Just Friends? Read online

  “Watch the screen, not me,” she whispers making me chuckle.

  The music starts and the movie rolls into life. I keep one eye on the movie and one on Kat. She’s enthralled and she even jumps at the scary bits. It’s actually pretty good and the special effects are better than I expected. The transformation of the werewolves is fucking awesome and the thrilling storyline draws me in. It feels weird to see us on screen together and I can certainly see the chemistry that’s oozing between us. No wonder I’m so encapsulated by her. Just watching us on screen together, the emotions I’m feeling are amazing. The characters Zaylie and Cohen are awe-inspiring together and even I feel it. The final scene of the movie is where the characters kiss passionately and I almost feel embarrassed watching it. I think Kat feels it too, seeing us entangled with each other like there’s nothing left in this world for us but each other.

  I feel like I’m intruding on a passionate moment between a couple, but I can’t take my eyes from the screen. My hand tightens on Kat’s and I watch her exhale. She’s as affected by this as I am. I look over at Wildon and Skipp and their faces are brimming with elated smiles. I can almost see the dollar signs in their eyes while they continue to watch the connection between Zaylie and Cohen play out in front of us. The credits roll and I smile brightly. The film is fucking epic. I can’t wait to see the next one, and we haven’t even started filming it yet.

  “That was even better than I thought it would be. We really do have great chemistry,” she whispers into my ear.

  “Well guys. Thank you so much for everything. You both did a marvelous job and now we just have to wait and see how the audience receives it and what our ratings will be,” Skipp says. We all stand and he reaches out and shakes my hand, and then Kat’s.

  “Don’t forget publicity starts now, which means busy schedules for both of you. Please try not to hold hands when you are in public. Remember, you are not together,” Wildon reminds us both. I let go of Kat’s hand.

  Hmm, this is going to be so fucking hard. Much harder than I thought.

  Olsen walks over with Patty and we walk to the exit.

  “Well… my darlings, it's time to start your careers in the public eye. Are you ready for it?”

  I look to Kat and we both nod our heads. We walk from the studio and to our chauffeured vehicle. I open the door for Kat to slide in and I follow in behind her, Patty sits opposite us and Olsen gets in the front with the driver.

  “Okay… first, we’re off to the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The cast and Wildon are being interviewed about the release of the movie. Then, over the next few days, we have a radio interview with Ryan Seacrest on 102.7 KIIS FM, followed by a photo shoot for a teen magazine and then more interviews before the opening night of the Nightwalker movie, which is a red carpet event,” she says.

  Shit, I had no idea how much press there’d be.

  “Ellen, really?” Kat asks.

  “Yes, you’re not homophobic are you love?”

  “Oh God, no, I love Ellen. I can’t believe a simple girl like me from Australia will be on the Ellen show,” Kat gushes making me smile.

  “Oh darling, you’re going to be on a lot of talk shows, so get used to it. I can already tell that this movie is going to be huge,” Patty exclaims.

  I hope Kat can handle everything, if not I’ll be right here to help her through it and protect her no matter what.

  We arrive at the studio for our appearance on the Ellen show and are escorted straight to our dressing room, where we are made up and styled for our first live appearance.

  “Okay, here’s the low down darlings. Any questions about your romance… deny, deny, deny… got it?” Patty directs.

  “Got it,” we both say in unison.

  Shit, this is gonna be a lot harder than I thought. I fucking don’t want to deny it, but I know how important it is, so I obviously have no choice. A lady with a head piece wrapped around her hair and a clipboard comes into the room.

  “Call for the Nightwalker cast.”

  “Okay, darlings here we go. Are you ready?” Patty asks while she places her hands on the small of both our backs and guides us out of the room to the side of the set.

  I look at Kat and she seems nervous. Jed, Wildon and some of the other cast members join us. I try to gain Kat’s attention, but she’s looking forward and concentrating. Suddenly, I feel like I’m the one who needs support. I’m acting like a fucking nervous twat and I start to shake. A slight sweat tops my brow and my heart is hammering in my chest.

  I hear Ellen introduce the cast for the Nightwalker series and music starts to play.

