She whimpered. Her pussy was already soaking. Holding onto his hand, she shook her head. “Not right now. Tonight,” she said, pressing another kiss to his lips.
He groaned. “You’re a tease, woman.”
“And you’re a pain in the ass.”
She slid from around him, and made her way back outside. Rick was waiting, and his arms were folded. The worry was clear on his face.
“What is it?” she asked.
“You know what. I’m worried about you.”
“I’m fine.”
“He’s the first guy that you have ever sneaked around on a shoot with. I’ve seen some of the pictures online, Payton.”
She ran fingers through her hair and watched as Hunter came out of the bathroom. Closing her eyes, she licked her lips, and released a sigh. “I’m going to go out to Elise.”
She left the lobby and made her way back toward the main front. Marcel was doing his shots, and she stood next to Elise, arms folded.
“Are you okay?” Elise asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Rick came out ten minutes later, and after another three hours of shooting, Elise was happy, and they called it a day. Payton wasn’t done, though, as she and Rick had another interview to go to.
Once they were in his car she knew he was going to say something.
“Whatever you’re going to say, just say it,” she said.
“I’m worried about you. No man has ever come between you and work before.”
“It’s not coming between me now.”
“You’ve spent the past two weekends with him. When you were dating, you rarely saw the guy. You’d have dinner with him once in a blue moon, and then kindly end things. With Hunter, you’re working for him, and now you’re seeing him. Movies, dinners, business. I thought you didn’t want to be seen like this.”
“I didn’t screw my way into this job. You told me to take it, remember?”
“I know, and I’m wondering if I should have. He’s a player.”
“All men are players, Rick. So were you until you met Francine.”
“And you have blown me off three times to be with Hunter. You are my best friend, Payton. I would do anything for you. You know that. I’m with you every step of the way. Francine, she knows what I do, and I know she would love to meet you. Everyone who sees us together thinks we’re an item until they see us together, together. Francine asked me if I love you. I do love you, and I told her that, but I love you like a damn sister!”
Guilt swamped her. “You’re angry because I didn’t meet her?”
“I’ve pushed everything else aside for you. When I’ve been asked to choose between my work and them, I’ve always chosen you. I like Francine. I wanted you to meet her seeing as you’re the one that encouraged me to go on not one date, but all of them.”
“You’re right. I’m so sorry. I’ve been … this is crazy.”
“Do you have feelings for Hunter?” he asked.
“I think I do. I know I love being around him, and I don’t feel like I’m being judged when I’m with him. I tell you what. Let me make it up to you. My place, I will make dinner. I’ll invite Hunter, and we can have a double date. How is that?”
“If you would like to do that.”
“Don’t make me beg. Please, let me make it up to you, and I can be a better friend to you,” she said.
“Okay, fine. I hope you like Francine.”
“You like her, and I know I will.”
Silence fell between them, and she felt a little better knowing she could make it up to him.
“Do be careful of him, Payton. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
She didn’t want to get hurt either.
Chapter Seven
Hunter covered Payton’s eyes as she was standing in his office overlooking the city. It had been a week worth of shooting, and he’d spent way too much time overseeing it. This was Elise’s little baby, and she had told him to keep his nose out of it. Only family could talk to him like that.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey.” Payton spun around, smiling. “So, are you coming to dinner tomorrow night with Rick and his girlfriend.”
“I’ve not seen you all week. Between work and everything else, can’t I just have you all to myself?”
“No, you can’t. I promised him, okay? Please, say you will come.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll be there.”
“Excellent.” She patted his chest and walked around him. He took hold of her hand, and pulled her close. Pressing his lips to hers, she melted against him, and this was what he adored more than anything, the way she pressed against him.
It was like her body called to him in ways that he didn’t understand.
“I’ve got to head out, do some shopping.”
“You’re not going to order takeout?”
“Hunter, this is my best friend who is serious about this girl. I’m not just going to order some takeout.” She put a hand on her hip. “Come with me,” she said.