Post by Noxeema Jackson on Mar 7, 2009 15:24:00 GMT -5
Caroline reached up, brushing her hair back over her shoulder as she made her way across the parking lot towards the studio where Jagger's Perfect Strangers video was going to be shot. Part of her wanted to turn around and never have anything to do with Jagger again. But then, she'd made this agreement with Faith, and she'd always been one who stuck by her word. Besides, whatever had happened between them obviously had been a.. She shook her head. She wasn't even going to think about it. She'd be pleasant today, and get through this shoot and her life would go back to normal.
After showing one of the Studio Guards her ID, she stepped inside and looking around. She had to admit she was rather impressed! The studio was full of set pieces and crew, and things looked like they were moving right along with whatever schedule they were going by.
She knew how shoots went, and hurried right over to the make-up area and was handed a robe to change into, which she did before settling in one of the chairs lining the wall. She picked up a magazine and idly flipped through it while her hair was attacked by a hair stylist. Focus on the magazine, is what she told herself over and over, ignoring the tugs and pulls on her hair.
Jagger had arrived late, thanks to traffic and almost immediately been shuttled off to makeup and wardrobe, and then he had to go and do a phone interview that had been reschedule. All in all? he was a busy fucking man and it didn't seem like it would be dying down anytime soon. Not with Kate's due date looming. He sighed as he walked onto the set, moving over to sit down on the bed before laying out on his back, taking a few moments to himself to just do what he never had the chance to do. Relax.
Caroline studied her reflection in the full length mirror and turned to the side, continuing to observe herself. She looked rather good if she did say herself. She herself wouldn't have picked the whole denim look, but.. She did pull it off. She tugged at the thick gold chain around her neck, and ran her fingers a few times before turning and headed towards the sets. She flashed a bright smile at the director who was doing the video and leaned forward and kissed both his cheeks. "Jake! I didn't know you were directing!" She exclaimed leaning back and studied the older man. "Well aren't you looking dashing!" She teased, flashing him her trademark smile.
"Ah! Caroline! It's been way too long!" Jake chuckled. "I though Faith had been kidding when she said you'd agreed to do the video, but here you are. And I must say, you look lovely my dear."
"Oh hush!" Caroline chuckled with a slight wave of her hand. "So, is he here yet?" She finally asked, trying to keep her voice as non-chalant as possible.
Jake arched a brow but nodded and pointed towards the bedroom set, "I've been told he's over there. Can you be a doll and let him know we'll begin shooting in 15 minutes?"
Caroline rolled her eyes but flashed Jake a smile of agreement before turning and slowly made her way towards the bedroom set. She went over everything she planned on saying to him, and without even knowing it, her hands hand clenched into tight fists. She paused right outside the set, and took a deep breath. She'd allowed herself to be made a fool of once. But this time? No, she was in control of herself. She shook her head, and pushed her hair over her shoulder before stepping onto the set. Her dark blue eyes flickered over Jagger, who was laying on the bed with his eyes closed. "Well, well.. If it isn't my favorite Rock star." She finally said, sinking down on the bed and crossed her long slender legs. "Been busy?"
Jagger opened his eyes and looked at Caroline, the tiredness momentarily showing before he blinked it away. He was really starting to feel run down, but he refused to admit to it. He refused to show that he couldn't handle all of this. He gave her a smile, reaching his hand out to pat her leg in a friendly sort of way. "Always, Caro, always." His smile reached his eyes, giving them a slight little endearing crinkle. "How've you been, sapphire?" He winked, "that's the color of your eyes."
She arched a brow and really had to bite her tongue. Because she really snap that having a pregnant girlfriend would do that to a person. But no, she smiled understandingly and patted his hand softly."Oh poor thing, you really need to start taking it easy or you're just going to run yourself completely into the ground." She removed her hand from his and leaned back a bit, holding herself up on her hands. "OH I've been busy. We just signed a model to an up and coming duo of Fashion Designers, and I promised them I'd take care of a few things. But it's really not all that bad. Both the girls were really sweet."
He nodded, not at all that interested. He paid attention though, to his credit, but it was for the most part in one ear and out the other. Frankly? he was just too tired. She really was beautiful, Caroline. He was pretty sure he had never saw another woman he thought was as beautiful as she was...and he really wished he could pursue more. She had been...fuck, she had been his dream girl..literally..for so long. IT wasn't fair though, not to her. He couldn't really give her the attention she'd probably want..and rightfully deserve. "You shouldn't work too hard..."
"Oh, don't be silly. It's no problem helping people get onto their feet in the fashion world," She said with a bright smile and pushed herself back up into a sitting position before rising to her feet. She soothed the short jean skirt back around her thighs and looked down at him. "Besides, if I don't help them, they're liable to be eaten alive. The fashion world can be a very nasty business." She shrugged and glanced over her shoulder. "Oh, Jake wanted me to let you know we'll begin shooting in 15."
He watched as she stood up, unable to help but watch as she slid the skirt down her thighs again, enjoying the view before the pale skin was covered again. "Thanks," he answered before pushing himself up with a groan, the muscles of his stomach flexing as he pulled himself up. He adjusted his pants, tugging them up so that they'd cover his ass and slipped past her, walking towards the set to begin. He wanted to go home and sleep.
Caroline watched as he walked away and stood there for a moment before she shook her head and followed him out to the main set. She took a seat in the nice chair that had her name on it and crossed her legs waiting for some direction on what was suppose to be going on.
Jake looked over at Jagger, and grinned before clapping his hands together loudly, "Okay people! Let's start this thing! First of all, I'd like to welcome you all to the first day of shooting Jagger's newest video Perfect Strangers!" He called out loudly, pulling all the attention in the room towards himself. "Jagger had a specific idea when we began talking about what he wanted to do, so I'm gonna let him give you all the basic outline."
Jagger sighed and looked at everyone, "Boy meets girl. Boy and Girl want each other. They go home together and it's all about them. No names are needed,...because all that matters is that moment." he shrugged his shoulders, "that's pretty much it."
