Page 44 of Out of the Gold

Placing my left ankle on my right knee, I reply, “Yup.” She takes a couple of steps and picks up her tote bag. Before she leaves, I say, “I’m looking forward to our date tonight.”

Melody stops but doesn’t turn to face me. “Me too.” Then she scurries out of the trailer.

Finished with my costume, I walk around, confirming everything’s in the right place. Today’s lines sit on the table, which I pick up and review. Placing my mask on, I glance one last time in the mirror to confirm Doctor Manipul8 is ready for action.

I watch Melodypour olive oil onto her plate and pick up a hunk of delicious looking bread. “So what did Judith want to talk with you about before the shoot today?”

“Oh, she wanted my opinion about a couple of new ideas for the extras to wear during the movie’s climax.” She pops the bread into her mouth.

“Not as urgent as Helene made it sound, huh?” Fisting my hands to keep them out of the breadbasket and off her body, I continue, “Heard a rumor Judith’s up to be Noble’s new lead costume designer for his next movies. If that happens, what will you do?”

Without hesitation, she replies, “I’ll stay on the show.” She bites into another piece of bread. “Don’t get me wrong, working here on the movie is amazing, but my heart belongs with the television show.”

“I get it. You’ve worked there for a few years now?”

“Three. They’re my family-away-from-home, you know? We’ve become pretty tight here on the set, but it doesn’t compare with working with people for ten months a year.”

“I get it. Noble’s decision will be made soon, I’m sure.”

The waiter brings our appetizers, and I dig into my shrimp cocktail, trying to ignore the meatballs on her plate. Maintaining such a low body fat sucks. When our meals are finished—she had a nice mahi mahi while I opted for broiled chicken, again—I ask, “What would you like to do after dinner? I was thinking we could either hit a club, or walk by the waterfront, or maybe go back to my room?” Please pick the last option.

“Oh.” Her eyes dart around.

“Don’t worry. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

“Thanks.” She plucks at the rubber band around her wrist. “A walk sounds nice.”

I keep disappointment out of my voice. “Then a walk it is.” And maybe we can discuss how on earth she’s still untouched at twenty-four. Did something happen to her? My mind conjures up terrible possibilities, and I need to ferret out the truth.

Outside, it’s a beautiful night, with an array of stars filling up the inky sky. I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

“It’s so gorgeous,” she remarks.

“Yes, you are.”

She stops and turns to face me. “Charles, seriously, what’s going on here?” She motions between the two of us. “I’m all sorts of confused.”

My eyes travel from the top of her head to her hands, and settle on her mouth. “I really enjoy your company, Goldie. I like how feisty you are.” I brush my lips against hers. “Not to mention your passion.”

As if her response is dragged from the depth of her soul, she replies, “I like you, too.”

My forehead collapses against hers. “I’m not some overeager high schooler. We’ll take this slow, okay? Whatever you’re comfortable with is good for me.” As soon as the sentiment is in the air, I realize how true it is. Sex has always come easy for me. I don it like another role. But with Melody, it’s all changed. I do want to know why she’s made the decision not to indulge, although her innocence is an unexpected turn-on.

Her forehead rolls against mine. “You’re used to so many women throwing themselves at you.”

“None of them mattered. They were warm, willing bodies. You, however, are different. I’ve never known anyone quite like you, Goldie.”

She pulls her head back, confusion written all across her face. “Do you mean it?”

“I do.” I tuck some stray hair behind her ear. “Come on, let’s go for the walk you requested.”

“Okay.”

Holding hands, we wander the Italian roads for a while, passing fountains and other tourists, eventually ending up inside her hotel room. With every step, her confidence seemed to increase, and she leads me over to the only place big enough in here for both of us to sit—her bed. Her hands land on my thigh, which causes my cock to stir. I give him a stern warning.

“Charles, I never thought I’d be feeling this way toward you, of all people.”

“Why not me?”

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