Chapter 964
Natalie, now fully sober, said, “I didn’t drink much. I was just a little tipsy.” A wave of regret washed over her. She’d sung terribly off-key at the party, hogging the microphone. The embarrassment was intense; she felt like a fool.
“Your singing was better than back in college,” Skylar laughed. “Have you been practicing secretly?”
Natalie looked despairing. “Let’s just… cut off contact.”
The next day, the thought of facing Austin and Hank filled her with dread. She felt she'd made a social mess of things. Later, in bed, she confessed worriedly, “These past few days, working with Mr. Powell, I keep feeling… off.”
“Off how?”
“Sometimes, when I see him, I keep remembering him kissing me. Even though I know it was just for the scene, I still…”
“Still what?”
Natalie bit her lip. “I still think Mr. Powell is truly an Oscar-winning actor. His kissing skills are incredible.”
Skylar thought, Is that the main point? A twitch of amusement played on her lips. “So, his kissing skills have you fixated? Want to try again?”
“It’s possible… Mr. Powell’s kissing skills are so impressive, my mind went blank! I’ve been fixated on his kissing skills and want to try again. I’m obsessed with Mr. Powell’s kissing skills.” Natalie seemed to have stumbled upon a new self-awareness.
Skylar struggled to contain her laughter. “You didn’t consider… anything else?” She wondered if Natalie was solely focused on his technique, not him as a person. She hesitated to ask directly, fearing she might misinterpret Natalie’s feelings. After all, given her current confusion, whether Natalie liked Austin or could develop feelings for him remained uncertain.
“Anything else? I remember accidentally touching Mr. Powell’s abs that day. You wouldn’t believe how disciplined he is. His diet must be sheer willpower!”
“His physique is maintained through hard work. He looks thin in clothes, but he has incredibly well-defined muscles underneath. That’s Mr. Powell—his physique is incredibly tempting,” Natalie said, practically drooling.
She realized she was craving Austin's physique again. These thoughts felt safe only with Skylar. Talking about it eased the strange feelings.
Skylar was speechless. “You’ve often mentioned how great Mr. Powell’s physique is.”
“That was different. Back then, I only had videos and photos. Now, I see him every day. I can touch him, even kiss him. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words,” she sighed, feeling her vocabulary inadequate. A flutter of excitement still accompanied the memory.
“Have you had any… improper thoughts about Mr. Powell? Like, trying to make a move on him?” Skylar asked cautiously.
Natalie’s eyes widened. She shook her head vehemently. “I’ve had some improper thoughts, like wondering what Mr. Powell looks like without clothes. But I wouldn’t dare make a move on him. Besides being my boss, he’s my idol. I know my limits. Even if it weren’t Mr. Powell, I’m not interested in pursuing anyone right now. My career is my focus.”
After her setback with Jeremy, she wasn’t ready for another all-consuming romance. The thought of marriage was terrifying.
“Let’s talk about something else. Aren’t you and Joe taking wedding photos in a few days?” Skylar changed the subject.
Skylar didn’t press further, simply nodding. “The day after tomorrow.” A sense of foreboding lingered.
Natalie, tired and oblivious to Skylar’s subtle apprehension, cheerfully nodded. “That’s great! You’ll look stunning in any wedding dress. Joe won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“I’m too tired. I need to sleep,” Natalie mumbled, closing her eyes and falling asleep instantly, even with the lights on. Skylar switched them off.
Austin and Hank were still awake, reviewing tomorrow’s work schedule. Both were night owls. After their evening of drinking and singing, sleep was the furthest thing from their minds. They decided to have another round of drinks.
“We’ve rescheduled tomorrow’s daytime activities, but the evening ones can’t be postponed. Check the schedule—anything wrong?” Hank asked, handing Austin the plans.
Austin quickly scanned the schedule. “Everything looks fine. We’ll stick to this plan. There’s an interview after the event. Just speak freely. These small interviews are easy for you,” Hank said confidently. He’d been confident for years, but Austin’s romantic life still worried him.
“Natalie seemed oblivious today. Doesn’t she realize you have feelings for her?” Hank exclaimed, exasperated.
Austin’s expression darkened. “She’s just come out of a difficult situation with Jeremy. It’s natural for her to be guarded. Maybe she’ll come around.”
“Speaking of Jeremy, I feel like he’s still not over Natalie, but he’s hard to read,” Hank frowned. He worried that even if Natalie chose Austin, Jeremy would intervene.
Austin gave a noncommittal hum.
Hank raised an eyebrow. While he fretted about Jeremy, Austin seemed unconcerned. He looked around the mansion. “Austin, after all these years, tell me straight out—who are you, exactly?”
Austin gave him a cool glance. “I’m your bread and butter.”
Hank muttered a curse and went to bed.
The next day, Natalie and Skylar woke at 11:00 am. Skylar had a headache.
“Me too! My head is pounding. I knew I shouldn’t have drunk so much. It always gives me a headache,” Natalie complained, adding that she could eat anything, but alcohol was her nemesis.
“I have a headache too. Drink some water,” Skylar said, handing Natalie a glass.
After ten minutes, their headaches eased. The mansion's chef had prepared a lavish breakfast of Floan and Wiscadian cuisine. Skylar was ravenous.
“The pancakes are incredible! I’ve been craving them. They’re even better than the ones in Jipsburg,” Natalie declared.
Skylar agreed. “They’re delicious.”
“We had them make extra today,” Austin said softly.
Hank had already devoured two pancakes and a bowl of chicken soup. “This is the best! It’s just too far from the set; otherwise, I’d come here every day.”
“I feel the same way,” Natalie agreed enthusiastically.
As they chatted, Natalie’s phone rang. She saw Jeremy’s name and her smile vanished. Skylar noticed the sudden shift in her expression.