Stuck On You Read online

  ‘It’s fine,’ I insist. ‘I’m just teasing you.’

  ‘Phew,’ he replies as his serious expression dissolves into something softer. ‘You had me worried there for a second. I need to keep you happy – I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’d probably lose my mind – if I haven’t already. I am about to take pictures of someone who most people believe murdered three women.’

  Right on cue there’s a knock on the door. I open it to find Mackie standing there. He’s clearly made an effort to look good and dress nicely for his big moment.

  ‘Sadie, here I am,’ he sings. ‘About to give your boss the chance to do what millions dream of – shooting me.’

  I laugh politely.

  ‘Come on in, he’s all ready for you,’ I say.

  ‘OK but, before we get started, Hunter is outside. He wants a quick word,’ he tells me, looking over my shoulder to get a look at the set.

  ‘Oh, OK, I’ll be right back, then,’ I reply.

  Sure enough Hunter is standing there, leaning back against the wall. He looks fresh out of the shower, dressed casually in sweats and a vest, but somehow he still looks fashionable.

  ‘Hello,’ I say brightly. ‘Terry said you wanted to see me.’

  ‘Yes,’ he says as he approaches me. ‘So, tomorrow is the wedding day, so everyone is having a quiet, chilled evening.’

  That makes sense. It would be too on-brand for something big to happen, resulting in something going terribly wrong the night before the wedding.

  Hunter takes me by the hands.

  ‘Do you have plans this evening?’ he asks.

  ‘No plans,’ I reply. I can’t think of a joke quick enough – something about there being nowhere to go on the fortress, that probably wouldn’t have been that funny anyway – because the second he touched my hands fear surges through my body, taking hold of every part of it.

  ‘Would you like to have dinner with me?’ he asks. ‘Ordinarily I’d love to cook for you but, with that not being an option, I thought I could order us something special from room service? But… I was going to invite you to my suite, but Angel has had a change of heart about seeing Ryan the night before the wedding, so he asked if he could crash in my room. Do you have a dining-table area in your suite? I could bring everything to you.’

  I blink as I stare at him. Is this real life?

  My relationship with my confidence is a tricky one. I'm not shy; I don’t mind speaking in front of large groups of people; meeting ‘celebrities’ doesn't faze me. I’m happy with the way I look too – I’m not perfect, but the people I meet who look perfect are always deeply flawed in other ways, so I’m pretty happy with how I’ve turned out. Where my confidence fades is when I think about how other people value me. Am I good enough for my dream job? Do I deserve to be asked out by the hottest man here? Whenever anything good happens to me, I always worry someone has made a mistake. It doesn’t make a lot of sense but these things rarely do, do they?

  ‘I do have a dining table, yes, sure, I’d love that,’ I say enthusiastically. The fact that this seems like a dream almost emboldens me. Well, if I wake up, none of this matters, and, if I don’t, guess who has a dinner date with a hunky fitness model who, as well as being gorgeous, with a dreamy accent, has a great personality too? Well, that’s if it is a date.

  ‘Great, it’s a date,’ he says. ‘I’ll let you get back to work.’

  ‘OK, sure, what time shall I see you?’

  ‘Does seven work for you?’ he asks.

  ‘Perfect,’ I reply. ‘See you then.’

  I save my enormous smile – and dorky happy dancing – for when I’m back inside the room with the door closed behind me.

  ‘Sadie, there you are,’ Damian says. ‘Ready to start?’

  He pulls a face, as if he can’t wrap his head around why I look so excited.

  ‘Yep, all ready,’ I reply.

  ‘If you’re both gentle with me, I’ll be gentle with you,’ Mackie says with a wink.

  I just need to survive this now.

  14

  The last thing I expected, when I was packing my bag to come here, was that I would need an outfit for a date. And not just any date, a date with an insanely attractive model – and one that is currently taking place in my hotel suite, on a sea fortress, in the middle of the sea. Pinch me, I’m still convinced this is all a dream. Not just because of how surreal this situation is. You could strip all that back and I would still be surprised because, I cannot stress this enough, I don’t ever get asked out on dates and, even if I did, I don’t usually have any free time anyway.

