Hold On

by Arell Rivers

  After dropping them off, I head to the mansion where the video for “Prowling” is going to be shot. This is going to be epic.

  PEOPLE MILL AROUND the mansion with lighting poles, video cameras and miscellaneous other equipment. I’ve never seen most of them before. My first music video, but it won’t be my last. Hell, no.

  Keeping a low profile, I wander through the first few rooms. Each one boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and most have views of the ocean. The furnishings are ultra-modern and sleek. It’s nothing like the photo shoot for my CD cover, which was held in a warehouse. Too bad this mansion isn’t for sale.

  I wander into a room featuring a grand piano and take a seat at the keyboard. I scan the horizon, taking in the sun glinting off the waves, and begin to play a new melody that’s been kicking around in my head. After a couple of lines, I grab my trusty notebook from my back pocket and scribble down the notes.

  “There you are.” A guy in jeans walks up to me, jarring me out of the melody in my head. “Time to get you ready for the shoot.”

  I nod and follow him to wardrobe, hair and makeup. I hate makeup, but the chick applying it isn’t too hard on the eyes. While I’m getting the last bit of powder brushed onto my face, my swimsuit model co-star walks into the room in jeans and a belly shirt. God bless Russell.

  Leaving the chair, I walk over to greet the tall, wispy brunette. “Hi, I’m Cole.” I kiss her cheek. She smells vaguely of coconut.

  In a breathy voice, she says, “Nice to meet you, Cole. I’m Meghann.”

  “Ready for the video?”

  “I looked over the notes last night. Looks like we’re going to have some fun.”

  “Believe me, Meghann, this will be a shoot you’ll never forget.” Her smile causes my breath to hitch and my cock to stir. Charles Van, the director, chooses this moment to call for me. Reluctantly, I leave her to the makeup department—although she’s breathtaking au naturel—and get the directions for my scenes.

  Three hours and innumerable takes of me singing “Prowling” in various locations throughout the mansion later, I’m ready for a break.

  Charles shows me some of the raw footage. I’m stoked.

  “You’re doing a great job,” the long-haired director says. Although he’s only a few years older than me, he’s won several awards for his music videos. Now he’s directing mine. “Much better than I thought you would, honestly, with this being your first video. Why don’t you grab some food over at craft services, while we get ready for your scenes with Meghann? She should be just about ready.”

  She was in hair and makeup for three hours? What did they even do? She looked damn near perfect to begin with.

  I’m too hungry to ask. Nodding in agreement, I head in the direction he indicated. I snag a plate and start loading up. My publicist Rose is seated at a table across the room with her brown hair pulled back into its usual ponytail. Putting my plate down next to hers, I say, “Hi, Rose. Mind if I join you for a minute?”

  “Sure.” She removes her camera from the seat and hangs it from the back of her own chair, then pushes her glasses back up the bridge of her nose. Her blue eyes would be pretty if they weren’t hidden by those Coke bottles all the time. Their color almost matches today’s sky.

  Sitting down in the now-empty seat, I begin, “I wanted to thank you for your help in Phoenix. The story never hit the wires.” I begin chowing down.

  “Just doing my job.”

  Smiling around my bite of roast beef sandwich, I say, “All in a day’s work?”

  Eyes focused on her salad, she says, “Not everything you did there was a problem but it all was kept quiet, including Josh’s music lessons. That was unbelievably kind of you.”

  The mention of the kid with big dreams, so like my own, makes me smile. Her eyes meet mine and a brief frisson of energy passes between us.

  She blinks. “So, are you enjoying your first video shoot?”

  Shrugging off the odd feeling, I take another bite of my sandwich. “Yeah. I didn’t expect we’d do so many retakes for different angles, but I’m enjoying it. I’m looking forward to shooting the next scenes.” As the words leave my mouth, Meghann walks into the room. My breath catches in my throat. She’s wearing a red teddy underneath a see-through robe. Yeah, I owe Russell big time.

  Quickly shoveling the rest of the food from my plate into my mouth, I take my leave from Rose and walk over to the vision in a negligee. Damn, she has a mighty fine ass.

  “Having a good time, darlin’?”

