Limelight 
Chapter Three 
By: Karisma 
Rated: PG-13 
Genre: Alt, Romance 
www.geocities.com/karismafanfic 
Karisma456@hotmail.com 
Standard Disclaimers Apply 
2000 

    Serena's initial thought was to push the stranger away and give 
him a sound yelling, maybe even slap him. But as his lips pressed 
against her own, she unwittingly found herself responding, and, as 
much as the news dismayed her, enjoying it immensely. All too soon, 
the man pulled away, and straightened to his full height, shooting her 
a private, curious look. 
    It was the first time Serena had a good look at his face, and boy 
did she have a good look. It was impossible to have a bad look at the 
man now seated next to her. Soley based on his looks, he was still 
attractive, but not as half as much with the added sheer aura of power 
that naturally surrounded the man. Serena snuck peeks at his chiseled, 
masculine features as if drawn by a magnet. Piercing eyes were set in 
a silver blue color that was so amazingly unique; Serena couldnt 
place a specific one shade to them. They were followed by a nose that, 
if given a close second glance, was slightly crooked, as if it had 
been broken, only adding to the rumpled sexiness about him. The mouth 
that lay below, was the most tempting one she had ever seen, even for 
a woman like her, who didnt exactly see opposite members of the sex 
as much as a young, attractive female should. She hadnt seen his 
body, due to the fact she had been more interested in that kiss, but 
judging from the firm shoulders and torso that were above the table, 
she figured the rest of him looked as delicious as his face. 
    Finally, her staring caught his attention. He fixed his unsmiling, 
cerulean eyes on her and his mouth quirked up in a smirk at the o 
her pink mouth was no doubt forming. 
    He called me in as soon as he learnt of his sudden, drastic 
inspiration for a different ending. From the tone in that husky 
voice, Serena knew he guessed it was Nigels wife who had caused the 
inspiration. 
    She offered a small smile of her own, and flipped idly through the 
pages of the new script, watching his reaction as he did the same, 
wondering what he thought of the changes. At the same time, her mind 
raced, not reading one word of the pages she was turning. There was no 
question about the fact that this was Minas boyfriend and co-star. 
She had kissed her twins boyfriend! More importantly: she had liked 
it; she had responded! But, Serena defended herself, there was no 
other way about it. She had to kiss him. She couldnt exactly push 
away her supposed beau, that would cause even more suspicion. 
     Feeling better about herself and pushing aside the nagging 
feeling of how her heart had pounded when their lips had touched, she 
settled down to watch him. Discreetly, of course. She watched his 
eyebrows cock in scorn as he no doubt read the touching scene at the 
very end, where loved conquered all in a fantasy world where pain and 
reality played no part in everyday life. 
    Well, you should be happy, Dariens voice interrupted her 
thoughts and she blinked. 
    How so? she asked dumbly, realizing the mistake she made of 
looking directly into his all too impassive face. 
    This is the ending you wanted, am I right? Darien gestured to 
the script he had thrown on the table and Serena got the distinct 
impression he was mocking her for Minas hopeless romantic ideals. 
    She knew she should stick to Minas views and opinions. She knew 
she should play the part of Mina Kinsley and stay away from Serena. 
But somehow, she felt the need to prove to him that she wasnt that-
that way. 
    I rather think this new ending spoils the entire, original plot 
we all worked so hard to create. It takes the real passion and love 
Chloe and Jared have and spins it around into something no better than 
the cheap endings you find in a paperback novel! She shook her head 
as if agreeing to what she said and immediately quieted when she saw 
the pleasantly surprised look on Dariens face. I-uh-well, she 
muttered stupidly, looking away and hoping to God he hadnt figured 
out she wasnt Mina. 
    Instead, he smiled, genuinely, his blue eyes slightly crinkling. 
Well, Mina Kinsley, you surprise me. Then he turned and began 
talking to someone Serena should have known, but was too busy staring 
off, soft smile in place, repeating his exact words over and over in 
her mind. 
   "Now that Mr. Eddington has cared to join us, I suppose I'll repeat 
my announcement." Nigel sighed and glared at Darien who took it all in 
stride. "Tomorrow's the photo shoot." 
    Darien blinked and cleared his throat. "I believe you're mistaken. 
We've done the shoot already." 
    Nigel laughed humorlessly. "Just get over here tomorrow at six 
a.m., Eddington." 
    Darien nodded and penciled a note in his own thick notebook. 

**** 

    Serena stumbled into the studio early the next morning, rubbing 
her eyes harshly, hoping to knock the block of sleep that seemed to be 
permanently attached to her. Adjusting the waistline of Mina's 
drawstring pants, she walked up to where everybody was meeting under 
the harsh lights. How could they look so awake at six a.m.? 
    "Well, Mina. You look lovely as always." Serena turned around to 
see the man she had met yesterday. Coolness came over her as she saw 
the man's eyes sweep over her, resting at her exposed navel where the 
white shirt didn't quite meet her pants. She tugged the shirt down and 
nodded curtly at him. 
