Chapter Seven
Jamie failed to mention one big thing.
Like a giant, elephant-in-the-room kind of thing.
His actress isn’t just some young ingénue. She’s Tatiana Marcus.
The Tatiana Marcus.
She was named Maxim’s hottest female star of the year, three goddamn years in a row. She is hot, like H.O.T. hot.
Are you kidding me?
I’m sitting with Jamie in the director’s tent on set in a vineyard in Napa Valley. We arrived in California’s wine country on Friday night via private jet after work and spent an awesome evening at the hotel. We ate out on the terrace overlooking the picturesque valley and had a romantic evening in our suite with a roaring fire and lots of lovemaking.
It’s all been kind of perfect.
“So what do you think?” Jamie asks, pointing toward the full wall of monitors set up to show him the different angles each of his four assistant camera operators have going.
Tatiana is perched on a stool in front of a round table. It’s set with the coffee and a beautiful assortment of food she’s to have in the commercial. The basic idea is that she’s so beautiful, the different waiters and men fall over her one by one—all while she keeps her cool and drinks her gourmet brew. The women seated at tables around her take note of this and immediately order a cup of joe, inferring the coffee is what’s drawing men to her and not her beauty.
It’s not brain surgery, but I guess it kind of works.
Jamie met with Tatiana this morning at the hotel and went over the scenes while I slept in and ordered room service. I had a lazy morning in bed, and it was kind of awesome. Kerri and I texted a bunch. She wanted to see how things were going with Jamie, and I wanted to see if she’s met up with the mysterious Trouble. She was vague with her answer, so I’ll have to wait until I get home to grill her.
Jamie had a production assistant pick me up only a short while ago so we could have lunch together on set before I go back to the hotel. He’s booked me two back-to-back massages and one facial. The man sure knows how to make good on his promise and spoil me rotten.
“Wylder?” Jamie asks again and looks over at me with a curious gaze.
I try to give him a bright smile, but Tatiana’s gorgeous face is imprinted in my mind. One thing is for certain, the camera definitely loves Tatiana Marcus.
“It’s unreal,” I finally say. “The set looks beautiful.”
I’ve only been on one other set, and it was literally for about twenty-five seconds when I went to drop off a script to a female director. She wasn’t very warm and fuzzy and wanted me off the set as soon as I arrived, so I didn’t really get a chance to look around. Working at the studio does afford the opportunity to at least drive by a set on a cart and peek in when we have time, but this is a whole different thing—especially because I’m sitting in the director’s tent.
And Jamie Donovan’s at that.
Usually only producers or the director of photography are allowed to sit inside the tent with the director. This way they can concentrate, and there are no outside distractions.
“Who knew coffee could be so cool?” I say.
“It’s not just a drink in the morning to wake you up,” Jamie says, lifting his brows in an exaggerated manner. “It’s a way of life. It’s sexy, and it draws you in. It’s more important than you know.”
I try not to roll my eyes and widen them instead. “You don’t think you’re reaching?”
“Definitely.” Jamie agrees with a laugh. “That’s the PR campaign.”
“I’ll never look at a cup of coffee from Matiniti the same again.” I chuckle. “I’ll have to order a cup back at the hotel and see if the magic really works.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Jamie warns. “Not when I’m not around to stand guard.”
My stomach drops. I love when he says things like this.
His first assistant director—Tom, walks into the tent.
“We need you on set, boss,” he tells Jamie. “The talent has some questions.”
Jamie seems annoyed, and I’m not going to lie; it warms my heart and makes me happy.
Very happy.
“Be right back,” he whispers before planting a quick, chaste kiss on my lips. “The babysitting is about to begin.”
I beam even more. He looks so handsome right now, dressed casually and simply in jeans and a T-shirt and baseball cap. Tatiana would have to be dead to think he wasn’t hot.
“I’ll be here,” I promise.
Jamie takes his earpiece out and places it with his walkie on his director’s chair before exiting the tent.
Thankfully, I’m left all alone now because everyone is running around getting ready for the shoot. There are so many moving parts to production, it’s amazing how it all seems to come together in synchronicity. My gaze is glued on the monitor though, where Tatiana is sitting.
I watch as Jamie walks out to her a second later, and I stare at them with hawk eyes. I hate that they actually look beautiful together. Like, they would be the best-looking couple ever and have some seriously good-looking kids.
I hate myself for going there, but it’s kind of hard not to.
I mean look at them.
