"BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP."
Stephanie gasped, jumping out of her sleep as she sighed, smacking her alarm clock. It felt as if she had just went to sleep, yet, it was time for her to start the day. Her long legs moved from the bed, slightly touching the cool floor as she made her way into her bathroom. For days now, she couldn't escape the kiss between her and Hunter. I mean, it was for television, get over it, right? No. Something was much more electric about that connection in Vegas. Stephanie has had boyfriends before, sure, but she had never felt that.
Her soft blue hues focused on the mirror, studying her half sleep features as she groaned, starting her shower. She had a good two hours before her flight out to California, so she thought it'd be a superb idea to unwind before hand. She undressed, letting her nightie hit the floor before stepping inside, letting the warm water hit her flesh.
As the water fell into her hair, she couldn't help but think of Hunter. She cringed softly, not wanting him invading her thoughts at such an intimate time. Her hands ran against her arms, and she bit her lip, picturing Hunter's heavy palms against her. As much as she pushed him away from her thoughts, she couldn't help but to realize he was everywhere else in her body. A soft giggle escaped her lips, as she pictured his wet face in the shower, kissing her against her soft lips as they enjoyed each other in every way they desired.
Soft clatter outside her hotel room caused her to jump, shaking her from her intimate thoughts immediately. She swiftly turned off her shower, grabbing a fresh towel before shuffling to her door, peeking outside of it.
"Joanie?"
Stephanie cringed guiltily as she studied the exotic woman outside of her door. Sure, her and Hunter had nothing going on, but she couldn't help but to feel an overwhelming pang of guiltiness. She opened the door, tying her towel a bit tighter as she made eye contact with Joanie, giving her a soft smile in the process.
"Joanie, hey there.. Can I help you?"
Joanie studied Stephanie, and returned the smile. She couldn't help but to feel an odd, unannounced feeling of tension, but it was hard for her to understand what it could be, exactly. "Stephanie, hey.. I needed to speak to you about something, you got a minute?"
Stephanie nodded softly, allowing Joanie to step into the hotel room. Stephanie led Joanie into the lavish dining area, hoping it could give them both room to speak. Stephanie shifted in her seat, as Joanie stared at her hands, not knowing where to start. Stephanie sat in silence, trying to find the words to say, yet not knowing if she should. Her blue hues raised to Joanie's as Joanie sighed, letting her heart do the talking.
"Stephanie, if you had a fiancee..And, the kisses didn't feel the same, the hugs, the love making, nothing felt right, what would you think?"
Stephanie fidgeted softly, thinking about the question carefully before answering. She licked her lips softly, tucking her brown strands behind her ear.
"I would think its another woman making him feel that way, Joan.."
Joanie sighed, looking out of the window quietly as tears formed in the corner of her eyes. Stephanie felt as if she was the worst person on the planet at this moment. Sure, Hunter could be in love with another woman, but it couldn't be her. The only moment they shared was a scripted kiss, nothing more. Stephanie cleared her throat, sliding over to Joanie in comfort.
"Joanie, all couples go through rough patches.. That means nothing, you know? Don't think you're any less of an individual because of it. You're a beautiful soul, and I know Hunter may just be drained from the road."
Joanie shook her head, gulping quietly as her soft voice rang through the room. "Steph.. The other night, I heard him speaking about someone with his mother. He was getting advice on how not to love someone who didn't love him. And it just broke my heart."
In that moment, Stephanie's blue eyes darkened. She couldn't be that lover, no, she couldn't. Her mind raced to the night at the hotel, where they both vented for hours. It raced back to their initial meeting in the park, and it raced back to their kiss. Scripted or not, any one with eyes could see that kiss lasted longer than it should have. Hunter was a beautiful man, but.
But nothing. She couldn't believe she was even concerned with her part in this all. She had no room for love, and she knew Hunter had probably taken a like to one of the new talents her father hired from Playboy. Her eyes fell on Joanie once again, and she let her hand run against her shoulder. "Joan, I'm sure he was speaking about you, please don't worry. Maybe Hunter and yourself can take a vacation, clear your mind a bit from all the troubles of the world? Sounds like a good idea?" Joanie mustered up a smile, hugging Stephanie softly as Stephanie sighed, wishing all of these burdens could be lifted from them all.
She fetched Joanie a cup of tea, before walking her out, reassuring her about her situation. As Stephanie shut the door, she slunk against the door, confused on what could be next. She stood up, rushing to fetch some clothing before she heard another knock at the door. She figured it was Joanie, returning the cup Stephanie gave her, and she mustered a smile, wanting her to feel comfortable with their next encounter. As she opened the door, her eyes met a pair of hazel ones, and she found herself melting under his gaze.
"Hunter, what are you doing here? You have a flight.."
Hunter stepped inside, pacing, as Stephanie tightened her towel, studying Hunter as he moved about. Her throat tightened, as he stopped, staring at her quietly.
"Stephanie. We need to talk. I can't get Vegas out of my mind. This storyline, I just feel.. Maybe it isn't right for us. I don't want to be confused."
Stephanie's eyes locked on his, realizing all of this has come together. The only reason someone would want a storyline canceled, would be for reasons she didn't want to come to conclusions on. Hunter stood in front of her, sighing, as his hand gripped the couch behind her. Stephanie felt as if her body had lost all sense of control with him near, and she was waiting for her guilt to kick in at any second, but it didn't.
Hunter's breathing quickened, as he studied her. Her hair was still wet from the shower, her skin had a soft damp hue from drying, and he had a crazy urge to rip away the towel that donned her frame.
"Why can't I quit you?"
Stephanie couldn't speak. She didn't want to comprehend what was just said, but she knew what he felt. Hell, she felt the very same way. His thick hand gripped her neck, letting his lips trace against hers. She shuddered, listening to his breathing against her pink lips. Hunter hoisted her against the couch arm, before removing her towel, studying her body. Her hands found their way against his frame, removing his clothing before he found himself against her, not having so much as a care in the world.
Two hours later, they both laid quietly in the dark, realizing what they had created the hours before. Stephanie felt tears forming in her eyes, as she felt Hunter's heavy hands lift her against his chest, pulling the satin sheet against their frames. Their soft breathing was the only noise needed in the room at that moment, and they both were okay with that.