I SIT AT DINNER listening to my coworkers talk about our movie, but all I can think about is Giovanna. If I can somehow convince her that I’m not just trying to fuck her, maybe she’ll put her guard down. The physical attraction between us is ridiculous. It’s so strong I wonder if other people feel it as much as I do. When she walks in the room, my dick stands at attention. I’ve known some beautiful women in my day. I’ve fucked most of them, but it’s never been as intense as it is with her, and I haven’t even gotten that far. Her kiss alone blows me away. I push my food around my plate. There’s more than that though. For the first time ever, I want to get to know someone. I want to spend time with her. She’s not just some starlet trying to make a name for herself by being seen with me. Giovanna was right about that. I just need to get her to understand that I’m not a bad guy.
“Antonio?”
I look up and realize I was completely checked out. “Yeah Dan?”
“Did you hear the question?”
“Uh, no. I was thinking about the scene tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s what we were talking about.”
I grin. “What’s up.”
“You know how we’ve been talking about turning up the heat a little?” he asks. “Everyone is so used to the typical girl-meets-boy sweet happy ending with you two. Are you up for that? We can tweak a few scenes.”
“Sure. Do what you gotta do.”
“It’s what you would have to do. You and Yasmin.”
“Got it. I’m no stranger to this. I can handle it if she can.”
Yasmin smiles. “Just as long as there’s no nudity. It’s in my contract.”
“I know what’s in your contact,” Dan says, rolling his eyes.
I pick at my food, not interested in it or this conversation. “I’m gonna get out of here.”
“Why?” Yasmin asks.
“Because I’m tired. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Yasmin frowns and pouts like she does. Fucking idiot. I grab my coat and head up the street to my hotel room. A hot shower will do me good. Or maybe a cold one would be better. As I’m crossing the street, I see Giovanna leaving the bookstore. Do I go back over there and risk pissing her off? What tactic can I use to warm her up to me? I look ahead, figuring it’s better to leave her alone, but then I see a guy in the park serving warm apple cider. Perfect. I rush over to him and buy two, excusing myself when he tries to chat too long. Walking quickly, I call out to her before she gets too far away.
“Giovanna!”
She turns around, and I swear she lights up for just a second. I catch up and smile, handing her a cup.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a cup of hot apple cider.”
She grins. “Okay.”
“Okay. I’ll walk you home while we drink this.”
“People will see us.”
“And?”
“And they’ll talk.”
“So.”
She sighs and takes the cup from me. “Fine, but I’m not inviting you in.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to.”
“You’re a persistent fellow, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.”
“Oh, I think I do.”
I smile and sip the warm liquid. I hate cider, but I’ll do anything to spend a few minutes with her.
“I bet the town was really nice during the holidays,” I muse.
“It was.”
“Did Santa bring you something nice?” Her smile disappears, and I realize I hit a nerve. “I’m sorry if I upset you.”
“You didn’t.” She glances up at me. “The holidays aren’t my favorite time of the year.”
“That’s too bad.”
“I’ll survive. I always have.”
We walk past The Pub, and I see Yasmin staring out at us. Fuck. Giovanna sees her too.
“Ooh, your girlfriend is going to be pissed.”
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Does she know that?”
“Fuck her.”
“No, thanks.”
I laugh. “She’s not your type?”
“Not at all. If I liked girls, I wouldn’t pick her.”
“Who would you pick?”
“Someone with real beauty. I think she’s beautiful in an artificial way. Everything is fake from the hair to the boobs to probably the personality. Genuineness is beautiful to me.”
“That’s why you’re weary of me. You think I’m not genuine.”
“Oh, I know you’re interest is genuine. It’s just that I’m not really interested in being your fuck toy for the next six weeks. It’s not my thing.”
I’m distracted for a moment by the idea of her being my fuck toy. I wish.
“What is your thing then? Tell me.”
She stops walking. “Another time, maybe. This is my street. I can take it from here.”
“Let me walk you to your door. Let me kiss you goodnight.”
“You’ve had enough kisses for one day.”
“Have you?”
She shakes her head, grinning. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Whatever you want, Beautiful.”
She sighs and turns the corner. I follow her and she doesn’t stop me. We walk three houses down and stop in front of a small, blue house. It’s look like a doll cottage.
“Goodnight.” She smiles. “Again.”
I decide it will go a long way with her if I just keep it cool. I lean close and kiss her cheek, noticing how she holds her breath.
“Goodnight. And thank you.”
“For?”
“A few minutes of your company. Sleep well.”
“You too,” she murmurs.
I walk away and turn back to wave. When I turn the corner, she goes inside. That few minutes was worth the twenty questions I’ll get from Yasmin later.
THE NEXT MORNING I get to the set early, hoping to steal a few minutes with Giovanna. I peer inside the store and see her setting up the coffee. I’m going in.
“Morning, gorgeous.”
“What are you doing here so early?”
“I wanted to spend a few minutes alone on the set.” I grin. “I also hoped I’d see you again.”
“Geez, do you ever give up?”
“I think we established the answer to that already.”
She shakes her head.
“Did you sleep well?” I ask.
“It was okay.”
“Did you miss me?”
She laughs, and I grin. “That must be it.”
“You have a beautiful laugh, you know that?”
“Thanks.” She looks at the floor briefly, before gazing back up at me. “I’m gonna stay in my office again today. I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You’re never in the way.” She smiles and starts to walk away. “Hey.”
“What?”
“Have dinner with me?”
She grins. “No.”
“I’ll be waiting for you to say yes.”
“I know.”
She walks to the back, and I tilt my head to watch her until she’s out of sight. That woman is killing me.