  I’m all dressed up, hovering around the door in my suite, waiting for Hunter to turn up. Usually, when I lurk excitedly behind the door like this it’s because I’m waiting for a takeaway to arrive.

  I’m nervous, because I haven’t been on a proper date in a long time, and because I’m so certain Hunter is out of my league and… oh my God! I must be wound so tightly right now because the sound of my phone ringing causes my whole body to jolt with surprise. I hurry over to the table and, even though it doesn’t say who it is, I know. It’s about the job.

  ‘Hello,’ I say, trying to sound bright and breezy but not quite masking the terror in my voice.

  ‘Hello, Sadie, it’s Robyn,’ she says.

  ‘Robyn, hello,’ I reply. ‘How are you?’

  I just need to keep things calm and casual.

  ‘I’m very well, thanks. And yourself?’

  ‘Oh, yes, I’m great,’ I reply.

  ‘Great,’ she says before pausing for a second.

  Oh, God, this is what I do when I’m dumping birds for Damian. I have this moment of hesitation where I pause to psych myself up, because I know I’m about to break someone’s heart.

  ‘I wanted to call you now, to let you know about the job, rather than leave you wondering all weekend,’ she starts. Ergh, honestly, I really would have preferred she do this on Monday, when I’ll be back in London, and it won’t be so tempting (or so easy) to throw myself into the sea. Also, I’d really rather not spend this date in tears. That wouldn’t be a good look.

  ‘OK,’ I say. Let’s get this over with…

  ‘Sadie, the job is yours if you want it,’ she blurts, finally letting the professional tone slip, just a little.

  I scream.

  ‘Oh my God!’ I reply. ‘Oh my… wow, that’s… that’s amazing!’

  So much for playing it cool.

  ‘Well, I take it from that reply this is good news, but it’s a big decision, so take the weekend to think about it. I’ll call you back on Monday and you can let me know if you’d like to accept – sound good?’

  ‘Sounds amazing,’ I reply.

  ‘OK, Sadie, have a great weekend.’

  ‘You too,’ I practically squeak back.

  I got the job. I got the job. I hoped I would, but I didn’t think that they would want me, but they do! I have until Monday to decide what to do but it’s a no-brainer, right? It’s my dream job – and I already have a fancy dinner arranged to celebrate. What a wonderful evening this is shaping up to be.

  There’s a knock at the door. I hurry back over to it and fling it open, suddenly not all that nervous. I’m just too happy.

  ‘Hi,’ Hunter says.

  He’s looking amazing, in another snappy three-piece suit – and he’s brought me flowers too.

  ‘Hello,’ I say.

  ‘These are for you,’ he says as he hands me the flowers, kissing me on the cheek.

  It’s a small, kind of strange-looking bunch – but beautiful none the less.

  ‘Wow, thank you. Where do you get flowers from, in the middle of the sea?’ I can’t help but ask.

  ‘Honestly, they’re wedding flowers,’ he admits. ‘I didn’t want to turn up empty-handed so I stole them. Don’t worry though, I only took one flower from a handful of different arrangements, so you can’t even tell anything is missing.’

  ‘That’s so thoughtful,’ I say. �
��And so sneaky!’

  ‘What can I say? I’m a bad boy,’ he jokes.

  I realise we’re still hovering in the doorway.

  ‘Sorry, come in, let’s get some food ordered,’ I say. ‘And some drinks!’

  I hope I don’t seem too eager, as I practically drag Hunter through the door, but not only am I starving, I’m suddenly a little worried about Damian spotting us together.

  We order our food and it arrives pretty much straight away – and my God, it’s good.

  I’ve gone full Italian, with mozzarella Milanese to start, pasta primavera for the main event, nicely finished off with creamy rose panna cotta. Hunter naturally went for the manliest options available to him – all heavy on the protein. For his main course he had chicken arrabbiata. It was so spicy I felt the smell of it burn my nostrils. Hunter didn’t even flinch as he ate every last bit.

  ‘So are you a vegetarian?’ he asks me as I finish my dessert.

