Starstruck In Seattle Read Free

go.”
    Warmth spread throughout Anna’s face and her belly fluttered. God, he’s a good actor, making me feel like this!
    â€œAnd then what?” she whispered, eyes fixed on his.
    Charlie dipped his head and his lips approached hers. Anna tilted her head slightly. . .
    â€œCut!”
    His lips retracted and hands slipped away, warmth draining from Anna’s cheeks.
    â€œNot bad, guys,” Jake said. “But I’ve got a better idea!”
    Oh man, Jake and his ideas. He was always causing the writers grief with his last minute script changes.
    â€œYeah?” Charlie ran a palm over his black buzz cut. Anna smiled at the memory of Charlie showing her a photo of himself as a teenager when he’d let his natural afro grow. Never again , he’d promised, and always kept it closely-shaven.
    Jake nodded. “But it doesn’t involve you, sorry man.” He curved his finger to Anna, drawing her to him. “I still want you for this scene, and. . .” He glanced around. “Hey, Karl! I need you here, buddy. Pronto!”
    Anna’s heart flip-flopped as Karl strode over.
    â€œSure, what’s the deal?” he asked.
    â€œI think it would be more powerful to make your ex jealous rather than simply having her longing for love again. If she sees you getting friendly with another woman, a nurse at that, she’s bound to realize she still has feelings for you.” Jake gestured for Dr. Harper’s ex to return to her starting position then took Anna by the shoulders. “Stand here and twirl your hair as Dr. Harper approaches.”
    Okay, stand, twirl hair. Right. I can do that. Except my straight-as-hell hair doesn’t twirl. Trying to command my hair is like trying to pick up a bar of soap with wet hands.
    Focus, Anna! Breathe.
    And twirl.
    Jake gave directions to Karl, and Anna hooked her finger around a slippery strand of hair. It slid from her grasp, but she persisted. Twirl, slip, twirl, slip.
    â€œAction!”
    Doctor Ex strolled down the corridor again, but Anna’s focus was on Karl, er – Dr. Harper – who, on realizing his beloved ex would soon pass by had sidled up next to her to initiate Mission Jealousy. His hand caressed her shoulder and his eyes held a fierce longing. It was all an act of course, but for this brief moment she was his and he was hers.
    â€œI’ve been waiting a long time for this,” he whispered, the warmth of his deep throaty voice erasing all memory of Charlie’s convincing performance from before.
    Anna almost whispered ‘me too,’ but it wasn’t in the script and she wouldn’t have had time, because no sooner had those words left Karl’s lips than his lips were on hers, pressing tightly; warm, moist lips, lifting and squeezing, pulling and enveloping her own. Anna’s eyes closed as she savored his delicious, spicy scent. . .
    â€œCut!”
    Karl pulled away and Anna’s face flushed as Jake’s intrusion brought her back to reality.
    â€œGreat work, Karl, but I think you should glance over your shoulder before you kiss her. When your ex is getting close, then kiss. Okay, let’s go again, people!”
    This was one scene Anna was happy to do over again. She even considered messing things up on purpose so the kiss could be repeated, but thought better of it. A crappy performance wouldn’t endear her to Karl.
    Karl repeated his line then glanced over his shoulder. On turning back he leaned forward and pressed his lips urgently to hers. A lightning bolt of bliss shot from her lips to her toes and she barely heard the director’s voice as he wrapped up the scene. Karl seemed lost in the moment too, his lips lingering.
    â€œI said ‘cut’, guys. Perfect. No need for another take.”
    Damn.
    Anna’s lips eased off Karl’s and he smiled. “Good job, Anna. I think we work well together, don’t you?”
    She nodded,