Tatiana has jet-black hair and green eyes, almost identical coloring to Jamie. Her body is to die for. It’s not right. Or fair. Listen, I’m a confident woman. I have never had any insecurity issues in my life. Even with my fucked-up childhood, I’ve never thought I wasn’t good enough for a guy, but Tatiana is next level.
I watch her give Jamie a flirty smile and lean into him as she talks. She even manages to rub his arm a few times.
I’m annoyed.
I can feel the Wolverine daggers start to press against my skin. I hear her laugh through Jamie’s earpiece, the sound obviously coming from his IFB. Since I’m alone and can watch when Jamie will make his way back toward the tent, I pick it up and listen in.
“So how do you want me?” Tatiana’s voice is sultry and flirty. I watch her practically bat her lashes at him.
I clench my teeth.
“This is great,” Jamie tells her with an encouraging nod. “It’s going to be a walk in the park for you. Casual. You know you’re hot. You know the men are watching you, and you like it. You are in full control of the situation.”
My blood boils.
Does he think she’s hot?
Seriously? He’d have to be dead not to. I think she’s hot. If I went the other way, she’d definitely be at the top of my wish list.
“You’re so cute,” she says with a coquettish laugh.
Puke.
Right on her.
My mood sours indefinitely.
“Thanks.” Jamie laughs back, and I think my head is going to explode in anger but then he says, “I hope my girlfriend, who happens to be watching on the monitor, thinks so as well.”
Tatiana’s eyes widen in surprise. She looks at one of the cameras directly at me as though she knows exactly which camera I’m watching. I’m like a deer in headlights. It’s like she’s watching me watch her. It’s almost too much, like a scene straight out of a movie.
“Lucky girl,” Tatiana murmurs.
“I’m lucky too.”
I can’t believe he just said that! My heart does a Mary Lou Retton-style summersault, and I scream in joy on the inside and do a small happy dance.
“Now let’s get this party started.”
She nods her head, and Jamie leaves her out there. I throw his earpiece back down and try to act cool. I cross my legs and lean back in the chair and pretend I’m studying my nails. Five seconds later, the flap opens and Jamie walks in. His energy fills the small space.
I glance at him and hope my look doesn’t betray me.
“Everything good?” I ask.
He cocks a brow and looks at the monitors, then at the earpiece on his chair, then at me. I know what he’s thinking. He knows I watched their entire interaction. I give him an innocent smile.
“Couldn’t be better,” he says slowly. “You good?”
“Great,” I say with a big-ass smile.
“I asked a PA to bring you something to eat and something to snack on. I know you have to be hungry.” He’s so considerate it’s almost criminal.
“I just ate.” I shake my head. “And don’t worry about me. Just do this.”
“This is a walk in the park,” he says candidly. “You’ll see me on The Origin. That might bring out different sides to my very colorful personality.”
“Colorful?” I ask in surprise. I’ve never heard any rumors about Jamie being difficult to work with, so I wonder what he means by this.
“I have my moments.” His eyes dance with mirth. “Everyone does.”
“Well, you definitely don’t have that kind of reputation,” I say.
“My people are loyal.” He shrugs. “I hire the same crew on every film I do, so I think when and if I lose it, they thankfully keep it to themselves. Doesn’t happen often, but when it’s not the way I like it, I kind of go crazy.”
“You?” I fight a smile. “Crazy? I don’t believe it.”
He leans over and steals a kiss. “Crazy for you,” he whispers.
My heart leaps out of my chest. I realize I’m crazy for him, like certifiably crazy for him. How can I not be? He’s too good to be true.
He looks shy all of a sudden, like he can’t believe he just said what he did to me. He quickly puts his earpiece back in.
A minute later, the flap opens, and his director of photography walks in holding a coffee and takes a seat in front of the monitors.
“Dan, meet Wyld,” Jamie says. “You’re going to see her around a lot.”
Dan’s got a long black beard and hair to match. He looks totally relaxed and maybe even stoned, but who knows?
“Hey,” he says with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you, Wylder.”
“Nice to meet you,” I manage to say while I reel from Jamie telling him I’m going to be seen around a lot.
“Let’s roll in three,” Jamie tells him.
Dan settles in and begins barking orders, and before you know it, they’re ready.
“And speed,” Jamie says with authority and then the process begins.
