CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Morning, day, or night
I tremble at your sight
It's impossible to fight, I've tried
Now you're in my head
And your mind I've read
Could recite the words you've said, now I
Can't Stop thinking about you
Can't get you off my mind
No I Can't Stop thinking about you
I'm thinking about you all the time
Cupid's dart seeped through
And all along you knew
I just want you to be mine
There's nothing I can do
I'm all wrapped up with you
Even if I wanted to I'm out of time
Take me to a place
Where I can always see your face
I've really lost my way this time
Tell me what it means
I'm bursting at the seams
You're in my thoughts, my dreams
ZAC
After Zac had closed the door to Drew's trailer, he turned around and looked at her. She stood mere feet away from him, back turned. She was taking out her earrings and laying them on her small bedside table.
Hands shoved in his pockets, he smiled at the sight. He was seeing Drew in an entirely different way now
and it excited him. She was classy and elegant. Graceful. He almost hated to have to defile her tonight but they both knew what was going to happen.
She turned around to toss her clutch on the counter around the corner and she gasped, startled. Clutching her heart, Drew laughed. "Oh my god, you scared me! Actually I don't know why you scared me, I knew you were here!"
"Happy Birthday," Zac said softly.
He smiled and wordlessly walked over to her. She stood directly in front of her bed. This was just too perfect. He reached up and carefully took the pins out of her hair, letting it fall down her back. He paused and looked in her eyes, searching for an objection. He didn't get one.
He softly reached around her waist as if to hug her, but instead found the zipper to her dress. Slowly, he unzipped her dress and gave it a light tug, letting it fall to the floor around her ankles. Again, he looked in her eyes for an objection. He didn't get one. Instead, she simply stepped out of her dress. Zac looked her over and couldn't have been more pleased with what he saw. She wore absolutely nothing underneath her dress. Had he known this at the pub, his time at the party may have gone much differently.
Zac then kicked off his shoes and undressed himself. They both stood naked in front of each other when
Drew remembered her heels. She went to take them off but Zac stopped her and smiled. "Leave them on."
She was smiling when Zac kissed her. She almost seemed shy, which was foreign to Zac, but he found that he
liked it. He kissed her deeply, realizing then how much he had really missed the way her lips felt and how she tasted. He suddenly realized that he couldn't get enough of her and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, as close as he could get to her. Her nipples hardened against his chest and her skin was so incredibly soft. Something was different tonight. It almost felt new to him, like he was with a new Drew. It
turned him on.
He stood there, kissing her mouth, kissing her neck and her shoulders. He left no part of her body untouched and yet he couldn't stop looking in her eyes. He didn't understand it and he wasn't sure he needed to. This was new territory, this was--this was it.
He wanted her. He throbbed for her, literally. But for the first time ever, it wasn't just sex for him anymore. It was more, it was--her.
Zac took Drew by the waist and gently laid her back on the bed. He kissed her, running his hands all over her body, squeezing her nipples and letting his fingers play between her legs--hitting all the hot spots he knew got her going. And they worked, like they always had. He swore he felt himself growing even harder as he watched her face and listened to her voice as she writhed in pleasure underneath him.
He was ready for her. He knew she was ready, too, she didn't even have to beg for it. He sat up on his knees and reached for her legs, slowly lifting them into the air. He then put them together and carefully draped them both over his right shoulder. He loved that her heels were still on. That was so hot. He slowly ran both of his hands down her silky legs and then inserted himself in her.
He started slow at first, eager to savor how tight and wet she was. He couldn't remember the last time it felt this good. However, that was short lived as it felt better and better and they both became increasingly excited.
The sex didn't last long and he hoped Drew wasn't disappointed. She hadn't said a word during the entire
thing. Then again, neither had he. But he couldn't help himself, he hadn't seen her in three months.
Moments later Zac found himself under the covers, wrapped around Drew, kissing her shoulder and stroking her arm. "Please don't be upset," he said softly.
He heard Drew giggle. "Why would I be upset?"
"Well, I was kind of an ass tonight. And then my performance just now was just kinda subpar."
Drew smiled and looked over her shoulder at him. "The sex was amazing, I don't see what you're worried
about. You don't hear me complaining, do you?"
"I guess not," he responded, now smiling himself.