  ‘I’m not strictly a vegetarian, but I’m trying to cut down,’ I tell him.

  ‘I get a lot of stick online from vegetarians and vegans – vegans are the worst. They come down on me pretty hard because I have to eat a lot of meat and dairy to stay in shape,’ he explains. ‘They’re all on some moral crusade. I was worried you might be the same…’

  ‘Oh.’ I feel a little taken aback. ‘No crusade, you’re not going to get a speech from me. I’m just cutting down. Everyone cutting down, even just a bit, will make a difference. At the very least it will offset all the bonus stuff you have to eat.’

  I always make terrible jokes when I’m trying to ease tension. We’ve been having such a lovely evening, I don’t want to start getting into controversial territory.

  Hunter laughs.

  ‘I guess that’s true,’ he says. ‘It’s nice to see a girl with a good appetite. I’m used to Angel and Lottie and Jo, all competing to see who can survive the longest on the least calories.’

  I suppose I should be freaking out, worrying that I ate too much in front of him, when everyone else he knows potentially has an eating disorder, but I’m not. I know that I’m fine.

  ‘I’m bulking,’ I joke.

  Hunter laughs.

  ‘I like how fun you are,’ he tells me. ‘You’re so smiley. It’s a pleasure to be around you.’

  ‘If I’m being honest, I do have an extra reason to be happy today,’ I tell him. I’m desperate to tell someone my good news.

  ‘Oh, really?’ he replies, his eyebrows shooting up.

  Ohhhh, I think he thinks I mean because I’m with him.

  ‘It’s a double good day,’ I tell him, covering all bases. ‘I got a call earlier, offering me my dream job.’

  ‘Sadie, congratulations,’ he says. He seems genuinely pleased for me. ‘I’m guessing you took it.’

  ‘They’re going to call me back on Monday, to ask if I’d like to accept it,’ I reply.

  ‘Is your mind not made up?’ he asks. ‘You don’t sound so sure.’

  Am I not sure? This is everything I want, right? There’s no time for pause now; we’re way past that stage.

  ‘I’m pretty sure I do,’ I reply. ‘Yeah. I mean, I’ll think about it, it would be stupid not to but… yeah…’

  Hunter smiles.

  ‘Shall we sit on the sofa?’ he suggests.

  ‘Sure,’ I reply. I am kind of desperate to sit on a comfortable chair, especially after all the carbs.

  As I make my way over to the two-seater sofa at the bottom of the bed, I notice my phone vibrating on the desk. I grab it, taking it with me. It’s Damian. There’s no way I’m answering it.

  ‘Do you need to take that?’ Hunter asks as he takes off his waistcoat and loosens his top shirt buttons, making himself more comfortable.

  ‘Oh, no, it’s not important,’ I say, placing it down next to me.

  We sit on the sofa, our bodies angled slightly so we’re facing each other. We’re only silent for a few seconds before Hunter starts up the conversation again.

  ‘How long did it take you to grow your hair?’ he asks. ‘I love how long it is.’

  ‘Oh, God, years. It’s always been long. My sister always tells me it’s an immature hairstyle for an adult,’ I tell him. ‘She says grown women shouldn’t need to worry about sitting on their hair. She says she lives in fear of me trapping it in a lift door or something. I think she just likes to worry.’

  ‘Well, you don’t have to worry,’ Hunter says. ‘It’s gorgeous.’

  He takes a small section of my hair in his hand and strokes it with his thumb. Right on cue my phone starts ringing again.

  Hunter drops my hair, sits up straight and clears his throat.

  ‘Do you need to get that?’ he asks.

  ‘It’s just Damian,’ I tell him.

  ‘Does he know I’m here?’ Hunter asks seriously.

  ‘No…’

  ‘Is… is something going on between the two of you?’ he says. ‘I’ve been getting a vibe.’

  ‘Oh, God, no,’ I say firmly. ‘Never. He’s my boss. He’s just kind of needy. He calls me a lot. It’s never important. In fact…’

  I switch my phone to silent.

  ‘Oh, OK, sorry,’ he says. ‘You just seem really close.’

