We jump ahead to the final scene.Same clothes, but now Alan and I wave at the pharmacist while holding a paper bag full of condoms.Our hair’s mussed, smiles big and satisfied as we walk off frame.
Hours later, I’m back in the makeup room.A satin robe drapes over me, but underneath, just a breast patch covers my chest.The stylist thickens my hair so it falls long and full enough to hide me.I’m almost bare for the second round of shooting.
I’ve got on a nude G-string, and my body’s practically exposed.The director swore the camera would never catch anything vital, angles carefully chosen.The intimacy coordinator also will stay with us all the time, directing our moves, and giving props.Still, seeing how little I’m wearing makes me blush with embarrassment.I’m basically naked.
“Fenella, you can come out now,” Jessy says, pushing the door open.
“Yeah.”I swallow hard.He notices my clenched jaw and steps closer.
“You good?”He squeezes my shoulders.
“I don’t know.I’ve never worn this little in front of so many people.Even bikinis I’ve shot in weren’t this revealing.”
I never wanted to shoot nude again, not after the harassment I went through early in my career.And now, here I am, half-naked in front of dozens of eyes.This is even more intense than stripping at Oscar’s club.
“Even bikinis have colors that separate them from your skin.This is just… different.I don’t feel confident at all.”I grimace.
“Fenella, you’re gorgeous.Be proud of your body.Show them you love yourself, and they’ll only give you praise.Trust me.”His voice softens.“You’re in good hands.”He takes both my hands, squeezing them.
“Oof, okay.”I exhale.
We leave the room together, heading for the set.After this, I’m supposed to do a steamy scene with Alan.Even if it’s just acting, our hips will touch, and everyone will treat it like normal couple behavior.
God, help me.
* * *
Alan and I are circling the director again as she gives instructions for the second scene.We’re both in the white satin robes the makeup artist handed us, and now our hair is styled more tousled than before.
“Alright, Fenella, keep it cool.The idea is you’re picking a condom the way you’d pick a shirt that fits Alan.We want people to see it just another daily necessity for a couple like you.”
“Yeah,” I nod.
“Stay calm, okay?You’re just choosing a shirt.”Martha drills it in, like I need it branded in my brain.
“Okay,” I say, trying to look calm.
“Alright, let’s get ready!”the AD calls through the megaphone.
Alan and I slip out of our satin robes and pass them to Jessy.The moment we see each other’s outfits, my heart slams faster.Alan’s basically naked, just a skin-toned thong on him.His eyes widen at me too, clearly caught off guard.
“Damn, you look insane,” he mutters.
“Thanks.You look hot too,” I whisper back.
And how could he not?I can’t lie.Alan’s chest is broad and cut, his shoulders wide and strong, his stomach tight with six-pack abs.With a body like that, any woman would lose it.My eyes flick down at the bulge behind his thong and—God, fine curls leading right into it, that hard outline impossible to miss.
Ugh, I’m completely wrecked.How am I supposed to avoid sin staring at a body like that?No, no, no.It’s hormones, just biology.Still, my heart drifts back to Laird.He’d be crushed if I lost focus.
“Over here, careful.”A staffer guides us up a small staircase onto the counter.
Alan lies back on the counter.A staff member straps his hips under a small chair with a pillow.I sit on it.Oh, hell.Though it’s fake, his bare chest is real.His body shifting under me trying to get comfortable, elbows propping him halfway up.His eyes stay locked on mine, tracing every inch of my skin like a slow caress.
“Get in position!Quiet on set,” the AD barks, and the room falls silent.“Action!”
As the call comes, I move like I’m riding Alan, keeping my face neutral.The pharmacist glances over.
“So, how’s that one feel?”
