The Innocent Desire

Chapter 3 From Reel to Real Kiss

Everything was already settled when we came out of my tent. Everyone gasped as they saw me. They are murmuring to one another about how beautiful and sexy I am. I really don't feel sexy, although a lot of people are telling me that my body is to die for. I don't even wear revealing clothes if not needed in my roles or shoots.

"So stunningly gorgeous!"

I looked in the direction of the familiar voice that had just spoken. It's him. Just hearing his voice sends butterflies to my stomach. What the hell?

"Thanks!" I still managed to answer although my heart was starting to pick up its pace.

"James, Sam, please proceed to your place now so we can start," we both turned our heads to the director and nodded.

"Good luck!" he said teasingly. I can't even answer as I know my cheeks are all red now. So, I just smiled and nodded at him.

The Scene:

Carlo: I think I won't be able to let you go. I just can't. I love you too much to let you go. He said while his eyes were already watering. Seeing him like this makes Selena's heart constrict in pain.

Selena: "But you're already engaged. There's no way your parents will allow you to be with someone like me," Selena answered him softly while she was trying hard not to let out a sob.

Carlo: "I don't love her, and I can never be happy with her. I only want you and nothing else," and he's now already crying. Damn, how can a big man like him cry like this because of pain?

Selena: "I love you too, but what can we do?" Selena asked him, crying too.

Carlo: "Just trust me, okay? I'll do anything to be freed from this f*****g arranged marriage. You're the only one I want to marry." He said softly as he caressed Selena's cheeks. Then he slowly lowered his head and without a doubt captured her lips for a passionate kiss… Selena was evidently taken aback by the kiss but she managed to wrap her arms around his neck and kissed him back. The kiss lasted for a couple of minutes.

"CUT!" why do I think the director already said cut but we're still kissing? Is it done already or was I just imagining? The moment his lips landed on mine, I had already lost all my sanity. I just followed his lead while my heart was thumping loudly. I tried to copy the movement of his lips. I even moaned when he sucked my lower lip. Then I felt his tongue seeking entrance to my mouth. I really didn't know how to deal with that, but still, I gave in. He's playing with my tongue and I was so surprised when all the people around us gave us a resounding applause. What?!

"I think they did not have any plan on stopping," someone said that everyone laughed. Now I can't even look up because I feel so shy, and my heated cheeks are not helping at all.

"Guys, look, Samantha is blushing!" someone from the crew just shouted and another round of a happy laughter erupted from the crowd. How did I let this happen? I just hope the earth can just open wide and devour me whole. Damn it!

"Hey guys stop it. Samantha is already uncomfortable. I'm sorry that I was not able to stop myself from kissing her. She kissed really good!" James butted in playfully. The audacity of this man to say that I kissed good when all I did was to follow his lead. Damn you, James Mendrada. It annoys me more because he seems to be enjoying the reactions of the people around us now.

"And oh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you director," he added while a big smile is plastered all over his handsome face. Another round of excited applause was made because of what he said. And there I was, still, standing in a daze. What just happened?

"Are you okay, Samantha?" the director asked me. I could see a worried look in his eyes. I don't even remember when he got here.

"Ehem…" I tried to remove a lump in my throat, "I'm okay, Mr. Mendez. I'm sorry." What are you sorry for Sam? I mentally scolded myself.

"You seemed to be so immersed with your characters huh? I can't even believe that it came out really nice for the first take." The director praised us. If only he knew how chaotic my mind is now.

"Thank you, Paul. It's really nice to work with a talented actor like Ms. Samantha Paige." James answered with a meaningful look in his eyes. Our director is Mr. Paul Mendez, a multi-award winning director of Science Fiction and Romantic movies. All his movies won different awards at the Oscars and other prestigious award-giving bodies. At the age of 45, he had already produced a number of best actors and actresses as well as supporting roles. This is actually my first time working with him and this movie that we're working on now is the biggest and most anticipated film of the year. Everything was chosen carefully by the director. The casting, outfits, props and even locations and teams to work on this project were the best in their field.

"It's because you're really good too that you made the atmosphere really comfortable to work on," I replied honestly. Although my heart kept on racing the whole time, I can't deny the fact that I feel comfortable working with him. There was a rumor that he's rude and cold in dealing with everyone, but I honestly didn't feel anything like that when I was with him. Or maybe he's thinking that I am not someone to be offended by because of my background? Well, his background is not inferior to yours too, my mind reminded me.

"That's really good to hear that both lead actors get along well. Let's wrap up for now. See you all again in three days for the next shooting day. Goodbye!" he said to everyone. I was about to go back to my tent when James suddenly spoke. "Are you free tonight?" I was literally surprised with that.

"Why are you asking?" I replied cautiously. There's no emotion in his eyes now, so I can't tell what he's up to.

"Maybe I just want to celebrate a successful day. What do you think? You owe me something for this success, right?" There he goes again, back to his playful smirk. But I guess he's right. Well, it's not that bad to have dinner with him, right?

"Sure," I finally said. Did I just see a glimmer of hope in his eyes? I don't know.

"I'll pick you up at 8. Will that be okay?" he asked smiling.

"Alright, but do you know where I'm staying?" Of course, if he wants to pick me up, he needs to know where I am right?

"You're staying at Hamilton, am I right?" he replied nonchalantly.

"Y-yeah… but how did you know?" My god Sam, is it really hard to find where you're staying? This is a highly influential person, James Mendrada. With his connections, getting such information is just a click away.

He chuckled as he answered, "It's a piece of cake." See? told yah!

I didn't have time to argue anymore, so I just sighed and nodded approvingly. He also asked for my number before he finally let me go. When I asked why, he just answered, he might need to call me. Great. Just great, I told myself, still confused by everything that's happening.

After we took everything from our tent, we headed immediately to my van and drove to the hotel. It's just 5 in the afternoon so I still have enough time to prepare for that dinner. I was planning on visiting my parents tonight, but I had to cancel because of this dinner.

As soon as I arrived at my hotel room, I went straight to the closet and tried to find a suitable dress for tonight. He just said we'll have dinner, he did not mention where. Damn. I'm sure he won't take me to a crowded place, right? And as if that's possible.

When I went to the kitchen to get water to drink, I saw my PA talking to someone on the phone while my two bodyguards were having their snack on the couch. They smiled and nodded politely at me and I smiled back at them. And then I remember tonight. Will they come with me too? Urgh, I think I don't have much choice, or else Aunt Angie will come, ruining everything for me. Well, at least they're so good at distancing themselves that they are almost not noticeable, which I'm grateful for them.

I went back to my room and took my phone from my bag. I want to spend some time with my social media accounts. But I was shocked as I saw how James and I are trending on all the entertainment sites. The damn longer-than-expected kissing scene has made different headlines and is now causing an internet buzz everywhere. My heart is racing so fast again as I decided to go on Twitter and read some comments there.

"I still can't get over with this tandem. They are so good together!"

"I know right, I hope they just end up together. I feel like they're a match made in Heaven."

"Don't be too excited about this, I think they did that on purpose for the promo of their upcoming film."

"Go James and Samantha! You're the best couple for me. I really can't wait for this movie to be out soon."

"I heard this film is really good and star-studded, I'll definitely watch out for this"

I sighed hard and stopped reading the other comments and just put my phone on the 6:30 alarm. I'll try to take a nap because I felt so drained from everything that happened.