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The men are possessive and will do anything for the woman they love. They always put their woman first and know how to satisfy.
No cheating after meeting, no cliffhanger, and each story ends with a happily ever after.
Fern Fraser: All the Feels in Half the Time.
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Copyright © 2022 by Fern Fraser
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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
One
AUDREY
"You know how Mom gets about the Christmas cake," my little sister huffs. "I can't believe she's being so pig-headed!" Her voice sparks with irritation.
I was already running behind schedule when I answered Ivy’s call. I was hoping it would be a short and sweet conversation, but she's in the mood to download. Fighting with Mom will do that to you, so I avoid arguing with our parents.
"You know what she's like. Dad's the same. It's my way or the highway with those two."
I'll get a crick in my neck if I don't put the phone down soon, but I need to use both hands to insert my contact lenses. Propping my eyelid open, I lean closer to the mirror surrounded by brightly lit bulbs. Then I fumble the delicate maneuver. The lens slips from my fingers and the cell phone clatters onto the counter.
"Crap!" I rifle through rows of dry brushes and makeup pots searching for the contact lens, even though it's ruined. "Hold on, and I'll put the call on speaker."
"What are you doing, Audrey?"
"Too many things," I grumble.
"You’re working in other words. Well, I guess that’s why they pay you the big bucks.” She sighs, knowing I'm working right up to Christmas. "Speaking of work, how is our famous film director friend?"
Luca and I grew up together. He's six years older than me, thirty-two to my twenty-six, and like a brother. Since I've always had a crush on him, it's a relief we’re not related.
"Ah … I haven't seen him yet."
I couldn't find him when I toured the studio earlier. Much the same way I’m unable to find the missing contact lens. It’s like searching for a needle in the proverbial haystack, or in this case, a tiny see-through disc among a sea of glittery eye shadow.
Dan, one of the crew, pokes his head into the makeup room, tapping his watch to let me know I'm running late. I nod and give him a thumbs-up.
"Hey sweetie, I'm sorry, but I'll have to call you back later." I better get my act together, or I won't make it to the Naughty List's first production meeting on time.
I owe Luca my career as one of Hollywood's in-demand make-up artists, though we keep our personal history quiet so no one would accuse him of nepotism. It's one of the many ways he protects me and always has.
Showing up on time is the least I can do, but the thought of seeing him makes me restless. A swarm of butterflies inside my tummy are about to take flight.
"Does Luca know you broke off your engagement to Brent?" Ivy asks.
"Umm … not yet?"
"Okay, good luck with that one!" she replies knowingly.
“Stop being a smart ass.” I’m nervous as hell and wish my sister hadn’t reminded me. I end the call and hang up, slipping the cell into my back pocket.
We haven't seen each other since the incident at last year's New Year's Eve party where we almost crossed the line. It happened before I got engaged but we never talked about it. We're working on this movie together so avoiding him is impossible. Can I keep my feelings under wraps, or will things be weird between us?
It's too late to put my contacts in, so I grab my tote and race out the door.