Jake nodded and glanced over at Caroline, "So obviously Jagger is Boy.. And the lovely Caroline Corwin has agreed to be Girl." He looked back at the crew, "So first shot we're gonna do is with Jagger entering the club.. Caroline's standing at the bar with her girlfriends talking and such and boy and girl spot each other.. and yeah..We all know what'll happen then. Okay, Let's get into place people!" He said as the extras all moved over to the bar set.
Caroline pushed herself off her chair and made her way slowly over to the bar set and over to the group of extras who were suppose to be her 'Girlfriends'. She smiled pleasantly at girls and arched a brow as a couple of them immediately began chattering away about how 'cute' her outfit was. Oh, she was going to have to kill someone, she could see it already.
The shooting began and soon enough, Jagger was lost in the task of getting all of this down. It took a few takes, mainly because some of those girls with Caroline were annoying as hell and couldn't stop trying to look sexy. That was fine. Whatever. Soon enough, they were in the bed, Jagger shirtless, sitting there as he waited for the directors instructions for this.
Jake chatted with one of the camera guys while Caroline was off changing into her next 'outfit' which consisted of nothing more than a Lacy pair of black panties and bra. He looked over at her when he saw her walking up to him in a bathrobe. "You don't mind? Really?"
"Oh please, I've worn much less and done much more in pictures, this is perfectly okay." She assured him with a grin before heading over to the bedroom set. She looked over at Jagger, her brow arching a bit as she undid the belt holding the bathrobe together and slowly pushed the bathrobe off her shoulders and handed it over to one of the make-up crew. "So.. This seems like something we've done before," She murmured flashing Jagger a wicked smile as she slowly crawled up onto the bed.
He grinned back at her as she crawled onto the bed. "Yeah, definitely something we've done before," he replied, eyeing her up. Hell, why shouldn't he? he as a single man..and she was hot. "Looking good, Caro," he whispered as he slipped past her and sat on the bed.
She smiled, tilting her head a bit to the side. "Why thank you Jagger," she murmured demurely, all the while just wanting to demand answers to the questions that were going through her head about Kate. But now? It wasn't the time.
"Okay, Caroline.. Kinda.. Straddle him.." Jake said clearing his throat and shifting his weight on his feet. "And well.. Uh.. You know.."
Caroline rolled her eyes, and scooting across the bed, swung one long leg over Jagger's lap, and settled herself on it quite nicely, She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, "This seems familiar too.."
His hands rested on her hips, his fingers sliding over the bare skin. He glanced at Jake who yelled action and the music began. Jagger, using his stomach muscles, sat up, his hand sliding up Caroline's back until it was under her hair. He gripped it and pulled gently, pulling her head back to expose her neck and he moved his lips along it, his breath hot.
Caroline fought the urge to stiffen as Jagger's fingers traced over her skin. Was she still upset? Yes, who wouldn't be. Only problem? She was doing a job, and Jagger had no clue she was upset with him. She closed her eyes, her head falling back, and her breath caught in her throat feeling the warmth of his lips against her skin. For a moment, she forgot everything.. But then the next moment, the image of a very pregnant Kate fluttered through her mind and she lifted and hand, pressed it against Jagger's chest and pushed him back. "I can't do this.." She said her eyes opening and looked down at him, her feelings flashing through them. She climbed off of him and looked over at Jake, "I need a break.." She muttered and grabbed her robe from someone as she passed them and headed towards the room she was using for her dressing room.
Jake's mouth dropped and he watched as Caroline walked away. He'd NEVER seen her act like this before. "Uh.. Everyone.. Take a thirty minute break.. Eat, rest.. Whatever.."
Jagger sat there and watched Caroline running off, a frown forming on his face. For one thing..what the fuck? She had just freaked out! Another thing? He couldn't afford this delay. He really fucking couldn't. He glanced over and saw Faith standing there, her eyes flashing and watched the legs carry her away as she stalked after Caroline.
"Caroline, what are you doing?" she asked, catching up to her and frowning slightly. "What's going on? We really don't have time for this.."
Caroline looked over at her, and flashed her a wary smile. "I just need a few minutes Faith.. Really." She said and turned away one hand on her hip and her other rubbing her forehead. "I need an aspirin, my head is pounding.." She muttered.
Faith sighed. She hadn't expected this from Caroline, but whatever. If she needed time, she wasn't going to push. Yet. "Get Caroline some aspirin," she told a PA before shaking her head and wandering away from Caroline.
Caroline held her hand out as the PA approached her with a bottle of water and a couple of aspirin. She quickly popped the aspirin in her mouth and took a few sips from the water and sighed. She needed to pull herself together. She never acted this way! Especially over a MAN! She took a deep breath and handed the PA the water bottle. Okay, she could do this. She could finish this video with Jagger and just.. That was it. She was a professional, and this was just a job. She turned and slowly made her way back over to the set and looked down at Jagger, "Sorry about that. I just needed a moment." She told him, her walls back in place.
He looked at her a moment, really not feeling as though he had much patience to be dealing with all of this. "As long as you're okay now," he told her with a shrug, sitting up before looking over at Jake. The cameras began to role again and somehow, they managed to get through everything and hours later, Jagger was leaving the dressing room, half comatose.
Caroline had quickly changed in her own clothes and mad her way out to the set and was chatting with Jake when Jagger walked out of his dressing room. She politely excused herself and lifting her head a bit, walked over to where Jagger was. "Well, I'm glad we were able to finish everything. It should be a great video.." She said falling silent, because she actually had no clue what to say to him now.. Did she say something about what had happened and why? She didn't know. She really didn't.
"Yeah, hopefully," Jagger replied as they walked outside towards the cars. "You okay?" he glanced down at her. He didn't really take her for the sort to freak out out of nowhere, he really didn't.
