touching. Deep down, she had to grudgingly admit that she enjoyed working with him. His talent kept her on her toes to hold her own. Looking at him made her want to ask their maker why he’d spent so much lavish attention on creating him. His beauty practically took her breath away. And he knew it, too. The minute the scene was complete his usual grin had stretched his lips. And then he’d asked her to dinner. At her no, he’d assured her that she would agree sooner or later.
“He must really like you. I’ve never known him to ask out a co-star.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“You can’t believe the tabloids. He’s not nearly as wild as they make him out to be.”
“How long have you worked with him?”
“About five years.” She stopped to smile. “I’m usually his assistant. He loaned me out to you, which tells me how much he thinks of you.”
Her mouth dropped open. And she’d begun to really trust Neva. She realized that she’d never be able to speak openly to her. A change of subject was in order. “So, um, when am I needed onset again?”
Neva flipped a couple of pages. “You’re done for the day. Keep your phone on, of course, but you can go back to the hotel if you want.”
“Thanks.”
She decided to hang out for a while. Food was provided onset so she ate off the buffet and then watched as Sonya and Sean played out a verbal altercation. He was really intense. It amazed her how fast Sonya could go from shrew to delicate flower. When the director called cut, she laughed and hugged Sean. Mystique admitted the two would make a striking couple. Sean was tall and dark. Sonya was petite with platinum curls and large baby blue eyes.
“Have dinner with me tonight?” Sonya asked him with a cute toss of her blonde mane. Sean grinned down at her. Mystique didn’t stay around to hear his response.
Chapter Six
Sean stood outside of Mystique’s door, all too certain of the unwelcome reception he was about to receive. He was a confident guy. How could he not be? He’d been told from the age of sixteen that he was sexy, hot, or gorgeous. The film industry had only reinforced his confidence in his looks.
Mystique’s behavior wasn’t a blow to his ego. He knew she was attracted to him. That didn’t mean that her rejection didn’t hurt.
He could hear the television playing inside the room. At his knock it was muted. She opened the door in a white tank top and white yoga pants. She’d braided her hair into one thick plait at the base of her head. Her face was completely devoid of makeup. He was awed by her beauty. Her lips were naturally pink and plump. He was instantly aroused and he barely contained his groan as she braced her hand on the door frame.
He held up two fragrant bags of food. They smelled of fries. “I bought you dinner. I hope you haven’t already eaten.”
Her dark eyes flashed to the fast food and then back to his face. A smile softened her features before she schooled her expression to be carefully blank. At least, he hoped it was a smile. “I said no.”
“You need to eat.”
“And I’ll do so on my own.” She started to close the door.
He put his hand in the frame. “This is work related.”
“How so?”
“We need to spend more time together, get comfortable with each other. How are we supposed to portray lovers if you stiffen up whenever I get near you?”
“I don’t—”
“You do. So far, no one’s said anything, but it’s going to become obvious. I’m not a beast.”
“I know you’re not.” It wasn’t a ringing endorsement of his character and she didn’t say more.
He arched a brow. “Invite me in.” She flinched and moved aside. He wet his lips. “Invite me in,” he said again. He couldn’t enter without an invitation.
She sighed and the sound was full of exasperation and frustration. “Come in.” It was the most grudging invitation he’d ever received. That didn’t matter. He entered.
He handed her one of the