Falter

Chapter 6 - smells and curves

HUNTER

I know this was not a good idea. I know from the moment I laid eyes on her, being with her in a confined space, is not a good idea. Being near her seems like a paradox. I seem to not want it but I'm being pulled back. And it seems like I don't have any choice. I will be working with her for the next two or three months. I honestly don't mix business with pleasure but this woman right behind me, makes me question my own rules.

vanilla with a hint of lavender

That's how she smells. I can't put it down but it's an addicting smell, intoxicating even but I'd still want to smell it. Every time she tucks that stray blonde hair behind her ears, her scent wafts through the air and it invades my nostrils. I tried so hard not to close my eyes and look like fucking idiot. I'm thankful I wore dark jeans to this meetup, and I'm trying so hard not to have a boner in front of a gorgeous young woman whom I have invited for drinks. And then the first time she smiled at me, that cute little smile with an equally cute smirk. I was doing fine, I can literally go through the day with that smile but her laugh. Something just sets off in me. I never felt anything like it.

What am I thinking? What am I even thinking of inviting her for drinks? Hunter, you're just being courteous. Don't overthink this.

Nate is busy singing to the song blaring from the radio. I steal a glance at her in the rearview mirror. She looked so innocent and beautiful and sexy at the same time. The lights illuminating her face as we pass by the busy streets of Los Angeles.

"So how's Milan?" Nate asked.

"Same old shit. Evee asked for you. Again." I glanced at her again and she's tapping away on his phone.

"Hey, your chin's dropping to the floor, bro." Nate commented. "I won't blame you. She's a stunner."

A much more mellow song played, the DJ said a soloist called Jon.

I just shrugged at his comment. And pulled out my phone. Some of the cast have already been announced and some of them followed in Instagram. I only have Instagram and no other social media accounts. It's just been too much work for me. Posting or anything as such.

Nate pulled up at 6th St and we were welcomed by two bouncers. Skylar is a private rooftop bar with leather seats and faint lighting. There's an open seating that's best enjoyed at night but private booths you can rent if you don't want to be seen in the public eye. The best thing about this place is the rules that no cameras are allowed. So this spot is a paparazzi free zone. Nate already made reservations or so I thought. Nate has so many friends from every side of the globe. He's been a friend of mine since I signed with my first ever modelling agency. Nate's originally from Hawaii and he has talked so much about it. I just wish I got time to go.

We were led to a private booth in the middle by a tall woman, almost at my height, with black her black hair pulled back, and long body frame. She's more like a sophisticated waitress you see in movies.

"Wow this place looks cool." Eliza said from behind me, trailing behind us, holding to that hideous purse of hers.

"Yeah, one of my good friends in the city owns this so if you want to unwind, you can hit me up if you're looking for a place."

"Okay, thanks." She sweetly said. Nate and her had a small talk that turned into a full blown conversation about Thanos and other super villains they all fancy. She had never talked about fancy things like her signature shoes or her top of the line nail salon. I'm used to that. But she was different. I'm seated beside Nate and she's alone on the other side. Their conversation seems to not stop. It's like Nate and Evee all over again.