"Are you staying?" Drew asked.
"Of course I'm staying."
"Good."
________________________________________________
DREW
Drew lay there, wrapped in Zac's arms in a spooning position. That was her happy place. It was where she had longed to be for the past three months. So why did everything feel different?
Zac kissed her shoulder and ran his fingers through her hair. At least she thought it was her hair. She giggled in silence, wondering just how much of her hair that he stroked were extensions. "Drew," he said, softly. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. And--and I think I've finally reached the point. I mean, I think I know. I think---Drew, I think I'm in love with you. All over again, it feels so real. All of it. I see things so differently now and I'm loving what I see. I am so excited at what the future may hold for us."
Drew was silent. She had waited so incredibly long to hear these words. But she had always imagined the moment with passion and fireworks. Not in a trailer after sex. She finally got it. She had her answer. She got what she wanted, what she'd always wanted. She had Zac. Finally. But what now?
"Drew? Are you awake?"
"Yeah. I'm awake."
"So?"
Drew hesitated. Surprisingly, she really had no idea what to say. So she went with, "So that makes me so happy to hear that."
There was silence for a moment. "I know you have a lot on your plate right now," Zac finally said. "But I wanted to go ahead and let you know how I'm feeling. I need you to know. And you don't have to say anything now, okay? I just want you to know."
Drew was silent, still. She lay there, hearing every word, eyes wide open. Suddenly her eyes fell on her new bracelet on her night stand. Her stomach began turning in unexpected knots at the sight of it.
Were things actually more difficult than she thought they were?
________________________________________________________
Waiting up all night
There's something on my mind
I need to tell you why
He's playing you for a fool
He's fooling 'round on you
And I just lost my cool
Feeling so sad
Too bad for the Running Man
Cause he waits too long so he can't come back again
Too bad for the Running Man
Cause he's right there waiting to make that girl forget
Too bad for the Running Man
Goodbye
Life isn't what it seems
Like something in a dream
That's not quite what I mean
I need to say goodbye
You think I didn't try
I'm not that other guy
Feeling so sad
MEL
After Zac shut the door on Mel and Jason, they looked at each other. "Uh, well okay then," Mel said.
"I hate to say it but he was kind of a prick tonight," Jason said. "And I actually like the guy, so..."
Mel looked back at Drew's trailer in thought. "I don't know...he started acting funny as soon as it was time to fly here, so. I don't know what his deal is lately. I don't even think he knows what his deal is lately."
"Well he's got it bad, I'll tell you that," he said. "You know, those Hanson guys--they're a little crazy, aren't they? I mean you and Drew show up and it's like their entire minds go to shit."
Mel laughed at him. "Jason, shut up. Don't be rude. It's not like that."
"If you say so."
There was an awkward silence for a moment before Mel said, "Uh, well, I better head back. It's been kind of a long day and we'll need to rest up some before our nightmare flight home the day after tomorrow."
"I wish you could stay longer."
"Tay signed his separation papers today," Mel suddenly blurted.
Jason was silent. He almost looked startled. Mel wasn't sure why he looked so surprised. He knew Taylor had been talking to his attorney. He knew this was coming. Jason finally broke his silence. "Uh, random....so you've spoken to him today?"
"Uh, well, no..."
"So how do you know he actually did it?"
Mel felt slightly offended. "Of course he did it, he made the appointment before I left. Why wouldn't he?"
"I'm just saying. I mean it's taken the guy this damn long to decide whether he wants to be with you or not, what's to say he won't wuss out again? That's a decision that doesn't take that long to make. Hell, it only took me--" Jason suddenly cut himself off and shut his mouth.
Mel narrowed his eyes at him. "It was complicated. There's a marriage and a prenup--a lot of legal stuff. He signed the papers."
"Then why the hell didn't he call you? Why the fuck wasn't he feverishly trying to get you on the phone to give you the excellent news so you can go off and live happily ever fucking after?"
"He doesn't have to call me! I already know! There isn't a single doubt in my mind about him, not one! What reason do you have to doubt him? Why are you getting so fucking hostile right now?"
"BECAUSE MAYBE I DON'T WANT IT TO BE TRUE!" Realizing what he'd said, he ran his hands through his long hair and looked up at the sky. "FUCK!"
