The Director's Cut Page 12

  “Nervous?” he asks, understanding instantly.

  I nod, too anxious to even get the words out, but pleased beyond measure to have him at my side.

  “You should be,” Callum says. “Every one of those cameramen are flesh-hungry cannibals.”

  I laugh, despite myself.

  “My first day on set,” he says, “I was so nervous, I had a stomach ache all day.”

  He gives a nod to reassure me he’s telling the truth.

  It’s hard to imagine Callum as a nervous young actor.

  “How long did it take you not to be nervous?” I venture, feeling slightly better.

  “I never stopped being nervous,” says Callum. “Every time I go on set, I’m terrified. It’s when you’re calm, that’s when you need to worry.”

  He gives my arm a squeeze. “Frightened is the best way to be,” he says. “It means you care about your acting.”

  I could hug Callum right now. He’s said exactly the right thing to make me feel better.

  Well, almost. I feel the nerves start to grow again as we enter the shouting maelstrom of crew who run past us, as though we weren’t there.

  “You’ll get used to it,” says Callum as they rush by. “We’re just puppets to them. We only start up when the cameras roll.”

  I blink in surprise. It’s a strange remark, but he’s right. That’s what it feels like. It’s like we’re ghosts.

  Then James steps towards us, and I feel my world light up.

  “Hello,” I say, trying desperately to keep the violent smile from splitting my face.

  My thoughts suddenly sweep to my absence of panties under the pencil skirt. I’d forgotten, in all the fear and excitement.

  The memory brings a little sexy thrill with it.

  “Hello, both of you,” says James. “We’re almost ready to start.”

  Something about the atmosphere of the set and the arrangement of things - it seems to have brought James to life. I have never seen him look this energised, or excited.

  He loves this.

  Suddenly, I can’t wait to be part of his work.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” I say, and I mean it.

  James reaches out an arm to help guide me out of the path of a passing cameraman. And as he does so, his hand sweeps across my behind.

  I feel him freeze momentarily, before continuing the casual movement of his arm.

  Does he know I’m not wearing panties?

  The thought makes me feel wicked and sexy all at once. I can’t say for sure that James knows what’s underneath my skirt. But the sudden tight expression on his face suggests he might.

  Maybe I’ll leave them off, I think, and surprise him later.

  The thought of being alone with him later is almost too much to bear. But I’m excited too, to be acting.

  “It’s just scenes with you and Callum and Natalie today,” James explains. And I realise the subtext of what he’s saying: “You don’t have to act with me yet.”

  I feel relieved, but also a little disappointed.

  I’d much rather find my feet on set before trying to act with James. But a memory of our intense first meeting keeps spiking up. The chemistry between us when we acted was incredible. I can’t wait to experience it again.

  James strides away, and I’m left with Callum, feeling a little as though the sun has gone in.

  “You went to drama school, right?” Callum says.

  “Yes.”

  “Then you know almost everything already,” Callum reassures me. He must have caught a glimpse of my terrified expression returning as James slid away.

  “I know all the words for everything,” I admit, “and what everyone does. But it feels so different actually being here. It’s like looking at a picture of some exotic country,” I add, “and then actually being there, in the din and chaos.”

  Callum smiles at the metaphor.

  “Don’t worry,” he says, patting my shoulder. “See those crosses there?”

  He points to two separate spots on the floor.

  I nod.

  “That’s you, that’s me,” he says. “When they yell, ‘Places!’, all you gotta do is be in that spot. After that, just deliver your lines. And we all know you can do that,” he adds with an impish smile.

  I smile back, trying to stem my heart from racing.

  “In any case, you don’t need to worry, for… Ooo… at least an hour.” Callum checks his watch exaggeratedly.

  “Why’s that?” I turn to him in confusion. “I thought James had just told us to be on set.”

  “Ah yes,” says Callum, tapping his nose. “Us lowly professionals have to be here. But you’re forgetting, there’s also Hollywood royalty in residence.”

  He gives me a knowing glance. “We’ll all have to wait for Natalie Ennis.”

  Chapter 18

  In the end, we don’t have to wait anything like an hour. But Natalie still shows up twenty minutes late, with an expression like a sulky schoolgirl. Judging from her posture and attitude, James had some serious words with her.

  Carol is trailing behind her, like a puppy. Doubtless, she’s trying to second-guess what Natalie’s next demands might be.

  “Ok,” shouts James, his deep voice booming across the square. “We’re ready to get going.”

  I let my eyes sweep over the mocked-up café front, which the set handlers have built.

  I can’t help but admire their handiwork.

  Until this morning, this part of the square was an ordinary-looking pharmacy. But they’ve built it out to look like a charming European café, complete with outdoor seating and huge glass frontages.

  In the setting of the wider square, it looks totally natural, and charmingly Spanish.

  I’m willing to bet, if we all left the set right now, more than one tourist would try and order coffee here.

  Although up close, you can see the glass is actually plastic, apart from one large pane, which is sugar-glass.

  Part of the scene is a comedy moment, in which Callum comes crashing through the café window, so this will be where he falls.

  “Extras, onto set please,” calls James.

