And the Winner Is

by Olivia Jaymes

  The walk home took exactly the same amount of time as the walk there but it felt much longer. Sierra’s cheeks were bright red and she had her gloved hands shoved in the pockets of her coat as they hurried back, the path lit only by streetlights. As much as he wanted to spend more time with her they were both relieved when their homes were in sight. He was a California boy and he didn’t do cold.

  He followed her up to her door and waited while she fumbled in her purse for the keys. Quickly unlocking the door, she turned back to him and suddenly it felt like a date again with a pounding heart and sweaty palms despite the temperature.

  The drop off at the door. This was when he was supposed to get a kiss, right?

  No kiss for you, asshole. This isn’t a date. She said no.

  “Thank you for all of your help tonight,” she said, her fingers playing with the keyring. “I feel much more confident about playing Molly now and I couldn’t have done that without you.”

  “You’re welcome.” His voice felt rusty but he put it down to the biting wind. “There’s still a few more scenes to go through.”

  So let’s do this again.

  “I can’t ask you to spend more time helping me. I know you’re a busy man.”

  “This is important. We’ll find the time.”

  The conversation dwindled as they both stood there, seemingly unsure as to what to do next. The tension between them had built to an almost unbearable level. He was supposed to turn and leave, maybe wave as he headed into his own condo but his feet were firmly planted on her front stoop. For some reason, he couldn’t make himself walk away and eventually it was going to get mighty awkward.

  Did she feel it too or was he all alone in his quandary? He was a like a teenage boy out of his depth and nervous as he bid goodnight to his first date. But this wasn’t Ryan’s first date. He was a grown man who had lost count of the women who had drifted in and out of his life. Surely Sierra would be no different in the long run. Six months from now he’d remember her as sweet and beautiful but the details would have blurred.

  That didn’t explain, however, why he was standing here freezing his nuts off with this female.

  This girl isn’t interested. Move along.

  Her eyes finally met his and he watched fascinated as she licked her lips. “And thank you for dinner. You really didn’t have to pick up the check.”

  “I was happy to.”

  Their bodies seemed to sway toward one another, their gazes locked. Ryan didn’t inhale or exhale, terrified to break the spell that the old-fashioned yellow porch light had cast over them. He searched her green-gold eyes for some sign that she was in the same predicament. His gaze dropped to her lips, shiny and full and incredibly tempting. If he allowed himself to move just an inch or two closer they’d be kissing.

  He didn’t move and neither did she, trapped in their own indecision. At least he was.

  The moment lasted for one heartbeat…two…three…

  Then it was over as quickly as it had begun. This time it was Sierra who made the big move, pushing open her front door and flicking on the switch so that light flooded her living room. She stepped inside and away so there was nothing more for him to say or do. The evening had come to an end.

  Time to leave, buddy.

  “Goodnight, Ryan. Thank you again.”

  “Night, Sierra. See you tomorrow.”

  He didn’t bother to go down the stairs to the sidewalk and then up to his own porch, instead walking across the tiny front yard to his own condo. He could hear her front door click close and he stood and waited until he heard the deadbolt safely engage before entering his own home.

  All by himself. He’d better get used to it, at least during this movie shoot because Sierra Oliver wasn’t interested in him in the least.

  * * *

  Letting out the breath she’d been holding, Sierra leaned back against the closed door. She’d been so close to making a fool of herself and kissing Ryan. There was something about him, a pull she couldn’t deny. She’d learned tonight that not only was he incredibly handsome, he was intelligent and funny, too. It was a trifecta that was hard to ignore. Add in the kindness that he displayed and it was no wonder she was attracted to him.

  He is out of your league, girl.

  But wouldn’t it be fun?

  She’d done the right thing turning him down for a date. He played by a whole different set of rules. From what she’d heard he was a master at love ’em and leave ’em. It would be crazy to get involved with a professional heartbreaker like Ryan Ward.

