“Yes?” she said, more like a question than a statement.
“In the meantime, I’m supposed to sit back and watch you flirt with him, kiss him and be okay with it all?”
“I won’t be flirting with him, it will be more like pandering. And the only kissing we’ll be doing is on the job, so it doesn’t count.”
“Right,” Ian said, stepping away from her. “A kiss is still a kiss.”
“That’s not true,” she said, wagging a finger at him. “I’ve kissed a lot of men over the years, and believe me there’s a big difference between a real kiss and a movie kiss.”
“A movie kiss?” Ian asked, annoyed about her reference to all the men she’d kissed in the past. “What, so you don’t actually touch lips in a movie kiss?”
“That would be awesome, but not very realistic,” she said dryly. “Especially on the close-ups.” Her eyes flickered away for a moment and then back to him. “To make a kiss look believable, I just pretend I’m kissing someone else.”
“That’s not helping, Tomi,” he muttered, controlling the desire to ask who the fantasy guy was she thought about during a kissing scene.
“I know this must be hard, but you need to remember this all happens with a lot of people hovering around. It’s not very romantic with a cameraman a few feet away.” When he didn’t say anything, she moved to stand in front of him. “Will it help if I tell you that you’ll be the man I think about during any kissing scenes?”
Her whispered words held a hint of vulnerability, softening his heart. “Maybe a little.” He cradled her face in his hands, rubbing his thumb across her bottom lip. “But I plan on kissing you as often as possible when we’re alone.” He gave her a crooked smile. “You know, to help with your recall during those scenes.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan.” She shot him a sassy grin. “I think you should start right now.”
Ian did as she asked, making sure he did a thorough enough job to leave a lasting impression. He still didn’t like her kissing another man, and he had no idea how to act like he wasn’t in love with her. Maybe he should just stay away from the set and only see her when she wasn’t working.
The next morning, Ian resisted the urge to drive by the Christensen’s ranch on his way to work. He’d told Tomi his plans to stay away when he’d taken her home last night, but now he was second-guessing himself. It was killing him to think about her having to flirt with her costar to avoid incurring his wrath.
It was an unusually slow day at the clinic, which didn’t help. Ian spent most of his time holed up in his office, going over long overdue paperwork Meredith couldn’t file until he gave his stamp of approval.
By the time lunch came around, Ian was as antsy as a Chihuahua on a leash. He couldn’t sit here another minute and needed to get out. Maybe he’d go fishing for the rest of the afternoon. Pushing away from his desk, he gathered up the paperwork and headed toward the reception area. Meredith was on the telephone, so he laid the papers down in front of her. He pointed to the yellow sticky note on top of the stack he’d penned, telling Meredith he was going fishing.
Shaking her head, she motioned for him to stay close while she wrapped up the conversation. “No problem. I’ll send one of the docs your way ASAP.”
Ian had been hoping for an emergency call all morning. It was just his luck that once he decided to go fishing, someone needed his help. “What’s up?” he asked after Meredith hung up the phone.
“I just got a call from the animal trainer on the movie set. They need a vet to stop by and check out one of the horses.” Meredith nodded toward the lobby where Colby was talking to a little girl and her mother about feeding their new kitten. “If you’re going fishing, I can ask Dr. Moore to go.”
Ian knew Meredith was teasing him by the smart-alecky look on her face. She knew darn well he wanted an excuse to see Tomi. “You’re hilarious.”
“I try,” she said with a wink.
Ian smiled and backed away from the desk. “Text me if there are any emergencies.”
“Will do.” She gathered up the stack of papers and stood up. “Say hello to Tomi for me. We miss her around here.”
“You and me both,” Ian mumbled as he hurried back to his office to grab his medical bag.
The drive took less than five minutes, but Ian had to wait a few more minutes for security clearance. While he waited, he took in the massive amount of equipment and people that had converged on the ranch. Off to his left, a group of men and women stood under an awning marked Extras. Though small in number, the undercurrent of energy from the group buzzed like a hive of bees.
