Page 24 of You Rock My World

JOSIE

I show up at the studios early and makeup-free, following Tessa’s oddly specific instructions.

Good thing, because security takes forever—just like she warned.

My ID gets scanned, photocopied, and inspected like I’m here to rob the place, but I keep smiling until they finally wave me through.

A studio golf cart whisks me across the lot, weaving past soundstages and trailers.

As we round a corner, another electric cart approaches from the opposite direction.

My breath catches when I spot Dorian lounging in the passenger seat next to Tessa.

Suddenly, I become self-conscious of my makeup-free face while my body forgets how to regulate, my temperature running hot and cold as everything in me pounds erratically in response to seeing him.

I try to rein in my smile, to stay chill. I fail.

Our carts slow, and Dorian’s gaze locks with mine.

Every detail of him sharpens—his blue eyes, tousled hair, his fingers drumming on his thigh.

My senses are heightened. I’ve turned into a vampire, only I’m not starved for his blood, but for his attention.

It’s the way he looks at me that keeps me alive.

Even if I wouldn’t mind sinking my teeth into his neck and getting a small nibble.

The carts roll to a stop, and Tessa hops out, eyes glued to her phone.

She waves at me. “I’m going to check with production that everything’s on schedule. Catch you two later.”

Dorian unfolds himself from his seat with the poise of a jungle cat, all lean muscles and coiled energy. I stumble out and don’t face-plant at least.

The drivers wave and drive off, leaving us alone in the shade of the massive stage buildings.

Dorian steps closer, a warm smile spreading across his face that makes me forget my insecurities about the lack of makeup.

The urge to run into his arms, to bury my nose in his neck and breathe him in, is overwhelming. But we’re in an open space where anyone could spot us. I need to stay professional. So I clench my hands at my sides, resisting the temptation.

“Hey,” I pant.

“Hey, beautiful.” His voice is honeyed velvet. “First time on a movie set?”

I nod, suddenly shy. “Yes.”

“Allow me to do the honors.”

With a flourish, he opens the studio door. As I brush past him, my gaze snags on the hair tie around his wrist—mine, the one he stole yesterday. A thrill spikes through me—he’s still wearing it.

Dorian catches me looking and winks. Confetti explodes in my belly, and I bite my lip to keep from grinning too wide. I duck my head to hide my smile and walk in.

Inside, the studio buzzes with activity.

Crew members dart between rigs, actors rehearse off to the side, producers shout into headsets.

The air fizzes with the smells of coffee, paint, and the sharp bite of sawdust. “Overwhelming, isn’t it?

” Dorian’s hand grazes my lower back, his breath tickling my ear.

I nod again, leaning into his touch. We’re toeing the line and it’s so dangerously thrilling. “It’s incredible. I had no idea so much effort went into the show.”

“This is only a glimpse.” His fingers trail up my spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “Wait until you see the rest.”

Right. Work. I step away. “I have to meet with the behind-the-scenes director.” If I don’t move away from him, I’ll do something rash. I turn, heading in a random direction, confident I’ll find my way once his proximity won’t scramble with my brain.

But Dorian’s hands drop on my shoulders, stopping me. He stands behind me, his warmth perceivable, even at a distance. It’s like my entire back has been flayed, my skin left exposed, burning. He leans in, his breath fanning my neck. “Slight change of plan. You have somewhere else to be.”

“I’m pretty sure I have to talk to the director.”

I feel his smirk against my ear. “I’ve asked Tessa to cover that.”

“Why?” I tense. “That’s my job.”

Dorian spins me to face him, his hands gripping my upper arms. I lose a breath at the sudden movement as I find myself staring into his mesmerizing blue eyes. “Because you need to report with the other extras in the costume department.”

I blink. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You’re going to be in the episode. Surprise.”

My jaw drops. Why would he—? He remembered. In the elevator, I told him my dream of playing an extra in a movie. That’s why Tessa said no makeup.

My rib cage cracks open, and instead of a heart, fireworks shoot sparks through every vein.

“ You remembered?” I ask.

He nods. “Production’s happy for the free labor, you just have to sign a waiver.”

I smile so big I’m afraid my cheeks might split. On impulse, I throw my arms around him, knocking us into a dark corner in a tangle of limbs and need.

It’s clumsy, but I don’t care, and neither does he seem to. The hug is anything but innocent. If hugs could bite, this one wouldn’t just have teeth, it’d have venom-tipped fangs.

My fingers tangle in his hair, and I finally breathe him in, his scent a new addiction I can’t resist. Dorian’s arms pull me impossibly closer until our bodies are pressed together so tightly that every point of contact is electric with tension.

Our noses brush, I can smell the coffee on Dorian’s breath.

I stare at him, then at his mouth, wanting to drag my teeth over his lower lip. His eyes darken in response.

He leans in closer and his nose grazes my cheekbone before his lips brush against my ear. “Careful, Josie, you look like you’re about to kiss me. That’s against the rules.”

I groan. “This is against the Geneva Convention.”

His breath is hot against my skin. “The sweetest torture.”

Dorian squeezes me closer before he steps back. My body aches with the absence.

“Go, or you’ll miss your big moment.”

I nod, chest tight. “Thank you.”

I turn to leave, but his hand catches my wrist. Dorian spins me back, his eyes searing into mine.

“Josie, I…” He hesitates. “Break a leg.”

I nod again, not trusting my voice, and hurry down the hall before lust frays me like a rope dragged over rough edges, one pass away from snapping.