It Hurts When It's True (Affaire de Coeur, #1)

Chapter 16: Enigmatic

"What would you like to say to our viewers, Damian" the talk show host said, motioning at the camera.

"I am inviting all of you to watch the new season of 'Back in Time.' We are sure that you are all going to love it. Right, Catherine?" Damian spoke his rehearsed line.

"That's right, Damian. Watch out for the premiere next month on November 3." the brunette followed right after.

"Thank you very much, Damian." The male host shook Damian's hand.

"Catherine," he said as he directed his attention to the lovely Catherine Maybury.

Damian noticed the director giving signals which had finally marked the end of the show. He got off his high stool and turned towards the dark-haired woman and offered his hand to assist her from her seat.

"Thanks, Dame." Catherine said, her blue-grey eyes twinkling knowingly at him.

"No problem," Damian responded, smirking at his leading lady of three years.

Hooking her arm around his, they made their way to the exit together. The show's staff had parted to allow them a smooth trip back to the dressing room. Reaching Catherine's dressing room, Damian twisted the doorknob and opened the door for Catherine.

"In you go, Cath." Damian said, giving the lady his usual friendly smile.

Catherine entered the room and stood just two feet away from the doorway. Crossing her arms, she tilted her head to the side to invite Damian into the room to which the latter obliged.

Damian closed the door behind him and watched his dark-haired co-worker as she walked to her dresser. She dropped unceremoniously onto her seat across the mirror and reached out for her bag that was situated at the edge of the table.

Meanwhile, Damian sat himself on the leather-upholstered couch three feet behind Catherine's place at the dresser. He watched as the woman rummaged into her purse, appearing anxious in finding something.

"What's getting you all wound up?" Damian finally commented.

"I need to smoke." the woman replied, still busy searching in her Louis Vuitton bag.

"I thought you gave up on smoking?" he asked, curious about the apparent uneasiness of his co-worker.

He heard the woman sigh and placed her purse back on the dresser. "I did, but for a short period of time. We have finished all the kissing and bed scenes, haven't we?"

Damian's brows knitted together before he heaved out a sigh. "How considerate of you."

"When have I not been?"

They remained silent for a while before Catherine broke the silence, "Your manager's a big pain in the ass."