  If this was the right thing to do, why did it feel so crappy?

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The next day Sierra tried to hide out in her trailer but that was proving to be difficult as Ryan was shooting scenes she was in. The same scenes they’d worked on last night.

  When she’d almost made a fool of herself.

  She’d tossed and turned for quite awhile wondering what might have happened if she’d given in to her urge. He was clearly attracted to her, evidenced by his invitation to dinner. He probably would have kissed her back. Then maybe he would have wanted to come inside her condo. They would have kissed some more and that might have led to them heading to her bedroom. And that’s where the whole thing became complicated.

  Ryan Ward dated glamorous sexy women whom Sierra would bet knew a thing or two about how to please a man. She, on the other hand, didn’t know shit. Her ex hadn’t exactly given a crap about her pleasure and he’d basically climbed on top of her and pumped a few times before grunting, rolling off, and falling instantly asleep. In the beginning there had been lots of necking and that had been nice but once he’d gotten her in bed that all stopped. Foreplay had been almost nonexistent. The only reason she knew anything at all about sex was from the novels she’d read through the years and the conversations she’d had with other women.

  If she slept with Ryan, he’d figure out that she didn’t have a clue between the sheets. Once again, she needed to start slow. Find a nice guy who didn’t have the sexual history of James Bond. Frankly, it was intimidating to think she might be evaluated and found wanting.

  Since hiding was out, Sierra tried to keep her nose in a book as much as possible. They were on location today, shooting a few scenes outside. Sierra, Angela, and one of the other costars were supposed to walk down the sidewalk arguing about whether the heroine should give the hero a second chance. Luckily, the weather was mild today with the temperature hovering around forty degrees. A girl from Wisconsin, Sierra considered it balmy weather but Ryan clearly didn’t share her feelings. Between every take, while they’d reset the equipment he’d disappear into his trailer to warm up, which might have made her laugh under different circumstances.

  It didn’t help either that Angela kept finding reasons to follow him. She needed to talk about her character’s motivation, or she needed to discuss a particular line of dialogue that she might want to improvise. Normally Ryan didn’t have much patience with Angela’s antics but today he appeared to be allowing it, not barking or growling at her as he’d done in the past. This last time they were staying in the trailer quite a long time. The crew was ready but Ryan and Angela hadn’t reemerged yet. Everyone was beginning to get antsy and of course, the speculation began in earnest.

  Just what was going on in there?

  Her costar Tony sidled up to her, a smirk on his face. “Knowing Ryan’s reputation we could all be waiting awhile.”

  Sierra didn’t look up from her book. This situation didn’t bother her because she wasn’t jealous.

  “I’m sure they’re discussing the scene.”

  Laughing out loud, Tony shook his head. “Sure, that’s what they’re doing. Because this scene with her walking down the street is so complex. She wants her character’s motivation. Didn’t he tell her yesterday that her motivation was to get the goddamn take before the end of the day?”

  Ryan had indeed done just that and Sierra had enjoyed that smackdown of the leading lady imm
ensely. Angela grated on Sierra’s nerves even when she wasn’t flirting with Ryan.

  Okay, maybe I’m a little jealous.

  “I’m sure they’ll be out in a moment.”

  I hope. What are they doing in there?

  “What Angela wants Angela gets, and she wants Ward. If she plays her cards right, maybe she’ll get a real role in his next movie. The kind that get awards.”

  With a huff, Sierra closed her book. “That’s a horrible thing to do to someone. He doesn’t deserve to be used like that.”

  Tony frowned and then chuckled. “You’re such a newbie. You’d think with your connections in the business you’d be a little more savvy. That’s how things work, little girl. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Besides, I doubt that poor Ryan is being used and abused by Angela. I’m guessing he’ll leave that trailer with a smile on his face.”