I sit with Jamie for the next few hours and watch him work. It’s really a sight to see. He’s calm and in control, and he knows exactly what he wants. He gives orders to his camera operators, and they follow them without missing a beat: push in, push out, let it breathe. I memorize everything and realize how lucky I am to see a director of his caliber work up close and personal. Jamie is one of the most prolific movie directors in Hollywood, and the confidence he exudes in his craft is sexy as hell.
And this is just a small-budget commercial.
As time goes by and I watch Jamie bark orders and look so good at what he does, I start to wonder about his trailer and the sexy time he was threatening me with. I’m so up for it.
“Lunch,” Jamie barks abruptly.
The machine stops in an instant. Tatiana jumps up from her seat, and her assistants rush toward her. Jamie looks at me like he can feel the vibe going on inside me, and I get even more excited.
“Let’s go.” His voice sounds raspy. “Lunch is ready for us in my trailer.”
“And dessert?” I ask innocently.
Jamie’s eyes darken, and I can tell he’s turned on.
“Always,” he whispers before grabbing my hand and pulling me out of my chair. “Let’s get out of here.”
We walk outside the tent, and the glare of the sun hits me hard. Jamie steers me to where Tatiana is standing. Who I’m assuming is her assistant is holding out her phone for her. Tatiana grabs it, then looks at Jamie and me. Her gaze lingers on me for a long moment, and I stand my ground.
“Great job,” Jamie tells her.
“Thanks,” she replies quietly as she checks us both out. “Wasn’t too difficult.”
Her mood shifts, and she gives me a big, beautiful smile. “Is this the girlfriend you were referring to?”
“Yes.” Jamie smiles at me proudly. “Wylder, meet Tatiana.”
I extend my hand. “Nice to meet you.”
She takes it and holds onto it for an uncomfortably long period of time.
“She’s lovely,” Tatiana says as if I’m not even standing there.
“Thanks,” I say before Jamie can. “Coming from you, I take that as a compliment. You’re even more stunning in person.”
Tatiana’s eyes widen, and I can tell she’s surprised I gave her such a nice compliment in front of Jamie. I’ve learned in order to get ahead of potential drama, kindness and flattery always seem to work.
“Ahhh.” Tatiana almost stumbles over her words. “That’s so sweet of you.”
I smile like sugar. Listen, I wasn’t lying to her. Up close she’s even better looking. She’s like a freaking fake person; people are rarely made like this. I had hoped for a Monet—looks good from far away, but up close it’s a whole different story—but a Monet she is not. There is a reason the camera loves her.
“See you after the break.” Jamie’s voice is polite as he tugs on my hand again.
“Lovely to meet you, Wylder,” Tatiana says with a big smile, then looks at Jamie and allows her eyes to roam over his gorgeousness. Her gaze lingers for an uncomfortable length of time on his crotch. I can’t say I really blame her.
“Same,” I lie.
We walk away from her a second later, both of us silent. Jamie leads me to his trailer and motions for me to walk up the steps.
“Door’s open,” he says. “Kathleen made sure.”
“She’s here?” I ask in surprise.
“She travels with me when it’s close,” he says.
I step inside his trailer, and it’s not exactly what I expected. I think I pictured Jamie having some crazy, in-your-face trailer like the kind I’ve seen on Cribs, decked out with luxuries, but it’s not at all like that. It’s nice—don’t get me wrong—but it’s pretty simple. There’s a small eating area with a kitchen, where the table is already set for us with our meals under silver plate covers. I look to one side and see a small bedroom, and to the other is the driver’s seat.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” Jamie says rather gallantly. “I had them bring food from the hotel. I also had them bring you wine.”
I look over at him in surprise.
“It’s Napa.” His voice is innocent. “One of us should at least have fun.”
“Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?” I tease.
“Maybe.” His eyes dance with mirth.
“You don’t need to get me liquored up to want you,” I say, letting him in on the secret. “I pretty much am in that state all day long.”
I can’t believe those words came out of my mouth! Wow. Talk about TMI. I hope I’m not red. No, I’m totally red. I can actually feel the heat on my face.
FML—otherwise known as—fuck my life.
Jamie reacts like I’ve told him zebras are flying above his trailer. He’s tense at first, then walks around me and pulls my body into his arms. He lifts me up so he can bury his face in my neck.
“I’m going to make you say that again.” He plants a kiss on my neck, then starts walking toward the bedroom.
I’ll probably give him what he wants.
“What about the food?” I ask, even though I could care less about the food and I’m pretty sure he feels the same way.
“You’re all I want, Wyld.”
A girl can only dream.