Mel stood there in shock. She couldn't move. She could barely breathe. This was getting complicated way too fast. Jason was her soul mate. She knew this. But she was so in love with Taylor that it hurt. She belonged
with him. She always had. There was no way...
"I can't do this right now," she said abruptly. "I can't--this wasn't--I have to go." She turned and began to walk quickly off the lot. She couldn't get away fast enough. She wanted to run but she didn't want to attract any attention to herself. She concentrated solely on getting herself out of that conversation, and fast.
"Mel!" Jason called behind her. "Mel, come on!"
She ignored him and she walked. She was about to round the corner off the lot and onto the street and call it a victory when Jason caught up with her. "Mel," he said, grabbing her by the hand.
Fighting tears, she stopped and looked up at him. She was tired of crying. She was just so goddamn tired of crying. Jason sighed, defeated. "Mel. I can't let you walk back to your hotel alone. It isn't safe."
"I'll be fine. I can take care of myself."
"There are some sick bastards that lurk in some of those alleyways. I'll walk you."
Mel didn't argue. He did have a point and she didn't exactly fancy walking down streets she didn't know,
alone in the dark. That had been a stupid move on her part. She and Jason walked in silence all the way to her hotel and he walked her all the way up to her room. They were on dangerous ground right now and they both knew it.
"Uh, thanks for walking me," Mel said in a small voice.
"Mel, I'm sorry," Jason said. "I didn't mean to lose it like that back there. Sometimes I just speak my mind without thinking. I'm really trying with this, I promise. I don't like upsetting you. That was wrong of me."
"It's okay."
"Look, I don't think Zac is coming back tonight."
"I don't, either."
"I should stay."
"Um...no...I don't think that's a good idea. It's not necessary, really."
"I think it kinda is. You don't know what lunatic saw us walking in. If he sees me leave alone, well, you never know."
Mel cracked a smile. "What, is he gonna knock on every door in the hotel until he finds me?"
"Zac obviously felt the same way or else you wouldn't be sharing a room."
"You know what happens when--I mean--I'm afraid I can't--"
"It'll be fine, I promise. We'll order room service, I'll sleep in the other bed. Nothing will happen. I promise. You can trust me."
She could trust him. She knew she could. That was one of the things she loved about him.
He broke her train of thought. "You didn't come all the way to Ireland for us to get into a couple of fights and then go home."
She looked up at him in surprise. "Were we fighting?"
Jason laughed. "A little bit, yeah."
"Well that's not cool...and I am starving..."
"So are you sending me home?"
Mel sighed and shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "I'm not sending you home."
Jason kept his word, through and through. When Mel woke up the next morning, both of them were fully
clothed, both of them in separate beds. As she stared up at the ceiling, a sudden feeling of dread blanketed her entire body. It was eerie. Something was not right. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.
______________________________________________
DREW
Drew woke up the next morning, Zac wound around her like a vine. She should have been happy to wake up
this way. And she was. But she couldn't help but feel a little bit uncomfortable about it.
Maybe it was the fact that she had to leave him there to go to work. That she wouldn't be there when he woke up. That had to be it. She checked the time. Six in the morning. She had only gotten a few short hours of sleep. However, filming waited for nobody. If they wanted to wrap this movie early, it was work work work to get it done.
She took a quick shower and glanced one last time at Zac in the bed before she raced out of her trailer to hair and makeup. Today they were filming the opening scene. Just Magdara and her minions, Magdara casting spells and devising evil plans over a cauldron and her minions handing her ingredients and reporting back to her about the recent biddings they'd done for her.
She spotted Gerard coming out of his trailer and he smiled and waved at her. A grin spread across her face and she noticed herself very happy to see him. She was always happy to see him, she didn't dislike the guy. It was a rare occasion a person actually enjoyed working for their boss. She would be disappointed when this film was over and done with.
She determined she must have looked like death on the way to hair and makeup because Gerard walked over to her and said, "So, long night, huh?"
"Uh, kinda yeah. Hey, thanks again for my gift. I really do love it."
He waved his hand at her. "Ah, don't mention it. It was the least I could do. See you in a few." He winked at her and walked off in the other direction.
The butterflies that suddenly took up residence in her stomach scared the shit out of her.