  ‘We are but – as friends, at best,’ I tell him. ‘I am single. I am really single. Totally available.’

  Hunter laughs and relaxes again. He grabs the remote from the bed and puts some music on.

  ‘Available is good,’ he says softly. ‘Available is just what I want to hear.’

  Hunter reaches out and gently moves all of my hair to one side of my head. He takes it in his hand and twists it around before wrapping it around his fist like a rope. With me exactly where he wants me, Hunter pulls me close, bringing my lips to his. I don’t know if it’s the kiss or the spicy food he’s just eaten but it makes my lips tingle like crazy. He’s got moves, you’ve got to give him that.

  It’s been so long since I kissed anyone like this – I’m relieved I still know how to do it.

  With a swoop of one of his big strong arms Hunter has lifted me up and laid me back on the bed. Our lips lock together again as he runs his hand up my leg. Everything feels so smooth and effortless – until we’re interrupted by a banging sound. For a second we just hover in position, waiting to see if it happens again.

  ‘Sadie,’ Damian shouts as he bangs on the suite door. ‘Sadie, let me in.’

  ‘Is that Damian?’ Hunter says in disbelief.

  ‘Yes,’ I reply. It’s hard to even pretend I am surprised.

  ‘Sadie, I know you’re in there. I can hear your music. Come on, it’s an emergency,’ Damian rants.

  ‘Will he give up?’ Hunter asks.

  I wince because I don’t think he will, but it’s worth a shot.

  ‘I’ll get rid of him,’ I say as I wiggle out from under Hunter. ‘Stay there.’

  I hurry to the door, which is thankfully around the corner from the bed, and open it up just enough to speak to Damian without letting him see inside.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ I ask, skipping pleasantries.

  ‘I’ve been trying to call you,’ Damian says. He looks me up and down before narrowing his eyes. ‘Were you in bed?’

  ‘Erm… yes,’ I say, because I must look as if I was, and it’s not technically untrue.

  ‘Can I come in?’ he asks, edging towards the door.

  ‘Can this wait until morning?’ I ask. ‘Or just… later? I can’t really talk right now.’

  Damian looks taken aback. I don’t think he’s used to me saying no.

  ‘Sadie, please, I really need to talk to you,’ he says. I can see it, something in his eyes that makes me think this really is important, that he does really need to speak to me.

  ‘Just, wait here for a minute,’ I tell him. ‘I’ll be right back.’

  By the time I’m back by the bed, Hunter, who obviously heard all of that, is gathering up his things.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ I te
ll him. ‘I think something must be really wrong.’

  Hunter purses his lips and nods.

  ‘It’s always going to be something with him,’ he tells me softly. ‘He’s always going to need you for something. You want my advice? Take that job. Take it and don’t ever look back. If you don’t, he’s always going to be there, always in the background, and people like Damian – I’ve seen them before – they don’t settle down, and if they don’t, you don’t.’

  I’m momentarily stunned. I mean… is he wrong? He isn’t, is he?

  Hunter gives me a peck on the lips before heading for the door.

  ‘She’s all yours,’ I hear him tell Damian as he passes him. It isn’t long before Damian is in my suite with me.

  ‘Erm… sorry, have I interrupted something?’ he asks as he edges towards me. He clocks the plates on the table. ‘Sorry, were you having dinner?’

  ‘It’s fine, we had already finished. What’s wrong?’ I ask as I plonk myself down on the bed.

  Damian grabs a biscotti from the table before sitting down next to me.

  ‘It’s just…’ He pauses, freezing on the spot. ‘Oh my God, this bed is warm – were you having sex? With him?’

  Damian is a combination of baffled and amused.

  ‘Nope, you put a stop to that,’ I tell him, unable to hide my frustration.

  ‘Sadie Kirke, you surprise me,’ he teases. ‘I didn’t think he’d be your type. A big meathead like that. He’s so intense, and he dresses kind of weird…’

  ‘No one is asking you to sleep with him,’ I point out. It might have been nice if he’d left me to it though.

  ‘Are you actually upset?’ he asks me. ‘Because I ruined your date with Creepy Blinders? Come on, Sadie, you can do better than that.’