Page 40 of The Location Shoot
“I love you,” she said softly, burrowing into his chest. “Let’s get some rest. Sweet dreams.”
“Sweet dreams, baby.”
CHAPTER 10
The next day, Ella snuck onto set at four in the afternoon, wearing jean shorts, a tank top, and hiking boots, dirt on her face and grass in her hair. She stood on the sidelines, quietly observing. They were in the middle of shooting an intense argument between four of the characters. When Jean yelled, “Cut,” she moseyed over to him. “Take five!” he hollered.
“Ma chérie, what on earth happened to you?”
She giggled. “I took a little trip to the forest. Research for my book about nature. I haven’t had a chance to look in the mirror, but I can tell from your expression that I must be a mess.”
“You wear it well,” he said with a smile.
“How’s it going today?”
He put his arm around her, leaned in close, and whispered, “What did you do to my actors?”
“What do you mean?” she asked nervously.
“They’re entirely different performers today. The range, the confidence, the emotions they’re tapping into. It’s as if they’ve all finally let go, and they’re accessing feelings far beneath the surface without doing any of that dreadfulacting I detest. They’re pushing themselves. It’s been the best day of filming so far. I haven’t reprimanded them at all.” He stopped to laugh before adding, “I’m only sorry that Albie has the day off. He would have loved to see this.”
Ella smiled.
Jean kissed her cheek and gave her shoulders a squeeze. “I know this was you—it has Ella Sinclair written all over it. Are you going to tell me your secret?”
“There’s nothing to tell,” she said. “Let me go steal a minute with Finn before you start filming again.”
He kissed her on both cheeks. “After what you’ve done, whatever it was, take all the time you want.”
She giggled and headed straight to Finn, saying hello to the other cast and crew along the way.
“Hi, my love,” he said, kissing her and putting his hands on her hips.
“Hey.”
He pulled a twig out of her hair, furrowed his brow, and asked, “What happened to you?”
“I went to the forest, looking for inspiration for my nature book. It’s spectacular. Next time you have a day off, let’s go for a hike.”
“I would love that. I’m glad you’re okay; I was getting worried when you didn’t stop by earlier.”
“Lost track of time,” Ella explained. “Jean told me it’s been a great day.”
“Is that what you two were huddled together about?”
“Were you watching us?” she asked, running her finger down his cheek.
“Baby, I always watch you,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her. “I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“You make that sound romantic, so I’m going to assume you’re not a creepy stalker dressed up as a leading man.”
He laughed.
“How’s it been going on set today?” she asked. “Jean is over the moon.”
“It’s been awesome. Everyone’s really plugged in now. Stay and watch the rest of the day.”
“Given your expression when you saw me, I think I’m gonna head back to shower.”
