I found him on the set that was his character's apartment, talking to Chris, one of the other actors. His back was to me and as I walked up, I couldn't help but admire his broad shoulders and the muscle tone in his back. I walked up behind him and put my hands on his shoulders, massaging lightly before running my hands down over his arms. Chris's eyes widened as he stopped mid-sentence. I think everyone on the set knew something was going on between us but for some reason expected us to hide it. I didn't see any reason to, especially after what I had done this morning.

Robert turned to look at me and smiled slightly. Chris seemed to have forgotten what he was saying and told Robert he'd see him tomorrow.

Robert gave me a questioning look and I smiled. "I just came to say goodnight. I'm headed home."

He grinned at me. "I'm surprised you’re still speaking to me. I figured after I embarrassed you in front of Matt, I'd be lucky if you were talking to me when we get to Venice."

I shrugged. "I'm in too good of a mood to be mad at you. Besides, what's the point? If I get mad at you, you'll just follow me around being charming until I get over it."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "As I recall, you said you weren't affected by my charm..."

I smiled slightly and stepped closer to him. "Well, maybe not your charm, but you do seem to have quite an effect on me in other ways..." I put my hand to his neck and slid it slowly down over his muscular chest.

He put his hand lightly to my waist as I leaned in and kissed him softly. As I pulled away from him I studied his face. We both seemed to be trying to read each other's mind. I simply couldn't read him, and I hoped I wasn't as transparent as I felt.

He spoke up first. "So, what has you in such a good mood?"

"Oh, that's right, I haven't had a chance to tell you. Matt got me an audition for a play this Saturday. He really thinks I'll get it, and if I do, I'll start right after we get back from Venice. Which means, no more waiting tables, at least for awhile."

He smiled. "That's great, Danni! And I'm sure you're a great waitress, but I think those days are over. Once people see you in this movie you'll be turning down offers left and right."

I couldn't help but smile but rolled my eyes at him. "You're just saying that so I'll take you home with me."

He shook his head. "No, I said it because I believe it. This is what I would do to get you to take me home with you." He pulled me against him and stared into my eyes. Then he softly, slowly massaged my back with his left hand and with his right hand pushed my hair away from my face, gently running his fingers over my neck. By the time he softly brushed my lips with his, I was already little more than a puddle. He pulled back just slightly and looked at me. "Well, did it work? "

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. "Mmm. Maybe a little too well."

He grinned. "What does that mean?"

"It means, I'm feeling more inclined to take you twenty feet away, to my dressing room, than twenty miles away, to my apartment."

His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, he began to softly nibble my ear and whispered, "Is there any reason why we can't do both?"

I honestly felt a bolt of electricity shoot from my ear, all the way down to my toes and shivered. And for some reason, feeling so weak in his arms made a certain amount of fight rise up in me. I began to run my hand in slow circles over his chest and brought my lips to his ear, speaking softly. "Robert, if you don't stop, we'll never make it past that couch." I tilted my head in the direction of the set. He raised his eyebrows slightly but his response was lost as I gently kissed his ear, his neck, his chin, finally making my way to his lips and exploring his mouth with my tongue.

He had slipped his hands under my shirt when someone walked by and cleared their throat. "Uh, would you mind getting a room? There are still people here, and we don't need to see this."

We reluctantly broke apart and although I headed toward my dressing room, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward my car instead. He laughed when I made a face at him. "Come on, you can wait another thirty minutes, can't you?"

I was miffed by the implication that he could outlast me. "I can wait longer than you can!" He laughed again. "Is that a challenge?"

I paused, not sure that was a challenge I wanted to make. Of course I could outlast him, but did I really want to? And how long could he wait, realistically? I shook my head at him. "That's silly, Robert. What are we, teenagers?"

He smirked. "That's what I thought. You can't do it."

I rolled my eyes, not believing that he was actually pushing this. "Fine, Robert. If you want to make an issue of this, then that's what we'll do. But I hope you're ready to apologize when you realize how wrong you are." We had reached the car by this time and I got into the driver's seat and slammed the door.

He got into the passenger seat and kissed me softly. "Great. So if it's so easy for you, you won't mind me spending the night at your apartment. I'm sure you won't have any trouble staying on your side of the bed."