  Even the sound of his voice makes me melt. How am I going to act with him without giving away how I feel?

  At least the script is on my side. My character is supposed to fall in love with his, after all.

  A small group of extras troop onto the set. Lorna is one of them, and she turns to give me an excited grin. She looks gorgeous, as usual.

  Her flawless model skin and even features have been enhanced with screen make-up, and she’s been dressed in jeans and a skinny tee.

  I grin back, and she takes her seat at one of the outdoor tables. A man who I recognise as David, the props handler, swoops in and begins setting out cups and coffee pots.

  Lorna is given a tall glass of orange juice and a croissant on a plate.

  I wonder how her hangover is treating her. Judging by her expression as the food and drinks are set in front of her, she’s not feeling great.

  “Cast. Places!” James voice comes loud again.

  Places.

  I freeze for a moment, and Callum helpfully shoves me towards my starting point.

  I stand hesitantly on the taped cross, trying to work out if I need to be exactly on top of it or slightly to the side.

  I look over to Callum to see he’s silently laughing at me good-naturedly, and I give him a self-pitying grin and a shrug.

  He points to the middle of the cross below his feet, and I move to stand in the centre of mine.

  Natalie walks over to her seat in the outdoor café and sits.

  The cameras swing and adjust to focus on her table.

  “Does anyone need a last minute look at scripts?” asks James. He’s moved closer to the set now.

  I’ve learned this scene so thoroughly, I could recite it in my sleep. So I shake my head. Callum also waves away the need for a script, but Natalie puts her hand up.

  “Just
give me two seconds, ok?” she calls. “I just want to double check something about where I’m sitting.”

  We wait a few beats, until Natalie has satisfied herself as to the logistics. She nods, and a crew member swoops in to relieve her of the script.

  “Ok,” says James. “Extras, just act natural. Chat. Drink coffee. Everyone ready?”

  He makes a glance around the set.

  And then it’s time for the famous words.

  “Lights!” calls James.

  A blaze of subtle lighting beams on, throwing Natalie’s features into sharp relief.

  “Cameras!”

  None of the cameras move, but I’m guessing the staff behind them are zooming in.

  “And… Action!”

  Chapter 19

  A crew member snaps a movie clapper in front of the camera, and we’re rolling.

  Natalie switches instantly from poised to natural.

  She stares into the middle distance and takes a sip from her coffee cup.

  This is my cue, and I take a deep breath, trying to force my body into calmness.

  I step away from my spot and into the range of the cameras.

  Grace is supposed to be approaching Natalie for some last minute information. So I let myself swim into what her state of mind might be.

  I stride purposely towards Natalie’s character, and I arrive at her table, setting my face to flustered.

  “Lisa,” I say in a harried tone, “did you get the documents yet?”

  Natalie looks up from her coffee and opens her mouth to reply. But suddenly, James’s voice booms out, cutting her off.

  “And cut!”

  What?

  I turn in bemusement.

  “Ok,” James strides onto set. “Just a few adjustments to make sure we’re getting things right for this first scene.”

  Wow. He really is a perfectionist. Is it going to be like this every second of each take?

  He moves towards me and moves a portion of hair away from my face.

  The contact makes my skin tingle.

  “We’re filming from this side, ok?” he says. “So we need to see your expression. Your hair is covering part of it.” He looks around.

  “Scarlett?” he calls. “Can we get you on this?”

  In a second, Scarlett is standing by my side.

  “We need this side of the face open,” he explains. “I’d like the camera to catch her frowning.”

  Scarlett dives straight in and begins adjusting my hair with her usual lack of respect for my personal space. Whilst she’s spraying and fixing, James takes a few steps over to Natalie.

  “Can we try it with Lisa looking more shocked to see Grace?” he suggests. “Let’s try for some easy-going surprise.”

  “Sure,” Natalie nods.

  Scarlett releases my head and takes a step back. James turns to assess.

  “Great, thanks Scarlett. You ok to go, Issy?”

  I nod, but I’m still feeling knocked for six by the sudden cut.

  Is this normal? If this is a regular occurrence, it’s going to be a long day.

  “Ok.” James takes a sweep around the set. “I think we’re good.”

  He turns to Scarlett, who gives him a tight nod, and steps away from my adjusted hair.

  “Places, please. Plaza scene, take two. Action!”

  Everything’s happened so quickly, that I’ve barely had time to get back to my place. I force my concentration back into character and stride towards Natalie for the second time.

  This time, we manage to get our dialogue out and get to the end of the short scene.

  “Good,” announces James, after calling cut. “Excellent. Go again please.”

  And off we go again.

  We shoot another twelve takes of the same scene, and James moves around extras, makes suggestions on how to deliver our lines, and brings in David to make prop adjustments.

  It’s hard work, but I’m enjoying it. Each scene is another chance to deliver my best. And the tiny alterations in our set, and lines, make each take surprisingly different.

  Natalie seems to be thriving, and for once she’s behaving almost professionally.

  She takes direction perfectly, without the slightest complaint. Although she does start to huff and roll her eyes once the repeat takes start to stack up.

