Awakening to You...in LA (Awakening Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  “I have to go meet my team this morning. We need to get schedules set up. It’s really happening.” A smile spread across my face.

  “Excited?”

  “Yes… except for the fact that I will also have to meet Mr. Model Maker.”

  “Maybe it won’t be so bad. You might be pleasantly surprised.”

  I shrugged at his words. “Let’s hope.” Standing, I walked over to a copper farm-sink, placed my cup in it, then returned to the nook. Leaning over, I placed a chaste kiss on his lips then walked to my bathroom.

  After taking a brisk shower, I pulled on a tank top, maxi skirt, sandals, and went to find Drake still in the kitchen. “What do you have planned for the day?” I asked.

  “I have a few errands. Some important meetings.”

  “Will I see you later… maybe lunch… dinner?”

  “Not sure. Let’s play it by ear.” I hated the short answers. Why was he avoiding eye contact with me?

  I decided to put myself out there. “I’m going to miss you.” Thankfully, that got him to lift his gaze.

  “You will be on my mind all day.” My heart thumped loudly in my ears. Could he hear it too?

  “I rather be on you,” I said, straddling his lap.

  His strong hands promptly cupped my ass. “No panties. Sofie, put panties on!” I laughed, then captured his mouth, biting, and licking his lips.

  Grinding my hips against his firm bulge, I encouraged him to connect us. Lifting up, he unzipped his pants, freeing his hard length. Grinning, I pulled skirt up around my waist then impaled myself on him with a moan. Leaning our foreheads together, we watched our bodies moving in a perfect rhythm. What a beautiful view; his cock slipping in and out of me. I hated when we finished. I loved the amazing orgasm. I hated the disconnect. I hated the goodbye kiss in the driveway even more.

  Maneuvering my car out of the garage and down the driveway, I waved to Drake. My chest instantly tightened at the thought of leaving. I needed more time with him. I definitely wasn’t ready to be separated. Truth be told, I never wanted to be apart again. Get it together, Sofie, you have a big job starting today, I silently told myself.

  Driving through the gates of a nearby studio, I parked next to a soundstage on the backlot, grabbed my handbag, and walked in to meet my crew. Introductions were made as everyone arrived. Listening to ideas and designs about everything from costumes to soundstage settings to location photos and more, I couldn’t wait to get started. The morning passed rather quickly. It was already lunchtime. Damn! I hadn’t called Drake. I hoped he was also busy, as I texted him to let him know lunch was out.

  Just as I was having lunch delivered, David popped in. Kissing me on the cheek, he asked, “How’s it going?”

  “Pretty good. Everything looks great!” I was excited. I couldn’t stop smiling. I pulled him around the space to get a closer look. “Let me introduce you to everyone. Check out their designs.” Little by little, David made his way around the room, looking over designs, chatting a bit with each designer. Watching the interactions, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man bringing in a couple of large leather portfolio cases. Then another man joined him as he began pulling out design boards. Great, the man who was assigned to my team. I sighed, then started to make my way across the room but stopped suddenly as the second man turned to face me. I smiled as Drake came into view. What the hell? I didn’t tell him where I was going. Maybe David told him where to find me.

  Walking toward him with a puzzled look on my face, I heard the man arranging the drawings address Drake. “Mr. Blaxton, here are your designs. The models will be delivered tomorrow to the studio.” What? What the hell? I thought, looking between the two men, as I tried to get my head around what I was seeing… what I was hearing.

  “Surprise!” David said over my shoulder. “Hope you like your new crew member. Don’t worry, I’m going to waive my no fraternizing policy between employees.”

  “Ha! That’s a laugh. This is a movie set. I doubt you can ever enforce that,” I said still looking at Mr. Model Maker. I couldn’t make myself move forward toward Drake. I was speechless. I didn’t want to talk about this or to him. I was unsure about my feelings. I was confused. Was I mad? Was I happy? I wasn’t sure. I had no choice in the matter. He was handpicked. I would have to make this work. This made me think about how I would move forward as if he was just another team player rather than my… my what? I thought he was only here for a few days… maybe a week. Not six months to a year for filming and post production.

