Passion's Instinct

Twenty Four

Natalie

As the director called cut that morning, I wiped my brow of sweat and ran off stage to meet my husband. Hayden had told me earlier before I left the house that he would be there. And when I saw him, I smiled and ran into his arms burying my face in his coat.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him. I savored his scent and the time that he held me in his arms, because now that we have a son, we don't get much time together.

"I love you," Hayden mumbled in my ear.

"I love you too," I said, lifting my head to look at him. He gave me a soft kiss to the lips and set his chin on my head, rubbing my back.

"How was filming?" he asked, his voice sounding tired.

"Did you just wake up?" I asked.

"Yeah. I dropped Sawyer off at school before I came here."

"Good. And it was fine. But I can barely breathe in this dress."

I was filming The Boleyn Girl, and my outfits everyday were tight dresses and tight shoes and tight headdresses. Badly, I wanted to go home and change into a loose shirt and sweatpants and lie on the couch with Hayden and read a book. But after this five minute break, I knew I had to go back and film some more. I dreaded it, mostly because of the outfits.

"Hayden?"

"Yeah, babe."

"Soon when both of us have some free time, can we just have a date night by cuddling at home?"

Hayden did that cute laugh of his as well as his adorable smile and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, holding my face in his hand. "Of course." He glanced at his watch. "Hey, you have two minutes until you go on again. You should get ready."

I smiled and he kissed me. "I love you. I'll see you tonight," he said, skimming his thumbs across my cheeks.

I nodded and kissed him again before he walked out.

But I couldn't wait to tell Hayden I was pregnant. I couldn't wait until that night. I couldn't believe he didn't notice my bump!

But that was better, because the surprise would be even more surprising.

Now, back to work. Ugh.