Their only rule is about to be broken…
It’s been a year since makeup artist Tabby Rogers’s life was turned upside-down. Now she’s back on track—in a month, she’ll be in the UK for the career opportunity of a lifetime. One she absolutely cannot let pass her by. Until she leaves, all she has to do is fill in on a movie shoot in New Zealand and keep out of trouble. And trouble looks a lot like a devilishly hot stuntman…
Eli Black has one rule: don’t date girls on set. His only goal is to get to Hollywood and fulfill a promise he made to his dying brother. Unfortunately, Tabby sends Eli’s temperature soaring through the stratosphere. Surely—just for the month—they can enjoy a hot little fling before they go their separate ways? All they have to do is not fall in love…
Previously released on Entangled’s Indulgence imprint copyrighted February 2012 and has been enhanced with new material.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
About the Author
Other books by Faye Robertson… Holly’s First Noel
Bloodlust
If you love sexy romance, one-click these steamy Brazen releases… Wanton Heat
No Strings Attached
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Making Over the Billionaire
Her Forbidden Risk
Seducing the Princess
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 by Faye Robertson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.
Previously released on Entangled’s Indulgence imprint copyrighted February 2012 and has been enhanced with new material.
Entangled Publishing, LLC
2614 South Timberline Road
Suite 109
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.
Brazen is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC. For more information on our titles, visit www.brazenbooks.com.
Edited by Libby Murphy and Heather Howland
Cover design by Heather Howland
Photography by iStock
ISBN 978-1-63375-252-8
Manufactured in the United States of America
First Edition March 2015
To Tony & Chris, my Kiwi boys.
Chapter One
“I had sex with an orc once,” Madeleine said.
Tabby burst out laughing at the bizarre comment. Her first morning on the film set had passed in a flash, but even though she’d known the assistant director only a few hours, she already knew they were going to be good friends.
“It happened during filming of The Lord of the Rings,” Madeleine continued as they made their way toward the location of that day’s shoot. The flat, open field with a blue screen set up behind it swarmed with actors, horses, and an incredibly large camera crew. “He looked horrific in the makeup, but he was so charming, I couldn’t say no. In between takes, he grabbed me and led me off to a back room somewhere.”
She rolled her eyes as if she’d had no say in the matter, but Tabby couldn’t imagine anyone making the efficient, incredibly organized Madeleine do anything she didn’t want to do. Madeleine was tall, slim, and elegant, with blond hair cut in a sharp bob, and a clipboard permanently attached to her arm. Her New Zealand accent—with a distinct Kiwi lilt at the end of her sentences—made Tabby very aware of her own New York dialect. Next to Madeleine, her rebellious black hair only just restrained with an assortment of clips and pins, Tabby felt like a screwed-up sock.
She took a swig from a bottle of Diet Coke and shielded her eyes from the warm New Zealand sun. So much for the showers the weatherman had promised. “So are the forces of darkness good in bed?”
“Terrific. Mind you, he would’ve been even better if he’d bothered to take his false teeth out.”
That made Tabby cough so hard, soda nearly came out of her nose. “Oh God, don’t do that to me. I really don’t want to be covered in Diet Coke when I meet everyone.”
“Not really the image you want to project, is it?”
“Absolutely not. What happened to the orc?”
“I married him.”
Tabby laughed. She’d yet to meet Madeleine’s husband, Mick, but she knew him from his films. An up-and-coming star, he had a fantastic screen presence, and she was sure the two of them made a great couple.
A mixture of exhilaration and nervousness made Tabby’s stomach flutter as the cast involved in the shot began to take their places. She hadn’t been on a film set before, and she’d hardly started at the bottom. An epic historical fantasy promising to rival both The Lord of the Rings and Gladiator at the box office when it came out, Atlantis was the movie to be involved with at that moment.
“Excited?” Madeleine asked, smiling.
“I can’t believe I’m really here, watching it being filmed.” Tabby held her breath as a member of the crew lined up a group of horses and their riders ready for the shot.
Madeleine opened her mouth to reply, but at that moment, someone called out for silence. The cast and crew fell quiet, the only sound coming from the stamp and snort of the horses to one side.
“And…action.”
Tabby breathed in sharply as the riders kicked their heels and the horses leaped forward and galloped down the field. The thunder of hooves vibrated through her, and she shivered at the sight of the oncoming cavalry. The bare-chested actors were dressed as wild Celts going to battle against the Atlantis army that, in the story, invaded pre-Roman Britain. The Celts’ faces and upper bodies were covered with blue woad paint, and their hair was white and stood on end as if it had been stiffened with lime, although she knew they were probably all wearing wigs. The horses approached at a breakneck pace, while the warriors held up swords and gave bloodcurdling screams.
Just as they came in front of the blue screen, however, the riders pulled sharply on the reins, and the horses skidded to a halt. The closest one reared up, and Tabby gasped as the rider fell to the ground and rolled several times before stopping, spread-eagle on his back.
