Off Camera

Chapter 22

Tae POV

I shake my head as I stare down at my phone. How did she get my number? Would the director have given it to her? No. I don't think he would have.

I shake my head again. Then how did Rhonda get my number?

Good thing I didn't check my phone when I was home. I don't want Tee to see it. He will go all possessive on me, but I don't blame him. If he suddenly got messages from some woman who was stalking him, I would go all macho and protective on him, too.

I scratch the back of my head while I run through the optional ways she got my number.

Ding.

My stomach sinks.

Another message from her.

What am I going to do? I need to tell Tee, but I don't want to.

With my focus locked on my phone, I absent-mindedly walk into the studio and head towards the makeup artist.

"TAE!!"

I nearly jump out of my skin and almost drop my phone as I spin around to find the makeup artist marching towards me with a deep scowl etched into her face.

My stomach sinks even further than before, while dread gnaws at me. This isn't good. Did I do something wrong?

She dashes to me and grabs my arm. "You didn't come to me right away. There isn't any time now. I have to get you ready for your first scene. The director said it was going to start soon."

I silently let her drag me along, while my mind goes back to Rhonda's messages, still wondering how she got my number. I guess the how of that isn't as important as how in the world am I going to stop it.

The young woman pushes me into her chair and scurries around me gathering everything she needs while she mumbles about not having enough time and scolding me about not coming to her right away when I got to the studio. Her words turn in a blur as my mind focuses on my bigger issue at hand. Rhonda has my number.

My stomach sinks. I need to tell Tee, but how will he react? He won't think I gave it to her, will he?

"I'm going to have to put some oil blockers on you today. For some reason, you are sweating a lot. Are you not feeling well?"

I snap out of my thoughts and blink a few times at her. "What?"

She stops dabbing her triangular sponge in the small container of foundation and stares at me. Her eyebrows knot together. "I said I'm wondering if you aren't feeling well. You are sweating a lot."

I swallow the lump in my throat and slowly shake my head. "I'm feeling alright. I just have some things on my mind."

She tilts her head and continues to stare at me for a moment, before she turns her attention back to the container she is holding. "Okay. I was just asking, but whatever you are thinking about, it must be something big. People usually don't sweat this much when they are thinking about things unless they are important."

I choke down a snort, threatening to bubble up. She has no idea how close she is to the truth.

I take a deep breath and shrug. "I have a few things bothering me. You don't need to worry about them, though."

She presses her lips together and bobs her head up and down. "Okay, but I'm going to put on extra oil blockers. If you keep stewing about your stuff, you will have sweated all your makeup off by lunch. Then I'll have to completely redo it."

That is the least of my concerns right now, but I'm not going to talk about my problems with her.

I remain quiet, give her a small nod, and settle back into the chair, waiting for her to do her job. Luckily, she doesn't press me on it and turns back to her table with an array of supplies. She puts the container and sponge down and grabs another bottle. "Good thing I didn't start putting the foundation on you yet. I would have had to take it off."

She continues to say more, but her words turn into incoherent mumbles to me.

My grip tightens around the edge of the script, which I've forgotten I was holding.

Tae. Stop this.

I need to focus. It is time to work, and I'll worry about trying to figure out how to tell Tee about this entire mess later.

I take a deep breath and flip the script open to the first page. I need to stay focused and do my job.

***

Today, there aren't any scenes with Tee, which is a blessing but also a sweet torture. I've only been able to catch a glimpse here and there of him. We've been too busy to even stop and talk for a minute.

"TAE! STAY FOCUSED!!"

My head snaps back to the director as he gives me a questioning eye. Concern and irritation swirl in his gaze, with concern winning out.

With my eyes, I silently plead for his forgiveness.

He takes a deep breath and then turns around and scans the area. "Places everyone! The day will be over soon. We only have a few more scenes to film, and then everyone can go home."

He turns back around towards the set and looks at me. "The quicker we get this done, the faster you can get home to your special someone."

A sly smile tugs at his lips as a faint glimmer of something shines in his eyes.

Is he talking to me?

Confusion slides onto my face, but I quickly pull back on my emotionless mask and get into character. My mind can't let his words go though and they repeat in my head.

You can get home to your special someone.

Is he talking about trying to chase Rhonda away? He must be referring to that. Why else would he look directly at me and then say that? There isn't any other reason.

I shake my head and get into place. Without even realizing it, my eyes wonder around the area looking for the one person who can put a smile on my face by just being here.

My gaze stops in the far back corner. Even though it is dark over there, Tee's pale white skin shines like a spotlight, pulling my attention to him.

My emotionless mask slips and the corners of my mouth curl upward while my stomach flutters at his brilliant smile. His eyes seem darker than normal, but I can't miss the glint of mischief swirling in them. The same mischief which always ends with us naked and me thrusting deep into his warmth.

I lick my lips in anticipation. Are we done yet?

Tee quickly scans the area to make sure no one is watching and then licks his lips. His pink tongue moves agonizingly slow and ignites a fire within me.

"TAE!! FOCUS!!!"

I jolt and shake my head, breaking my gaze on my beautiful and alluring boyfriend. As I snap my focus back to the director, he glares at me, but behind the harsh look there is something else which I can't quite place. The only thing I know for sure is his cheesy grin makes me uneasy.

He didn't see us, did he?

Published October 2, 2022