    "Jordan, nice to see you." 
    She turned in time to see Nigel looking over at her and pointing 
in the direction of a door with her name on it. She took the hint and 
immediately scurried over. 
    An hour later, Serena was once again out in the spotlight. This 
time her baggy clothes were replaced with a yellow sundress and her 
ponytail replaced with loose waves around her face. Daisies were 
shoved in her hand as Darien, dressed in black jeans and a dark blue 
shirt came up next to her. 
    "Mina, turn." A voice behind a black camera commanded. 
    Bewildered, Serena did as she was told. 
   "Mina!" The voice was now exasperated. "Do I have to walk you 
through this?" At Serena's dazed look, he sighed heavily. "Okay, turn, 
that's it. Now look over at me, bend your head, yes! That's it. Hold 
the flowers closer to you." Serena felt ridiculous, her cheek was 
practically buried in the daisies and her neck was starting to cramp. 
"Okay, now Darien." 
    Serena felt herself stiffen as Darien's arms encircled her and his 
face nestled in the crook of her neck. 
   "Relax," he whispered, tickling her ear with his breath. She turned 
slightly and found his smiling into the camera. Sighing, she listening 
to his advice and loosened in his embrace. 
    Then, flashing her pearly whites, she was blinded by a bright 
light. A round of pictures was taken and Serena let out a heavy breath 
while make up artists swarmed around her, patting off the line of 
sweat that had accumulated due to the bright lighting and nervousness. 
   Soon she was in yet another outfit, this one Serena found to be a 
tad bit more revealing for her tastes. Fitted blue jeans and a white 
crop top that had her showing more of her tanned midriff than people 
had ever seen before. 
   Seeing Darien settled her nerves slightly when she took in their 
matching appearances. He, too, was wearing blue jeans and a white 
shirt, the sleeves rolled up, revealing strong, tanned arms. 
    The two of them were guided into a pose: Darien behind Serena, his 
arms wrapped around her bare waist while Serena's arms were 
intertwined behind her and around his neck. This position caused a 
considerable amount of more skin to be seen and Serena wriggled around 
for a bit until the photographer snapped at her. 
   After a few more pictures, each of which Serena found getting 
increasingly intimate and tiring from spending nervous energy, the 
photographer, whom people called Jed, announced the last round of film 
that would be spent on the movie. 
       Serena excitedly got dressed in a red tank dress and waited for 
her make up and hair to be done. She went out in a hurry, anxious to 
get home after this surprisingly tiring day. She smiled shyly at 
Darien and refused to admire how good he looked in a white dress shirt 
and black slacks. 
    Rain, she heard someone command and she was confused for a 
moment until lukewarm water spurted out from above. Within seconds 
they were both soaked to the skin and Serenas hair was plastered to 
her face. A raven-haired woman that Serena had spent quite some time 
talking to while they were in her dressing room came out and shook her 
hair to a more attractive position. 
    Serenas eyes widened when she saw a set being pushed to the right 
side of her. It took the appearance of a moss-covered wall and soon, 
it too had beads of water on it. She turned to look at Darien and 
sucked in her breath. The white shirt had turned transparent and clung 
to his lithe frame, leaving nothing of his hard chest to her 
imagination. He caught her staring and met her gaze with a cool look 
of his own. Apparently, he was used to this and she, as Mina Kinsley, 
was supposed to be also. 
   Serena turned away from his penetrating gaze and focused on the 
fake moss covering the brick wall. The lights were dimmed to give it 
the appearance of night and she heard the Jeds voice instructing her 
movements. She walked over to the wall and leaned toward it, her face 
close to the moss. She raised one arm above her head and tilted her 
head up slightly as if looking to the heavens, slightly parting her 
full lips. Darien came over and Serena felt his warm chest against her 
back. She trembled slightly before commanding her body to stop. She 
heard the camera clicking away and wanted to moment to last forever 
and end quickly all at the same time. These feelings that were 
radiating out from her just by glancing at Darien was like betraying 
her sister and she wouldntcouldnt do that. 
    Her guilty thoughts were interrupted when she felt Dariens warm 
fingers tickle her bare shoulder when he swept her long blonde hair to 
one side. He gently kissed the sensitive spot near her collarbone. She 
stiffened and shivered at the same time. Jed hadnt told him to do 
such a thing. Still, she wasnt complaining. Stop it!  She instructed 
herself, as she heard Nigels crow of happiness as the shutter went on 
clicking. Dariens soft lips went up the side of her neck and much to 
her surprise he spun her around to face him. Her back pressed against 
the set drop and she looked up into his silver-blue eyes. They 
darkened with something indefinable and his lips continued their 
assault to her senses. As his kisses traveled up her slim neck and 
chin, Serena vaguely heard whistles and catcalls coming from somewhere 
far. All she could concentrate on right now was the passion Darien was 
openly expressing to his girlfriend. Mina Kinsley. Not Serena Kinsley. 
     Not her. 