  The ugly truth about Hollywood was that it was often about who you knew rather than what you knew. Sometimes it was as simple as having a friend in the right place, sometimes it was as seedy as being…friendly to the right person. Sierra wanted nothing to do with it. If she had to debase herself to get a part, then she wouldn’t get it. She wasn’t willing to do anything unprofessional to make it in this business. If that meant she never acted again, so be it. Frankly, this was all a lark anyway.

  I still can’t believe anyone thinks I can act.

  The door to Ryan’s trailer was still firmly closed a few minutes later when Sierra’s phone rang. Tony had wandered off when she wouldn’t gossip with him, so she tucked her book away for the second time and checked her cell.

  Billie.

  Probably making sure Sierra was okay. As twins they had a sort of spooky connection and when one wasn’t feeling quite right the other felt it as well.

  “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be working?”

  Tyler and Billie were working on a movie together. Their first joint project and they were having a ball doing it. They wanted to be the next Hepburn and Tracey.

  Billie’s groan could be heard loud and clear through the phone. “Is your set as boring as ours? They’re messing with the lighting and I swear I was younger when they started.”

  Sierra’s gaze flickered to Ryan’s trailer. Door still closed.

  “Sort of. We’re also in between takes. What’s going on? How’s Tyler?”

  Sierra adored her brother-in-law. He was funny and protective and he’d always been honest with her. The fact that he worshipped the ground Billie walked on didn’t hurt either.

  “He’s fine. He loves making a movie where he gets to keep his shirt on. He ate carbs last night and I swear he had an orgasm by the time he finished his spaghetti. It was almost obscene.”

  “Is he planning on losing that six-pack?”

  Tyler Gaylord was known for being hot and sexy in the Thunder movies. He’d graced many a magazine cover and usually his bare torso was on full display, much to many women’s delight.

  “I hope not because he, Sam, Max, and Nate are making a movie after this one and he needs to be in shape. He may not have to take off his clothes but the shoot will be physical. I’d hate to see him get injured because he didn’t prepare.”

  “But you don’t care about the abs.”

  Billie giggled. “Well, they don’t hurt, that’s for sure, but I’d love him no matter what. Now tell me what’s going on with that hottie director of yours. Did you accept his offer of help?”

  Another glance at Ryan’s trailer. No change.

  This was actually sort of humiliating and she felt the anger churn in her stomach. He’d asked Sierra out less than twenty-four hours ago and now he was playing hide-the-Oscar with that skank Angela. He wasn’t any different than the usual Hollywood snake. She’d been fooled by his charming smile.

  “I did.”

  “And did he help you? Did you meet with him?”

  Boy, did I.

  “Last night we worked over dinner.”

  Sierra’s brevity must have set off warning bells in her sister’s head. “I see. Did it not go well? Did he…try something? Because you just kick them in the balls, sis. Don’t put up with that crap for a second. In fact, I’ll tell Tyler and he’ll kick Ryan Ward’s ass.”

  Sierra inwardly groaned. That’s all she needed was Tyler and a few of his friends to rough up Ryan. What a mess.

  “He didn’t try anything so put your hubby in your holster and calm down. We ate dinner, we worked. That’s it. Nothing to report here.”

  Except that I wanted to kiss him. Badly.

  There was silence on the other end and for a moment Sierra thought the call had dropped.

  “You’re lying. You can never lie to me. Other people? Yes, but not me.”

  That was the problem with having a twin. They knew you as well or better than you knew yourself.

  “I’m attracted to him.” It hurt to admit it. “But it’s not a big deal.”

  “He’s not attracted to you? Then he has lousy taste in women.”

  There was no point in trying to keep anything from Billie. She’d get it out of Sierra eventually.

  “He asked me out. He offered to make dinner for me.”

  “And…you said…yes? Or no? Help me here because I’m confused.”

  So am I. Join the club.

  “I said no. I didn’t think it was a good idea to get involved with him.”

  “Oh.” Billie for once didn’t have much to day. “I see. May I ask why?”

  Since when did her sister ask for permission?