I sighed as I started the car. This is crazy. I cannot believe I let him coerce me into it. And he obviously wasn't planning on making it easy for me. As I drove toward my apartment, he began running his hand slowly up and down my thigh. I glanced sideways at him as my stomach began turning circles. "Robert... I'm trying to drive."

"Oh. Sorry." He smiled but didn't remove his hand from my leg.

I shook my head. "That's fine. If you want to play dirty, I can do that too. But you just remember that you started it."

We stopped to pick up dinner on the way. When we got to the apartment, I told Robert to take the chair and go ahead and start eating. I wanted to change clothes. His face, when I came back out of the bedroom, was priceless. I had put on a spaghetti-strapped, sheer sapphire blue chemise that just barely came halfway to my knees. I watched his face as he stared at me, momentarily speechless. His eyes wandered slowly over me and, since he didn't seem able to speak, I spoke up first. "Is there a problem?"

He snapped out of his trance and cleared his throat. "No. I guess I, ah... I just... Wait a minute. Yeah, there's a problem. I don't really think that's fair."

I smiled sweetly at him. "And I don't think you made any rules, and it's too late now."

I studied him closely and decided that my change of wardrobe was definitely having the desired effect, but I didn't see any reason to stop there. I went to turn on the television, but instead of using the remote, I leaned over and turned it on by hand, causing the gown to rise even further. I turned back and smiled at him again. "Can I get you something to drink?"

He was watching me with a smile on his face and shook his head. "Maybe I'd better get it myself. I don't think I want you standing in front of an open fridge." He paused and looked me over again. "Besides that, it wouldn't hurt for me to cool off a little."

I grinned as he stood up, then followed him into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and I stood behind him, running my hands over his shoulders and down his back. Of course I was trying to tempt him into giving in first but I also didn't think I could keep my hands off of him if I wanted to. I still had confidence in my ability to outlast him, I was just hoping he wouldn't make me wait much longer.

He stopped moving when I touched him, and I felt him take a deep breath before he closed the fridge and turned around. He smiled softly as he looked at me. "You're determined to make me give in, aren't you?"

I nodded. "Yup. So there's really no sense in wasting your time trying to resist. Why don't you just give up now and admit that I'm stronger?"

He put his hand to my face and ran it slowly over my shoulder and down my bare arm. He spoke softly. "You think I should just give in and take you right here in the kitchen?" I began to plant light kisses along his jaw and up to his ear. "Why not? I mean, is it really worth denying yourself just to prove to me that I'm not irresistible?"

He looked surprised as he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me against him. "Danni... I never said you weren't irresistible. This whole thing started because I didn't want to have sex in your dressing room. See, the first time happened so fast because it was the middle of the night, you caught me off guard and, well, I really wanted you." He paused and grinned at me as he ran his hand up my back causing the silk of the gown to slide over my skin. "Then, earlier today, you were in such a hurry because you didn't want to be late getting back from lunch." He kissed me softly. "This time I wanted to bring you home so that we could take our time. I wanted to be able to slowly kiss every inch of your skin and memorize every curve with my fingers." He had punctuated those last couple of sentences with soft kisses and now paused for a longer one, sliding just the tip of his tongue into my mouth before continuing. "I thought if I had the whole night I could spend it learning exactly what makes you crazy."

He smiled at the look on my face, which I’m sure was a mixture of helplessness and absolute desire. He slowly released me (probably making sure I could still stand and, amazingly, I was able to) and headed back toward the living room. "Well, we should really eat our dinner before it gets cold."

I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the refrigerator. I took a deep breath but couldn't seem to clear the image of him slowly kissing every inch of my skin. This is what I'm fighting so hard against? Is it really worth it? I mean, what difference does it make if he knows how much I want him? That still doesn't mean that he'd know how in love with him I am. I told him it was just sex and he believes me, so it really wouldn't hurt anything if I... No. I'm not giving in. He's just trying to get to me, and I can do better than that. I can make him give in before the night is over.

"Danni... are you coming?"

I sighed softly. "Yeah. I'm coming." I opened the fridge, poured myself a glass of ice water, and headed back to the living room.

We actually ate in silence. I spent the time deciding exactly what I would do to make him unable to resist any longer. I just hoped he wasn't doing the same thing.

After we ate, I took the plates to the kitchen. When I came back, I seated myself in his lap and looked up at him. "Robert, this is silly."