    With that last thought, Serena squeezed her eyes in pain at what a 
betrayal she had committed in loving every moment of Dariens display 
of public affection. Then, before Dariens lips found her own, Serena 
pushed him away from her and side stepped away from him. 
    The rain stopped and the entire room was silent, their eyes on 
Serena. She laughed nervously and wiped the raindrops from her face. 
Thats all the entertainment youre getting, folks. Go home and watch 
the cable youre paying for. 
    The room broke out into laughter and Serena felt like crying. She 
had gotten away with it.  But now what was she going to do? For the 
next two weeks she had an immediate boyfriend. Only problem was that 
he wasnt really her boyfriend. When had life gotten so complicated? 
    When Mina Kinsley knocked on her door, Serena answered and 
immediately berated herself. Mina coming back was one of the best 
things that happened to her in a long time. She had her sister back. 
Who she had desperately needed after the death of their father. Serena 
had sent a formal letter informing Mina, but the two hadnt sat down 
and discussed the horrible tragedy like sisters should. They would do 
it as soon as this was over, she decided firmly. But right now, she 
had to get home and away from one temptation in the tall and dark form 
of Darien Eddington. 
    She quickly dried off and got in the clothes she had arrived in. 
She waved good-bye to everybody, smiling brightly. When she passed 
Nigel, she grinned and reached out to hug him. 
    Be here bright and early tomorrow. Same time. He ordered after 
they had separated.  Serena furrowed her brow, Nigel had said shooting 
for the move started the day after tomorrow. 
    What for? 
    Nigel sighed in disgust. Your own shoot, he spat out and 
wrinkled his nose. Immediately, Serena knew the disdain in his voice 
and expression was not held for her. Ill explain tomorrow, its 
another one of Elaines brilliant ideas. 
    Serena patted his back sympathetically and made her way out into 
the dying sunlight. They had worked well into evening. After looking 
around the parking lot for some time, trying to discern what she was 
looking for, Serena realized Cary had dropped her off and she hadnt 
arranged to be picked up. About to take out Minas cell phone and call 
a cab, Serena felt someone approach her. 
    Need a ride? A familiar voice said behind her. 
    Serena whirled around to see a clean-cut Darien, looking as if he 
had just stepped out of a shower, with his black jeans and leather 
jacket. His hair was wet and slicked off his forehead. 
    She debated the loaded question he had just popped up. She 
shouldnt accept, she knew she shouldnt. But wouldnt it be 
suspicious not to ride home with your boyfriend? Calm down, she 
ordered. Hes not asking you to marry himits just an innocent car 
ride. 
    But as she nodded her consent and followed Darien to his sleek 
BMW, she derived the impression that nothing about Darien Eddington 
was innocent. 
    The car ride to her penthouse was filled with a nervous silence. 
Well, at least for Serena. Darien looked as if he was perfectly at 
home not holding any sort of conversation with his girlfriend. The 
ride finally ended and Serena all but jumped out of the vehicle. 
    Thanks, she rushed out breathlessly. She prepared to shut the 
door when Dariens calm voice stopped her. 
    Dont be silly, Ill see you up. 
    Her mind raced. It was all too dangerous for him to get even 
closer to her. But how could she refuse. Besides, if he wanted to come 
in, she could just tell him she was tired from the long day. That 
wasnt exactly a lie. 
    They arrived at her door and Serena made a big deal of looking 
around. No big, bad monsters. She quipped and reveled in the sound 
of his quiet laughter.  The comfortable moment was lost as Darien 
lifted his head and made eye contact with Serena. After an eternity of 
silence, she managed to break the intense moment and coughed uneasily. 
 I-um, thank you for the ride, she stuttered. Good-night, Darien. 
    He nodded and smiled slightly. Ill see you tomorrow night for 
dinner, then? 
    Serena panicked. A date!? There was no way she could handle a date 
with him alone. She could barely deal with being near him in a room 
packed with people. Tomorrow night? She started in a strangled 
voice.  I really think Ill be tired from work by tomorrow night. It 
was lame, she knew it. But what else did she have? 
    Itll be an early dinner then, Darien coaxed and Serena got the 
distinct impression that he was deciding it for her, not asking. An 
early, short dinner. He added at her look of reluctance. We have a 
lot of things we need discuss. 
    What things? Serena wondered. But that didnt matter now. What 
mattered was getting him away from her so she could recover her senses 
and gather her equilibrium--which seemed to be scattered everywhere at 
that particular juncture. 
    She nodded silently and stared down at the carpet. 
    Good, Darien stated. She remained silent. Ill see you then. 
His then tone grew softer, causing Serenas head to lift up in 
curiosity. Good night, Mina. With that, he bent his head and kissed 
her softly, his warm lips light on her own. Pulling away abruptly, he 
turned on his heel and walked away, his movements fluid. 
    Serena stumbled into Minas apartment, hand over her mouth. She 
sank down onto the sofa and closed her eyes, the taste of Dariens 
kiss still lingering. 


