The screen faded to black just as the sultry music dipped and Juliette’s hips made that final slow turn around the pole — her eyes locked on Christian, who didn’t blink once as he watched her. The studio filled with whistles, gasps, and a wave of applause as the clip ended.

“Well damn,” the host grinned, leaning back dramatically in his chair as the audience whooped. “Is it hot in here or is it just the two of you?”

Hayden chuckled, one brow lifting, casually adjusting the cuff of his sleeve. “It was a cold night on set,” he said, voice smooth, lips twitching. “We managed.”

You tried not to smirk, crossing one leg over the other as the crowd laughed. “Let’s just say I didn’t actually need the heaters that night.”

“Oh, I believe it,” the host said, pointing between the two of you. “That scene has gone viral in, like, thirty languages. People are calling it the sexiest moment in cinema this decade. So—who choreographed that? Because that wasn’t just acting, that was… spiritual.”

You laughed, a little shy but still playful. “Well, we had a movement coach, but I improvised a lot.”

Hayden shot you a look. “A lot.”

The crowd cracked up again.

“You should’ve seen his face in the raw takes,” you added, glancing at him without turning your head. “None of that was scripted.”

“I didn’t blink for five minutes,” Hayden replied flatly, getting another round of laughter.

“Okay, okay,” the host leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Be honest. How many takes?”

Hayden rubbed the back of his neck. “I lost count after seven.”

You raised a brow. “We got it in three. He just kept asking for more takes.”

The audience lost it.

“I mean…” Hayden gestured innocently. “I’m method.”

“Sure,” you said, fighting a grin. “Real dedicated.”

“And were either of you,” the host grinned mischievously, “worried that people might, I don’t know… think the chemistry was a little too real?”

The silence was electric.

Hayden looked at you, then back to the host, smirking.

You smiled sweetly. “They can think whatever they want.”

And the studio lit up with applause again.