He smiled as he slipped his arms around my waist. "I agree. But I didn't start it. And I'm ready to drop the whole thing anytime you are."

I leaned my head over on his shoulder and began softly kissing his neck and running my hand over his chest. I carefully moved my arm in a way that made the left strap of my gown slide down over my shoulder and the way I was curled up in his lap, the gown was just barely covering my butt.

He moaned softly and took hold of the hand I was running over his chest. "Uh, Danni..."

I looked up into his eyes. "What's the matter, baby, don't you want me?"

He gave me a frustrated look and started to say something, but before he could, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips warmly to his. He returned the kiss and ran his hands over me in a way that made me shiver slightly. As we deepened the kiss, he ran his hand over my thigh and had begun inching his way under my gown when he stopped. "Okay. I, um... I think maybe we should watch a movie or something."

I smiled. "Okay. I'll get one."

He shook his head and slipped my strap back up over my shoulder. "No, I'll get one. You sit here."

He picked out a comedy and sat on the floor about as far away from me as he could get. I couldn't help but laugh. "Robert, you don't have to sit in the floor, I'll share the chair with you."

"No, that's okay. I'm just going to sit here."

We were about ten minutes into the movie and he seemed to be doing a pretty good job of not looking at me. I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere this way, so I got up and moved over to sit where he was, leaning against him.

He tried to ignore me but after a minute he looked over at me and chuckled softly. "Was it not obvious that I was trying to get away from you?"

I smiled. "Yeah, I got that impression, but I'm cold. I thought maybe you could keep me warm. You know, just like that first night you were here..." I took his hand and moved his arm so that it was around my shoulders.

He moved his arm and gave me a mock stern look. "If you're so cold, maybe you should put some clothes on!"

I looked pleadingly at him and ran my hand over his leg.

He sighed and shook his head. "You know what? I'm just going to go to bed."

I smiled widely. "That sounds like a great idea."

He went on into the bedroom while I turned everything off. When I came in he watched me warily, but with a sparkle in his eyes. "Okay, here's the deal. This is my half of the bed and that's your half. Now, if at any time during the night any part of you touches my half of the bed..."

I just laughed. "Nice try, Robert, but this is my bed. The whole thing is my side and I'll sleep where I want!"

He sighed. "You're planning on spending the entire night curled up against me, doing your very best to drive me crazy, aren't you?"

"That's the current plan, yes."

"Well, since I can't stop you..." He held his arms open and I smiled as I turned off the light and curled up in his arms, resting my head on his chest.

After a few minutes he spoke up again. "Danni, you do realize that it'll be your fault when I don't get any sleep tonight and can't work tomorrow."

I softly kissed his chest before looking up at him. "It's not my fault. You can have me anytime you want me. All you have to do is admit that I'm stronger and can wait longer than you."

He ran his hand slowly over my back. "You know what? I'm ready to give in. I am so ready to slide this gown off of you, kiss every inch of you... but I can't."

"You can't? Why?"

"Well, because I've been watching you. And I can tell how hard this is getting on you. You're as close as I am to giving in, if not closer. In fact, this plan of spending the night in my arms might just backfire on you, because I don't think you can stand it any more than I can."

I was actually a little angry. Here I thought he was giving in and he seemed to still think he could wait me out? "You're crazy. I can lay here in your arms all night without needing to have sex with you. Goodnight."

I closed my eyes and pretended to be sleeping, not sure I would ever be able to sleep. Not only did he feel incredible, he smelled incredible. I'm not sure how long I lay awake, listening to his heartbeat, but I must have eventually fallen asleep.

I woke up to the sound of the shower running. I glanced over at the clock to find that it was only two-thirty. I giggled as I realized what had happened and decided to take further action. I slipped my gown over my head and lay it across his pillow.

I debated on saying something as I watched him walk back into the room but decided to stay quiet. He lay back down and I heard him groan softly as he found the gown. "Danni... Please tell me you got cold and decided to put on something warmer..."

"Not exactly..."

"Do you have any idea what I just went through to get cooled off?"

"Well, I don't know why you're blaming that on me, I was asleep!"

The next thing I knew I felt a frozen hand on my stomach. I jumped and yelled out.

I could hear the ornery tone in his voice. "What's the matter? Don't you want to come curl up against me now?"