  “It’s what I said before. He’s so far out of my league,” Sierra sighed. “Like way out. I’m playing Little League and he’s at Wrigley Field.”

  “You give yourself too little credit. You’re awesome.”

  “I’m a rookie. He’s expect me to know the game but I’ve never played.”

  “Then make up your own rules,” Billie snorted. “Don’t play by his. You be in control. You’re not looking for a big relationship, right?”

  Heavens, no.

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Then lay down the law before he has a chance to. Seize the day and all of that jazz. He’s perfect for a quick fling. You’ll have some fun and then move on to your next job. The ending is built in so there won’t be any declarations of love and weepy angst. There are no decisions to make, no wondering what might happen when the film wraps. It’s the ideal fling situation.”

  Billie was speaking as if from experience. “And just how many of these flings have you had, sister dear?”

  “I might have had one or two before I fell for Tyler,” Billie admitted. “I wasn’t a virgin but you practically are. That ex of yours wasn’t doing his job, but I bet Ryan Ward knows what to do.”

  Sierra glanced at the trailer door. Still closed.

  Without a doubt, Ryan knew what to do in the bedroom. The problem was he was currently doing it with his leading lady. If he could go from her to Angela that quickly, she’d made the right decision last night.

  But it still kind of hurt.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Ryan growled into the phone, barely managing not to slam the electronic device repeatedly against the kitchen table until it was a useless hunk of metal. He was frustrated and the man on the other end of the line was trying to explain the situation as patiently as possible.

  “It’s an Act of God, Ryan,” Daryl Woods, the production manager, said. “You can’t film when the city doesn’t want cars or people on the roads. It’s a goddamn ice storm and it’s dangerous.”

  A world covered in ice wasn’t something Ryan was used to. He was Southern California born and bred, comfortable at the beach. Sure, he’d gone skiing any number of times but he couldn’t remember a time that he’d been trapped inside of his lodgings because a thin, frozen layer of water had covered his surroundings.

  “They don’t know how bad it’s really going to be,” Ryan argued. “It’s not even here yet. It might be just fine tomorrow.”

  The s
torm was predicted to show up this afternoon and the little college town had urged everyone to close up early and get home before the streets became skating rinks.

  “Or it might not.” Daryl’s tone was becoming less pleasant by the second. “You can’t take chances with people’s lives. The studio will under–”

  “The studio will roast my balls over an open fire,” Ryan shot back. “They don’t give a shit about Acts of God. They only care about the budget and schedule.”

  “That got blown to hell when Stan had a heart attack. They should be on their knees in thanks that you even took this job. Now, for the love of all that’s good and holy, wrap up shooting for the day and call off for tomorrow. I don’t want our permits yanked by the town council because they had to call out the police or an ambulance when we didn’t follow directions.”

  That was a real possibility. Cities loathed and loved having a film crew in town. They wanted the money that it pushed into the local economy but the disruptions weren’t as popular. Ryan had always prided himself on being as unobtrusive as possible.

  “Fine,” Ryan finally conceded. This wasn’t a fight he was going to win. “But somehow we’re going to make this up in the schedule. I’m not sure how but we will.”

  Their fourteen-hour days just became eighteen hours. It was only for a few more weeks. Everyone would survive. They’d bitch and moan and call him a bastard…but they’d live.

  “I’m beginning to understand why you’re so popular among the cast and crew you’ve worked with,” Daryl said sarcastically. “You’re a real sweetheart.”

  “They hate me until they see the final product. Then I’m a genius. Besides, I’d never ask them to do anything I’m not willing to do myself.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow,” Daryl promised. “I’ll let you know the latest from the town council.”

  An ice storm in March. According to the locals around him, this wasn’t unheard of, although it was unusual. It happened once a decade and here it was. His timing sucked.

  “Burt,” he called to his assistant director who was hovering nearby pretending not to listen in. “Let’s finish getting this scene and then close it down for the day. We won’t be filming tomorrow, either.”