  Shit, shit, shit!

  The others walk out and start dancing as we finally look at each other. She smiles and we walk out together. We take our seats, after giving Ellen a hug and it hits me hard that this is really happening. I listen to the crowd going a little crazy. Oh, what am I saying, it’s over the top crazy as I sit down in awe of what’s happening around me. It feels surreal, like I’m watching it happen to someone else. I’m nervous as fuck and the audience won’t stop cheering. Finally the music cuts and Ellen welcomes the cast to her show. She introduces us one at a time and leaves me to last. When she announces my name, the girls in the audience go absolutely bat shit crazy. I can’t help but smile a little as I wave to them. I look across to Kat and she’s smiling and it totally melts my heart.

  All I can think about is how fucking much I love her and need to protect her. Yeah, that’s right, I’m so fucking pussy whipped.

  Now all I have to do is get myself into a better state mentally so I don’t fucking react all nervous and stupid and weak. I’m a fucking man, I can handle pressure like this, shit it should come easy to me.

  “Will, what’s it like being Hollywood’s newest heart throb?” Ellen asks.

  I shake my head and smile as I hear the girls scream again.

  “Well, I don’t know what to say to that, I haven’t really had enough time for it all to sink in Ellen.”

  What else am I supposed to say? Yeah, I’m good looking, what of it?

  “And Kat, you’re originally from Australia I hear. What made you move to the States? Was it, especially for the Nightwalker movies?”

  “No, I originally moved here to go to AMDA which is where Will and I were discovered. We auditioned for the roles and landed the leads.”

  I can’t believe how calm she sounds; after all she was the one worried about the publicity, not me, so why am I falling apart?

  Fuck! I have to get my shit together.

  “From what I’ve heard, from my sources, they say that the chemistry between you two is off the charts amazing. Is there any chance of an off-set romance between you both?” Ellen asks laughing.

  I look over at Kat and she begins to answer for both of us.

  “No, Will and I are nothing but good friends. We knew each other long before we were cast in the movie and we will remain ‘just friends’ for as long as I can foresee,” she says confidently.

  “Then that brings me to the next question or my fans will stop watching. Is the gorgeously handsome, Will Sanders, single?” Ellen asks.

  A small nervous laugh escapes me.

  Shit, I sound like a girl.

  “Yes, ladies I am one hundred percent single, and looking,” I say, purposely focusing my eyes away from Kat’s. The girls in the audience scream as I put on that full faced panty dropping smile that always wins me the ladies.

  Fuck, I knew I was a ladies’ man, but I didn’t realize that I’d have girls screaming and in tears over me. And let’s face it; they haven’t even seen the movie yet. The interview continues while Ellen talks to the others and I try my hardest not to stare at Kat although I find it extremely difficult.

  How am I supposed to ignore her? When my cock comes to attention. Every. Single. Time, I’m near her?

  I’m amazed at how relaxed she seems though; she’s handling this really well. She’s laughing and chatting away like nothing’s bothering her. Whereas, I�
�m barely functioning and I’m finding it hard to keep on top of the fucking conversation because my thoughts keep drifting off to the screaming fans. I don’t want their attention; I only want Kat’s. It’s only her and it’s going to be very difficult not to shout out to the world that she’s fucking mine.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Today is release day and opening night of the first Nightwalker movie. I’m so fucking nervous my stomach is unsettled, but Kat is doing fine. It’s almost like we’ve switched, she’s fine and I’m the one who’s anxious and edgy.

  Get a fucking grip dude and man up!

  “Kat, have you seen my tie?” I call out while I frantically search everywhere.

  She walks into the room. “You’re already wearing it. Are you okay?”

  Oh, fuck, so I am… what a screw-up! I think I’m nervous about how people will critique my acting skills, but more so about how I have to stay away from Kat during the red carpet event at the opening, that I can’t even remember that I put on my fucking tie.

  “Yeah, I’m fine, just really nervous of what people will think.”

  She walks over and grabs the collar of my suit jacket, pulling me to her. I laugh as she manhandles me and plants a soft kiss on my lips.

