Page 105 of The Way I Hate Him
“Uh over a week?” I answer, unsure of the timeline. I think it’s been almost a week, but honestly, I can’t be sure. It’s all meshing together.
“Wow, congrats on the job. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Hayes. I’ve met my fair share of assholes when it comes to this business, so when my agent told me I’d be working with Hayes and affirmed his kind reputation, I was excited.”
I nod and smile, unsure what to say as I grab a bottle of water.
“To be honest, I’m a touch nervous. I’ve done intimate scenes before, but I’ve sort of crushed on Hayes for a bit, and I want to make sure I remain professional, you know, not let my fangirl get the best of me.”
“Understandable,” I say awkwardly because my mind is still trying to wrap itself around the whole intimate thing. Like . . . how intimate are we talking? And why is this bothering me? It shouldn’t. Especially after last night, I shouldn’t care less what Hayes does or who he touches, but my brain doesn’t seem to get that memo. Not as a sickening feeling forms in the pit of my stomach. As much as I want to hate him and ignore the man and act like he doesn’t affect me, that would be a massive lie.
With just one glance, he can make me weak in the knees.
“I’m just glad it’s a closed set,” she says. “Being naked in front of a lot of people is uncomfortable.”
N-naked?
Like . . . no clothes?
“You have to be naked?” I ask.
She nods. “For the most part. I’m wearing a nude G-string right now and some nipple pasties that are uncomfortable. But other than that, I’m naked.”
“Wow.” I swallow hard and quickly glance down at her, noticing her larger chest pressing against her robe. “I, uh, I don’t know how you do it.”
“Normally, it’s not that big of a deal, but I don’t know, it just feels different with Hayes, you know? He’s so popular, and everyone seems to have a crush on him. It’s like I’m fulfilling every girl’s fantasy today.”
Tell me about it.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll do great. And if you need anything, just let me know.”
“That’s so sweet of you. I appreciate it. Normally, other women on set haven’t treated me this nice, so I’m happy you’re here.”
I smile at her and then move away from the drinks. “Break a leg . . .” I wince. “Is that what I’m supposed to say in situations like this?”
“I can’t be sure, but I’ll take it.” She smiles back, and dammit, she’s just so freaking pretty.
Dimples and everything.
I wonder what Hayes must think of her. She’s older than me and clearly has her life together if she has a great job like this. She’s breathtaking with her dark features and sultry-sweet voice. Not to mention, from what I saw with her robe covering her, she makes my curves look like a stick figure.
If we stood side by side and Hayes had to pick, there’s no doubt he would pick her based on that alone, which makes me feel so inferior . . . and so young.
When I return to the makeup room, Hayes has his shirt off, and his hair is styled in a sexy, messy way while Jacklyn bronzes his face. He glances in my direction and says, “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” I say as I hand him the water. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Yes,” Jacklyn says as she finishes up. “I could use your help with oiling his skin.”
“Oi-oiling?” I ask as I watch Hayes sip his water, the column of his neck contracting as he swallows, making him look even sexier than before.
“Yes. It isn’t baby oil or anything like that. It’s a special lotion we use, but I like to go in with some highlighter once it’s applied, so it would be great if you could rub him down, and then I can follow you.”
Hayes smirks at me. “You asked if you could help.”
Yeah, but I didn’t think oiling him was going to be the answer.
“Where’s the lotion?” I ask.
“Right over there on the counter,” Jacklyn says as she finishes up his face. “The blue bottle.”