  She nods.

  The director’s booming voice interrupts. “Cole! Meghann! Over here.”

  I take her arm and escort her over to where Charles stands. Chivalry is not dead. Especially when it allows me to get my hands on this beautiful woman.

  We’re ushered into an oversized bedroom featuring a king-sized bed fitted out with crisp, white linens. Gauzy white curtains blow in a breeze from the open windows.

  The director looks me over. “Let’s get some more powder on Cole.”

  After my touch-up, he says, “I want to start with you both on your knees in the center of the bed, kissing. Cole, I need you to take off your shirt and shoes.”

  No need to ask me twice.

  “Prowling” starts to play. As we’re taking our positions in the middle of the bed, I recognize once again that I’m one lucky bastard. “I promise to be gentle,” I whisper to Meghann before the director shouts, “Action!”

  Placing my hands on both her cheeks, I slowly draw her to me. Our lips meet in tender exploration. I rain kisses all over her face. She has the sweetest lips. “Cut!”

  “That was excellent. Now, lie down facing each other. Cole, keep your hand in her hair but don’t block the light from her.” To reinforce his instructions, he points to the lights around us and the sunlight streaming through the window to our right. He continues, “Meghann, run your fingernails up and down his chest. After that, you get on top of her, Cole, and then Meghann will quickly roll over so she’s the one on top. Got it?”

  I haven’t been given stage directions for sex since my first time back in high school, but I’m willing. Meghann seems to be, too. “And Action!”

  I keep my hand in my co-star’s silky hair. We both watch as she runs one painted fingernail down my chest. I grab her hand and bring it up to my mouth for a kiss. Then, bracing myself on my forearms, I maneuver on top of her. “Cut!”

  “Cole, your arm cast a shadow across Meghann’s forehead. Don’t lift up, simply usher her down on her back with your hand. Got it?”

  “Okay.”

  “Great. Action!”

  I repeat my previous moves, but instead of pulling myself up, I guide her onto her back. She willingly turns.

  From off camera, he continues to direct us. “Cole, move so that your torso is on top of Meghann and start kissing down her neck.” I move her thick mane and start kissing her ear, making my way down her neck. She arches up. Nice.

  “Good job. Keep going.” Keep going where? This is PG-13, right? I let my lips do the walking across her chest, careful not to dip too low. The camera guys walk around the bed in order to get a better vantage point of each of us. One camera is two feet from my head. The director circles us to make sure he’s happy with our performance. I maintain awareness of lighting. Shit, this is so not sexy.

  A little while later, after Charles calls, “Cut,” Meghann and I walk over to craft services together. Winking at my leading lady, I ask, “How are you holding up? I, for one, am not used to getting directions while I’m half naked with a beautiful woman.”

  She giggles. “I think it’s going really well. We only had to redo one scene so far.”

  “True. Let’s hope we can keep the streak going.” Although the prospect of multiple takes is somewhat enticing.

  I offer her a plate, which she fills with nothing more than a few handfuls of grapes. I put a Boston Crème doughnut on mine, and grab two bottles of water. Now that I’m back in LA, I can work this off usin
g a guest pass at Dan’s gym. Maybe even get in a few sessions with a personal trainer.

  We sit down at a tiny table off by a corner. Opening a bottle of water, I hand it to her.

  “Thanks.”

  She takes a drink, exposing the graceful column of her neck. I swallow, even though I haven’t opened my own bottle. Needing to divert my attention from my co-star’s physical perfection, I steal one of her grapes.

  She smacks my hand lightly. “You got your own food!”

  I take another grape off her plate and bring it to her lips. “Open.” Her perfect mouth opens into an “O.” I place the grape in her mouth and watch intently as she licks around it and then bites down. My cock stirs. Fuck.

  “That was hotter than anything we shot today, darlin’.” I take a huge bite of my doughnut.

  She leans forward. “You got some cream on your lip. Let me get that for you.” Her tongue traces the outline of my lip, and she sits back as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Double fuck.

  I reach for my bottle of water and chug half of it down in an effort to cool off. No use getting all worked up when we have to shoot again soon. I finish my doughnut, making a big show of wiping my mouth afterward.

