Page 77 of The Promise

“Ok, let’s chat,” Sarah says, passing us both a packet of pages. “This is your script for the day. It includes everything from your original script, except it also adds each and every bit of physical touch that we’ll block today. We’re going to go through it now and make sure you’re both comfortable and in agreement.”

I take in the first page. My eyes land on the highlighted notes; kisses and touches and hand placements. It’s all very specific, and while I know it’s supposed to ease my nerves, it only makes me more anxious.

We read through the entire scene, and we talk about every note. I’m sure my cheeks burn pink multiple times without my consent, but Kai is calm, and he asks Sarah the right questions. He either isn’t nervous, or he’s doing an impeccable job of hiding it because he doesn’t seem fazed at all.

And merely half an hour later, we’re on stage. It’s just Sarah and George with us for now. We don’t need a dozen cast and crew ogling us while we block this scene.

“Are you ready to go?” Sarah asks. She’s standing downstage writing notes.

We’re sitting on a blanket, surrounded by a half-built set, meant to look like a meadow. Kai nods and takes my hands in his.

“Let’s begin, then.”

He regards me for a moment and I see the truth in his eyes. He cared enough about me last night to reveal his own pain. He didn’t have to do that. I feel closer to him now. I trust him.

He begins the scene by pulling me into his chest. His lips find my neck, all warm against my skin. He smells like leather, citrus, and spice.

“William…” I whisper into him.

“Yes,” he whispers back. His hands trail up and down my arms and his kisses migrate to my shoulder until he pulls away and looks at me with a reserved gaze. William’s character is anxious. He’s still reeling from an argument they had the day before.

“What’s the matter?” I ask, breathless.

He turns his eyes to the ground. “You said so many upsetting things to me yesterday…not that I don’t deserve all of them…”

“You don’t deserve all of them.” I smile, trying to catch his gaze, but he won’t look at me. “What?”

His shoulders rise and fall in a deep, troubled breath.

I watch him for a moment, contemplating his emotions as Elaine does.

“I don’t deserve you. You need to consider yourself first.” He keeps his eyes to the ground.

“Ask me,” I say simply.

He doesn’t look at me.

I touch his shoulder. “Lift your head. Look at me.”

He lifts it slowly, raising his green eyes to mine in the dimmed stage lights. I take his face in my hands, feeling the rough stubble on his cheeks against my palms. And then it’s my turn. I don’t have time to hesitate. I don’t even have time to blush. I lean in and press my lips to his with a smile.

He reacts in earnest, pressing back into me to deepen the kiss for just a moment. But I quickly part from him with my eyes still closed. “William, the answer is yes…yes…of course I’ve saved myself for you.” I open my eyes and look into his. “I belong to you. What are you even thinking?”

Relief washes over his face, and then he smiles. “Oh, Elaine….” He swallows slowly. “You have no idea what that means to me…”

“Shh…” I coo, leaning my forehead into his and closing my eyes again.

“I’ll say it again,” he replies. “I don’t deserve what you have to give to me.”

“If not you, who?” I ask, peering at his face, so close to mine. And then I let my eyes travel down across his chest. “Where are your hands?” I hold my breath. “I want them.”

Kai chuckles. “My hands?” He finds my lips and kisses me again, this time more firmly. And then he reaches down to the hem of my dress.

“Ok, let’s pause for a moment,” George says.

Kai sits back from me immediately and takes a deep breath. I clear my throat and look away.

“That was great, really great. Let’s do it one more time with a few longer pauses for eye contact,” George nods.

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