“Okay, Dr. Davies,” the security guard said, handing Ian a lanyard attached to a visitor badge. “They need you in the barn.” He pointed toward the structure Ian was very familiar with. “You’ll need to park near craft services and walk the rest of the way.”
“Craft services?” Ian questioned, wondering if there was a booth of crafts for people to do on their downtime.
“Food tent,” the security guard said with a grin. “You should try one of the cinnamon rolls when you’re done. They’re amazing.”
“Thanks, I think I will.” Ian put his truck in gear and slowly rolled forward until he arrived at the designated area. He parked, grabbed his medical bag, and climbed out of the truck. Before closing the door, he grabbed a handful of baby carrots he’d brought for the horse and stuffed them into his pocket.
No one questioned his presence as he made his way toward the red barn. He checked in with another security guard positioned outside the barn doors.
“You the vet?” he asked, glancing at Ian’s visitor badge.
“Yes,” Ian held out his hand. “Ian Davies.”
“They’re expecting you,” the man said, ignoring Ian’s outstretched hand. “Go on in and ask for Mack.”
Dropping his hand, Ian proceeded forward and stepped inside. He paused at the entryway, surprised to find the interior of the barn had transformed into a studio, complete with various light stands skirting the perimeter, two cameras, one of which was suspended from the ceiling, and the people to operate the equipment. A set of four director-type chairs lined the left side of the wall, all of them vacant except for the one in the middle. Ian assumed the occupant was the director, judging from the air of authority he exuded as several men and women clustered around him, listening to him intently.
A pretty girl wearing a headset glanced up from her clipboard and offered Ian a friendly smile. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I’m looking for Mack.”
The girl seemed relieved he was here and quickly pointed out Mack, a tall, lanky man with a drooping handlebar mustache, standing next to one of the stalls.
As Ian crossed the floor, he scanned the area for Tomi. He didn’t see her but recognized Jake Kelley right away. The man was seated in a chair, looking in a mirror while a woman with purple hair hovered nearby.
Mack, who was attending to a gorgeous black gelding, turned as Ian approached the stall. “You the local vet?”
“That’s right.” Ian shook the man’s hand and introduced himself. “What’s seems to be the problem?” Ian asked as he looked over the horse.
Mack glanced over his shoulder and then leaned in close to Ian. “Between you and me there ain’t nothin’ wrong with Thunder,” he said in a low voice. “The real problem is Mr. Fancy Pants. He’s afraid of horses but won’t admit it.”
Ian lifted a brow and glanced over at Jake. The guy had his eyes closed while the woman with purple hair applied a dusting of makeup over his forehead and nose. He turned back to Mack. “So, Thunder is picking up on the fear and not cooperating?” Ian asked, holding his hand out for the horse to sniff.
“Yep, but our Horse Whisperer insists something is wrong with the horse.” Mack narrowed his gaze. “If you ask me, Jessica should’ve been given the role. She’s a natural around horses.”
“Jessica?” Ian questioned as he pulled a carrot out of his pocket and offered it to th
e horse.
“I’m Jessica,” a familiar voice said from behind him.
Chapter 15
Tomi’s heart pulsated like a hummingbird’s wings as Ian slowly turned to look at her. He looked good, wearing another form-fitting shirt and dark colored jeans that showcased his fit body. “I guess I should say my character’s name is Jessica.” She held out her hand. “It’s good to see you again, Dr. Davies.”
Eyes narrowing slightly, he took her proffered hand and gave it a firm handshake. “You too…Miss Jensen.”
His fingertips blazed a trail of heat across her palm as he slowly withdrew his hand, leaving Tomi slightly off-balance. All morning long she’d questioned her feelings for the cowboy, wondering if the chemistry was as powerful as she remembered. It definitely was.
Feeling Mack’s curious gaze on them, she reigned in her emotions and broke eye contact with Ian just as Jake appeared at her side.
“You’re the veterinarian Tomi’s been working with the past two weeks?” Jake asked. The petulant tone edging his words made it obvious he was jealous of Ian.