  David must’ve realized the tenseness I was feeling. He began to rub my shoulders as he guided me to Drake’s work; design boards, blueprints, and a laptop, displaying various three-dimensional models. “Look at his work, Sof, it is brilliant.”

  He was right. The drawings were stunning. I knew he was talented, but these were amazing. He had stepped into a new realm, and succeeded. I didn’t know how to communicate to him. All I could do was nod my head. I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t mean to be rude, but speaking to him wasn’t an option at this point. I had so many questions. Instead, I addressed the team as a whole, said a few encouraging words, then spent the rest of the day acting as normal as possible.

  At the end of the day, everyone packed up their items and said their goodbyes. Drake and I had not spoken more than what was necessary until we made our way to the parking lot. He walked along side of me to my car. It felt awkward. We had never had a situation like this. I didn’t like it. We needed to get through this. We would get through it.

  Reaching my car, I unlocked and opened the door, then tossed my bag across to the passenger seat before I turned to him. I was ready for answers. Leaning back against my car, I folded my arms, looking him directly in the face. “Why?”

  Scrubbing his hands over his stubbled chin, locking his fingers together, pinching his lower lip with his index fingers, he looked intently at me for several seconds before speaking. “I wanted to be with you, Sofie. I volunteered when you were working in our library. You didn’t take me seriously. Hell, I didn’t take myself seriously, but I hated that you left. God, I missed you. I moped around. My father told me to step up my game. I called Dave asking him to help me out. He told me what I would need to do. Told me what to design. I worked like a mad man day and night. Emailed him files daily. He passed them on to the producers. He said they were impressed; I was in. All that was left, was telling you. I prayed that you wouldn’t be mad that I went behind your back. The night you texted me that you were too mad to talk, I thought, God, help me, don’t let this ruin things between us. I had to move forward. I had to convince you, if need be. Bottom line, I did it to be with you, Sofie. I ached without you. I hate every part of Boston without you.” I was stunned… shocked. I just stared at him. “Please say something,” he said, reaching out his hands to my arms. His lavender eyes searched mine. What were they looking for? Forgiveness… understanding?

  I should be thrilled he would do anything to be with me, but I knew they picked him first. They only wanted me… with him. “You had the gig before me. You would’ve worked with another designer.”

  “No. I told Dave I would only be willing to come on board if you were my boss. He said he loved your work. The producers loved your work. I was just another team member. He called me after he told you. He told me I needed to tell you. I should’ve told you. I was scared. I thought telling you in person would be better. Surprising you may not have been the right way, but I took a chance… Do you want to fire me, boss?”

  I laughed, dropping my arms from my chest. “You like the idea of me being your boss… in charge of you?” I grinned up at him.

  “On the set, yes. In all other areas, definitely not,” he said pulling me away from my car, into his arms. “Are we good?”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck. “We’re good,” I answered before he crushed his mouth to mine, briefly.

  Hugging me tight, he kissed my forehead. “Let’s go home. I feel the need to dominate my boss.”
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  Chapter Six

  Drake

  Thankfully, Sofie took to me being on her team better than I anticipated. I was happy everything was out in the open. I loved that she was conversing with me, even asking me questions about the project we were now submerged in daily. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Her visions for the film were incredible. She made working a pleasure . . . in more ways than one. Besides learning about her professional life, she was finally letting me in.

  Day and night we were together; working and playing. Being on other side of the camera was fascinating… better than being filmed. It was amazing to watch how the animators and special effects team took my drawings, (both third-dimensional computer and one-dimensional hand renderings), along with my models, and put them into motion. But the greatest excitement of all for me, was in Sofie’s face… her beautiful face. She was so passionate about every aspect of the designing process. She was so good with the team. Such a great listener. She knew just how to handle people. She was so diplomatic when she was less than thrilled with an opinion… an idea. It was bizarre to hear her talk about me and my work like we were nothing more than co-workers. I guess we were co-workers! However, when we were away from the crew, we were definitely more… much more. She was no longer the boss… definitely, not in control… not by a long shot.

