Page 35 of Not the Bodyguard's Princess
Jordan scooted as far as she could away from Storm as he laid his arm across the cushion backs. “If we start the film off with too much chemistry, we’ll ruin the meet cute.”
“We don’t film our first meeting until day ten. What about the first kiss? We film that on day six. The audience won’t buy it if you aren’t into me.”
“Princess Sam has not been kissed since her coming-out ball when she kissed her first love, whom she’s pining for. An awkward kiss will be perfect for the scene.” If only the actor who played her first love wasn’t involved in a mega-blockbuster series and could get away to film the finale.
“I’ve studied your screen kisses. They lack passion.”
“All my kisses are exactly what the director and ratings call for. Remember, these kisses are for a Hearthfire audience. Sweet, wholesome, and heartwarming. Not all hot and bothered, like in the movies you do.”
Storm scoffed. “They’re probably the only kisses you know how to do. It’s true, isn’t it? Not one picture anywhere of you in an off-screen smooch.”
Jordan petted Princess, wishing the dog would do more than growl. “And this has what to do with our show?”
“I’m not convinced you can make it work. If this flops and I lose credibility because my female audience thinks I’m not a good kisser because of your poor acting, I’ll ruin you.” Storm leaned in, and Princess lunged between them and growled.
“Any woman who has smelled Thunder will know our less-than-passionate kisses are because I’m holding my breath.”
“How fast do you want your career to tank?”
Andrew stood near Storm’s end of the couch. If Jordan said the word, Storm would be out of the trailer as fast as her career if she kicked the star out. Storm had the connections to make good on his threat. But then, Jordan had decent connections of her own, not to mention Grandma’s.
“I’m an actress. Don’t worry. No one will know that I can’t stand the sight or smell of you.” Taking him on wasn’t her usual style. This week was already on record as one of the worst of her life. Storm would have to have all of Hollywood wired to make good on his threat, and being this year’s most eligible actor wasn’t enough to do that.
Storm lifted his arm from the back of the couch and pointed at her nose. “Prove it.”
Jordan scratched Princess’s ears, trying to calm the growling dog. “I will next week on set.”
“Not good enough. Prove it now, or I’ll walk. Or fly right back to LA.”
“I want our first kiss to be authentic. If I kiss you now, I could ruin it and end up laughing during the take or something.”
“You say you can do what the director tells you?”
“Of course.”
“Fine.” Storm’s smile took on a wicked twist as he stood and moved to sit down in the chair across from the couch. He inclined his head toward Andrew. “Then kiss him as I direct.”
“That is not appropriate. Mr. Hastings and I have a professional relationship, and he isn’t an actor.” Jordan signed a quick “sorry.”
“He’s a red-blooded man, isn’t he? Believe me. He won’t mind.”
“This is way outside of his contract.”
“Kiss him or I walk.” Storm stood, emphasizing his threat.
Jordan signed “help” and hoped it looked like she was petting Princess. Andrew signed back, “O-k” and tapped his closed fingers against his cheek to sign “kiss.”
“So, Princess, are you going to kiss him, or do I walk?” sneered Storm.
Jordan put out her hand. “I’ll do it. But if I do, you will not wear Thunder on any day we are scheduled to have a scene together.”
“You hate it that much?” The surprised look on Storm’s face tempted Jordan to giggle. “Fine. I won’t wear it on the set when we’re supposed to be together.” Storm clapped his hands. “Let’s get started.”
“Hand over your cell phone. This is a closed set.”
Storm smirked and pulled the latest-model phone from his pocket. “I wouldn’t film it anyway. I don’t need lessons.”
Jordan pocketed his phone. “Fine. Get directing.”