  I’m getting into character, so I can only hope I’m delivering my lines the way James wants.

  “Ok, take a quick break,” announces James. “It’s five past eleven. Back at a quarter past please. The catering van is open.”

  Phew. This is some tough schedule. I can see why James is nicknamed ‘the hammer’.

  “Isabella,” says James, “this next scene involves some stunts. You’ve not worked with that before. I’m going to brief you during the break.”

  “Ok.” I look around to see the rest of the cast and crew and melting away, rapidly making for the catering van.

  Lorna catches my eye and winks before following the other extras, and I poke my tongue out at her.

  “Come with me.” James strides ahead of me, making for the edge of the café set. He steps neatly behind the scenery, then reaches out to help me.

  We’re going behind the set?

  “Be careful over these cables,” he murmurs, helping me over heavy lighting cables.

  And then I’m out of view, and alone with James.

  Behind the café frontage is completely different. It feels as though we’ve stepped into a theatre, with the huge wooden set panels all around.

  Now there’s just the two of us, the atmosphere changes.

  “I’m very pleased with you today, Isabella,” says James. “Your acting is every bit as good as I’d hoped.”

  “Thanks,” I reply, not quite knowing what to say.

  “But there is one matter, which we need to talk about.”

  My pulse quicken.

  “What?”

  James’s voice drops low. “You’re not wearing panties.”

  I feel my heart begin to pound.

  It’s not a question, but I answer anyway.

  “No,” I admit.

  “Then surely, you must have known there would be consequences to your actions?”

  I swallow, uncertain of how to reply.

  “You know, you look irresistible to me on camera,” he growls. “Do you have any idea what it was like to watch you for the last two hours, knowing what was underneath that skirt?”

  I shake my head.

  “Turn around,” he says quietly. “I’m going to take you here, and it’s going to be fast and rough.”

  I open my mouth to reply, but before I can get an answer out, he spins me around so his hips are pressing into my behind.

  The bare wooden panel of the nearest set wall is inches from my face.

  “Put your hands against the wall,” he commands, grabbing my wrists and setting my palms flat on the wood.

  I’m speechless with sudden lust.

  This is so hot.

  James’s hands cup my breasts, and he grinds his hips into my behind.

  “Don’t make a sound.” He slides one hand to begin hitching up my pencil skirt. “Or I’ll spank you later.”

  I suppress a moan of desire, feeling hot waves of passion cascading though me.

  James pinches a nipple hard between his thumb and forefinger, and I bite my lip to stop myself crying out.

  “You’ll need to think about your wardrobe more carefully in future,” he mutters, moving both hands to pull the skirt above where I’m already wet for him.

  “Now, open your legs.”

  I obey, moving my legs a little apart, and suddenly I feel his fingers plunge deep inside of me.

  Ahhhh. He’s so rough, it’s almost painful. But the sudden thrust of his fingers shock me with instant desire.

  He has two fingers inside of me, and I feel him work in a third, stretching me open.

  “Don’t make a sound,” he reminds me as I feel a moan of pleasure rising up.

>   His fingers slide out. There’s a ripping of foil, and faster than I would have believed possible, I feel him, hard between my upper thighs.

  Then I feel him thrust upwards, and he’s deep inside me.

  “Mmmmm.” It takes every ounce of self-control not to shout out loud, but I still can’t help myself from making a noise.

  “Shhh,” James whispers in my ear. He moves a hand to cover my mouth and puts his other hand against my stomach, pinning me towards him.

  “I’m going to fuck you hard now,” he says, his voice low.

  James’s tone is almost soothing, which makes it all the more shockingly hot when he begins to drive powerfully inside me.

  His arm holds me tight against him as he slams my body with strong, relentless thrusts. I can feel the solid muscle of his thighs powering into me.

  I stifle a moan against the palm of his hand, feeling my body taken utterly in the moment.

  Then James’s arm slides down from my waist, and his fingers are working my clitoris. His other hand is still tight against my mouth.

  I buck against him, caught between the two sensations. My body is trying to push back into him and press forwards towards his fingers at the same time.

  “Easy, Issy,” whispers James. “I’ve told you not to make any noise.”

  His hand keeps perfect contact the entire time, making fast, expert strokes.

  I feel a fluttering sensation, like butterflies between my legs, and for a moment I freeze in the midst of the unfamiliar feeling.

  Then, James pushes hard and deep into me, and there’s a sudden explosion, as though my entire body is combusting in hot, shuddering gasps.

  “Shhhh,” whispers James as I fall utterly into the pleasure of it, moaning softly under his hand.

  He thrusts into me again, creating another surge, and I feel myself collapsing into him, pulling him tighter into me.

  I feel James’s hard body take on another level of rigidity, and then he’s moving hard and fast, coming inside of me.

  “Oh Issy,” he whispers, sliding both hands to caress my breasts, “I wish more than anything I could take you somewhere now and do that to you all over again.”

  I blink back at him as he gently pulls away and turns me around to face him.

  He kisses my lips gently.

  “I’m taking you on holiday soon,” he decides with a devilish smile. “Somewhere I can have you anytime I like.”