  I loved our daily routine. However, some mornings were painful; watching Sofie meditate and do yoga moves in her back garden while I ran on treadmill in her gym room. Some days, I could handle her downward dog, others, I abandoned running to join her in a series of our own creative poses. Our workouts were usually followed by showers, in which, we conserved water. There always seems to be a drought in California. We did our best to help the state. After clean-up time, we enjoyed a light breakfast and coffee. If we weren’t on location, we often worked, at side-by-side drafting tables, in a studio in the back of Sofie’s property. Yes, the tables were also convenient for extracurricular activities. Hard to be around my girl and not partake in her body. Lunchtime, we often packed our infamous picnic basket and headed for one of the many parks that were close to her house, or in the privacy of her backyard. That might have been my personal favorite locale. I think anyone could figure out why. If we had nothing crucial on our schedule, we made our way to Zuma Beach. Most nights we spent at home, grilling, and eating outdoors. Her jacuzzi surrounded by a teakwood-deck, which sat just to the side of her studio, was a nice way to relax and unwind after a long day.

  One night, sitting in the spa, looking at house, I wondered why Sofie bought it. Taking a sip from my glass of Pinard Bordeaux, I commented with great apprehension, “This place doesn’t reflect you… or your personality at all.” I didn’t want to insult her.

  Fortunately, she laughed. “I know. Although, I do love many things about it. You’re right, though. It seems lonely… foreign… resort-ish. It’s not real. Your house is real. A real place to live… for a family. Mine is for a single person. I love your townhouse. It’s warm. Inviting.” She sighed, “Mine is impersonal… like a spa…” Her voice seemed sad. I didn’t mean to make her sad.

  When I first arrived at her house, I was surprised. I knew she lived in a California bungalow, but I envisioned it would be a cozy cottage, more craftsman-style than Balinese. Neutral colors flowed throughout with some chartreuse green and copper accents. All cabinetry was teakwood. Most of the furniture was made of bamboo. In her master bedroom, she had a dark wood, four-poster bed-frame, draped with white mosquito netting. Everything perfect for a tropical getaway. Nothing like the architecture she had told me that she adored.

  “I like your home, Sofie… but I do love you in our home in Boston.” She smiled, snuggled into me, and whispered, a “thank you,” before climbing onto my lap. Sofie riding me in the jacuzzi made me forget all about missing the season changes back home. If I was with her, I could endure the perpetual summer of California and enjoy our intimate life together outdoors.

  However wonderful most of our time together was, there were also some unfortunate moments in our routine. Too many lately, where I had to share her. Tonight was one of those that I wasn’t looking forward to; attending an industry party. After seeing what Sofie was wearing, I really didn’t want to go. Sitting on the bed, slipping on my shoes, a lovely vision in red caught my eye. Painted red lips matched the slinky, body skimming fabric that enhanced every delicious curve. That dress was made to be ripped off—plain and simple. Watching her, my slacks were suddenly becoming extremely uncomfortable as she walked to me, ever so slowly. She knew the dress screamed, “Fuck me!” She was playing it up. I, however, knew how to put an end to her game which made us late to the event.

  Driving up a steep driveway in the Hollywood Hills, our driver deposited us on the doorstep of one of our film’s producers. The money-contributor was happy with the way the production was moving along; on-time and on-budget. Opening his house for the evening, it was a thank you of sorts, along with a charity fundraiser. Seemed like every party these days had to be associated with an underlying cause. Besides the celebration, tonight, a new cinematographer was being introduced to the cast. Unfortunately, last week the original guy on the team had a heart attack. Thankfully, he did not die, but he was definitely out of commission for rest of the filming. There were a couple guys in the running. Tonight, we would all be privy to the big decision.

