Page 33 of Resisting Isaac

I roll my eyes, then say in Spanish, “It’s going to be a long six weeks.”

Isaac winks at me. Then responds in perfect Spanish, “I’ve seen you handle long just fine.”

Of course he speaks Spanish. Of-fucking-course he does.

Before I have time to get too worked up over this, Darren launches into some overcaffeinated speech about storytelling and chemistry and the importance of believable romantic tension.

Then he looks at Eli and me before saying, “you two have your work cut out for you. In addition to riding and building a believable relationship, there are some hot and heavy intense sexual scenes that might be uncomfortable at first. If you want an intimacy coordinator present, just say the word and production will make it happen.”

I glance at Eli to try and read his thoughts but he’s a blank page.

“Personally, I like organic intimacy that develops naturally,” I admit.

Eli nods. “I agree. But if we can have closed sets and as much privacy as possible for those scenes, it would be appreciated.”

“Of course,” Ben chimes in. “I was actually going to schedule some sort of pseudo-dates for the two of you to go on during training so you could use this time to get more comfortable with one another.” He glances around thesprawling ranch. “Unfortunately, there isn’t much to do or anywhere decent to eat within a fifty-mile radius of this place.”

Isaac clears his throat loudly. “There are a few good spots. I can make you a list.”

Eli’s eyes meet mine. “I’m not currently seeing anyone so it’s not an issue for me. I’m good with that if you are. Probably need to check out decent places to eat in town since we’re going to be here awhile.”

I swallow thickly. I hadn’t planned on dating being part of the job description.

“Um, yeah. That’s fine. I’m not a picky eater so wherever you want to go is fine.”

Ben speaks more to Isaac than us now. “I’ll get a menu together of their food preferences and note any allergies and maybe we can cross-reference that with local dining establishments.”

I suspect Ben has a lot of color-coded spreadsheets on his computer and I can already picture how organized his closet must be.

Isaac arches a brow. “It’s Montana. Their options are bison, beef, and elk.” His playful eyes meet mine but there’s a hard set to his mouth. “Maybe some trout. Take your pick, kids.”

He looks at me—direct eye contact I can’t avoid.

My entire nervous system short-circuits.

His gaze is steady. Measured. But not cold.

It’s as if I can read his mind. He’s remembering being inside me. While planning a date for me with another man. I receive the message his eyes send clearly. He’s a little amused and a little annoyed.

And reminding me of our night of organic intimacy. My body throbs where I’m still sore from him.

My heart stutters.

I look away. Try to nod and act like I’m enthralled in Darren’s descriptions of the first scenes we’ll shoot.

The script says I’ll be falling in love with a cowboy.

That’s the last thing I need to be doing.

But now I have to pretend to. In front of everyone.

While acting like the one night I truly connected with one never happened.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

isaac

The words “hot, heavy,” and “intense sexual scenes” are playing on a loop in my head and have been since this morning.