I GLANCE THROUGH THE WINDOW, hoping to get another glimpse of the beautiful girl I just met, while continuing to manage the crowd in front of me.
Smiling, laughing, and signing autographs, I wonder why she isn’t out here. Why she doesn’t care. Her indifference towards me is fucking hot. I have to find out more about her. I quietly sigh in relief when I see Dan walking toward me.
“Come on, folks,” he says. “I know you’re excited to see Antonio, but he’s got work to do.”
The crowd moans, but dissipates, and I can finally breathe. I straighten my suit jacket before shaking Dan’s hand. “Thanks for the help.”
“No problem. Small town people get excited.”
I can’t help but smile. “All people do when I’m around.”
Dan laughs. “True. Have you seen Yasmin yet?”
“Nope. I was just about to ask you if she was here yet.”
Dan looks down at his watch. “She’s always fucking late.”
“Why do you keep working with her then?”
“You know the answer to that.”
“I do.” I look inside the store and see Giovanna stacking books again. “Oh, I think that girl wants to see you.” I point inside. “She seemed surprised the filming would take place here.”
“Well she signed the release form, so I don’t give a shit.”
“Maybe you could just go touch base with her.”
Dan grins. “Is this because you want to go touch base with her?”
“Not necessarily.”
“I see why you’d want to. She’s hot. In a simple, small town girl, kind of way.”
“She’s not bad.” She’s more than not bad. She’s fucking gorgeous, but I don’t want Dan knowing I think that. I’d have to listen to his vulgar comments about her.
“Well, don’t let Yasmin catch wind. That girl has a fiery temper if she gets jealous over anything.”
“This I know.” I brush off my lapel. “To be clear though, Yasmin doesn’t own me.”
“Tell that to her, not me. I don’t give a shit who you fuck as long as it doesn’t interfere with production.”
“Fair enough.” I smile when I catch Giovanna stealing a glance at me. “Should we go in and check out the store?”
“Fine.” Dan opens the door and walks in while I quickly follow. Giovanna stands, hands on hips, in a defiant stance. Certainly not the breathless woman I met just a short time ago. She looks ready for a fight.
“Can I help you?” she asks Dan. Her voice is tense, and she avoids looking at me.
“Not really,” Dan replies. “Just popped in to look at the store. The crew will be here in the morning to set up lighting.”
“I don’t remember this being in the release.”
Dan chuckles. “That doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Full access, 24 hours a day.”
“Yes, but,” she pauses and tucks her thick, ebony hair behind her ears. “It doesn’t say the filming would be inside my store.”
“What part of full access don’t you understand?” Dan says. I watch with awe as Giovanna’s eyes open wide.
“I understand the words just fine. It would serve you well to be nice to the residents. We can make this easy on you or we can make your life hell. Your choice.”
“The same applies to you.”
“No. See, you need us, or specifically me, more than I need you. You have a film at stake that I give zero fucks about. You want my store, I expect full communication, and I will be present at all times. Are we clear about that?”
“You signed a release.”
“Yeah, I did, and you will still respect my space.” She smiles, and I have to stifle a laugh. Speaking of fiery women.
Dan backs down like any smart man should. “Fine. I’ll have a schedule prepared and delivered to you in a few hours.”
“Thank you.”
He turns to leave while I linger.
“What do you want?” she challenges.
You. In my bed. Now. I grin at the thoughts running through my mind. I am never attracted to the sweet girls. I always want the ball busters. “I just wanted to make sure you met the director, as you requested.”
“Thanks. He’s a tool.”
I laugh. “He’s a great director, but a stubborn one. He just wants things his way.”
“He hasn’t met stubborn yet.”
“I see that. You defend your territory well.”
“I have to.”
I pause and take in her beauty. When I was here earlier, her hair was up, but now it hangs long and silky down her back. She’s clothed completely in black, which looks great against her olive skin. Her body looks toned yet soft. She’s just the right balance of fit and curvy. I’d love to see her with her clothes off.
“Have dinner with me.”
“Wait, what?”
I take a step closer. “Dinner with me.”
She pulls her head back and scoffs. “No.”
I raise my eyebrows. Is she serious? “No?”
“You heard me.”
“Why not?”
“I have plans already.”
I grin. “Then tomorrow night.”
Giovanna crosses her arms. “I’m busy then, too.”
“Why do I think no matter what date I choose, you’ll be busy?”
“Ah, you’re not just a pretty face.”
I lean close and run my index finger under her chin. “At least you think I’m pretty.” I grin as I watch her lips twitch, fighting off the smile I know she wants to give me. She takes a step back, regaining her demeanor.
“I have work to do. You should go.”
“I will go, Giovanna.” I walk towards the door. “Here’s the thing though. I’ll be back. Every day. I’ll wear you down, until you say yes, and when you do, it’ll be the best night of your life.” I grin, watching her think of a response. “Enjoy your freedom now.”
“You arrogant ass. I’m not some dumb Hollywood starlet dying for your attention. I have more self-respect than that.” I walk towards her again and notice as she flinches. She’s not as tough as she seems. “I know you’re not dumb. That’s why I find you exciting. That’s why I’m turned on. The sooner you give in, the easier it will be for both us.” I reach out and touch her hair, surprised when she doesn’t move. “But it’s okay if you want to resist. I enjoy the challenge.”
“Go.”
“See you tomorrow, gorgeous.”
I walk out smiling to myself. That girl just became my number one goal in life.