She was silent for a moment her mind racing. She shrugged her shoulders finally, and tucked her hands into her pockets. "Remember I was telling you about the designers I was helping? I didn't tell you their names..." She paused and glanced away, her jaw setting for a moment. "Bethany Barker and Katherine Roberts.... She's very pretty Jagger." She told him honestly peeking back over at him.
Jagger turned and looked at her, silenced for a moment. "She's beautiful," he agreed easily. And hell, she was. He had always thought that. He wasn't so sure where Caroline was going with all of this though, but whatever. He'd follow somehow. Obviously she wasn't okay because of this...considering that was her reply when he asked if she was okay. "She's not my girlfriend, Caroline," he told her, just as honestly. Now, truth be told? he didn't know what they were..they had been together since she had told him about Griffin..but as far as he knew? she was still with him. "She has one..but it's not me." he paused, "Did that bother you or something? Seeing Kate?"
Caroline shifted uneasily on her feet, because now.. Now had she been caught acting like some jealous woman? She'd really thought that Jagger was with Kate.. Mainly because of how Kate had talked about him and the baby she was carrying. And she'd thought that he had .. Well slept with her while he was Kate.. She sighed and looked away, her brows furrowing a bit as she thought of how she was going to answer him. "It didn't bother me seeing Kate," She began and looked down and plucked absently at her blouse. "It bothered me when I thought that you were with her." She looked up at him again, "It bothered me because I thought that I had been made into some fling."
A fling. Well, truth was, what else did she think it was? Christ, this was just getting far to complicated for his tastes, it really was. He didn't want her to feel like a fling, but he didn't want her thinking that he was going to like, be her boyfriend or something. As much as he'd have probably tried under any other circumstances, the fact of the matter was that he couldn't. Not now. How good of a boyfriend would he really be anyway? He was about to have a baby with a woman who...for all intents and purposes and started out as a fling and had, thankfully, managed to morph into a friendship...and he wanted to make damn sure he was there for his son. He really fucking did.
"So..you obviously know about the baby then.." he trailed off. She was literally the only one who knew about that baby..other than Kate and her side. His mother and his sister knew, but on his end? that was it. He sighed. "I'd be really thankful if you didn't mention it to anyone...I'm trying my hardest to keep it out of the press. I don't want Kate to have to deal with all of that..and I really don't want my son to either...I'm sure you understand.."
Her brow arched watching his facial expression and sighed in frustration. He obviously wasn't getting what she was saying! She hadn't thought that they were dating, or anything like that! She didn't want anyone to be her boyfriend! What she had thought they had was fun, actually being able to have a conversation.. Things like that! Okay, so she was lying to herself, but really now! She shook her head and looked away. How did one go about explaining that they thought they had been some man's side project while his pregnant girlfriend sat at home? That the thought of being ANYONE'S side project made her blood boil?
She looked back at him nodding. "Well it wasn't as if Kate was making a point of hiding you were the Father in front of me." She replied. Not tell anyone about the baby? What did she look like? A gossip?! She gave him a hurt look and began taking a few steps away but stopped and turned to face him again. She could understand the want to keep ones life private, truly she did.. But she couldn't believe he thought that he actually had to ask her to keep quiet. "I wouldn't dream of talking about your life Jagger, it's not any of my business. So.. Your secret is safe with me." She said, flashing him a small smile.
He hadn't meant to insult her by asking her not to say anything. Hell, he was just letting her know that it wasn't a known sort of thing, was all. He wasn't going to feel guilty about it though...not when it came to the privacy of his family and you know what? that's what Kate and their unborn son were. His family. Whether Kate had a boyfriend, whether Jagger had a girlfriend...they were family. They always would be...and protecting them? damn fucking important.
"I'm sure you can understand..." hell, she'd probably had her world turned upside down enough times when it came to the press. They were blood hungry, they really were. Besides, he'd already gotten burned...he very much remembered the situation with Grace and yeah, he STILL felt bad about that. "I can only imagine the press that would get. Me having a baby with someone who's not even my girlfriend, let alone my wife.." he shook his head, "At least we're fucking friends though. That's more than they can say about most parents who don't plan to have a baby."
"And I do," She assured him with a slight nod of her head. "I really do." She took a deep breath, her intense blue gaze never wavering from him. She honestly didn't know what to think of him anymore. When she'd first met him she'd thought he was intriguing, the second she'd found him incredibly sexy.. And now? Now she found he had a heart and wanted to protect those he held dear to him. Seems Jagger had more sides to him than she'd first thought.
She took a few steps towards him, closing the distance between them. She reached out, and cradled his face in her hands and flashed him a more heart felt smile. "Jagger, you are going to be a great father." She said before lifting up on her toes and pressed a kiss on his forehead before dropping back down and releasing him. "And don't let anyone tell you differently. People, the press.. Anyone." She reached up running her fingers through her blond curls. "And Kate? Well I only hope she knows how lucky she is. You're a good man, and I truly hope she realizes that."
Truth be told, that's exactly what Jagger needed to hear. He needed to hear from someone who wasn't biased, who didn't have to tell him this, that he was going to be a good father because you know what? that was the none thing he was scared of the most. He didn't want to end up like this own father and that was that. "Thanks," he replied softly, lowering his eyes. He was suddenly embaressed to have those words said to him, tohave the reaction that he had. He didn't show emotions all that easily but...well, those words got to him. They made him feel...well, hopeful.
He really didn't know how Kate felt, if she felt lucky or not..but he wouldn't argue that she should. In fact, maybe it was him that should feel lucky? he wasn't sure. All he knew was that Kate had a boyfriend and whether they had hooked up or not, that was a pretty important thing. Obviously, Kate wasn't planning to break up with the guy over it...and as long as the moron didn't start thnking he had any sort of say over his son, then Jagger would adjust..because he had to. "Thanks, Caro.."
