Page 15 of Vain

I nod. “Okay, I’m ready.”

His phone pings as he climbs out. Looking down at it, he walks around the car before opening my door. “The MIB is parked down the street, so if we have any issues, they’re on hand to deal with them.”

“Do you think we will have issues?” I take his hand without thought when he offers it to me and let him help me out of the car.

“No. I think we’ll be fine.”

He closes the door after grabbing my bag and handing it to me. He pops the locks before taking my hand once more. I swallow. I should let go. His helping me out of the car is one thing. Him holding my hand like we’re lovers is something else altogether. But try as I might, I can’t make myself let go.

“Tell me what to expect.”

“Um. We’re not shooting anything today. We’re doing a final read-through after the script changes. I want to see whatthe chemistry is like in person instead of over Skype because shooting starts next week.”

He frowns, looking down at me. “You gotta see what the chemistry is like between you and your co-star? Shit, I did not think this through.” He mumbles the last part, making me grin. Was that a hint of jealousy I detected?

“I’m not starring in this movie. I’m directing it. It’s my first solo venture, and I’m pretty freaking nervous about it.”

“Okay, firstly, that’s pretty fucking cool, Tilly,” he tells me quietly, making me blush.

“It is, isn’t it?”

“Very. You know what’s even better?” He tugs me closer, making me gasp as he presses the front of his body against mine.

“N…no…What?”

“That I don’t have to watch some other fucker kiss you.” His head dips, his mouth an inch from mine.

What in the heck is going on here? I’ve experienced insta-lust before, but this is something else.

I’m not sure if him feeling this possessive is a good thing or a red flag. I’m in way over my head and not sure I can even remember the rules of dating. My current boyfriends are all of the book variety.

“Don’t get me started on what the thought of watching someone else touch you does to me.”

I gulp loudly, making him grin.

“Nobody touches me,” I whisper.

“Nobody but me.” His lips hover over mine, but he doesn’t close the distance, and neither do I, thank god. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to push him away. And I would. Probably. Maybe.

Oh boy, I’m in trouble.

Eventually, I pull back. If he’s disappointed, he doesn’t show it. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be feeling. I couldn’t crave his lips on mine any more, even if they were dipped in chocolate.But kissing would inevitably lead to other things, and I’m not ready for that. I’m not sure I ever will be. Besides, there is something about Aiden that tells me to be cautious. Not because I think he’s out to hurt me on purpose, but I could get hurt all the same. I already know he’s not the kind of guy you fuck and forget. He’s the kind of man you measure all others against.

As much as I hate to admit, I’m not the woman I used to be. I always believed things had a way of working themselves out. After getting slapped with a cold, hard dose of reality, I know the truth. One day, he’ll walk away without looking back. When he does, he’ll leave me behind.

Chapter Seven

AIDEN

Fuck, shit, fuck. So much for keeping my fucking distance. Unfortunately, I let my little brain engage before my big one could step in. It wasn’t even a conscious thought. One second, I was picturing some guy’s hands running all over her tight little body, and the next, I was barely holding back the urge to claim her.

Blake will rip me a new asshole if I can’t get my shit together and do the job I was hired to do. So with that thought in mind, I back off.

Her expression gives nothing away. If I’m freaking her out, she’s hiding it well.

I take a deep breath and lead her inside the studio. Once I have her settled and I can keep my eyes on all the players, I relax a little. I stand to the side, out of her way, but I track her as she moves around and talks animatedly to the actors who were already here when we arrived. The second she entered the building, she shook off her nerves and morphed into this strong, capable woman who was just as sexy as the sweet, vulnerableone I’d seen. Now I’m watching as her smile lights up the whole room, captivating everyone watching her. I know what Marley was talking about now, about having that something special. When I leave today, I won’t remember any of the others, even though I recognize most of them from other movies. All I’ll remember is watching Matilda in her element.

“So…are you two…like dating or something?”