Read Online Just Physical by Jae - Free Book Online Page B

A large rip ran diagonally across her backside.
    Despite her exhaustion—or maybe because of it—laughter bubbled up.
    â€œYou okay?” Crash eyed her as if she doubted Jill’s mental soundness, but then a grin spread over her face too. She still stood with her hands held out, ready to catch Jill if needed.
    â€œYeah. I’m fine, but I think my days as wardrobe’s favorite are numbered. The dress is toast.” She had never thought she’d ever be grateful she had to wear two petticoats, but now those articles of clothing kept her from revealing her drawers to the entire cast and crew of Shaken to the Core . “See you tomorrow.”
    With as much dignity as she could muster, she pushed past Crash and walked toward her trailer, glad that the long hem of her dress hid that she was favoring her left leg.
    She felt Crash’s gaze on her all the way to the trailer and up the three metal stairs that were akin to climbing Mount Everest.
    With a sigh of relief, she pulled the door closed behind her and turned up the air conditioner as high as it could go. The cold blasts of air felt heavenly. As her body cooled down, the burning sensation on the left side of her body and the numbness in her leg receded. Still, she kept close to the wall as she made her way over to the couch, just in case she had to catch herself.
    She dropped onto the couch, sank back, and closed her eyes. Elation at having finished the shoot warred with frustration, but mainly, she was just tired. So tired. She knew she should get up and drive home or at least get into the trailer’s tiny shower and clean herself up, but she just couldn’t summon the energy to move.
    A knock sounded on the door.
    Bone-weary, Jill stayed where she was, hoping her visitor would take the hint and go away.
    But the knock came again.
    Groaning, she opened her eyes and pushed herself into an upright position. “Yes?”
    She wasn’t overly surprised when Crash peeked into her trailer. “Sorry to disturb you.”
    â€œNo problem. Come on in. I was just going over my lines for tomorrow.” Too late she realized that tomorrow’s script pages were nowhere to be seen. She hoped Crash wouldn’t notice.
    Crash looked as if she didn’t believe her, but she said nothing.
    â€œSo, what can I do for you?” Jill asked.
    â€œThe question is, what can I do for you,” Crash said. She entered, closed the door behind her, and pointed at Jill’s costume. “I remembered that you’re still wearing the stunt harness, and I thought you might need some help getting out of that thing.”
    â€œOh.” Jill glanced down at herself. She’d forgotten about the harness. “Thanks, but I can manage.” Truth be told, she had no idea how to take off the contraption, but accepting help didn’t come easily for her.
    Crash stepped closer and looked down at her. “Really?”
    There was something in her blue eyes…something that hadn’t been there before. Not pity, exactly, more like compassion mixed with sorrow.
    Jill’s overheated body went cold. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and then opened them again. The expression in Crash’s eyes was still the same. “You know,” Jill whispered.
    Crash nodded. Her jaw muscles bunched.
    Dammit. Jill’s eyes stung. She told herself it was just the dust and ash the large fans had blown on her all day. She didn’t care if Crash knew, right? Jill never cared what people thought.
    But that feeling of regret, anger, and vulnerability right behind her sternum just wouldn’t go away. She had liked the fact that Crash hadn’t known and had treated her like an attractive woman, not like an MS patient.
    â€œDoes it hurt?” Crash asked.
    For a moment, Jill thought she was talking about the MS, but then she realized she’d been rubbing her chest through the harness. “No, it’s fine. Just not the most