Lennox
“How are we feeling about today?” Wren, our intimacy coordinator asks as we prep for the next scene.
I remain quiet, waiting for Jace to reply first. He’s been distant ever since our night out. Two bloody weeks ago.
The only time I’ve seen him is on set filming the recording of songs, performing on stage and tours. Nothing has been very personal and we haven’t had any one-on-one scenes.
After the long days, he retires to his trailer and I don’t see him again until morning.
So, if I were to answer Wren’s question honestly, I have no fucking clue how I’m feeling about our first sex scene together after the last couple of weeks.
Fortunately, after our almost fateful night, nothing appeared in the tabloids so we’ve been clean in the way of the media.
It’s the way he left and freaked out over absolutely nothing.
I remember everything about that night. We left the bar, a car picked us up and took us back to the set.
He had his shoulder wrapped over the top of mine, using me for balance as we walked back to my trailer.
We had this wild idea to watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but the moment we got in the trailer he flopped on my bed and practically passed out.
He told me he couldn’t sleep with his clothes on because he felt claustrophobic. So, I pulled off his shoes and helped him remove his trousers and shirt.
There was nothing erotic about it. I mean, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy seeing him and all his glorious skin and muscles sprawled out on my bedsheets, but nothing happened.
I found his shirt and pants tucked underneath the sheets at the end of the bed later that morning. I was going to drop them off to him, but decided if he was desperate for them he could come get them himself.
He never did.
“I’m feeling good. I think we’re ready,” Jace replies to Wren as she turns her gaze to me.
But, are we?
I finally rip my gaze away from him and look at Wren. She’s a professional intimacy coordinator. She’s trained to look at the chemistry between actors and she’s clearly aware of the tension between us.
Turning up the charm a notch, I look back at Jace and wink. “Undoubtedly ready.”
There’s a brief pause as she questions our answers but moves forward holding out two purple velvet bags with a drawstring tightly secured at the top.
“Your privacy socks.” She places one in each of our outstretched hands.
“Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous and it’s also normal for your body to respond and react.
If your sock gets loose, you need to adjust anything, or if you feel uncomfortable in any way—at any point in time, just say ‘pause’. No explanation needed.”
“Got it,” we both reply, jinxing each other.
“We’ll have a minimal crew during the intimate scenes so Pierre is clearing the set now and should be ready in about fifteen minutes. Go get dressed and come back here as soon as you’re ready.”
Jace nods curtly and quickly heads to the studio exit. He’s a few paces in front of me as I call out his name and jog toward him.
We’re directly in front of trailers that are side-by-side and this is the first time we’ve talked, just the two of us, since that night.
“Hi,” I say as I run my hand through my hair nervously.
“Hey.”
I had no idea what I wanted to say. I just didn’t want things to be awkward between us when the cameras start rolling, especially during our first on-screen sex scene.
I’m already nervous about it, as I admitted to him when we were back at the cabin.
That was hard enough then. Now I’m feeling even more vulnerable with my accidental confession a couple of weeks ago.
“I’m still a bit nervous about this part of filming so…if I do something wrong, tell me, alright?”
He huffs out a long breath as he looks off in a different direction, as if he’s taking in my words and contemplating how to respond.
“Yeah, me too.” He nods as he meets my gaze, giving me that golden boy smile he’s known for.
“Why have you been avoiding me?” I spit out, not filtering my thoughts.
His smile fades as he shifts his stance. “I’ve just been focused.”
I smile. “Liar.”
He chokes out a laugh.
That’s the thing about Jace. He’s a broody, stubborn little thing most times but it’s easy for me to call him out and he’s receptive to my playfulness every single time.
“I’m trying to stay out of trouble,” he admits, rubbing his palm nervously over the back of his neck.
I gasp, pressing a palm to my chest. “Are you insinuating that I’m trouble?”
His eyes lock onto mine, as he lifts a knowing brow, his gaze tunneling through me. He leans forward, lowering his voice. “I feel powerless with you. So, yes. You are trouble.”
A nervous chuckle escapes his lips as he steps back. Like he didn’t want to confess that but did anyway. My jaw slacks and I’m speechless.
“We gotta get dressed,” he says, as he steps back before spinning around toward his trailer.
“You’re going to regret telling me that!” I yell out to him because now he knows I’m going to pester the hell out of him.
“I know!” he yells back playfully before stepping into his trailer, shutting the door behind him.