  Entering the modern, glass house, we were greeted with a stunning panoramic view of city lights thanks to a crystal clear, star-filled night. I have to say I preferred the twinkling stars in the sky to the ones milling about the party; real ones and wannabes. Walking around, I remembered what I hated so much about the Hollywood crowd. In this town, I could count my real friends on one hand… maybe one and a half. We were surrounded by: the cut throats, the fakes, the greedy, the backstabbers, the whores (male and female); all in search of fame. I disliked these gatherings just as much, years ago, but I was here for Sofie. She had a leading role in the project. I would never leave her completely alone with these vultures. I looked forward to the moment she said, “It’s a wrap.”

  In the meanwhile, we busied ourselves, sucking down free-flowing glasses of champagne and savoring some wonderful, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres while socializing. To be fair, I can’t say that I despised everyone at the party. There were a few cast and crew members that I liked. I can say, I actually enjoyed the beginning of the evening. That is, up until the big announcement, and then the party took a big turn for me. Going from bad to worse. We couldn’t leave fast enough.

  It started with Dave tapping a piece of silverware to his champagne glass, drawing everyone’s attention. The man of the hour; a scruffy, stubbled, pretty-boy-face guy with long, never-been brushed looking, dirty-blond hair walked up to stand beside Dave. He was dressed in baggy pants, short-sleeved button down Tommy Bahama style shirt, and flip flop sandals. You would swear he just stepped off the beach. Beach bum would best describe him. Looking closer, I then recognized him at once. Blaine Keegan. I hadn’t seen him in years. I hoped he had changed… matured. I hoped the asshole was over his petty behavior. I didn’t need shit with him, again. No history repeating itself, please! I wore a phony smile, like the rest of the crowd, as Dave pointed him in my direction.

  “You remember Drake,” I heard Dave say.

  Reaching out, I shook his hand while my other arm remained tightly around my Sofie. “Yes, Blaine, how’ve you been?”

  “Good… better now.” I watched the way Blaine eyed my girl with his answer. I would have to keep an eye on him. Some people never changed. I was sure he was one of them. I was happy when Dave whisked him off in the opposite direction.

  One shitty moment down, but it was quickly followed by another when one of the producers called to Sofie to join them. Placing a chaste kiss on my lips, promising to be right back, she strolled out of my grasp. Watching her smile as people were introduced to her brought a smile to my face. A warmth to my heart. I hoped she realized who was blowing sunshine up her ass… mmm
m… her fine ass. Keeping an eye on her, I found myself swarmed by a couple, barely clothed, big-boobed starlets. They were incredibly gorgeous with their perfectly enhance bodies, but I preferred Sofie’s naturally beautiful body. I loved all of her real parts. These women were looking for a meal ticket… a good time. You could spot them a mile away, it was as if neon lit signs pointed to them groupies… casting couch cunts. Not my cup of tea. Yes, I fucked one or two back in my early film days, before I knew better. I was young with a stiff cock that had no conscious; it pointed the way without regard to my head or heart. Now, my heart belonged to only Sofie. I needed to find her.

  They were not giving up. They were coming on strong, pawing at me. “Sorry girls, not going to happen,” I said to their suggested threesome offer.

  “Well, maybe we will have a scene with you. We heard you will be acting in the film.” I hadn’t even agreed to the part offered to me. How did they know?

  “Yeah, maybe we could add a sex scene,” the other one said licking her lips. I just shook my head. I was so not interested.

  “If you change your mind…” Stopping mid-sentence, she pointed a finger with a smirk on her heavily made-up face. “Oh, looks like your playmate is finding her own fun.” I followed her extended, long nail to where Blaine had his hand on the small of Sofie’s back.

  “Definitely not,” I said trying push away from the double-trouble, plastic dolls to get my girl, but I quickly lost sight of Sofie.

  Looking for her, I became more aware of the sex and drugs available tonight, they were everywhere. I was sure that some of the scantily clad women, sashaying around, were on the payroll, ready to entertain at the wink of an eye. I also witnessed a multitude of sly hand exchanges to know; say the word and drugs could be placed in your palm. A little more discreet then the old days, but it was obvious they were present. I stuck with alcohol as my drug of choice.