She arched a brow, a bit surprised by his sudden bout of shyness. Because of what? That she'd told him he'd be a good father? She smiled and shrugged, not really sure what to say to him. She'd only been speaking the truth, and that certainly wasn't anything to be thankful to her for. "Oh, don't thank me Jagger. What I think doesn't really matter, only what you and your Kate think." She replied with a dismissing wave of her hand. Seriously, she really didn't think she needed to be thanked for being honest with what she thought.
She nodded again and reached out grasping his hand and squeezed. "Don't worry about it Jagger. Things will work out the way they are meant to in the end. Though, sometimes it just takes a bit longer to figure certain things out." She flashed him a smile and squeezed his hand again before releasing it. "Well, I really must be going. I have to go and make sure my company is still there." She said with a slight frown, taking a step away from him. She was half afraid to turn her cell phone back on, knowing that there would be a hundred and one missed calls from Marco fretting over something. "But, don't be such a stranger. Let me know how things are going in your life from time to time."
He stared at her as she stepped away. So that was that? this..whatever it was, was over? He hadn't even had a chance to think about what he wanted with caroline, and now it was over? because he was having a baby with Kate? How the fuck did it work that she got to have a boyfriend but him...he couldn't have anyone? Yeah, that was fair. He sighed some and just nodded his head, "Sure," he muttered, although he was pretty sure he wouldn't. What was the point?
So the day had started out..alright, and now it was in the shitter. What if Caroline had been the press? What if Kate hadn't known that and had mentioned it to her even then? He sighed. He had told Kate he wanted to protect her and the baby..but she wans't really helping, was she? "Hey Caro..uh..good luck with...well, I don't know. With everything, I guess," he told her before turning himself, sticking his hands deep into his pockets before moving off towards his car.
Caroline paused and turned and stared after Jagger with a slight frown. So now what was this? Was he pouting? And what exactly was this whole whatever thing? Men! She didn't understand them any better today than she had when she was 19! "Jagger?" She called out after him, "Did I miss something? I just asked you to call me.. That was it." She shook her head and crossed her arms before herself, shaking her head. "I don't know what you want.. And somehow.. I don't think you do either." She stated with another shake of her head. "And.. Well.. " She uncrossed her arms and held out her hands palms up. "I think I've been extremely honest with how I feel Jagger... Now.. What do you want?"
He turned when Caroline called him back, frowning when she spoke. She didn't know what he wanted? Well, that was fine because he didn't know either. And if he did? Things were far more complicated than that. He couldn't just decide he wanted Caroline and that would be that..because it wouldn't. There weren't too many women eager to jump into something with a man who had a baby with another woman..especially when that woman was actually currently pregnant with the baby. "My life's complicated, Caroline..obviously.." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "You really think you'd be interested in dating someone who's about to have a baby with another woman? Knowing that Kate's going to be in my life and there's nothing anyone can say about that?" He shrugged, "Because if you are..then I'm for it Caro, I am...but being a father? That's the most important thing to me right now. I'm going to be a good dad.. I have to be."
Her brow arched and she shook her head, "You honestly think you're the only one who has a complicated life Jagger? Well you're not. Everyone of us has some issue that just complicates things for us. Yours just happens to be a pregnant non-girlfriend." She wasn't trying to be harsh, but she was trying to make him realize that hello? He wasn't the only one with problems in this city. "Do you honestly think you'd be the first man I've dated who had children? Jagger, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you wouldn't be. I have no problem with children, or the fact that the child's mother or whatever is in the father's life. That's part of life. But I do have a problem when people assume that I'd have a problem with something like that. That I'm so shallow that I couldn't look past something like that. I'm not that type of person Jagger, and.. " She trailed off and shrugged her shoulders.
She studied him for a moment before continuing. "But, you do know just because you're going to have a baby with Kate, doesn't mean that you can't have a girlfriend. Doesn't mean that you have to stop living your life. No matter what you do Jagger.. I'm sure that baby's going to know how much it means to you. And that's a good thing, but don't forget you have to be happy with yourself too."
"I wasn't insinuating that you were shallow, Caroline," Jagger told her, trying his very best not to sound impatient right now. "I was telling you where I was in my life and whether or not you have a problem with something like that, there are women who would...there are women who wouldn't be able to deal with it...and I don't want that. I don't want to have to deal with women being jealous of each other..and no, I'm not saying that you'll be jealous. In fact, I highly doubt you'd be...But you need to understand why I'm hesitant. It's not that I don't like you, because I do...I just.." he sighed some. He really wasnt good at conversations like this. He really wasn't.
"So...Why don't you tell me what you want, Caro.." he looked at her, "because you know what I want now. I want you...and I want my family..and I guess, I want it all to be smooth sailing, even if I know it won't be..but...Well, what do you want?" He licked his lips, "Do you want me?"
"You know Jagger, I would have been very understanding if you'd told me this from the get go. Instead.. For a while, well since Kate had unknowingly let me know you were her baby's father, I felt like I was .. Well being made into something I promised myself I would never be. I had actually thought that you were with Kate, the way she was going on..." She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe it was wrong for me to think that. But you have to look at it from my position, I suppose."
She sighed, and reached up running her fingers through her long blond hair. "What I want?" What did she want? She stared at him, debating whether she should tell him how she'd felt before all of this. And it wasn't like she'd been able to turn those feelings off between now and then. She smiled finally, "I think I'd like to see where we could go. To see how comfortable we are around each other. Well I know we're pretty comfortable.. But outside a bedroom. I'd like to get to know you.. All of you. What you think, what you feel, your beliefs.. Things like that." She took a few steps towards him and held her hand out to him. "So if that didn't answer you're last question. I suppose I should answer it. Yes, I do want you."
He wasn't really sure how he felt about Kate's sounding as though they were together, but at the same time he supposed that he couldn't get all that mad. There was obviously something there between them..if there hadn't been, they'd have never hooked up at her apartment. Not when she had a boyfriend she supposedly cared for. But what now? What did this mean? did this suddenly mean that Jagger St. Croix had a girlfriend?