She nearly cried out, but clapped a hand over her mouth just in time, relieved she hadn’t shouted as the director yelled, “And…cut!”
The rider sat up, brushed the dust off his pants, and jumped nimbly to his feet.
“Geez,” Tabby said to Madeleine. “He nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Madeleine laughed. “Don’t panic. Eli knows what he’s doing—he’s been a stuntman since he was six or something ridiculous.” She pushed her way toward him through the crew now milling around.
Tabby nibbled her fingernails as she watched Madeleine approach him. Eli Black was also the main stuntman for the actor playing the lead role of the King of Atlantis—stuntmen often doubled for more than one role in a movie—and therefore one of the men whose makeup she would be responsible for. Madeleine touched him on the
arm and said something, gesturing toward Tabby, and he nodded and followed her across the field.
Tabby’s eyes widened as he approached. The man was huge, tall, and broad, with solid shoulders, and a wide, painted chest that tapered to a narrow waist outlined with an elaborate belt. His arms were heavily muscled, and his cloth breeches stretched tight across equally impressive thighs.
But what did he actually look like beneath the stiff white hair, droopy mustache, and bright red lenses covering his irises? It was difficult to say. She could totally understand why the invading Atlanteans were going to be unsuccessful in their invasion if the defending Celts all looked like this.
“Wow,” she said, unable to think of anything else to say.
Madeleine grinned. “Eli Black, this is Tabatha Rogers. She’s the new makeup artist they brought in to replace Kelly—she’ll be making you up when you double as the Atlantean King. This is Eli, the best stuntman in New Zealand.”
“I’m going to hire you as my agent, Madeleine. I’ll never be out of a job with you singing my praises.” Eli held out a hand toward Tabby. “Good to meet you, Tabatha.”
“Everyone calls me Tabby,” she said, trying to ignore the fact that her heart had increased its pace. He had a real Vin Diesel thing going on with his incredibly deep voice, and it sent a shiver through her. She shook his hand, irritated with herself as the thump in her chest beat even faster at his warm, tight grip.
For God’s sake. You don’t even know what he really looks like.
Madeleine had turned to talk to another actor, but Eli seemed in no hurry to move away. “I can’t possibly call you that if it’s what everyone calls you.” He released her hand, his red eyes gleaming. He’d been fitted with false teeth—at least she hoped they were false, as several were black, crooked, and rotting. They gave him a slight lisp. “I’m going to call you…Tabbs.”
“Not unless you want me to superglue your wig to your scalp tomorrow, you won’t.” When he laughed, she raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me those aren’t really your teeth.”
He ran his tongue along them. “Of course they’re mine. What a terribly rude thing to say.”
“I think you need to choose a better toothpaste, then.”
They exchanged a smile. His teasing words sent a frisson of delight through her. She couldn’t help it—she liked him anyway, even if he turned out to be a monster beneath the makeup.
His gaze flicked down her pink T-shirt, tight jeans, and black boots, then up again, lingering on her breasts before coming back to her face. A tingle began low in her spine, working its way up until all the hairs rose at the nape of her neck. She ignored the feeling. After her relationship with Simon, no way was she going to even entertain the thought of dating. She had a job to do, and after that, the Delamar Academy.
“That was a pretty snazzy fall,” she said, motioning toward the spot where he’d landed. “Did it hurt?”
He rolled his shoulders. “I should be manly and professional and say no, but actually that was take eleven, and I’m starting to get stiff.”
She couldn’t stop her lips curving at the double entendre, and he put his hands on his hips. “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?”
“I sincerely hope so.”
He laughed. She thought he might excuse himself then because their introductions were over, but instead he lingered, running his tongue over his teeth as he appraised her. “I came to one of your exhibits, you know.”
That surprised her. “Oh?”
“The Under the Ocean one.”
She stared at him. “What a coincidence. Geoff Stone decided I’d be the best replacement for Kelly Peters after seeing photos from that exhibition. How is she, by the way?”
“Fractured pelvis, several other broken bones. She’ll mend, but it’ll be a while before she returns to work. Drunk drivers, eh? Still, at least he’s in jail and off the streets.”
“I feel terrible,” Tabby admitted, “coming in to replace her.”
“Well, the movie’s got to be finished. In a way, it would have been better if it had happened at the beginning of filming because at least then it wouldn’t have mattered if another makeup artist had taken over. But Kelly’s work on the Atlantean King is so intricate and distinct. Geoff tested every makeup artist on set, and none of them re-created her work to his satisfaction.”
“But you think I can do it?”
“I’m convinced of it. I’d never seen anything like what you’ve done before. Your work’s amazing.”
“Thank you.” Her cheeks grew warm at his compliment—or was it because of the way he was looking at her? Even with his features disguised by the makeup, his interest was obvious. He held her gaze now, and her heart rate increased again at his slow smile.
“Black,” someone yelled behind him. “You’re up. Geoff wants to give it one more shot.”
