“They won’t be filming in LA.”
I snort, the creeping apprehension receding. “Say less. I’d love a break from this fake-ass place. Where are they filming?”
All dreams of filming on a sunny beach in Australia or on the busy streets of London where nobody gives a shit who I dated are smashed with her next words. “Alberta, Canada. It’s set on a ranch, and the location is a real working ranch. That’s the other catch.”
There had to be something. “Mmm-hmm.”
“All the main cast needs to know how to ride a horse. It’s a major part of the show. Of course, you’ll have a stunt double for any fast-paced shots, anything dangerous, but you need to be able to look comfortable on a horse. You’re going to spend a reasonable amount of time in the saddle if you take this. Please tell me you went to horse camp in the summer, or your parents felt like riding would be a great way to further your career as an actor?”
There is so much hope and excitement on her face, and I hate to dash it, but since my hopes are now officially dead, I may as well squash hers.
“I’ve never been on a horse. Never even touched one.” I neglect to mention the fact that I might even be scared of them. They seem pretty intimidating even from a distance.
“Well, shit.” She glances at the ceiling, stands up, and does one lap around the large room before returning toplant herself in front of me. “I guess you’re going to have to learn.”
My heart pounds in my ears, fear and anxiety warring with despair as I consider her words? What’s worse? A massive animal with large teeth and scary-looking feet, or the ultimate death of my career? Surely the horses will be well-trained, if they’re used to working on a set. Maybe it’ll be fine. “Well, when does filming start? If I have a stunt double, all I’ll really have to do is sit there, right? Maybe steer a little bit? That shouldn’t be too hard to learn.”
She drops beside me, somehow managing to look elegant even sinking into the overstuffed couch. “You’ve got six weeks to pull this off, but I think you can do it. Scratch that—I know you can do this. I’ve seen you go into superhero mode. I’ve seen you fight, learn to play with swords. So many things. I know this sounds like a lot, but you can do it. You don’t need to be perfect, just passable. And if this show performs nearly as well as I think it will, you are going to be on it for a long time. Plenty of time to improve your skills.”
Would I try to pull off something this crazy if my career hadn’t flown off the rails? Maybe. Maybe not.
Probably. Because the chance to work with Maggie Young doesn’t come around every day. She is an amazing director, an amazing human, and an incredible advocate for women in Hollywood, equal pay and equal rights.
“So, where exactly do I go about finding someone to teach me to ride in six weeks who won’t sell my secret to all the world?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve got a plan.” There’s a wicked gleam in her blue eyes as she says this, and my stomach sinks. Nothing good can come from those words combined with that look.
What have I just agreed to?
Chapter 2
Quint
Thatsenseofhappinessyou only get from coming home settles over me as my old pickup kicks up a cloud of dust on the long road leading up to my family ranch. I spot some familiar faces in the pastures on either side of the driveway. Maven, Storm, and Layla all trot up closer to the fence line to investigate. But most of the others are specks of brown, gray, and black in the distance. Layla follows my truck as I make slow progress, and some broken rails catch my eye. I’ll have to get out there to repair those. I’m surprised Caleb hasn’t looked after it already. He’s usually a stickler for keeping the fences in good repair.
The big ranch house appears as I’m cresting the small hill, and my smile widens until I spot the extra vehicles parked in the little paved area beside the house. Beside Caleb’s big black truck with the ranch logo on it, there’sa sleek luxury sedan and a silver pickup truck. Preston and Shayla? I step on the gas to speed up a little—not too much, safety first on the farm. My curiosity is piqued, but it’s laced through with fear. It’s been quite a while since all my siblings were in the house at the same time.
My truck’s door creaks as I slam it shut, and I give the vehicle a pat on the hood. She may be a little on the elderly side, but she still gets the job done.
“Honeys, I’m home!” I yell, pushing open the front door.
The sound of paws scrabbling on hardwood echoes through the house as a scruffy brown and white body comes flying at me.
“Blink!”
The dog bounces on her forelegs for a moment, butt wiggling frantically until she gives in to her urges and jumps up, planting her paws on my chest. I’m too happy to see her to chastise her for the misdemeanor.
“So good to see you, girl. I’ve missed you.” I give her soft neck a good scratch and let her lick me before I gently push her off.
Caleb knew I was coming home, but it takes another moment before I get a response.
Finally, I hear his voice coming from the kitchen. “In here.”
I toss my keys and they hit the small table beside the front door with a clatter.
“Hang them on the hook!” Caleb yells.
Of course. I roll my eyes and move the keys to one of the small hooks on the wallabove the table.