She held out her hand and for a moment, he looked at it. He did like Caroline..he really did. She was easy to be around, she was unassuming and she was hot as hell. What more could he ask for? Finally, he reached his hand out and took her own, giving it a squeeze. "Well, let's just do that then," he told her with a little smile. "We'll test the waters, hmm? See...where we can go together."
After showing one of the Studio Guards her ID, she stepped inside and looking around. She had to admit she was rather impressed! The studio was full of set pieces and crew, and things looked like they were moving right along with whatever schedule they were going by.
She knew how shoots went, and hurried right over to the make-up area and was handed a robe to change into, which she did before settling in one of the chairs lining the wall. She picked up a magazine and idly flipped through it while her hair was attacked by a hair stylist. Focus on the magazine, is what she told herself over and over, ignoring the tugs and pulls on her hair.
Jagger had arrived late, thanks to traffic and almost immediately been shuttled off to makeup and wardrobe, and then he had to go and do a phone interview that had been reschedule. All in all? he was a busy fucking man and it didn't seem like it would be dying down anytime soon. Not with Kate's due date looming. He sighed as he walked onto the set, moving over to sit down on the bed before laying out on his back, taking a few moments to himself to just do what he never had the chance to do. Relax.
Caroline studied her reflection in the full length mirror and turned to the side, continuing to observe herself. She looked rather good if she did say herself. She herself wouldn't have picked the whole denim look, but.. She did pull it off. She tugged at the thick gold chain around her neck, and ran her fingers a few times before turning and headed towards the sets. She flashed a bright smile at the director who was doing the video and leaned forward and kissed both his cheeks. "Jake! I didn't know you were directing!" She exclaimed leaning back and studied the older man. "Well aren't you looking dashing!" She teased, flashing him her trademark smile.
"Ah! Caroline! It's been way too long!" Jake chuckled. "I though Faith had been kidding when she said you'd agreed to do the video, but here you are. And I must say, you look lovely my dear."
"Oh hush!" Caroline chuckled with a slight wave of her hand. "So, is he here yet?" She finally asked, trying to keep her voice as non-chalant as possible.
Jake arched a brow but nodded and pointed towards the bedroom set, "I've been told he's over there. Can you be a doll and let him know we'll begin shooting in 15 minutes?"
Caroline rolled her eyes but flashed Jake a smile of agreement before turning and slowly made her way towards the bedroom set. She went over everything she planned on saying to him, and without even knowing it, her hands hand clenched into tight fists. She paused right outside the set, and took a deep breath. She'd allowed herself to be made a fool of once. But this time? No, she was in control of herself. She shook her head, and pushed her hair over her shoulder before stepping onto the set. Her dark blue eyes flickered over Jagger, who was laying on the bed with his eyes closed. "Well, well.. If it isn't my favorite Rock star." She finally said, sinking down on the bed and crossed her long slender legs. "Been busy?"
Jagger opened his eyes and looked at Caroline, the tiredness momentarily showing before he blinked it away. He was really starting to feel run down, but he refused to admit to it. He refused to show that he couldn't handle all of this. He gave her a smile, reaching his hand out to pat her leg in a friendly sort of way. "Always, Caro, always." His smile reached his eyes, giving them a slight little endearing crinkle. "How've you been, sapphire?" He winked, "that's the color of your eyes."
She arched a brow and really had to bite her tongue. Because she really snap that having a pregnant girlfriend would do that to a person. But no, she smiled understandingly and patted his hand softly."Oh poor thing, you really need to start taking it easy or you're just going to run yourself completely into the ground." She removed her hand from his and leaned back a bit, holding herself up on her hands. "OH I've been busy. We just signed a model to an up and coming duo of Fashion Designers, and I promised them I'd take care of a few things. But it's really not all that bad. Both the girls were really sweet."
He nodded, not at all that interested. He paid attention though, to his credit, but it was for the most part in one ear and out the other. Frankly? he was just too tired. She really was beautiful, Caroline. He was pretty sure he had never saw another woman he thought was as beautiful as she was...and he really wished he could pursue more. She had been...fuck, she had been his dream girl..literally..for so long. IT wasn't fair though, not to her. He couldn't really give her the attention she'd probably want..and rightfully deserve. "You shouldn't work too hard..."
"Oh, don't be silly. It's no problem helping people get onto their feet in the fashion world," She said with a bright smile and pushed herself back up into a sitting position before rising to her feet. She soothed the short jean skirt back around her thighs and looked down at him. "Besides, if I don't help them, they're liable to be eaten alive. The fashion world can be a very nasty business." She shrugged and glanced over her shoulder. "Oh, Jake wanted me to let you know we'll begin shooting in 15."
He watched as she stood up, unable to help but watch as she slid the skirt down her thighs again, enjoying the view before the pale skin was covered again. "Thanks," he answered before pushing himself up with a groan, the muscles of his stomach flexing as he pulled himself up. He adjusted his pants, tugging them up so that they'd cover his ass and slipped past her, walking towards the set to begin. He wanted to go home and sleep.
Caroline watched as he walked away and stood there for a moment before she shook her head and followed him out to the main set. She took a seat in the nice chair that had her name on it and crossed her legs waiting for some direction on what was suppose to be going on.
Jake looked over at Jagger, and grinned before clapping his hands together loudly, "Okay people! Let's start this thing! First of all, I'd like to welcome you all to the first day of shooting Jagger's newest video Perfect Strangers!" He called out loudly, pulling all the attention in the room towards himself. "Jagger had a specific idea when we began talking about what he wanted to do, so I'm gonna let him give you all the basic outline."
Jagger sighed and looked at everyone, "Boy meets girl. Boy and Girl want each other. They go home together and it's all about them. No names are needed,...because all that matters is that moment." he shrugged his shoulders, "that's pretty much it."
