'Pregnancy is the happiest excuse for feeling like crap.'
I twirl the last piece of hair around the wand. The heat burning it into place. When I take it out perfect curls frame my heart shaped face. I'd decided to leave my hair loose today. The curls were meant to just make it look fancy. I always hated getting dressed up for these BAFTA nights. Taking one final look in the mirror at myself before leaving my hotel room. The emerald green dress flowing behind me. The diamond necklace shining under the hotel lights.
Stepping out of the car the cameras flashed. Bright bulbs piercing my eyes. This was the reason I hated all of this. Too showy.
A common girl from Belfast wasn't used to all this attention. I had just finished working on a few film and TV shows. Working as a freelance Graphic Designer didn't always pay well but when you got a break such as working on a film or show, that always helped.
I walked towards the large wooden doors of the Royal Festival Hall. I had only been in London two days before the BAFTA night so I only had a short time to get everything ready for my first big night. Probably the biggest night of my career so far.
The doors opened revealing a large hall. Red curtains hung loose beside the stage. The chairs looked really comfortable. The red cushions highlighting the room. The walls were a light wooden effect while the dark carpet was a good contrast in the rather bright room. The fresh flower smell radiated from the large bouquets at each side of the stage. The room was light, almost welcoming in it's large size. I thought maybe I could relax here. The atmosphere seemed nice as more people started to take their seats.
I sat near the back. I wasn't as important as some of the big named stars. I was just the Graphic Designer for Luther. It was a big show but the people behind the scenes never really get applauded for all their hard work.. me included. To be asked to attend tonight was a big deal, not just for me but for the rest of the crew who I had worked with the past few years. I was going to enjoy tonight.. one way or another.
I curled further into my chair as the room cheered when the host finally left the stage. Well that was boring. At least I got to go but come on.. I was just hoping the after party was more fun.
I stood with a drink in my hand surveying the room. Many famous TV and film stars passed me. Some very beautiful men and women in this room tonight. The Grosvenor House Hotel was the main venue for the after party. It was a really beautiful hotel, the decorations were modern and fancy.
Turning I bumped into a familiar face. Mr Aidan Turner. His well fitted suit highlighting his toned figure. I couldn't help the heat that rose in my cheeks when he smiled at me. His straight white teeth shining in the dull lighting.
"I'm so sorry.. I should have been watching where I was going." I stuttered, my hand going to cover my mouth.
"It's no problem.. what's your name?" His Dublin accent shining through.
"Isabella.. you can just call me Bella." My voice low, almost a whisper as my heart races.
"A fellow Irish woman well Northern Irish woman." His stretches his hand out. "Aidan Turner, it's a pleasure meeting you Bella!" My name like honey on his lips.
I meet his hand. "And you." A spark of electric running through me. "I'm from Belfast, a Graphic Designer for the Luther TV show."
His hand leaves mine. A small smirk playing on his lips. "Ah my rival. Well if you ever need a change of career, I'm sure Poldark could use a beautiful woman like you in it's life." He leans against the bar using one arm. The other holding a small glass. "Actually scrap Poldark.. I could use a beautiful woman like you in my life!"
My cheeks flare again. I'm pretty sure the red is obvious to everyone in the room by now. "I'm not that beautiful.. have you seen the rest of the ro-"
He interrupts me. "They aren't you though. Have you seen yourself Bella?"
A shake of my head causes him to smile. I quickly change the subject. "Anyway, congratulations on losing best actor." I laugh when he does. A sweet laugh escaping him as his eyes close briefly.
"Thanks, I never thought I would actually enjoy a line like that as much as I just have."
I laugh at his ability to cheer me up on this boring night. I find myself admiring him. He is attractive. Brown hair cut short, small curls still visible framing his face. I had only watched Poldark once but I have to say the short hair looks far more attractive on him. His brown eyes and tanned skin glisten under the romantic lighting. His black well fitted suit a dull contrast to his bright white shirt.
Snapping my head up when I realise what I'm doing I meet his brown eyes. They stare at me intently as if asking what I'm doing without saying the actual words. I admit to myself that I was mentally undressing him.
"Sorry.. I'm sure your girlfriend will be wondering where you are Aidan?" I finally manage to say.
He shakes his head with a small smile gracing his face. "I have no girlfriend.. you with anyone tonight?" I can tell he notices my eyes widen. "Sorry that was too forward."
"No no.. I don't have anyone!" I shake my head profusely. Smiling as he does.
After a moment of silence he finally confesses. "That's odd, a beautiful young woman like yourself is single."
"I could say the same about you!" I whisper, my lips close to his ear before I pull away. "Apart from the woman part." I laugh when I realise what I just said. My cheeks heating up again. Aidan's face slightly pink too.
We go back to our normal routine. The silence growing.. as is the tension. Aidan breaks the silence. "What are you doing later tonight Bella?" His voice low, almost seductive causing my green eyes to snap up to his face.
"Erm.. I don't know." I end up stuttering the words out.
"You could come back to mine.. you know if you wanted?"
"S-sure.. where are you staying?"
"You'll see." His curt response and a wink causing me to blush again. I seriously must look like a tomato right now.
I take his arm as he leads me outside. The rain hits the ground hard. We stand under a small sheltered area as we wait for his driver to arrive. I can hear him on the phone next to me but I'm too busy listening to the rain around us. I have always loved rain. The sound as it hits various things relaxes me. The cars drive slowly past the large hotel. It isn't as busy as I thought it would be for the heart of London. The smell of expensive perfume and aftershave floats through the air as the bright street lights illuminate us in a white glow.
"He should be arriving any minute." He whispers, his hot breath hitting my neck. Leaving goosebumps in it's wake.
Again we stand, silent, waiting, wanting. The tension grows the longer I hold his arm. It's almost like waiting for your name to be called out in a huge awards show. Ironic really.
A black Jeep pulls up. It's large size almost intimidating if you weren't used to this kind of travel. A small grey haired man stepped out, opening the door for me.
I could hear Aidan speak to him as I hopped in. The leather seats molding to my shape. "Thanks Den, we're going to mine!"
When the cars begins to move I look out the window. The wet streets shining under the bright street lights. The glow of the moon high in the clear sky. Some people were running, others were walking. Couples and families laughed as they hurried home. The smell of leather was strong. The feel of it comforting around my body. Aidan places a hand on my knee.
I turn to smile at him. A grin appearing on his face. "Where is your place?" I ask, the streets becoming familiar again. My hotel was at the end.
"You'll see." He whispers, that silly but somehow arousing grin appearing on his face again.
We arrive at my hotel. This must be where he is staying too. "Your staying at the same hotel as me." I suddenly exclaim causing him to laugh as he helps me out of the car.
We reach the lift. My arm in his. I smile up at him as he presses 4. Before I can react he has me pressed against the mirror. His lean body against mine. I can feel his fingers travel down my back. The tingle staying long after he moves on. My green eyes meet his brown. A spark of electric running through me. My hands tangle in his curly hair. Strong arms pull me closer. His lips brush mine. The soft pressure welcoming. I close my eyes as I let go. The world fading away.