyes.
"So, I'll get laid?"
"Uh, what?
There's a smirk playing on his face. "Are you saying we're going to do it there?"
"I wanted to do it just now. And I, um . . . I guess that depends on how convincing your French is," I say, teasing him, even though my thoughts are elsewhere.