_________________________________________________
Morning, day, or night
I tremble at your sight
It's impossible to fight, I've tried
Now you're in my head
And your mind I've read
Could recite the words you've said, now I
Can't Stop thinking about you
Can't get you off my mind
No I Can't Stop thinking about you
I'm thinking about you all the time
Cupid's dart seeped through
And all along you knew
I just want you to be mine
There's nothing I can do
I'm all wrapped up with you
Even if I wanted to I'm out of time
Take me to a place
Where I can always see your face
I've really lost my way this time
Tell me what it means
I'm bursting at the seams
You're in my thoughts, my dreams
ZAC
After Zac had closed the door to Drew's trailer, he turned around and looked at her. She stood mere feet away from him, back turned. She was taking out her earrings and laying them on her small bedside table.
Hands shoved in his pockets, he smiled at the sight. He was seeing Drew in an entirely different way now
and it excited him. She was classy and elegant. Graceful. He almost hated to have to defile her tonight but they both knew what was going to happen.
She turned around to toss her clutch on the counter around the corner and she gasped, startled. Clutching her heart, Drew laughed. "Oh my god, you scared me! Actually I don't know why you scared me, I knew you were here!"
"Happy Birthday," Zac said softly.
He smiled and wordlessly walked over to her. She stood directly in front of her bed. This was just too perfect. He reached up and carefully took the pins out of her hair, letting it fall down her back. He paused and looked in her eyes, searching for an objection. He didn't get one.
He softly reached around her waist as if to hug her, but instead found the zipper to her dress. Slowly, he unzipped her dress and gave it a light tug, letting it fall to the floor around her ankles. Again, he looked in her eyes for an objection. He didn't get one. Instead, she simply stepped out of her dress. Zac looked her over and couldn't have been more pleased with what he saw. She wore absolutely nothing underneath her dress. Had he known this at the pub, his time at the party may have gone much differently.
Zac then kicked off his shoes and undressed himself. They both stood naked in front of each other when
Drew remembered her heels. She went to take them off but Zac stopped her and smiled. "Leave them on."
She was smiling when Zac kissed her. She almost seemed shy, which was foreign to Zac, but he found that he
liked it. He kissed her deeply, realizing then how much he had really missed the way her lips felt and how she tasted. He suddenly realized that he couldn't get enough of her and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, as close as he could get to her. Her nipples hardened against his chest and her skin was so incredibly soft. Something was different tonight. It almost felt new to him, like he was with a new Drew. It
turned him on.
He stood there, kissing her mouth, kissing her neck and her shoulders. He left no part of her body untouched and yet he couldn't stop looking in her eyes. He didn't understand it and he wasn't sure he needed to. This was new territory, this was--this was it.
He wanted her. He throbbed for her, literally. But for the first time ever, it wasn't just sex for him anymore. It was more, it was--her.
Zac took Drew by the waist and gently laid her back on the bed. He kissed her, running his hands all over her body, squeezing her nipples and letting his fingers play between her legs--hitting all the hot spots he knew got her going. And they worked, like they always had. He swore he felt himself growing even harder as he watched her face and listened to her voice as she writhed in pleasure underneath him.
He was ready for her. He knew she was ready, too, she didn't even have to beg for it. He sat up on his knees and reached for her legs, slowly lifting them into the air. He then put them together and carefully draped them both over his right shoulder. He loved that her heels were still on. That was so hot. He slowly ran both of his hands down her silky legs and then inserted himself in her.
He started slow at first, eager to savor how tight and wet she was. He couldn't remember the last time it felt this good. However, that was short lived as it felt better and better and they both became increasingly excited.
The sex didn't last long and he hoped Drew wasn't disappointed. She hadn't said a word during the entire
thing. Then again, neither had he. But he couldn't help himself, he hadn't seen her in three months.
Moments later Zac found himself under the covers, wrapped around Drew, kissing her shoulder and stroking her arm. "Please don't be upset," he said softly.
He heard Drew giggle. "Why would I be upset?"
"Well, I was kind of an ass tonight. And then my performance just now was just kinda subpar."
Drew smiled and looked over her shoulder at him. "The sex was amazing, I don't see what you're worried
about. You don't hear me complaining, do you?"
"I guess not," he responded, now smiling himself.
