UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 14

I shut my eyes, replaying her soft moans, the plush give of her lips, the damp heat of her kiss. My hand drifted down to my waist as I pictured her fingers roaming my body, the rise and fall of my chest beneath my palm.

My breathing quickened, my body tightening, her image sharpening in my mind—her gown sliding off, pale shoulders bared, the curve of her collarbones sinfully beautiful in the light.

I moved faster, imagining her whisper at my ear: “Ethan, don’t stop…”

When the climax hit, a low growl tore out of me. I shook with release, and a hollow ache rushed in like a tide.

My phone buzzed, shattering the spell.

A text from Claire:

“Ethan, come by my office tomorrow. We need to talk.”

Her tone was calm as ever, but it knotted my chest.

Her words at the party still echoed. Was her interest in me real?

I replied, “Okay,” but sleep wouldn’t come.

Serena’s kiss, Claire’s teasing, Mia’s innocence—three cords wrapped tight around my throat.

Bringing Mia onto the team made work busier and added a responsibility I couldn’t ignore. Her innocence was a mirror, reflecting how my lines in this industry had started to blur. A few days later, I took her to a commercial audition at a photo studio downtown.

Before we went in, she was so nervous her palms were damp. The fitted white dress traced her shy curves; under the lights, the hem went a touch sheer, the outline of her underwear faintly visible. I told myself not to think about it, but her purity stirred something in me—desire and guilt in equal measure.

Inside the audition room, the director was a man in his forties, Lawson, with eyes that slid over you like a snake.

He had Mia read a scene. Her voice was clear, bright, with a spark of girlish magic.

But Lawson’s attention wasn’t on her performance. His gaze crawled over her, a knowing smile on his lips.

“Mia, nice work,” he said. “But this spot needs a ‘special’ kind of presence. You know—something that draws the camera.”

His tone was oily, the insinuation naked.

I cut in. “Director Lawson, Mia’s new. Her strength is her acting. How did you find her read?”

He flicked a glance my way and smirked. “Ethan, you’re green. In this business, talent isn’t enough. You need a ‘cooperative’ attitude.”

He turned back to Mia, voice dropping. “You free tonight? We can talk in private. Give you some ‘coaching.’”

Mia froze, cheeks flushed, not catching the hint.

I couldn’t hold it back. “We’re here to audition, not to keep you company. If you’re not satisfied with her performance, we’ll go.”

Lawson’s face darkened. “Don’t be ungrateful. If you want her to make it, you learn to compromise.”

He stood, moved to her side; his hand “accidentally” brushed her shoulder, fingertips grazing her collarbone.

I pulled Mia behind me. “We’re done.” I led her out, heat burning in my chest.

Head down, she whispered, trembling, “Ethan, did I do something wrong?”

I stopped, took her hand, softened my voice. “This isn’t your fault. Some people in this business are like that. Don’t worry—I’ve got you.”

Her hand was as soft as cotton, the warmth of her palm quickening my pulse. I let go fast, covering my lapse.

Back at the office, Mia suddenly wrapped her arms around me, face buried in my chest. “Ethan, thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

Under the Spotlight