Jake nodded and glanced over at Caroline, "So obviously Jagger is Boy.. And the lovely Caroline Corwin has agreed to be Girl." He looked back at the crew, "So first shot we're gonna do is with Jagger entering the club.. Caroline's standing at the bar with her girlfriends talking and such and boy and girl spot each other.. and yeah..We all know what'll happen then. Okay, Let's get into place people!" He said as the extras all moved over to the bar set.
Caroline pushed herself off her chair and made her way slowly over to the bar set and over to the group of extras who were suppose to be her 'Girlfriends'. She smiled pleasantly at girls and arched a brow as a couple of them immediately began chattering away about how 'cute' her outfit was. Oh, she was going to have to kill someone, she could see it already.
The shooting began and soon enough, Jagger was lost in the task of getting all of this down. It took a few takes, mainly because some of those girls with Caroline were annoying as hell and couldn't stop trying to look sexy. That was fine. Whatever. Soon enough, they were in the bed, Jagger shirtless, sitting there as he waited for the directors instructions for this.
Jake chatted with one of the camera guys while Caroline was off changing into her next 'outfit' which consisted of nothing more than a Lacy pair of black panties and bra. He looked over at her when he saw her walking up to him in a bathrobe. "You don't mind? Really?"
"Oh please, I've worn much less and done much more in pictures, this is perfectly okay." She assured him with a grin before heading over to the bedroom set. She looked over at Jagger, her brow arching a bit as she undid the belt holding the bathrobe together and slowly pushed the bathrobe off her shoulders and handed it over to one of the make-up crew. "So.. This seems like something we've done before," She murmured flashing Jagger a wicked smile as she slowly crawled up onto the bed.
He grinned back at her as she crawled onto the bed. "Yeah, definitely something we've done before," he replied, eyeing her up. Hell, why shouldn't he? he as a single man..and she was hot. "Looking good, Caro," he whispered as he slipped past her and sat on the bed.
She smiled, tilting her head a bit to the side. "Why thank you Jagger," she murmured demurely, all the while just wanting to demand answers to the questions that were going through her head about Kate. But now? It wasn't the time.
"Okay, Caroline.. Kinda.. Straddle him.." Jake said clearing his throat and shifting his weight on his feet. "And well.. Uh.. You know.."
Caroline rolled her eyes, and scooting across the bed, swung one long leg over Jagger's lap, and settled herself on it quite nicely, She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, "This seems familiar too.."
His hands rested on her hips, his fingers sliding over the bare skin. He glanced at Jake who yelled action and the music began. Jagger, using his stomach muscles, sat up, his hand sliding up Caroline's back until it was under her hair. He gripped it and pulled gently, pulling her head back to expose her neck and he moved his lips along it, his breath hot.
Caroline fought the urge to stiffen as Jagger's fingers traced over her skin. Was she still upset? Yes, who wouldn't be. Only problem? She was doing a job, and Jagger had no clue she was upset with him. She closed her eyes, her head falling back, and her breath caught in her throat feeling the warmth of his lips against her skin. For a moment, she forgot everything.. But then the next moment, the image of a very pregnant Kate fluttered through her mind and she lifted and hand, pressed it against Jagger's chest and pushed him back. "I can't do this.." She said her eyes opening and looked down at him, her feelings flashing through them. She climbed off of him and looked over at Jake, "I need a break.." She muttered and grabbed her robe from someone as she passed them and headed towards the room she was using for her dressing room.
Jake's mouth dropped and he watched as Caroline walked away. He'd NEVER seen her act like this before. "Uh.. Everyone.. Take a thirty minute break.. Eat, rest.. Whatever.."
Jagger sat there and watched Caroline running off, a frown forming on his face. For one thing..what the fuck? She had just freaked out! Another thing? He couldn't afford this delay. He really fucking couldn't. He glanced over and saw Faith standing there, her eyes flashing and watched the legs carry her away as she stalked after Caroline.
"Caroline, what are you doing?" she asked, catching up to her and frowning slightly. "What's going on? We really don't have time for this.."
Caroline looked over at her, and flashed her a wary smile. "I just need a few minutes Faith.. Really." She said and turned away one hand on her hip and her other rubbing her forehead. "I need an aspirin, my head is pounding.." She muttered.
Faith sighed. She hadn't expected this from Caroline, but whatever. If she needed time, she wasn't going to push. Yet. "Get Caroline some aspirin," she told a PA before shaking her head and wandering away from Caroline.
Caroline held her hand out as the PA approached her with a bottle of water and a couple of aspirin. She quickly popped the aspirin in her mouth and took a few sips from the water and sighed. She needed to pull herself together. She never acted this way! Especially over a MAN! She took a deep breath and handed the PA the water bottle. Okay, she could do this. She could finish this video with Jagger and just.. That was it. She was a professional, and this was just a job. She turned and slowly made her way back over to the set and looked down at Jagger, "Sorry about that. I just needed a moment." She told him, her walls back in place.
He looked at her a moment, really not feeling as though he had much patience to be dealing with all of this. "As long as you're okay now," he told her with a shrug, sitting up before looking over at Jake. The cameras began to role again and somehow, they managed to get through everything and hours later, Jagger was leaving the dressing room, half comatose.
Caroline had quickly changed in her own clothes and mad her way out to the set and was chatting with Jake when Jagger walked out of his dressing room. She politely excused herself and lifting her head a bit, walked over to where Jagger was. "Well, I'm glad we were able to finish everything. It should be a great video.." She said falling silent, because she actually had no clue what to say to him now.. Did she say something about what had happened and why? She didn't know. She really didn't.
"Yeah, hopefully," Jagger replied as they walked outside towards the cars. "You okay?" he glanced down at her. He didn't really take her for the sort to freak out out of nowhere, he really didn't.
She was silent for a moment her mind racing. She shrugged her shoulders finally, and tucked her hands into her pockets. "Remember I was telling you about the designers I was helping? I didn't tell you their names..." She paused and glanced away, her jaw setting for a moment. "Bethany Barker and Katherine Roberts.... She's very pretty Jagger." She told him honestly peeking back over at him.
