Keep To The Script (Complete)

~ Chapter 41 ~

"I can't tell you how honored I am." His fingers moved to the back of her hair and brought her down, so her lips met his. It wasn't their first kiss, of course, but hell if it sure felt like it. The sparks sent her soul spiraling, and she knew she didn't want to share this with anyone else ever again. He might not have said the words, but she knew she was falling in love with him. And that both scared her and thrilled her.

With a groan, she broke the kiss, pulling back to stare at him. God, she wanted more of this man, and there was no spot she could take him to do that. Other than renting a hotel room. Because she sure as fuck wasn't going to sleep with this man in her parent's house.

"Damn," she muttered, causing him to lift a brow.

"What?"

"I'm trying to figure out where to take you." She bent down, placing kisses along his jaw and down his neck.

"Take me...where?"

"I need to have you," she whined, nipping at his skin and he chuckled, gently pushing her back.

"Isn't there a hotel not too far from here? I'm more than happy to rent a room. However, I'm sure your family will figure out why. Maybe they will be kind enough to leave the house for a bit?" She shook her head, finally moving to get up.

"Doubtful. But let's get home so I can log on and see if I can book the room."

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Judith waved to her parents as they entered the house and ran upstairs. She didn't care what they thought, honestly. She just wanted alone time with her boyfriend. Judith sat her purse down and then sat on the bed, grabbing her laptop.

"I'm running to the bathroom, let me know what you find," he told her, kissing her softly.

"Sure." She grinned at him as she logged in, her mouse opening her internet. Waiting a moment for her home screen to kick in, she noticed the icon for her email.

Wondering if it was her editor with the new timeline, she opened her email, frowning as she saw one from a Jill McFadden. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't place where she heard it. What was even more odd was there was a number by the subject, letting her know that this email had responses, and that scared her. The subject line was one word; 'sales'. With a deep breath, Judith clicked on it,

"Dear Judith," she mumbled to herself, her heart rate picking up. "I know you're on vacation with your boyfriend, and while that is sweet, it's not doing anyone any favors. You see, photos have arisen of you two kissing. Which has now made the internet question the relationship with Molly. As a businesswoman, you can understand and how this looks to everyone else. In fact, the sales have showcased a decline since the pictures have gone online. It's not a huge hit, but it's sufficient for me to step in.

"As a major contributor to this film, and as someone who believes in you and your work, I need you to split with Angel until this project is done and complete, which I will let you know when that is. The public does not want to see the young, sexy, leading male of this prestigious, and expensive project, out with a less appealing, older female. They want to believe in the love that is displayed on screen. They want Angel and Molly. I've attached the spreadsheet if you don't believe me, and I've CCed your editor here, who would agree with me no doubt.

"I'd love to work with you on another novel, for I do enjoy your writing. But I also know this business and how it works. Please understand I don't want to sound heartless, and this is only for a little while. Thank you for your patience and all the best. Jill McFadden." Judith paused and took a deep breath, not quite grasping what the fuck she just read. Was the studio now stepping into her world, demanding she stop seeing Angel?

"You've got to be kidding me? Can they really do this?" Judith closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. She wanted nothing more than to send a big 'fuck you' back to Jill, but something told her that wasn't wise. So, with another breath, she scrolled through the rest of the email, which contained a response from her editor. Basically, it stated that her editor agreed with Jill and that it was too important of a project, and that for the time, she did need to end things.

Not that she thought that was fair. Neither had threatened to fire her or were stopping their work with her, but there was an underlying vibe throughout. Stop seeing him or we'll stop working with you. But Judith loved Angel. Was this what it had come down to? Was it the fucking Hollywood world tearing them apart rather than her own feelings? Was the lights, glam, and dollar signs worth her happiness?

She struggled to breathe, the tears rushing down her eyes. But she couldn't just think of her happiness. Angel helped his family. They didn't rely on him, but he still supported them. She couldn't afford to taint him, or them, with this. No, this was on her. This time, she would have to shatter not just his heart, but her own. And pray, that after all was said and done, he would forgive her. But she had no clue what she would do if he didn't, because this man had become her world.