I moved further away from him.

"Come on, Danni, you win. I'm ready to give up now."

"You're crazy. I think you need to warm yourself up first!"

"And I think it's your fault that I'm cold and you're going to warm me up."

Before I could respond, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me up against him. He really was freezing, but I forgot all about that the moment his lips touched mine. I kissed him with obvious hunger, hoping he was serious about giving in because I knew there was no way I could turn back now. This kiss was so much different than the other's we'd shared. It was so slow, so deliberate... I wanted so much to take it slow, especially after his descriptiveness in the kitchen, but after having waited all night, I was more than a little anxious.

I slowly broke off the kiss and pushed him to his back. I couldn't see his face but he seemed surprised. "Are you taking over? I thought this was my seduction."

I smiled as I ran my hands slowly over his chest and stomach. "I'm just going to warm you up. Then you can take charge all you want to."

I didn't hear any further protest as I began to kiss him, starting at his shoulders and working my way down. I continued to run my hands over him as I kissed him, and I continued to kiss him, searching out the coldest spots, until there weren't any cold spots left. I kissed his lips again softly. "Feeling better?"

"Well, I'm feeling warmer..." He turned the tables on me, pushing me to my back and beginning to softly kiss my neck. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes and a strange thought crossed my mind. I knew that I would never be with another man without remembering how I felt at this very moment. I quickly pushed the thought out of my mind and focused on the way he was softly caressing my skin. And then all I could think about was that I knew he had said something about covering every inch of me and I didn't think there was any way I could last that long. And of course he knew that and was doing his best to torture me. I wasn't complaining too much.

We were both unusually quiet afterward, considering we both seemed wide awake. I lay beside him but not against him, and he had thrown off all the blankets, obviously no longer cold. Surprisingly, it was Robert who spoke first. "Danni, if I hadn't given in when I did, how long do you really think you would have made it?" He turned his head to look at me. "Truthfully."

I smiled mischievously at him. "You know, Robert, Bogart once said that the truth should never be told between lovers. When it is, the affair is over."

He didn't say anything else, but he knew as well as I did that my reluctance to answer the question was an answer in itself.

That afternoon, Robert sat watching me as I worked on a scene when Matt walked up and sat down beside him. He looked up questioningly. "Everything okay?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah. I just wanted to come by and bring Danielle this script for the play she's auditioning for Saturday. Maybe you could help her work on it?"

Robert grinned. "I'd be happy to help her get ready for her audition, but they'll be crazy if they pick anyone else."

Matt nodded as he studied Robert's face, trying to read him. They were both silent for a few minutes before Robert spoke up again. "Aren't you going to tell me not to hurt her?"

Matt looked surprised. "I'm sorry?"

"You've known her for a long time; I can tell you care about her. I figured you were probably protective. Maybe even over-protective?"

Matt looked at him curiously. "Well, I have known Danielle a long time and I do care about her a lot. But she's a big girl. It's never been my experience that she needs to be protected."

"Meaning?"

"Well, she moved to New York City by herself when she was twenty-three years old. And not only has she made it here, but she's thriving. I know she says she hates it, but she doesn't. She's one of the strongest people I've known." He paused and grinned at Robert. "And yes, I know you're sleeping with her, but if I was concerned about anyone getting hurt it would be you."

Robert laughed as he looked over at me and watched me for a minute. My character was trying to get some information out of some guy and I had him backed against a wall. I was whispering in his ear and running one finger down his chest, slowly flicking open the buttons on his shirt. He shook his head as he turned back to Matt. "Ain't that the truth."

Matt smiled at the look on Robert's face as he watched me. "Well, listen, I wish I could stay and talk to her but I have to meet another client. Would you give this script to her and tell her I'll be in touch again before Saturday?"

Robert nodded and Matt thanked him and left.

A few minutes later, I finished up with the scene and walked over. "Did Matt leave?"

Robert handed me the script. "Yeah, he had to meet another client. So that's the last scene before we get to Venice. How do you feel?"

"Relieved! And I'm so grateful to be getting a couple of days off so I can prepare for this audition."

He smiled slyly. "Well, I'd be happy to help you prepare for the audition, if you want. Of course, it'll mean long hours and I'll probably end up having to spend the night at your apartment..."