Tomi caught the hard glint of dislike in Ian’s eyes and quickly intervened. “Jake Kelley, meet Dr. Ian Davies.” When Jake didn’t make any attempt to be cordial, Tomi glanced at Ian with pleading eyes.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ian said, holding out his hand.
Jake eyed the outstretched hand for several awkward moments before crossing his arms over his chest and nodding his chin at Thunder. “So, are you going to fix the horse or what?”
Ian and Mack exchanged a look Tomi deciphered all too well. Everyone, including the horse, knew Jake was the problem.
“Mack explained what is happening,” Ian said evenly, “but I’d like to observe it for myself.”
A mixture of irritation and dread glinted in Jake’s eyes before his acting abilities kicked in. Feigning confidence, he jutted out his jaw. “Sure, but if that horse tries biting me again, I want him replaced immediately.”
Tomi’s stomach dropped to the floor, knowing Jake could snap his fingers to have her replaced just as easily. His uncle was funding the whole project, something Jake had reminded the director, Rob Edwards, earlier today when the man hinted that horses picked up on a person’s fears and reacted in kind. The director wasn’t threatened in the least, reminding Jake that he needed this movie to be a success for his career.
If only Tomi had that kind of clout. It wasn’t good that Jake was already insecure around Ian. If he suspected anything was going on with her and the handsome cowboy, he’d have Tomi fired faster than she’d downed the cinnamon roll from craft services.
She glanced at Ian, read his rigid body language, and prayed he wouldn’t voice his thoughts. Mack, bless his heart, stepped in between the two men. “Of course, Mr. Kelley,” he said in a placating tone. “If Thunder doesn’t work out, we’ll get another horse here tomorrow morning.”
Jake nodded his head and took several steps back as the trainer pulled the stall door open and led the black gelding out to stand in front of Jake.
“What’s going on?” a loud voice boomed from across the room. The director crossed the floor in three long strides. “Did the horse get cleared by the vet already?”
Mack introduced Ian and explained that he wanted to observe the horse’s behavior before he could determine the problem.
Rob mumbled something under his breath that made Mack’s drooping mustache twitch. Then he instructed Tomi and Jake to start the scene they’d tried shooting earlier and returned to sit in his chair. She let out a breath of relief when Jake didn’t protest.
“Roll camera,” Rob hollered out. After he called for a marker, the assistant camera operator stepped in front of the camera and held up the slate, calling the scene and take number five.
Once Rob called for action, Tomi took on her character’s persona and said her opening line. Jake slipped into his character as well. Perhaps having Ian watch him was the catalyst the actor needed to overcome his fear of horses. The scene unfolded perfectly right up until the time when Jake was supposed to work his magic on the horse.
Apprehension replaced the fluidity of the scene as Jake approached the gelding with his hands fisted at his side and his back ram-rod straight. He forgot to allow the horse to smell his hand, or watch for clues that Thunder wasn’t ready to be touched. The horse’s ears were pinned flat against his head as Jake lifted a hand to stroke the front of the horse’s face.
“Thunder isn’t ready for your touch, Mr. Kelley,” Ian said from the designated area he’d been told to stand. “Let him sniff your hand first.”
Jerking his hand back, Jake glared at Ian. “The horse doesn’t need to sniff my hand again, and you just ruined the scene.”
“Cut,” Rob yelled in a defeated tone.
Ian shot the director an apologetic look. Then he turned to address Jake. “Unless you’ve raised the horse or worked with it for a lengthy time, you always should let it get used to your scent.” Ian held out his hand. “Watch his ears. They should be relaxed or pointing forward before I attempt to touch him.”
Thunder’s ears flickered a few times before pointing forward. Ian then showed him where horses like to be stroked before touching its face. Standing behind the two men, Tomi was surprised by how closely they resembled one another. They both wore similar clothing. Black jeans, long-sleeved tees and straw cowboy hats, Jake’s newer and darker in shade. Even their hair was the same shade of brown. Ian might be an inch taller, but both men sported equally impressive shoulders.
“Let’s try it again,” Ian said. Then he glanced at the director. “If that’s okay with you, sir.”