  “People will love you, just like I do.”

  She walks to the table and grabs her purse. She looks fucking amazing as usual in a short black sequined dress and her bright red hair flows over her shoulders in soft waves. I could seriously stay here in the hotel, strip her naked and fuck her right now, but I know I can’t.

  She quickly kisses me again and then applies some bright red lipstick. She looks amazingly fuckable. Olsen walks in, double takes and wolf whistles.

  “Jesus, Kat you could give a man a heart attack,” he says while he clutches his open palm to his chest.

  “Eyes off. She’s mine,” I threaten.

  Shit, that dress is too short, I should make her change.

  “Okay love birds, are you ready?” Patty asks while she finishes typing on her cell.

  “As I’ll ever be,” I say. I walk over to Kat and whisper in her ear, “You look breathtaking, baby.”

  “Thank you, and you look so handsome. The girls will be swarming all over you tonight. Just remember one thing, you’re coming back to this hotel with me,” she says with a seductive raise of her eyebrows.

  “Of course, mademoiselle, your wish is my command.” I take her hand and kiss it gently.

  “Alright then, let’s do this,” she says, folding her arm in mine. We walk toward the door and out of the hotel. When Patty opens the door, we instantly separate. Kat smiles widely at me and then walks out with Olsen, I follow behind with Patty.

  “You have to control your urge to watch her darling or you’ll give away that you’re in love with her, and we wouldn’t want that,” Patty whispers in my ear.

  How the hell am I supposed to do that? All I want is to bend her over and fuck her so she knows that she belongs to me.

  ~ KAT ~

  “So are you looking forward to tonight?” Olsen asks as we walk down the hallway.

  “Yes, I think it’s going to be great fun, don’t you?” I say with a wide grin and he winks back at me.

  “I think we’re going to have a blast, baby,” he says and then laughs.

  I’m not sure where the baby bit came from, but I let it slide and I think he’s just over excited. We walk out of the hotel foyer and are met immediately by the paparazzi. Olsen, ushers me into the waiting limo, while lights flash repeatedly and they start calling out my name.

  I wait for Will to slide in next to me, but Olsen does instead, and then shuts the door.

  What the hell?

  “What about Will?”

  Olsen looks at me and smiles. “He’s going in a separate car, turning up together is not an option,” he says, while he waves his hand at the driver.

  “Alright, but what about security for him?”

  “He wanted you protected, but once you two are on the red carpet, I can keep an eye on you both,” he says nonchalantly.

  I sigh and even though I hate that Will is not in the car with me, I guess it makes sense.

  We pull up at the front of the venue and Olsen opens the car door and steps out. I slide across and pull my extremely short dress down so I don’t ‘do a Britney’ and flash myself when I get out of the car - well at least I’m wearing underwear. As I slide my feet out of the door, the photographers flash their cameras and I’m temporarily blinded. Olsen puts his hand out for me; I smile and take hold of his hand, while he helps me out of the car with ease.

  “Thanks Olsen.” I must admit he does scrub up well in a suit and tie.

  I walk onto the red carpet slowly and then I notice Will stepping out of the second limo. I turn and make my way down to the photo area.

  “Miss Barrett, you look lovely, can we have one to your side please?” a photographer calls out.

  I pose for the cameras trying hard to make sure I do exactly as I’m told. I see Will and Patty walk onto the red carpet. Patty stands out of the way next to Olsen while Will signs a few autographs and then walks to the photo area.

  “Mr. Sanders, can we get a few photos with you and Miss Barrett?” Somebody calls out as the flashes continue.

  Will smiles and walks over standing next to me while he places his arm around my waist.

  I can feel the familiar sensations surging between us when he fans his hand out on my hip. His fingers gently stroke my side. My breathing hitches as I continue to smile for the cameras.

  “Gorgeous, guys, now over here.”

  “Now over here.”

  It’s like a tennis game, look left, then look right, then back to your left. It’s completely crazy.