I smiled and leaned down to kiss him softly. "Mr. Downey, don't you think this is becoming somewhat of a habit? The next thing you know, you'll want to move in."

"Hmm.. you have no idea. If your apartment were in Los Angeles, I'd have moved in already. So... can I follow you home and help you rehearse?"

I smiled at him. "You promise we'll rehearse?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't we?" He paused and took the script from me, flipping it open. "There's sex in this play, right?"

I laughed and took the script back, lightly smacking him in the head with it. "No, Robert, there's no sex in this play and I really need to rehearse. You have to promise to behave!"

"Okay, okay. I promise...to try...to behave."

I rolled my eyes. "I guess that's as good as it gets. You ready, then?"

"Yeah, if we can just go by my trailer so I can pick up a few things."

We headed toward his trailer laughing, both glad to have a couple of days off and excited about the trip to Venice. As we got closer we could tell that someone was sitting on the steps to his trailer. It was Gina. I glanced over at Robert to see that he looked surprised. "You're not expecting her?"

He shook his head. "Are you kidding? As mad as she was yesterday, I didn't think she'd ever speak to me again."

As we got closer, she stood up. She smiled briefly at Robert before looking at me and then back to Robert. "Could I talk to you for just a minute?"

He looked reluctant as he glanced over at me. I don't know why but I immediately got the feeling that something was up. Maybe it was the way she was looking at me, like she knew something I didn't. "You know what? Why don't you two just talk and I'm going to go home and work on my script. I'll just see you tomorrow, Robert, okay?"

Without looking at me, he quickly grabbed my hand and held me where I was. "Um, Gina, I really don't have time right now. Maybe give me a call when I get back from Venice?"

She looked angry and little amused at the same time. "I don't need a lot of time, Robert, and it can't wait until you get back from Venice." He just looked annoyed so she continued. "I left my bra in here the other night. It's one of my favorites and I want to get it."

Thank God I'm good at concealing my emotions. I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach but I didn't want either of them to see it.

We stood in silence for a minute. Robert looked over for my reaction but I wasn't looking at him.

Gina cleared her throat and he looked back at her. "Well... um, okay." He leaned past her and unlocked the trailer door, opening it for her. "Just go on in and help yourself."

When she went in, I pulled my hand away from his and reached for my car keys in his other hand. "I'm just going to go. I need to go practice for my audition and you obviously need to talk to Gina."

"Danielle, don't do this. Don't leave without..." He was interrupted by Gina coming back out of the trailer.

She gave him a look that I recognized all too well. It was like looking in a mirror. She was in love with him. She just shook her head and lightly kissed his cheek. "I'll see you around Robert." And then she was gone.

I tried reaching for my car keys again but he held them away from me. "Danni, I want to talk about this."

I shrugged, just wanting to get away before I got emotional. "You don't owe me an explanation, Robert, you never made me any promises. I would, however, like to go home, so may I please have my car keys?"

He studied my face for a minute. "No. You're saying I don't owe you an explanation but you're obviously upset and I want to talk about it." He took my hand again and pulled me into the trailer, closing the door.

I rolled my eyes and my voice got louder with every sentence. "What is it with you and talking, Robert? Talk is over-rated. That's why we're just having sex, so we don't have to talk! Now give me my car keys before I have to hurt you!"

As I walked toward him he backed away and was very soon backed into a corner. He simply smiled and stuffed the keys deep into his front pocket.

I was not amused. "Oh, that's cute, Robert. You really think I'm afraid to get my keys out of your pocket?"

"No, I just know you can't get them out of my pocket without my co-operation. And I'm not giving you your keys until you answer at least one question for me."

I sighed loudly, knowing that I was beat. "Fine. One question. What is it?"

He studied my face carefully. "If you don't think I owe you an explanation, why are you so mad?"

I looked away. "Robert, I'm mad at you because I trusted you and you lied to me. I'm sure I'll get over it; I should've known better anyway. Question answered. Give me my keys."

He still didn't offer my keys. "Okay, but here's the thing. I didn't lie to you."

I nodded. "Right. You apparently don't recall telling me that you did not sleep with Gina the other night."

He sat down on the bed and pulled me down beside him. "Danni, do you know why I told you that I didn't sleep with Gina?"

I refused to look at him, afraid that if I did, I'd start crying. How did I fall so deeply in love with someone I had only known for a few weeks? "Because you're a liar?"

