Unexpected Co-star

Part 3

The week drags on with scenes that grow more intense, both emotionally and professionally. Each day seems to bring us closer, and with every shared glance and playful exchange, the flirtatiousness between me and Hugh only builds. I can't deny the pull, but I'm still holding back, trying to keep things from tipping over into something I'm not ready for.

It's Friday, and the crew has wrapped up for the day. Hugh and I are both in the makeup trailer, getting touched up for our final scenes. The trailer is small and cluttered with mirrors and makeup kits, but right now, it feels like it's shrinking. There's something in the air that makes it hard to breathe.

"Looks like we made it through another week," Hugh says, glancing at me through the mirror. His tone is light, but there's a depth to his eyes that I can't ignore.

"It was intense." I reply.

"Intense in a good way, though right?" He asks, his voice dropping slightly.

I look over at him, god he is gorgeous for a man in his 50's or even a man in general. "Definitely in a good way."

The artist finishes up and steps away, leaving us alone in the trailer. Hugh turns to face me, his expression practically unreadable. "I was thinking...we should celebrate the end of the week. Maybe grab dinner or something?"

I feel a jolt of surprise mixed with excitement. "Dinner?"

"Yeah. I know a great place not far from here. It'd be nice to unwind after all the hard work."

I hesitate, weighing my options. Dinner with HUGH FUCKING JACKMAN? The sexiest man alive of 2009! It sounds like a dream, but I also know how easily this could become complicated. Still, the idea of spending time with him outside of work is tempting.

"Alright," I finally say. "Dinner sounds good. But let's keep it casual. No super fancy places."

Hugh's face lights up with a genuine smile. "Casual it is, I'll pick you up at seven."

It's 6:45, I'm frantically trying to find my favorite lipgloss. I rummage through my bathroom and makeup bag, throwing everything on the floor. Every passing minute I continue to become more frantic. I have one lipgloss. ONE. How could I lose it. I check under the hotel bed one more time to find it hidden under a pair of sweatpants.

Seven struck, I'm nervously waiting inside my hotel room. I've chosen a simple but cute outfit. A slim black dress with a pair of air force 1's. The right balance between put together and comfortable. I hear a knock, I take a deep breath before opening it.

Hugh stands there in a casual button-down shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly stylish. "Ready to go?"

I nod, exposing my teeth in a smile. "Yeah, let's do it."

We head to a cozy restaurant nearby, one that's known for its relaxed atmosphere and food, at least that's what Hugh and the reviews say. Hugh leads the way, chatting about the week and sharing stories from his career. It's easy to talk to him, and the more we talk, the more I start to forget the professional boundaries I've been so carefully trying to maintain.

Over dinner, our conversations flows naturally. We laugh about the quirks of the film industry, swapping stories about our favorite movies, and even discuss our guilty pleasure. It feels more like hanging out with an old friend than having dinner with a famous, beyond good looking co-star.

We both order chicken piccata, a lemony chicken with angel hair noodles. Hugh drinks his martini, but keeps his gaze on me. I still can't comprehend that this is truly happening. I'm out to dinner with him.

As we finish our meal, Hugh suggests a walk around the park. The evening is cool and crisp, and the park is quiet, with only a few scattered street lamps casting a soft glow.

"This is nice," I say, glancing around. "I haven't had the chance to just relax like this in ages."

"Yeah it is," he agrees. Hugh stops by a bench and sits down, patting the spot next to him. "Come on, let's sit for a bit."

I sit down beside him, feeling anxious but also oddly at ease. There's a comfortable silence between us as we look up and watch the stars that start to appear in the night sky.

"Emerson," Hugh says softly, breaking the silence. "I just want to say...I really enjoy working with you. And tonight, I'm really glad you said yes." I can see a smile appearing on his lips even in the dark.

I met his eyes, there's something warm and sincere in his gaze that makes my heart flutter. "I am too." I smile back.

We sit there a for little while longer, the silence between us filled with unspoken words and a growing sense of something more. It's clear that whenever is going on between us was clouding my mind. It's becoming harder to ignore.

When Hugh finally stands up, he offers me his hand, helping me up from the bench. He's strong, his veins are extremely visible that it's almost hotness overload. As we walk past the restaurant, heading back to the hotel. I steal many glances at him, his side profile and his body language, just everything about him is sexy. The way he carries himself, he's just perfect. Like a painting waiting to be admired at a museum.

I can't deny that he's handsome, what I can try to deny is that this can't happen. What would people, after all he is my co-worker. Work and relationships don't mix.