The corridor was empty and silent when she stepped out. As she walked along, to avoid thinking about her recent paranoia, she speculated about the things going on behind all the doors. Editing, more hair and makeup, meetings, celebrities working on projects. She wondered which one James was in.

She turned the corner towards the canteen.

Leaning against the wall, tapping on his iPhone, was James.

He had one knee bent, the sole of his shoe flat on the wall, and his head and shoulders stooped.

Megan hesitated. What should she do?

There was no one else around, no crowd to get swallowed up by. She had to say something. She couldn’t just sneak past him.

He looked up. Saw her and swept his tongue out to lick his bottom lip.

“Hi…again…” she said.

“Good, you’re here.” He slipped his phone away and pushed away from the wall.

“You were waiting for me?”

“Yes.” He sounded very sharp and determined.

“Why?”

“We need to talk.” He reached for her hand and tugged her forward.

She followed for several paces, staring at his wide back. His shirt was a little creased, as though he’d been pressing against a chair for a few hours.

He opened a door and stepped inside, tugging her with him.

“What…?” she asked. “Where is this…?”

He shut the door.

Darkness engulfed them. She could hear him breathing. Her pulse was loud in her ears.

Suddenly a dim golden glow filled the room. The bare bulb above them spread weak light over a stack of cleaning products and mops.

“Megan,” James said, stepping close.

She backed up. Her shoulders touched a shelf stacked with toilet rolls. He was so big, looming above her. His chest so wide and his face, his gorgeous handsome face, it seemed full of angst, the angles more defined than ever.

“What do you want?” she whispered, surrounded by the scent of his cologne.

“I would have thought that was fairly obvious.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“I want you.” He cupped her jaw, his thumb resting over her cheek. “Don’t you get that, Glitter?”

Oh God, he still wanted her? Yes, he must do. That flash in his eyes, desire laced with need. The touch of his hand, possessive yet gentle.

“But I…” She looked away. “I’m sorry.”

“For disappearing on me…again?” he asked. “Or sorry you don’t want me?”

“I am sorry for leaving yesterday morning. I don’t know what got into me, it was all so fast.”

“What was?” He lowered his head. “What was fast?”

His breath was fanned over her lips, his body heat radiating onto her chest.

“Us, it all happened so fast, and I’m still.” She hesitated. “I’m just…”

“What?”

She was silent and glanced downwards.

“Tell me.” He held her face with both hands and urged her to look up at him. “You’re just what?”