Jagger turned and looked at her, silenced for a moment. "She's beautiful," he agreed easily. And hell, she was. He had always thought that. He wasn't so sure where Caroline was going with all of this though, but whatever. He'd follow somehow. Obviously she wasn't okay because of this...considering that was her reply when he asked if she was okay. "She's not my girlfriend, Caroline," he told her, just as honestly. Now, truth be told? he didn't know what they were..they had been together since she had told him about Griffin..but as far as he knew? she was still with him. "She has one..but it's not me." he paused, "Did that bother you or something? Seeing Kate?"
Caroline shifted uneasily on her feet, because now.. Now had she been caught acting like some jealous woman? She'd really thought that Jagger was with Kate.. Mainly because of how Kate had talked about him and the baby she was carrying. And she'd thought that he had .. Well slept with her while he was Kate.. She sighed and looked away, her brows furrowing a bit as she thought of how she was going to answer him. "It didn't bother me seeing Kate," She began and looked down and plucked absently at her blouse. "It bothered me when I thought that you were with her." She looked up at him again, "It bothered me because I thought that I had been made into some fling."
A fling. Well, truth was, what else did she think it was? Christ, this was just getting far to complicated for his tastes, it really was. He didn't want her to feel like a fling, but he didn't want her thinking that he was going to like, be her boyfriend or something. As much as he'd have probably tried under any other circumstances, the fact of the matter was that he couldn't. Not now. How good of a boyfriend would he really be anyway? He was about to have a baby with a woman who...for all intents and purposes and started out as a fling and had, thankfully, managed to morph into a friendship...and he wanted to make damn sure he was there for his son. He really fucking did.
"So..you obviously know about the baby then.." he trailed off. She was literally the only one who knew about that baby..other than Kate and her side. His mother and his sister knew, but on his end? that was it. He sighed. "I'd be really thankful if you didn't mention it to anyone...I'm trying my hardest to keep it out of the press. I don't want Kate to have to deal with all of that..and I really don't want my son to either...I'm sure you understand.."
Her brow arched watching his facial expression and sighed in frustration. He obviously wasn't getting what she was saying! She hadn't thought that they were dating, or anything like that! She didn't want anyone to be her boyfriend! What she had thought they had was fun, actually being able to have a conversation.. Things like that! Okay, so she was lying to herself, but really now! She shook her head and looked away. How did one go about explaining that they thought they had been some man's side project while his pregnant girlfriend sat at home? That the thought of being ANYONE'S side project made her blood boil?
She looked back at him nodding. "Well it wasn't as if Kate was making a point of hiding you were the Father in front of me." She replied. Not tell anyone about the baby? What did she look like? A gossip?! She gave him a hurt look and began taking a few steps away but stopped and turned to face him again. She could understand the want to keep ones life private, truly she did.. But she couldn't believe he thought that he actually had to ask her to keep quiet. "I wouldn't dream of talking about your life Jagger, it's not any of my business. So.. Your secret is safe with me." She said, flashing him a small smile.
He hadn't meant to insult her by asking her not to say anything. Hell, he was just letting her know that it wasn't a known sort of thing, was all. He wasn't going to feel guilty about it though...not when it came to the privacy of his family and you know what? that's what Kate and their unborn son were. His family. Whether Kate had a boyfriend, whether Jagger had a girlfriend...they were family. They always would be...and protecting them? damn fucking important.
"I'm sure you can understand..." hell, she'd probably had her world turned upside down enough times when it came to the press. They were blood hungry, they really were. Besides, he'd already gotten burned...he very much remembered the situation with Grace and yeah, he STILL felt bad about that. "I can only imagine the press that would get. Me having a baby with someone who's not even my girlfriend, let alone my wife.." he shook his head, "At least we're fucking friends though. That's more than they can say about most parents who don't plan to have a baby."
"And I do," She assured him with a slight nod of her head. "I really do." She took a deep breath, her intense blue gaze never wavering from him. She honestly didn't know what to think of him anymore. When she'd first met him she'd thought he was intriguing, the second she'd found him incredibly sexy.. And now? Now she found he had a heart and wanted to protect those he held dear to him. Seems Jagger had more sides to him than she'd first thought.
She took a few steps towards him, closing the distance between them. She reached out, and cradled his face in her hands and flashed him a more heart felt smile. "Jagger, you are going to be a great father." She said before lifting up on her toes and pressed a kiss on his forehead before dropping back down and releasing him. "And don't let anyone tell you differently. People, the press.. Anyone." She reached up running her fingers through her blond curls. "And Kate? Well I only hope she knows how lucky she is. You're a good man, and I truly hope she realizes that."
Truth be told, that's exactly what Jagger needed to hear. He needed to hear from someone who wasn't biased, who didn't have to tell him this, that he was going to be a good father because you know what? that was the none thing he was scared of the most. He didn't want to end up like this own father and that was that. "Thanks," he replied softly, lowering his eyes. He was suddenly embaressed to have those words said to him, tohave the reaction that he had. He didn't show emotions all that easily but...well, those words got to him. They made him feel...well, hopeful.
He really didn't know how Kate felt, if she felt lucky or not..but he wouldn't argue that she should. In fact, maybe it was him that should feel lucky? he wasn't sure. All he knew was that Kate had a boyfriend and whether they had hooked up or not, that was a pretty important thing. Obviously, Kate wasn't planning to break up with the guy over it...and as long as the moron didn't start thnking he had any sort of say over his son, then Jagger would adjust..because he had to. "Thanks, Caro.."
She arched a brow, a bit surprised by his sudden bout of shyness. Because of what? That she'd told him he'd be a good father? She smiled and shrugged, not really sure what to say to him. She'd only been speaking the truth, and that certainly wasn't anything to be thankful to her for. "Oh, don't thank me Jagger. What I think doesn't really matter, only what you and your Kate think." She replied with a dismissing wave of her hand. Seriously, she really didn't think she needed to be thanked for being honest with what she thought.
