B-Roll to B-Sides (PR Girls & Instalove 2)

Me: We’re shooting at another location tonight. Will have to see what happens.

Jenna: Go for it.

Corina: Keep us posted.

Me: Will do.

Telling my girlfriends somehow made my brand new relationship real. I had a boyfriend, more or less. It was completely and utterly bizarre.

***

After an afternoon of proofing and paperwork, I fixed my hair and makeup, hoping that I looked both pretty and presentable for a work event. My dark green dress brought out the red in my hair and skimmed over my curves in a sexy yet modest way, if such a thing was possible. It made me look slightly less busty, which was always my goal.

Slipping on my coat as I went out to reception, Owen was already there. He held a bright blue umbrella, and I noticed that the large window was glossy with rain.

I was very relieved when he didn’t hug me in front of my coworkers.

“Hey, Brynn,” he smiled warmly, then he looked at my feet to check out my leather boots. “Glad you’re not in heels. The rain’s been coming and going.”

“Just let me know if my hair turns disastrously frizzy. Other than that, we’ll be fine.” I waved to Rachel at the reception desk as we got into the elevator. The shower stopped just as we stepped outside.

Owen guided me into his car, then as soon as my door was closed, the rain came pelting down as h

e dove into the driver’s side.

He laughed, shutting the door quickly and drying his hands on his pants. Then he ran a hand through his hair. “Good enough?” he asked.

“Yeah.” I couldn’t find the words to tell him that his hair was darker when it was wet, making him look like he was fresh from the shower. That sent all sorts of strange tingles through me.

As he drove to the theatre, we chatted about work and various restaurants and places we passed. The whole time, I was terribly aware of how close our bodies were. Maybe it was that everything was a bit damp and steamy, but all I could think about was how he might touch me if we were actually alone.

Could I ask him to come home with me tonight? Or rather, should I? At first, I wanted to take things slowly, but these feelings were becoming too wild to tame. Staring at his perfect profile, those incredibly inviting lips, I felt heated straight to my core.

Owen reached over to give my hand a squeeze, then pulled into the back parking lot of a gorgeous old theater.

“I’ve heard of this place, but haven’t been here before,” I said.

“Good. I want to take you lots of places for the first time.”

I could think of one significant first time that he could help me with, but tried to put that out of my mind. The rain stopped, giving us just enough time to get the camera equipment safely inside before it began dripping again.

“Perfect timing,” Owen laughed. “Let’s go.”

The little lounge was amazing, and the creative angles he was finding for the video clips were incredible. They had a wall decorated with records – both 78s and 45s. I was assisting as much as possible, but felt both weak and energized every time I looked at Owen’s shoulders.

I’d never stared at a man like this before, and finally decided that I was going to find a way to ask him in for a drink tonight. It was time for an act of bravery.

I felt less daring as time went on, and we both became absolutely obsessed about getting one perfect shot. The more we worked so well together, the more my nerves kicked in, reminding me that we were coworkers. Maybe I shouldn’t rock the boat.

A beautiful old-fashioned record player was spinning right next to the album-covered wall, but Owen wasn’t happy with the overhead shot. Standing on one of the low chairs didn’t quite give him the height he wanted, due to the shadows.

“What about this table?” I asked, pointing to a small but sturdy-looking cocktail table.

Owen smiled widely. “Great idea, but that won’t hold my weight.”

“What about mine?” I asked.

“No,” he said firmly, then quickly added, “I mean, it would absolutely take your weight, but I’m not letting you stand up on that.”