Lilah stood off to the side of the curtain, hiding half behind it as to remain hidden but still catch a glimpse of him on stage. Volunteering to work back stage during the performance had proved to be the second best thing to getting a role. While she’d coveted the opportunity to be the leading lady in this production, the director had required a woman of stronger acting prestige to be able to balance the star power of the leading man.

She sighed as she watched him take the heroine in his arms and profess his love for her. The pounding of her heart echoed in her ears. Being in his arms would be as close to heaven as she could imagine. Well, the fantasy proved quite lovely, the reality might not be nearly as glamorous. He was only a man, even though he was famous. The director halted rehearsal and gave his instruction to the actors on stage. Lilah took the opportunity to slip off to the other side of the stage and get her bottle of water.

Two more nights of rehearsal and opening night would be upon them. Although she would only be in black behind the curtains, her stomach flipped with nervous apprehension. Don’t fuck this up.

The director called for the next scene and everyone shifted positions to prepare. Several of the actors stepped around her, including him. Tom. Her heart pounded as he stopped just behind her. She could hear him mumbling his lines under his breath. Then she felt he soft press of his hand against her arm.

“Sorry to bother you, but would you mind doing me a favor?” His whispered question brushed against her ear sending a shiver of need coursing through her.

“Absolutely,” Lilah murmured as she turned toward him. Even in the darkness backstage, she could see the curves of his face and the smile on his lips. “What do you need?”

“Just stand there for a moment.” He mumbled the lines I’d just heard him recite on stage to the heroine. As he said the words, he pulled Lilah close with one hand, his other cupping the back of her neck, allowing her to rest her head as he tilted her face up to his.

Lilah stared up at him, her mouth agape, the heat from his hands sinking into her skin, every touch branding her. How many times had she pictured herself in this scene, in his embrace? Too many, which more often than not left her with an ache so deep nothing could relieve it.

As her mind tried to process what was happening, he dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers. He’s kissing me…her mind screamed. His grip tightened as he deepened the kiss. The soft kiss blossomed into a passionate exchange. He tasted her, his skilled mouth and clever tongue teasing her. She responded by burying her hands in his hair and returning the kiss with fervor.

A gentle cough sounded behind Tom. Lilah broke away from him and turned her back without even glancing at the person who’d interrupted them. The soft exchange of conversation behind her barely registered as Lilah forced herself to remain calm.

The soft pressure of his hand on her arm returned, but instead of turning her, he merely leaned down and whispered in her ear. “My apologies, I’d been wanting to do that since I saw you at auditions.” Before she could respond, he pressed his lips to her cheek. “If you’d like to continue…please meet me after rehearsal tonight.”

 

I’ve always had a fascination with the theatre: the production, the process, and behind the scenes stuff. I guess you could say I have quite a few fantasies I’d like to act out in such an environment. Ehehehe. I’m bad, I know. Anyway, what do you think of today’s teaser? Comments are welcome.

❤