He put his hand to my face and turned my head toward him, staring into my eyes. "No, Danni. The reason I told you that I didn't sleep with Gina, is because I didn't sleep with Gina."

"Hmm. Yeah, okay, that makes sense. And I'm sure she just took her bra off because... what, she got hot? Tell me, Robert, you're the expert at these things."

He looked frustrated and a little angry. "You don't even want to believe me, do you? You say you're mad because I betrayed your trust, but the truth is, you never trusted me. You've just been waiting for something like this to happen so that you could justify all the pre-conceived notions you had about what a jerk I am!"

I stood up. "How dare you berate me for not trusting you when you just gave me a reason not to!"

The look he gave me was something I couldn't describe. He silently reached into his pocket and handed me my keys. I took them and left without another word.

I wish I could say I went home and practiced for my audition, but I didn't. I spent the rest of the afternoon and the entire evening moping and crying. I told myself I was better off going through this now than down the road when it would hurt even more. I told myself that he was just a philanderer and a liar, but somehow that just didn't fit the image of him in my heart. About ten o'clock I went to bed and tried to sleep, but couldn't. So at twelve-thirty, I was knocking on his door.

Robert opened the door in his boxers, but it didn't look like he'd been asleep. He silently stepped aside to let me in and closed the door.

I sat down on the bed and he sat down beside me, watching me expectantly. After a few minutes of silence I spoke up. "Robert, why did Gina take off her bra and leave it in your trailer?"

He studied my face. "You gonna believe me if I tell you?"

I winced. "I'm going to try."

He nodded. "Well, if you recall, I had just left your dressing room about a half hour before. I was trying to get you to come back here with me, but for whatever reason, you wouldn't." I started to interrupt but he put his finger to my lips. "Let me finish. When someone knocked on my door, I thought it was you. I was hoping it was you. But it was Gina. I hadn't seen her in over a year. She asked if she could come in, so I let her in. We started talking but that didn't last long. She started coming on to me, and... Look, what do you want me to say? I was horny before she even got here. So, we started making out and, as you can tell, I got a little carried away. But I stopped. And I didn't sleep with her."

He looked at me as if questioning whether I believed him. I looked directly into his eyes, wondering if I'd be able to tell if he was lying. "So... why did you stop?"

He smiled slightly. "Because I realized that I wanted you. I was making out with her and wishing it was you. And I didn't feel like that was very fair to either of you so I stopped. Now, maybe that doesn't completely clear me of being a jerk. I know I shouldn't have been making out with her at all, and I'm sorry. But I didn't lie to you. I promise."

I looked down for a minute while I thought about what he said. Whether it was the truth or not, I realized that I did believe him, if only because I wanted to. And the idea that he had been thinking about me enough to send her away, well, it was amazing how good that made me feel.

"I'm sorry, Robert. You were right. You didn't have to give me a reason not to trust you, I never trusted you to begin with."

He nodded. "You just knew before you met me that I was untrustworthy, is that it?"

I nodded and gave him an apologetic look.

"Well, how about if I promise not to lie to you and you promise to give me the benefit of the doubt?"

"Okay deal, but, will you also promise not to make out with Gina or anyone else as long as you're still sleeping with me?"

He touched my face and kissed me softly. "I promise."

I leaned my head over on his shoulder and sat silently for a few minutes. "Robert, I'm sorry I walked out without giving you a chance to explain."

He smiled and kissed the top of my head. "I'm glad you came back. You're going to stay the night, right?"

"You really think this bed's big enough for both of us?"

He grinned at me. "I can make room for you. But... not with your clothes on."

I smiled as I slid my jacket off my shoulders and let it fall to the floor.

He leaned in to kiss my neck and began to help with my clothes. When I was down to just my bra and panties, he lay me back in the bed and slid me over to where it was pushed against the wall.

I laughed a little as he slid in beside me. "I'm feeling a little trapped."

"That's right. You're not going anywhere."

I moved closer to him and put my hand to his face, staring into his eyes. I knew it was a mistake. I knew that he'd have to be blind to not see how in love with him I was. But at that moment it was the only thing I could do. I had to bite my tongue to keep from telling him I loved him. Instead I smiled, kissed him and said, "I don't want to go anywhere."

