Free Playing a Little by Breanna Hayse

her aching ankle, feeling the tears threaten to spill again. How could I be so foolish to believe he would like me as more than his costar? She stared blankly out the large window at the breathtaking view below. The lake stretched for miles, its frozen beauty both compelling and frightening. In the background were mountains larger than she had ever seen in California, reflecting a blue haze off the snow.
    “Sweetheart? Why are you crying? Does you ankle hurt?” Erik’s gentle voice startled her. Camille just nodded, her voice caught in her throat. He settled next to her and pulled her foot onto his lap, his warm hands gently rubbing the injured limb. “Talk to me. I need to know what is on your mind.”
    “I’m confused… and scared… and I feel like a total idiot,” Camille choked out, avoiding his face.
    “What are you afraid of? I’m not going to hurt you.”
    “No, not that. I’m afraid of my character and how she might end up feeling for her teacher. Erik, you are giving me something that I have always wanted and I don’t know how to deal with it. It really scares me. I have never been in this situation and have no idea how to handle the emotional issues that have the potential of arising. You have played parts like this before, haven’t you? How do you handle it?”
    “Truthfully, this is the first time I am working under the gun, too. With a script, we know how to respond to the other players. It is predetermined and there are no surprises. It makes it much easier to maintain a professional distance. With what we are doing, though, the idea is to not be burdened by professionalism and to allow human nature to dictate our character involvement,” Erik said, gently stroking her calf. “I will admit that I am also concerned about my own feelings. I don’t want to expose my heart any more than you do, but we have to in order to be genuine. That is what Arthur envisions this piece to show and he wants nothing less than raw truth. But, both personally and professionally, I do accept the risk of being exposed and vulnerable as needed to see this through. Worst-case scenario is that you and I become close friends.”
    “Or we grow to hate each other,” she sighed. “I am sorry to be so blunt in my naivety. Erik?”
    “What, baby?”
    “Do you ever consider that there is a chance that… never mind.” She stopped her question, looking away from him in embarrassment. She felt his hand cup her chin, forcing her to look into his warm, blue eyes.
    “That I could be interested in you other than as a costar? Yes, which is why I am also afraid. You are everything I could ever want in a woman and more.”
    “I really am having a difficult time believing that you are telling me the truth. Seriously, you are the one and only Erik Renault. How do I know you aren’t putting on a show for me? Telling me what you think I want to hear.”
    “You don’t. Only time will prove my sincerity. Like I told Stan, for all I know, you will never want to lay eyes on me after we are done here. But that is the chance I am willing to take. But until you accept the wonderful things about yourself, and know what you add to a relationship, I have to try to guard my own heart.”
    “You have your pick of any beautiful, successful woman you could want. Why me?” Camille felt another heavy tear drip down her face.
    “Because you are unspoiled by your beauty. You are real, natural, and responsive to the tiniest touch. I can guide you in a way that others will not allow. This,” he gestured to her clothing, “is something I desire in my life. I can train you from the beginning in what I enjoy, at the same time teaching you how to grow in yourself.”
    “I’m not that compliant,” Camille wrinkled her nose. “I have somewhat of a stubborn streak in me.”
    “I know,” Erik smiled, “which makes it so much more enjoyable. If you haven’t guessed, I like to spank.”
    “You are weird.”
    “Yep, and that is not ever going