She nodded again and reached out grasping his hand and squeezed. "Don't worry about it Jagger. Things will work out the way they are meant to in the end. Though, sometimes it just takes a bit longer to figure certain things out." She flashed him a smile and squeezed his hand again before releasing it. "Well, I really must be going. I have to go and make sure my company is still there." She said with a slight frown, taking a step away from him. She was half afraid to turn her cell phone back on, knowing that there would be a hundred and one missed calls from Marco fretting over something. "But, don't be such a stranger. Let me know how things are going in your life from time to time."
He stared at her as she stepped away. So that was that? this..whatever it was, was over? He hadn't even had a chance to think about what he wanted with caroline, and now it was over? because he was having a baby with Kate? How the fuck did it work that she got to have a boyfriend but him...he couldn't have anyone? Yeah, that was fair. He sighed some and just nodded his head, "Sure," he muttered, although he was pretty sure he wouldn't. What was the point?
So the day had started out..alright, and now it was in the shitter. What if Caroline had been the press? What if Kate hadn't known that and had mentioned it to her even then? He sighed. He had told Kate he wanted to protect her and the baby..but she wans't really helping, was she? "Hey Caro..uh..good luck with...well, I don't know. With everything, I guess," he told her before turning himself, sticking his hands deep into his pockets before moving off towards his car.
Caroline paused and turned and stared after Jagger with a slight frown. So now what was this? Was he pouting? And what exactly was this whole whatever thing? Men! She didn't understand them any better today than she had when she was 19! "Jagger?" She called out after him, "Did I miss something? I just asked you to call me.. That was it." She shook her head and crossed her arms before herself, shaking her head. "I don't know what you want.. And somehow.. I don't think you do either." She stated with another shake of her head. "And.. Well.. " She uncrossed her arms and held out her hands palms up. "I think I've been extremely honest with how I feel Jagger... Now.. What do you want?"
He turned when Caroline called him back, frowning when she spoke. She didn't know what he wanted? Well, that was fine because he didn't know either. And if he did? Things were far more complicated than that. He couldn't just decide he wanted Caroline and that would be that..because it wouldn't. There weren't too many women eager to jump into something with a man who had a baby with another woman..especially when that woman was actually currently pregnant with the baby. "My life's complicated, Caroline..obviously.." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "You really think you'd be interested in dating someone who's about to have a baby with another woman? Knowing that Kate's going to be in my life and there's nothing anyone can say about that?" He shrugged, "Because if you are..then I'm for it Caro, I am...but being a father? That's the most important thing to me right now. I'm going to be a good dad.. I have to be."
Her brow arched and she shook her head, "You honestly think you're the only one who has a complicated life Jagger? Well you're not. Everyone of us has some issue that just complicates things for us. Yours just happens to be a pregnant non-girlfriend." She wasn't trying to be harsh, but she was trying to make him realize that hello? He wasn't the only one with problems in this city. "Do you honestly think you'd be the first man I've dated who had children? Jagger, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you wouldn't be. I have no problem with children, or the fact that the child's mother or whatever is in the father's life. That's part of life. But I do have a problem when people assume that I'd have a problem with something like that. That I'm so shallow that I couldn't look past something like that. I'm not that type of person Jagger, and.. " She trailed off and shrugged her shoulders.
She studied him for a moment before continuing. "But, you do know just because you're going to have a baby with Kate, doesn't mean that you can't have a girlfriend. Doesn't mean that you have to stop living your life. No matter what you do Jagger.. I'm sure that baby's going to know how much it means to you. And that's a good thing, but don't forget you have to be happy with yourself too."
"I wasn't insinuating that you were shallow, Caroline," Jagger told her, trying his very best not to sound impatient right now. "I was telling you where I was in my life and whether or not you have a problem with something like that, there are women who would...there are women who wouldn't be able to deal with it...and I don't want that. I don't want to have to deal with women being jealous of each other..and no, I'm not saying that you'll be jealous. In fact, I highly doubt you'd be...But you need to understand why I'm hesitant. It's not that I don't like you, because I do...I just.." he sighed some. He really wasnt good at conversations like this. He really wasn't.
"So...Why don't you tell me what you want, Caro.." he looked at her, "because you know what I want now. I want you...and I want my family..and I guess, I want it all to be smooth sailing, even if I know it won't be..but...Well, what do you want?" He licked his lips, "Do you want me?"
"You know Jagger, I would have been very understanding if you'd told me this from the get go. Instead.. For a while, well since Kate had unknowingly let me know you were her baby's father, I felt like I was .. Well being made into something I promised myself I would never be. I had actually thought that you were with Kate, the way she was going on..." She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe it was wrong for me to think that. But you have to look at it from my position, I suppose."
She sighed, and reached up running her fingers through her long blond hair. "What I want?" What did she want? She stared at him, debating whether she should tell him how she'd felt before all of this. And it wasn't like she'd been able to turn those feelings off between now and then. She smiled finally, "I think I'd like to see where we could go. To see how comfortable we are around each other. Well I know we're pretty comfortable.. But outside a bedroom. I'd like to get to know you.. All of you. What you think, what you feel, your beliefs.. Things like that." She took a few steps towards him and held her hand out to him. "So if that didn't answer you're last question. I suppose I should answer it. Yes, I do want you."
He wasn't really sure how he felt about Kate's sounding as though they were together, but at the same time he supposed that he couldn't get all that mad. There was obviously something there between them..if there hadn't been, they'd have never hooked up at her apartment. Not when she had a boyfriend she supposedly cared for. But what now? What did this mean? did this suddenly mean that Jagger St. Croix had a girlfriend?
She held out her hand and for a moment, he looked at it. He did like Caroline..he really did. She was easy to be around, she was unassuming and she was hot as hell. What more could he ask for? Finally, he reached his hand out and took her own, giving it a squeeze. "Well, let's just do that then," he told her with a little smile. "We'll test the waters, hmm? See...where we can go together."