He wrapped an arm around my waist and I closed my eyes and leaned my head to his shoulder. The next thing I knew, the first signs of light were coming through the window. I could hardly believe I had fallen asleep, but it must have been all that crying I had done the day before. I lifted my head to find him still asleep. I couldn't believe neither of us had moved an inch while we were sleeping. I was still pressed against him with his arm around my waist. My heart beat faster just looking at him. I reached up and softly ran my hand over his cheek, his neck, and down over his chest.

He opened his eyes slowly and looked at me and I kissed his lips softly. "Hi."

"Hi."

I smiled slightly. "I guess I fell asleep."

He chuckled. "Yeah... I was thinking that for someone who claims to only be using me for sex, you sure spend a lot of time asleep in my arms."

I averted my eyes as I tried to think of a clever comeback but all I could think of was that I'd love to wake up in his arms every morning. I decided to avoid the comment and pushed him to his back as I began kissing his neck.

He was very responsive but not letting me off the hook. As he pulled me on top of him, he kissed my ear softly and whispered, "Danni... you just going to let that slide?"

"Sorry. I'm not very witty first thing in the morning. Give me a few hours and I'll have a smart comment for you."

"Hmm... And what should I do in the mean time?"

I gave him a look indicating that I couldn't believe he even had to ask. I lay my head over on his shoulder and began softly nibbling his neck while softly, slowly running my fingers down his side. As I hit a spot right below his ribcage, he jumped slightly and I stopped and looked at him suspiciously. "What was that?"

He gave me a wide-eyed look and shook his head. "Nothing, just... nothing."

I smiled widely. "Really? So if it was nothing, it's no big deal if I do it again, right?"

I very lightly ran my fingers over the same spot and watched him bite his lip as he tried to keep still. I couldn't help but laugh. "You're ticklish!"

"I am not! You just..."

I raised an eyebrow and moved to do it again but he quickly grabbed my hand. "Stop it!"

I gave him a defiant look and tried to pull my hand away but he pushed me to my back and rolled on top of me. "That's enough of that. Now, unless you can behave... can you?"

"Umm... doubt it. Not now that I know about that ticklish spot."

"Well then, I’m afraid I can't let you up."

I smiled and lifted my head so my lips met his. "It's okay. I'm pretty comfortable."

He grinned and started to say something else but I kissed him again and ran my hands over his back until I reached his boxers and began to tug on them.

When we finally decided to get out of bed and get moving, we headed over to my apartment to work on my audition. We spent the better part of the day working on it. That is, we worked on it when we weren't fooling around. This was the first time we had spent an entire day together without having to go to work and I found that the longer I was alone with him, the harder it was to keep my hands off of him.

He talked about going to the audition with me on Saturday, but I told him I didn't need him to. I knew that Matt would be there and I didn't need an entourage.

I dropped him off at his trailer to pack since we were leaving for Venice that evening, but he apparently had other ideas. He called Matt and went to the audition with him.

When they got to the theatre, I was standing off to the side talking to another actor.

Matt got a close look at the man I was talking to and looked surprised. "Well, it's Andrew! I didn't know he was auditioning for this play."

Robert watched as the man leaned closer to me and said something that made us both laugh.

"Andrew?"

Matt tilted his head curiously. "You don't know about Andrew?"

Robert shrugged. "Well... Danni and I really don't do a lot of talking."

Matt glanced at him sideways. "Yeah, I had that impression. I'm just surprised he hasn't been by the set since you've been working on this movie. He's been hanging around for probably almost three years now. She stays too busy for him most of the time but he calls a lot and takes her out every chance he gets."

Robert was incredulous. "They're dating?"

"I wouldn't exactly say that. Although I'm sure he would." He looked over at Robert, trying to figure him out. "He's nothing for you to worry about..."

Robert returned Matt's look. "I'm not worried. I just think that if she was seeing someone she should have told me."

"Well, my guess is that she didn't tell you because he's not important to her. It's not like she's sleeping with him."

Robert had been continuing to watch us and looked at Matt with surprise. "She's been with him three years and she's not sleeping with him?"

Matt shook his head and smiled. "She won't even let him in her apartment unless there's someone else there. In case you hadn't noticed, she's just a tad bit stand-offish."

Robert smiled. "Danielle? I never would have guessed."