  Rose walks up to us, camera over her shoulder. “Hi again, Cole. Miss Styles, I’m Rose Morgan with the Greta VonStein PR Agency.” She extends her hand to the model.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “I wanted to give you both the heads up that I’ve been taking some ‘behind the scenes’ photos to post on social media. Meghann, I’ve cleared the idea with your agency, but I’ll share the photos with your rep before I upload them and tag you. I can show you the photos, too, if you would like.”

  “Thanks for letting me know, but I don’t have to see them. My agency can handle it.”

  I chime in, “I’m good with whatever photos you choose.”

  Rose nods at both of us. “No problem. Enjoy the rest of your video shoot.”

  When my PR rep heads off, I whisper in Meghann’s ear. “Personally, I’m looking forward to what happens after the video shoot.” She smiles, her eyes bright. Yes, she’s definitely on the same page. Thank God.

  Charles sends us for a change of clothes and a makeup retouch. We meet back up in the hallway. I’m wearing black silk pajamas bottoms, with the matching shirt unbuttoned. Meghann is in a lacy black bra and thong. I will my cock not to salute.

  “Meghann, stand against the wall. Cole, toy with her bra strap, while running your other hand up and down her body.” This scene is a little too close to my favorite form of foreplay. My real-time moves are hard-wired into my DNA, so it takes real concentration for me to do as I’ve been directed…and then I’m corrected for trying too hard. We finally wrap the scene five takes later.

  “Okay, guys, let’s shoot out on the deck.”

  When Meghann and I join the crew on the balcony, I’m shocked to see the sun is setting. I check my watch. We’ve been at this for seven solid hours.

  I relish the salty smell of the ocean, which brings me back to my childhood vacations on the Jersey Shore. I remember walking on the boardwalk, trying to win a stuffed animal to impress a girl and, later, sneaking into the bars with my fake ID to try to pick them up. I’m jarred out of my reminiscing when people from wardrobe mob us, exchanging my top for a black T-shirt and urging Meghann to button up a man’s white dress shirt over her bra. Following another quick hair and makeup retouch, I sit down on the chaise lounge and Meghann nestles between my thighs, leaning back against my chest. Nice.

  The cameras roll. I trace her profile with my fingertip, careful not to hurt her with the calluses earned from years of playing guitar. And not to block her from the light. While nuzzling her neck, I unbutton her shirt. For her part, she reaches down and cups my head with her hands. The director yells “Cut,” but I don’t want to stop.

  Annoyed, I mutter, “Buzzkill.”

  “Totally,” she whispers. A thrill of excitement zips through me.

  On our way to the kitchen, I catch her trying to stifle a yawn. I’m pretty beat, too.

  Charles stops us in the hall. “Listen, guys, I think we’re going to break for today. Tomorrow, we’ll shoot the beach scenes first thing to catch the light. Then we’ll come back in to get the rest of the inside shots.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Report back here at five-thirty in the morning, Cole, for wardrobe, hair and makeup. We need you down on the beach by six-thirty, the latest.” The director pauses and looks at Meghann. “Make that four-thirty for you.”

  I change into my street clothes, and luck is on my side, because Meghann and I leave our changing rooms at the same time. “Are you interested in a late dinner?” I ask as we walk down the hallway together.

  “Thanks, Cole, but I’m beat. You heard the director. We have an early call time tomorrow. I’m going home to crash.”

  “That’s the sensible thing to do.” I stop, which causes her to stop, too. “But no one has accused me of being sensible lately.”

  Positioning her against the wall, I unleash the kiss I wanted to give her earlier, when the cameras were rolling. My tongue seeks, and receives, entrance into her mouth. Her body molds to mine, even as I push her harder against the wall.

  Panting, I pull back. Her heavy-lidded, unfocused gaze greets mine. “Sweet dreams, darlin’.” I hightail it to my car and race back to the apartment. I need an icy shower. Or two.

  AT THE ASS-CRACK of dawn the next morning, I walk into the mansion, which is buzzing with as much activity as it was yesterday despite the early hour. After a good night’s sleep, I’m eager for whatever the director throws at me. Not to mention Meghann…

  I scan the rooms, but she’s nowhere to be seen, so I head into wardrobe. Ten minutes later, I head into hair and makeup wearing a pair of board shorts and a light grey T-shirt.