“Crap,” Eli said. “The guy’s determined to keep at it until I fall on my head or something.”
Tabby laughed. “Be safe.”
He winked at her and started to walk away. Then he turned toward her. “Later, Tabbs.”
She sent him a mock glare, but he missed it because someone had brought his horse over. He took the reins, fitted a boot into the stirrup, and lifted himself into the saddle. Maneuvering the horse with a skilled hand, he trotted it down the field to join the others for the next take.
“Ready to go?” Madeleine asked. She followed Tabby’s gaze and smiled. “Ah.”
“Ah, what? I was admiring his…riding skills.”
“And a horse is the only thing he’s gonna be riding, honey. Eli doesn’t date girls on set, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“Madeleine, really. The guy’s got black teeth and white hair—he’s not exactly my type.”
“He’s also devilishly gorgeous beneath the makeup. And he’s broken about a dozen hearts since filming began. Willpower made of steel. So seriously, don’t fall for him—it won’t end well.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Tabby gave him one last look before they walked off. She wasn’t going to date guys on set, either—in fact, she wouldn’t date, period. She had detailed plans for the next few years of her life, and they didn’t include getting involved with anyone. Especially a crazy stunt guy.
A crazy stunt guy with a deep voice and a physique that could put a bodybuilder to shame. She shook her head, telling the devil inside it to be quiet.
No, best if she forgot about Eli Black altogether. When she came to do his makeup, she’d treat him like every other model she’d ever painted, as if he were made of clay, just a canvas on which she could illustrate her designs. No way would she give up her plans—again—for a man.
…
At the end of the day, Eli decided to join some of the cast members and crew in town for a drink and a plate of fries. When he arrived, however, he began to regret his decision. The bar in the middle of Wellington—New Zealand’s small but thriving capital—was bustling and noisy, and after a while, he went over to a quiet corner to finish his drink, planning to head out afterward.
Slumping in the chair next to him, Mick Forstner, an actor and Eli’s best mate, looked ready to drop. “Christ, that was a long day.”
Eli took a long swallow of the cold lager. Mick was right—it had been a long day, with eight hours of on-off filming, plus three hours in the morning to get the makeup and costume on, and another hour and a half in the evening to get it all off again. “You are turning into such a wuss.”
Mick gave him an impatient look. “It’s all right for you, Mr. I-only-need-two-hours-sleep-and-I’m-fresh-as-a-daisy. Some of us need rest in order to survive.”
“Five hours,” Eli corrected. “For God’s sake, you’re younger than I am. Where’s your stamina, man?”
“What’s that? That word’s not in my vocabulary.”
“Poor Madeleine. I guess her luck’s out tonight.”
“Hey, if she wants to climb on top, I’ll be quite happy to lie there and l
et her have a quickie.”
Eli laughed and helped himself to Mick’s fries.
“Hey.”
“I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry. Get your own.”
“I’ve eaten mine.”
“So get yourself another bowl. I’m starving.”
Eli opened his mouth to reply, but glanced across at the bar and his words changed to a groan. He swore softly. “Daniells is coming over.”
Mick echoed his groan. “Doubt he’ll join us. There aren’t enough people at the table for him to impress.”
Will Daniells headed straight for them, drink and sandwich in his hands. “Hey, fellas, mind if I join you?” Without waiting for an answer, he set down his sandwich and pulled up a stool.
Eli took another swallow of his lager and tried to picture the astonishment on Will’s face if he told him to fuck off. Although Eli did a variety of stunts in the movie, his main role was to double for Daniells as the King of Atlantis. The highest paid actor on the set, Will was under the mistaken impression that the entire population of New Zealand found him irresistible. More than once, Eli had been tempted to end one of Will’s long monologues on which female co-stars he’d bedded with a fist to his face, but it probably wasn’t a good move to break the jaw of the guy you were stunt double for. He didn’t want to do himself out of a job.
“Where have you been?” Eli asked. Will had been absent the whole day.
“Flew to Auckland for an interview about the movie. Stone said I could go because the new makeup chick wouldn’t be starting until tomorrow.” He bit into his sandwich.
“Speaking of which,” Mick said. “I saw you out on set, chatting her up. What’s she like?”
“Nice. American.” Eli stole some more of Mick’s fries. “She made me laugh.”
He didn’t miss his friend’s surprised glance. Mick was well aware of Eli’s plan to head to LA at the end of filming, and over the last few months, had teased Eli mercilessly about his decision not to date before he left. He shifted uneasily.
“Hot?” Will asked.
Eli didn’t reply immediately. He thought about Tabby, with her slim hips and pert breasts, her cheeks flushing at his compliments. She wasn’t classically beautiful—more girl-next-door pretty, but there had been a glint in her eye that had turned his thermostat up a few degrees. She was hot, but he wasn’t about to tell the resident Casanova that. The thought of Will Daniells getting his hands on her made his fists clench with uncharacteristic jealousy.
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