STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) by Bev Pettersen Page A

hadn’t thought about anything but agreeing.
    Besides, it turned out she hadn’t needed to catch the Louisville bus after all. And it had been great fun watching him work with Bruno. She’d enjoyed a lovely sleep and now had a special skills job lined up for today. Life was looking up.
    She strolled to the makeup table, eager to have her face fixed so she could report to set. Maybe she’d do such a good job holding Bruno the director would give her a line. Just a few words, but then she’d be eligible to join the union. That would jumpstart her career.
    Perhaps she should find another agent too. Clearly Tamara wasn’t top notch. Heck, Judith would make a better agent. At least, she kept up with social media, and frankly Emily had landed this job solely because of Judith’s inside knowledge. Judith might even know about movies in more exotic locations. It would be nice to go somewhere hot, or even travel to a different country.
    “No makeup for you,” the artist said, yanking back Emily’s attention.
    “What?” Emily’s jaw dropped. “But I never go anywhere without makeup.”
    “Today you do,” the woman said, checking her notes. She gestured at someone behind the chair. Emily winced as impatient hands pulled her hair into a painfully tight ponytail.
    “We’ll just brush on a little anti-shine powder,” the technician continued, flourishing a thick brush. “Then you’ll be ready to go.”
    Emily stared in the mirror, recoiling with horror. She’d expected to have the full movie treatment. She already felt grungy without a shower, but to have nothing on her face—she was bat shit ugly without makeup.
    “Maybe just a little foundation and blush?” She averted her eyes, unable to look at her reflection. “Please…I really would feel more comfortable.”
    “Sorry.” The technician snapped the powder case shut. “We just follow directions. And this isn’t about you. It’s about the movie.”
    Emily jerked from the chair. No makeup. And now with her hair pulled back, it was as if she’d been stripped naked. And she was going to be on a big movie screen too. Everyone would see her. The back of her eyes pricked, and she blinked furiously, pressing a hand over her exposed face. The day that had started out so bright and shiny had turned disastrous.
    The last time she’d gone anywhere without makeup, her father’s punishing hands had taught her a memorable lesson. If she hadn’t made a promise to Dan, she’d hide in the hay stall. But she had to show up; he was counting on her to hold Bruno.
    She sucked in a fortifying breath and shuffled toward the set.
     
    *
     
    “Shania will have to step a little closer to the horse,” Dan said, trying to keep the impatience from his voice. It was difficult to show the affection between Reckless and the horse’s groom when Shania insisted on remaining two feet from Ice’s head. The attentive horse was waiting for his cue, but Ice couldn’t press his forehead against Shania’s chest when she stood so far away.
    “Move closer, Shania,” the director called. “Perfect. Now reach up and smile. Action!”
    Ice, a seasoned performer, immediately lowered his head against Shania’s chest. Shania, showing the acting chops that had made her a box office draw, blinked prettily and wrapped her arms around his neck. It looked so real even Dan smiled. No doubt about it, the lady could act.
    “Cut!”
    “Did you get the sunrise? Let’s see.” Anthony adjusted his headset and bent over the screen while an assistant rushed up to Shania and offered her a sip of coffee.
    Dan picked up the lead line and scratched Ice behind the ear. “Good boy,” he murmured. The horse had been perfect. Anyone watching would never question his devotion to Shania. Ice was so savvy, he even knew the word ‘action’ and when to ham it up. Right now though, the gelding just wanted to return to his stall. He’d been outside the barn for the last hour and was due for his rest