In the meantime, I was actually trying to get rid of Andrew. I liked him well enough and had enjoyed spending time with him, but I had never been able to trust him enough to have any kind of real relationship. I had also never felt anything for him that was even close to the way I felt about Robert. Ever since I had started this movie, I had brushed him off when he called and discouraged him from coming by the set. Now he was suggesting that since we hadn't spent any time together lately, he should go to Venice with me. I was trying to be nice about it and still convince him not to come.

"Come on, Danielle, it'll be great. I'm sure you won't have to work the entire time. We can see the city together, have romantic dinners..." He took my hand and looked into my eyes pleadingly.

I shook my head. "Andrew, listen, there's something we really need to talk about."

"Whatever it is, can't it wait until we get there? Or at least until the flight?"

I was about to tell him that I didn't want to see him at all anymore when I felt a hand on my back. I turned to find Robert standing behind me and Matt standing behind him.

As I turned, Robert leaned in to kiss my cheek softly. "Hey, sweetie. Who's your friend?"

I smiled briefly and then turned back to Andrew who was watching us with his arms crossed. He avoided my gaze and narrowed his eyes at Robert. "I think the better question would be who are you, and what are you doing here?"

Robert stepped forward, putting his arm around me and smiling, only too happy to answer the question.

I held my hand up as he opened his mouth. "I will handle this."

I turned back to Andrew and smiled softly. "Andrew Slater... Robert Downey."

Andrew's eyes widened as he recognized Robert for the first time. "Robert Downey Jr.? This is who you're doing a movie with?" He paused and focused on Robert's hand on my waist. "And you're... I don't believe this! I have been patient with you for three years. I have respected your every wish, no matter how crazy it was. And yet you would have had a fit if I had ever put my arm around you, let alone in public! But along comes a big movie star and suddenly..." He shook his head, seemingly too angry to continue.

I was slightly embarrassed by his tirade but remained calm. "Andrew, I didn't expect you to take this well and I don't blame you. But I never made you any promises and you knew I wasn't in love with you."

"Oh, but I suppose you're in love with him?"

"That's not the point. The point is, I don't think we should see each other anymore and I definitely don't think you need to come to Venice. I'm sorry."

He shook his head and walked off without another word.

I turned to Robert and raised my eyebrows. "What are you doing here? I seem to remember asking you not to come."

He smiled. "I seem to remember you telling me not to come."

I sighed and looked behind him to Matt. "What is he doing here?"

Matt shrugged. "Don't look at me. I didn't even know he wasn't supposed to come. Why wasn't he supposed to come?"

Robert tilted his head as he looked at me. "That's a very good question. Why don't you want me here?"

I sighed again. "Matt, would you excuse us for just a minute please?" I took Robert's arm and took a quick look around before pulling him into a nearby corridor.

He smiled and pulled me against him, softly bringing his lips to mine.

I kissed him briefly but then shook my head and gently pushed him away. "They're going to call me to audition any minute."

He was watching me questioningly as I pulled his sunglasses out of his jacket pocket and put them on him. I pulled gently at his hair, trying to re-arrange it but soon gave up. I gave him a resigned look and kissed him softly. "Okay. Go sit somewhere in the back, would you?" He looked at me over the top of his sunglasses. "Are you ashamed to be seen with me?" There was a teasing tone in his voice but a serious look in his eyes.

I smirked at him. "Yes, Robert, that's it. I'm ashamed to be seen publicly with a man half the women in the world are fantasizing about."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "We'll deal with that little comment later. But for now... why are you trying to disguise me and making me sit in the back?"

"Robert, I really want this role. But if I get it, I want to know that it's because I was good, not because of who I know."

He smiled slowly. "That's what this is about? Danni, it doesn't work that way. No one is going to cast you because of me."

I gave him a look. "Then just humor me and sit in the back anyway, okay?"

"Okay. I'll do my best to be inconspicuous."

"Thank you." I smiled and turned to go back into the auditorium but he grabbed my wrist.

"Good luck..."

I turned to look at him and sighed softly, reaching up to touch his cheek. "Robert, I..." He looked silently into my eyes, waiting for me to continue. "...thanks."

I kissed him softly, but as he put his arm around me and pulled me closer it quickly got out of hand. We were interrupted by Matt clearing his throat. "Danni ... you're next."

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