  Patty walks over and whispers in Will’s ear. He nods and takes his hand away from around my waist. I can’t help but mourn the loss of his hand on my hip. It was probably the only time he’ll be able to touch me tonight. Keeping our secret is going to be hard work.

  “Mr. Sanders, on your own please?”

  I smile at Will but he seems slightly perturbed by some young girls that have gathered on the other side of the ropes. They’re screaming at him. I walk away and begin the walk down the red carpet with Olsen next to me the entire way, and then toward the large double doors to the venue.

  “Miss Sanders, is he your boyfriend?”

  I smile. “No, he’s my bodyguard,” I say in the general direction of the question.

  “You will always be my bodyguard,” a girl calls out stealing the popular line from the movie, The Bodyguard. I laugh as we walk inside.

  The venue’s lovely. It’s decorated in red and gold, and there’s a lavish staircase leading up to the viewing room for the premiere.

  “How are you feeling?” Olsen asks as he wraps his arm around my waist.

  I crinkle my forehead and wonder why he’s holding onto me in such a friendly manner.

  “I’m good, I’m actually enjoying it, it’s more fun than I would’ve thought, but Will seems distracted.”

  “Never mind Will‘s a big boy. He can take care of himself,” Olsen says as we walk over to Wildon and Skipp.

  “Katerina, you look wonderful,” Skipp says.

  “Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to wear so I thought bling is always good.” I can see the light reflecting off my sequins and it’s sending shimmering lights all around the room like a disco ball. I hear more screaming as Will finally makes it inside the venue. There are more photographers inside, but I think they’re more to document the night rather than the actual paparazzi.

  Will joins us and shakes hands with Wildon and Skipp.

  “Hi everyone. This place is awesome,” Will says.

  I try my hardest not to look at him, but it’s so difficult when the man you love is the hottest thing in a suit you’ve ever seen.

  “Yeah, we thought it’d be a great place for the premiere. It’s a good turn out so far,” Wildon says. He leans in and whispers, “Just a wor
d of advice, if you don’t look at each other, at all, they’ll get suspicious as well, so you can look at each other but just as friends. Okay? Now laugh as though I have told you a joke and back away,” he says and we all laugh and retreat from our huddle.

  I inhale sharply and look over at Will who is also laughing and patting Wildon on the back.

  “Can we get a photo?”

  “Sure,” Wildon says.

  Will and I huddle together in a group with Wildon and Skipp. More photos are being taken as members of the cast slowly appear in the venue after their walk on the red carpet. We chat amongst ourselves whilst mingling with the guests. B J Williams, the author of the Nightwalker series arrives and Will and I chat with him for a while, before we hear the bells which means it’s time for us to sit and watch the premiere. They placed us next to each other. It’s going to be harder than I thought, I have to sit next to him but not touch him.

  Maybe in the dark they won’t notice us holding hands?

  I sigh when I realize that we’d better not risk it. Will sits next to me and smiles softly. I’m sure he can read my thoughts, because right now all I want to do is to kiss his tender lips, take his hand in mine and show the world that he’s mine and that I love him. But I know we can’t because it has been drummed into us that it might jeopardize the movie. So, I sit and turn all of my attention to the screen.

  The movie starts to play and I stare at Will’s hand which is placed on the armrest.

  Can’t I just run my fingers accidentally over his hand, or maybe he could run his fingers slowly up my thigh?

  I feel the tingling of his fingers even without him touching me. I exhale and Will turns to look at me. He gives me that panty dropping, all knowing smile and I swallow a little harder than normal turning my attention back to the screen. We watch the last scenes and the final kiss of the movie. My heart is pounding in my chest, watching us kiss on screen, but not able to in real life. My belly tightens and I feel a pool of moisture in my panties. My leg starts to agitate up and down while I feel the inevitable jolt of magnetism surge between us. His hand moves and I watch as he gently places it on my knee. It stops agitating immediately at his touch, but flames of heat shoot up my leg and then straight up into my core. I gasp and then as quickly as he placed it there he takes his hand away. The credits roll and the crowd stands and cheers. I’m shocked to see everyone clapping, whistling and cheering for the movie; they obviously like it… a lot.