“Nancy needed help, so I’m helping.” She gave him a puzzled look then turned her attention back to Shaun.
“Where’s Jacinta?” he asked his mother.
“She’s had emergency surgery. She’s fine, but can’t work for two weeks and Holly has graciously accepted to fill in until she’s better.”
“I’ll take Holly over Jacinta any day.” Shaun gave Holly a lopsided grin. “Jacinta is a grouch and couldn’t crack a smile even if you paid her.”
“It’s because she’s sick of you hitting on her,” Ethan said.
Shaun’s face screwed up with displeasure. “It’s her loss.”
“Or she has higher standards.” Ethan sat in the chair next to him.
Shaun chuckled, not seeming to take offense. “We can’t all bag women like Victoria.”
Holly had changed from her hooker outfit to a pair of faded ripped jeans, white t-shirt and converse shoes. She looked sexier than Victoria dressed in any of her skimpiest outfits.
“I think I’m done.” Holly placed a finger under Shaun’s chin and tilted his face from side to side. “Does he look okay, Nancy?”
His mother stopped what she was doing and inspected Holly’s work. “Great. See? Who needs a diploma to do this job?” She laughed.
“Maybe it’s beginner’s luck,” Holly chuckled.
“Wait, you’ve never done this before?” Ethan glanced at Holly through the reflection of the mirror.
She twirled the brush in her hand. “No.”
“She’s more than capable, and I need help.” His mother jumped to her defence. Trudy could have another makeup artist here with a snap of her fingers. For some reason she wanted Holly and there’d be no changing her mind.
Holly working on set was a bad idea. There was no denying the pull of attraction and anything that could take his focus off his goals was a problem. Holly had major distraction written all over her. In the little time he’d spent with her, he’d already kissed her. Only for show. Hell, to be honest, an arm around her waist would’ve convinced Declan they were together. The kiss was for his enjoyment. Now with her here for two weeks, the temptation to do it again would be irresistible. Definitely irresistible. He’d have to reign in his urges. He had an arrangement with Victoria that benefited the both of them. Sex with no commitment.
With the way Holly kept glancing at his mouth, she was thinking about the kiss too, and he’d bet the attraction was mutual.
“I still think you’re better than Jacinta,” Shaun broke through Ethan’s thoughts, slid his hand down Holly’s arm and clasped her hand. “How about you join me for a drink later?”
Holly slowly pulled free. “That’s nice of you to ask, but I’m not—”
“Most of the crew will be there too. Call it a ‘welcome to the set’ kind of thing,” Shaun added when he must have sensed Holly about to decline.
There was no way Shaun was inviting her to a get together with the crew. From the lewd gaze he trailed over Holly’s body, it would be a party for two. And Ethan hated that Shaun might succeed.
“She doesn’t want to go out with you.” Ethan clenched his jaw.
Holly frowned at him then turned to Shaun. “Thanks for the invite. Maybe another time.”
“Come on. We’re going to a karaoke bar. It’ll be fun. It’s a fundraiser for the Rafter Homeless Shelter, so there’ll be a lot of people in the biz I can introduce you to.”
“I really don’t—”
“I’m sure you’ll get a bunch of job offers when I tell them what a great makeup artist you are.”
Holly pursed her lips looking unsure, finally she said, “Okay.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up at the trailer when I’m done. See you later.” He rose from the chair and gave a light mocking punch on Ethan’s shoulder. “See you on set.” Then strutted out of the trailer.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Ethan wanted to put his hands on her shoulders and shake some sense into her. “He’s only after one thing.”
“What? No, it’s not like that. It’s only drinks and the crew will be there too. I want to get to know them.”
