Page 86 of Out of the Gold

While Thomas goes over post-shoot plans, Melody starts sewing my left leg into the costume. The questions continue, and I know I have to involve Melody in the decision-making.

“Let’s recap. I’ve got you down for the fitting with Versace the week after we wrap here. That’ll give them enough time to make any needed alterations before the red carpet. Hair appointment for the morning of. Plus, you’ll be at all the pre-parties except for the two the weekend after this shoot.” He clicks his pen. “Where are you going after Amalfi?”

Put on the spot like this, I reply without thought. “Chicago. I haven’t been home to visit my folks for a while and want to check in.”

He nods and scribbles it down on his notepad. I lock eyes with Melody and she does a slow blink at me. Resisting the urge to pull out the damn knitting needles keeping her hair back in that austere bun, I return my attention to my PA.

“I’ll make your reservations for Chicago. Will you be staying with your parents?”

Two problems arise. First, they have to be reservations for two. And second, what will our sleeping arrangements be while we’re there? “That’s okay. I’ll make the reservations.”

The color on his face is replaced with a greenish hue. Is he going into relapse? In a strangled voice, he says, “Are you sure? I mean, I always do your travel.” He clicks his pen several times.

Melody’s hand wraps around my calf. “Sorry to interrupt, but, Chase”—she pauses at the use of my stage name, which sounds weird from her lips now—“could you please move your leg. I want to be sure it’s all set.”

Thank God for her. Focusing all my attention on the task at hand, I shake my leg and walk around. Pride at her competence grows. “Feels great.”

“I think I’m getting the hang of this,” she replies, running her hands up and down my inner leg, paying special attention to the spot behind my knee. Gah.

“I think you are.”

Her eyelashes flutter. “You know, the thought of going home after this shoot sounds like a good one, Thomas. My parents keep my room and a guest one ready at all times.”

Thank you, Melody. Giving my leg one more shake, I look at my clueless PA. “Good idea. I think I’ll stay with my parents, so there’s really no need for you to worry about my trip to Chicago.” After which, I’ll have to go to LA and she’ll be back in NYC gearing up for the HBO show. Hiding my disappointment, I instruct him to get me all set for my trip west for the damned red carpet.

Melody makes a show of plumping her pillow on the floor at my feet and looks up at me. Her mouth is even with my cock. She closes her eyes and licks her lips, and my body responds as predicted. A knowing grin tugs at her lips. Fuck.

Her fingers run up my right inner thigh. I brace for her onslaught, which comes with remarkable speed. Her hand closes around me and she squeezes, eliciting a moan from me.

“Are you okay, Chase?”

With my eyes closed, I step back from the temptress on her knees and respond to Thomas. “Yeah.” Think quick. “Trying to get into character, you know?”

“Oh, all right. I’ll leave you to that.” He consults his notebook. “I have enough to keep me busy.” He clicks his pen several times. “Catch you later, Chase. Melody.”

The door closes behind him, and Melody lets out a howl of laughter.

“Not funny, Goldie.”

She laughs so hard that tears stream down her face. “Getting hot and bothered there, Char—Chase?”

My restraint breaks. Bending down, I reach under her arms and yank her upright and slam my mouth onto her willing one. I mold her body against mine.

The trailer door opens and we spring apart. “Hey, Chasey, how are you feeling?” Jessa’s voice precedes her into the trailer.

I do a one-eighty and give her my back, all the while trying to calm my body down. For her part, Melody jumps in front of me.

“Hi, Jessa,” Melody says. “Is this your costume for today?”

“Oh, no. I thought I’d stop by and check in on Chasey here before heading to wardrobe.”

While I futz at the refrigerator, Melody approaches Jessa. “Well, I’ve finished up one leg of his costume and need his undivided attention to get the other one done for call time. Perhaps you could stop by when you’re done with your clothes. And makeup.” She hustles her toward the door. “Your hair looks great, though.”

“Well, all right. I’ll check back in when I’m ready for the shoot. Bye, Chasey!” The door closes behind her.

I applaud my girlfriend’s ingenuity. “Well played, Goldie.”

She bows. “Thanks. I didn’t think you wanted to talk with her right this second.” Her eyes drift downward, then she pouts. “She ruined all my hard work.”

---