Rob remained silent, scrutinizing Ian with a contemplative look. Tomi didn’t know what the director was thinking. Was he mad that Ian had overstepped his bounds by calling for them to redo the scene? “Roll camera,” he finally said, a slight smile on his lips.
After the assistant cameraman called out the scene and take number six, Tomi said her opening line, losing herself as she morphed into Jessica Thompson. When Jake approached Thunder, he did as Ian instructed by allowing the horse to sniff his hand. But he didn’t pay attention to the horses flattened ears. For whatever reason, this horse did not like Jake Kelley. Snorting, the horse reared back and shook his head.
A string of curse words tumbled out of Jake’s mouth as he stormed over to the director. “I want this horse replaced.”
Rob calmly considered the angry actor with the same thoughtful expression as before. Without answering, he shifted his gaze to the animal trainer. “Mack, is there any chance we can get another horse here sooner than tomorrow?”
Frown lines creased the man’s forehead. “Yes, but it’ll be at least three hours.”
Jake swore again and stomped his foot like a little girl pulling a fit. “This is ridiculous,” he said to the director. “And a waste of my time.”
Tomi rolled her eyes. Jake was the ridiculous one. Too bad there wasn’t a rehab institution for egotistical jerks.
“We are on a tight schedule,” Rob said, remaining calm and in control. Then he glanced at one of the assistant directors and leaned down to whisper in her ear. The woman’s eyebrow rose as she shifted her gaze to look over Jake’s shoulder. Rob watched her and smiled when she nodded her head in agreement. “I need wardrobe to get the same clothing for Mr. Kelley’s double,” he said, addressing the production assistant to his left side.
Double? Tomi wasn’t aware of any double. At least for today’s scenes.
“What double?” Jake snapped. “I do my own stunts.”
“You still can,” Rob said. “But if we use a double for all the scenes with the horse we have now, we won’t get behind schedule any further than we are.”
“Fine.” Jake tried to look angry, but Tomi could tell he was relieved. “Who are you going to find on short notice?”
The director’s eyes zeroed in on one man. Tomi followed his line of vision and grinned at the look of disbelief on Ian’s fac
e.
“Dr. Davies,” Rob said. “May I have a word with you?”
“Me?” Ian said.
“Him?” Jake choked out at the same time.
Rob ignored the temperamental actor, walking around him to get to Ian. Tomi had mixed emotions with this turn of event. While she missed being with Ian and would love to work with him, she’d need to be extra vigilant in hiding her growing feelings. What’s more, Ian would have to keep up the pretense that she was only a friend. He’d done great so far, but Jake had a way of pushing people until they snapped.
As if on cue, Jake stepped in front of her, blocking her view of Ian and Rob. “Did you plan this?”
“Plan what?” You being afraid of horses? Tomi wanted to add that last part but curbed her tongue by offering Jake a smile. “No, but how lucky are we that Dr. Davies is the same height as you and has a similar physique?”
Jake was vain enough to accept her words as a compliment, just like she’d intended. The guy wasn’t stupid and knew Ian had it going on in the good-looking-hot-cowboy department. “True, that’s why I rarely work with a double.” Jake puffed out his chest. “It’s hard to compete with all this perfection.”
Tomi almost barked out a laugh until she realized Jake was being serious. “I’m sure it is,” she said, keeping a straight face.
She was saved from more inane conversation when a production assistant brought over a bottle of Jake’s preferred water. The girl was cute and clearly enamored with him, which only fed his monstrous vanity. Tomi took advantage of the opportunity to use the restroom and touch up her makeup. On her way to the designated trailer she’d been given access to while on location, she saw Ian and Rob disappear into the wardrobe tent.
She was dying to follow them and could hardly wait until she and Ian were alone so they could talk. She was impressed with how well he’d handled Jake. Obviously, the director had been impressed too. It wasn’t normal practice for someone with no experience in acting to be recruited on the spot as a double for the main actor.
Caught Kissing the Cowboy: A Return to Snow Valley Romance Page 13