"Are you staying?" Drew asked.
"Of course I'm staying."
"Good."
________________________________________________
DREW
Drew lay there, wrapped in Zac's arms in a spooning position. That was her happy place. It was where she had longed to be for the past three months. So why did everything feel different?
Zac kissed her shoulder and ran his fingers through her hair. At least she thought it was her hair. She giggled in silence, wondering just how much of her hair that he stroked were extensions. "Drew," he said, softly. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. And--and I think I've finally reached the point. I mean, I think I know. I think---Drew, I think I'm in love with you. All over again, it feels so real. All of it. I see things so differently now and I'm loving what I see. I am so excited at what the future may hold for us."
Drew was silent. She had waited so incredibly long to hear these words. But she had always imagined the moment with passion and fireworks. Not in a trailer after sex. She finally got it. She had her answer. She got what she wanted, what she'd always wanted. She had Zac. Finally. But what now?
"Drew? Are you awake?"
"Yeah. I'm awake."
"So?"
Drew hesitated. Surprisingly, she really had no idea what to say. So she went with, "So that makes me so happy to hear that."
There was silence for a moment. "I know you have a lot on your plate right now," Zac finally said. "But I wanted to go ahead and let you know how I'm feeling. I need you to know. And you don't have to say anything now, okay? I just want you to know."
Drew was silent, still. She lay there, hearing every word, eyes wide open. Suddenly her eyes fell on her new bracelet on her night stand. Her stomach began turning in unexpected knots at the sight of it.
Were things actually more difficult than she thought they were?
________________________________________________________
Waiting up all night
There's something on my mind
I need to tell you why
He's playing you for a fool
He's fooling 'round on you
And I just lost my cool
Feeling so sad
Too bad for the Running Man
Cause he waits too long so he can't come back again
Too bad for the Running Man
Cause he's right there waiting to make that girl forget
Too bad for the Running Man
Goodbye
Life isn't what it seems
Like something in a dream
That's not quite what I mean
I need to say goodbye
You think I didn't try
I'm not that other guy
Feeling so sad
MEL
After Zac shut the door on Mel and Jason, they looked at each other. "Uh, well okay then," Mel said.
"I hate to say it but he was kind of a prick tonight," Jason said. "And I actually like the guy, so..."
Mel looked back at Drew's trailer in thought. "I don't know...he started acting funny as soon as it was time to fly here, so. I don't know what his deal is lately. I don't even think he knows what his deal is lately."
"Well he's got it bad, I'll tell you that," he said. "You know, those Hanson guys--they're a little crazy, aren't they? I mean you and Drew show up and it's like their entire minds go to shit."
Mel laughed at him. "Jason, shut up. Don't be rude. It's not like that."
"If you say so."
There was an awkward silence for a moment before Mel said, "Uh, well, I better head back. It's been kind of a long day and we'll need to rest up some before our nightmare flight home the day after tomorrow."
"I wish you could stay longer."
"Tay signed his separation papers today," Mel suddenly blurted.
Jason was silent. He almost looked startled. Mel wasn't sure why he looked so surprised. He knew Taylor had been talking to his attorney. He knew this was coming. Jason finally broke his silence. "Uh, random....so you've spoken to him today?"
"Uh, well, no..."
"So how do you know he actually did it?"
Mel felt slightly offended. "Of course he did it, he made the appointment before I left. Why wouldn't he?"
"I'm just saying. I mean it's taken the guy this damn long to decide whether he wants to be with you or not, what's to say he won't wuss out again? That's a decision that doesn't take that long to make. Hell, it only took me--" Jason suddenly cut himself off and shut his mouth.
Mel narrowed his eyes at him. "It was complicated. There's a marriage and a prenup--a lot of legal stuff. He signed the papers."
"Then why the hell didn't he call you? Why the fuck wasn't he feverishly trying to get you on the phone to give you the excellent news so you can go off and live happily ever fucking after?"
"He doesn't have to call me! I already know! There isn't a single doubt in my mind about him, not one! What reason do you have to doubt him? Why are you getting so fucking hostile right now?"
"BECAUSE MAYBE I DON'T WANT IT TO BE TRUE!" Realizing what he'd said, he ran his hands through his long hair and looked up at the sky. "FUCK!"