  Finally released from primping hell, I wander into a small room off the deck area. It’s one of the few rooms in the mansion that hasn’t been overtaken by the crew. The arched windows, sheer light green curtains and small desk remind me of Mom’s office at home. She used to chase Dad, Jayson and me out of “her hideaway,” where she was always working on one photo album or another. The thought reminds me that I need to give her a call.

  Smiling, I walk over to one of the windows and am greeted by the scene of Meghann and the director out on the beach, shooting. No wonder she’s a swimsuit model. She’s rocking it, and not just the teeny-tiny white bikini she’s wearing. Her every movement conveys confidence. Like she’s prowling.

  How appropriate.

  “Hey, Cole. How are you liking your first video shoot?”

  Tearing my gaze away from the vision in the waves, I turn and say, “Hi, Jon.” I feign a dramatic frown, shrug my shoulders and nod toward the beach. “It’s just okay.” We both laugh and shake hands.

  “I checked the footage from yesterday. Looks good.”

  “Hard not to look amazing with Meghann in it.”

  “Yeah. The video is going to be as hot as the song. You should be wrapping up today. We’re fast-tracking this into production. I’ll call you to come in for a preview next week, before you head back out on tour.”

  “Sounds good. I can’t wait to see how it comes together.”

  From the window, we pause to enjoy the beauty that is Meghann working. Checking the clock, I interrupt our private show. “I should get down there. Are you coming?”

  Jon shakes his head. “Unfortunately not. I have to get back to the office. I already talked with Charles and checked the dailies. Everything’s on track. Enjoy the shower. See you next week.”

  He leaves without giving me a chance to ask the question on my lips—what did he mean about a shower?—and I head down to the shoot, careful to stay out of the scene. Shaking my head to jar my thoughts from Jon’s bating comment, I join the outer fringes of the crew. “Nice work, guys.”

  “She’s fabulous,” one of the guys chirps.

  I give th
e crew member the once over, taking in his highlighted hair and perfectly-pressed shorts. Too perfect for him to be straight, or so my brother would say. “How long have you been out here this morning?”

  “Oh, not that long, about an hour. We’re zipping along.” He snaps his fingers.

  Hmmm. Maybe I’ll introduce this guy to Jayson when he comes out to visit.

  My head jerks when the director calls out my name, and I join him at the shoreline. After we exchange pleasantries, Charles says, “We got a jump start with Meghann this morning. Her solo beach shots will be interspersed with the ones of you singing yesterday. I’m very pleased with how everything’s turning out.”

  I nod in agreement, but my eyes are fixed on the bikini-clad babe striding toward us. When she gets close, I grab her silky-soft hand and kiss it. “Good morning, Meghann.”

  She offers me a smile, water glistening on every square inch of her toned body.

  The director interrupts my wayward thoughts. “Meghann, you’ve done a great job. Why don’t we shoot the two of you kissing in the waves.” I like the sound of this. “Do whatever feels natural.”

  My eyebrows raise. A whole host of delightful positions that feel “natural” race through my mind. She and I share a meaningful look before I strip off my T-shirt and toss it onto a nearby beach towel. I take her hand and lead her out a few feet into the gently crashing waves.

  From the beach, a shout of “Action!” barely registers. My mind bounces from images of her legs wrapped around my hips to a fantasy about slowing stripping her out of that white bathing suit. With my teeth. My body starts to rise to the occasion, cameras be damned.

  Meghann’s throaty, sexy voice adds to my discomfort. “Please don’t get my hair wet.”

  Clearing my throat, I reply, “Sure thing.” My eyes bounce from her hair to my increasing arousal. “I promise to keep your hair dry, but that may be your only body part that won’t get wet.”

  In response, she giggles and shoves me. I push her back, lightly, causing her to squeal. Her hair floats around us as I pick her up and twirl around in the water. Coming to a stop, I lower the glistening beauty until her feet reach the sandy bottom. We kiss while the waves break around us.