“Of course. What’s sexier than wet?”
“You’d better eat up. You’ll need your strength. I’m sure they’ll have me riding on your back or something,” Aran says with a smile.
I look up from my plate. “How do you know that?”
“They always do stuff like that in the photo shoots. And I’m always the one getting the ride.” Aran’s eyes twinkle. “You’ll get the same treatment as Pravat’s wife.”
When I glance at Pravat, he’s watching me. “Does that bother you?” he asks.
I smile. “No. People are always calling mepretty.”
Tait winks at me. “With eyelashes like those, it’s no wonder.”
Aran nudges him and says good-naturedly, “Watch it. You’re my man for the next several months. Toe the line.”
Tait groans. “Is this what it’s going to be like being married to you?”
They laugh.
“I don’t have to act differently, do I?” I ask uncertainly.
“What? No. Not at all. You’re perfect the way you are,” Pravat’s arm brushes mine as he picks up his fork, raising goosebumps on my skin, and I stare at them a moment, wondering what’s up with me.
Aran breaks through my thoughts with a question.
“Are you ready for the kissing? The first time I practiced, I nearly passed out, I was so nervous. I’d never kissed another guy, and it’s awkward with each new costar. But Tait and I have known each other a long time and have kissed while playing side parts.”
“Yeah, but this is the first time we’re a more featured couple. Fans are already buzzing about it.” Wrapping an arm around Aran, Tait presses a loud smack of a kiss to his co-star’s forehead.
“We got that out of the way already,” Pravat answers for me. “It’s much easier to do when people aren’t staring at you.”
Remembering Pravat’s kiss last night in the van, my cheeks burn.
“Smart.” Aran looks at Tait. “Maybe we should practice since it’s been a while for us.”
“Sure.” Leaning towards Aran, Tait puckers up his lips, but Aran laughingly pushes him away.
“Not now, stupid.”
We’re washing the dishes when Nahm sticks his head in the back door. “We need you guys down at the beach, pronto! Hurry and get dressed. The make-up and hair person will do the rest.”
The four of us race upstairs to change.
When I step outside the back door to meet the others, I’m struck by how amazing Pravat looks, his copper skin contrasting beautifullywith the white clothes and the small silver earrings and thin necklace he wears. It’s easy to see why he’s so popular with fans.
“Where are your shoes?” Pravat asks me, looking down at my bare feet.
“The thong broke on one when we were coming up the steps last night. I didn’t bring another pair. I was hoping I might get some in town today.”
He crouches, and, thinking he means to examine my feet, I take a step back, embarrassed.
“Come on. I’ll give you a ride on my back,” he says.
When I only stare, he looks up at me. “Come on. The sand will scorch your feet.”
Tait and Aran are already half-way to the tent-covered area across acres of hot sand. Taking a steadying breath, I step behind Pravat and carefully climb onto his broad back. Hooking his arms behind my knees, he straightens up.
I feel ridiculous, but at the same time the fact that Pravat cares enough about me not to want me to burn my feet touches me deeply—probably more deeply than the simple act warrants, but I’m not accustomed to this type of attention.