Mel stood there in shock. She couldn't move. She could barely breathe. This was getting complicated way too fast. Jason was her soul mate. She knew this. But she was so in love with Taylor that it hurt. She belonged
with him. She always had. There was no way...
"I can't do this right now," she said abruptly. "I can't--this wasn't--I have to go." She turned and began to walk quickly off the lot. She couldn't get away fast enough. She wanted to run but she didn't want to attract any attention to herself. She concentrated solely on getting herself out of that conversation, and fast.
"Mel!" Jason called behind her. "Mel, come on!"
She ignored him and she walked. She was about to round the corner off the lot and onto the street and call it a victory when Jason caught up with her. "Mel," he said, grabbing her by the hand.
Fighting tears, she stopped and looked up at him. She was tired of crying. She was just so goddamn tired of crying. Jason sighed, defeated. "Mel. I can't let you walk back to your hotel alone. It isn't safe."
"I'll be fine. I can take care of myself."
"There are some sick bastards that lurk in some of those alleyways. I'll walk you."
Mel didn't argue. He did have a point and she didn't exactly fancy walking down streets she didn't know,
alone in the dark. That had been a stupid move on her part. She and Jason walked in silence all the way to her hotel and he walked her all the way up to her room. They were on dangerous ground right now and they both knew it.
"Uh, thanks for walking me," Mel said in a small voice.
"Mel, I'm sorry," Jason said. "I didn't mean to lose it like that back there. Sometimes I just speak my mind without thinking. I'm really trying with this, I promise. I don't like upsetting you. That was wrong of me."
"It's okay."
"Look, I don't think Zac is coming back tonight."
"I don't, either."
"I should stay."
"Um...no...I don't think that's a good idea. It's not necessary, really."
"I think it kinda is. You don't know what lunatic saw us walking in. If he sees me leave alone, well, you never know."
Mel cracked a smile. "What, is he gonna knock on every door in the hotel until he finds me?"
"Zac obviously felt the same way or else you wouldn't be sharing a room."
"You know what happens when--I mean--I'm afraid I can't--"
"It'll be fine, I promise. We'll order room service, I'll sleep in the other bed. Nothing will happen. I promise. You can trust me."
She could trust him. She knew she could. That was one of the things she loved about him.
He broke her train of thought. "You didn't come all the way to Ireland for us to get into a couple of fights and then go home."
She looked up at him in surprise. "Were we fighting?"
Jason laughed. "A little bit, yeah."
"Well that's not cool...and I am starving..."
"So are you sending me home?"
Mel sighed and shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "I'm not sending you home."
Jason kept his word, through and through. When Mel woke up the next morning, both of them were fully
clothed, both of them in separate beds. As she stared up at the ceiling, a sudden feeling of dread blanketed her entire body. It was eerie. Something was not right. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.
______________________________________________
DREW
Drew woke up the next morning, Zac wound around her like a vine. She should have been happy to wake up
this way. And she was. But she couldn't help but feel a little bit uncomfortable about it.
Maybe it was the fact that she had to leave him there to go to work. That she wouldn't be there when he woke up. That had to be it. She checked the time. Six in the morning. She had only gotten a few short hours of sleep. However, filming waited for nobody. If they wanted to wrap this movie early, it was work work work to get it done.
She took a quick shower and glanced one last time at Zac in the bed before she raced out of her trailer to hair and makeup. Today they were filming the opening scene. Just Magdara and her minions, Magdara casting spells and devising evil plans over a cauldron and her minions handing her ingredients and reporting back to her about the recent biddings they'd done for her.
She spotted Gerard coming out of his trailer and he smiled and waved at her. A grin spread across her face and she noticed herself very happy to see him. She was always happy to see him, she didn't dislike the guy. It was a rare occasion a person actually enjoyed working for their boss. She would be disappointed when this film was over and done with.
She determined she must have looked like death on the way to hair and makeup because Gerard walked over to her and said, "So, long night, huh?"
"Uh, kinda yeah. Hey, thanks again for my gift. I really do love it."
He waved his hand at her. "Ah, don't mention it. It was the least I could do. See you in a few." He winked at her and walked off in the other direction.
The butterflies that suddenly took up residence in her stomach scared the shit out of her.
_________________________________________________