Thrill Me(38)

                But while the complications might have given someone else fits, Maya was perfectly happy with the uncertainty. This was way better than worrying about which star had cheated on his or her significant other. Back in LA her life had been defined by gossip and celebrity sightings. While this wasn’t curing a disease, at least it would bring some good to the town.

                Thinking of the town had her mind drifting to Elaine. The cancer news was still a bombshell. She’d checked in with her friend a couple of times, and so far the other woman sounded okay. She had a diagnosis and a plan. According to her doctor, the prognosis was good. Maya would take care of her friend as best she could, although she still strongly disagreed with Elaine’s decision to keep the information a secret from her family.

                A problem for another time, she told herself, and returned to setting up equipment.

                Right on time, Del walked into the meadow. He headed for her.

                “What the hell?” His gaze was sharp. “Why didn’t you tell me to get here earlier? I thought I’d be here to help with the setup. You carted all this yourself? That’s ridiculous. I’m not some actor you’ve hired. Jeez, Maya. Give a guy a break. I could have helped you with unloading.”

                He was really pissed, she thought, staring at him. He might even have a point. It was kind of hard to know for sure, because she couldn’t really think.

                He’d shaved. Gone was the three-day growth that looked so good on him. Now his skin was smooth, his features clearly defined. The look suited him, even if it might be hell on the video continuity.

                Stubble Del was dangerous and maybe a little wicked. Clean-shaven Del was more like the guy she remembered. He seemed a bit younger and more approachable, but just as sexy.

                Her gaze settled on his mouth as she wondered how the two Dels would be different in the kissing department. Would the stubble scratch or just be delightfully abrasive? Would the smoothness be more or less appealing? Was it wrong to want to find out?

                Instinctively she glanced at the camera and saw he was perfectly framed. She pushed the button to get a test shot.

                “Maya?”

                His impatient voice snapped her back to the present.

                “What? Oh.” She released the camera already sitting on the tripod. “It never crossed my mind.”

                “Asking me to help? Do you really think I’m that much of a jerk?” He swore. “When did I become the bad guy?”

                “No, you’re not. I’m just used to handling this sort of thing on my own. It comes with my job.” She studied him. “Del, why are you mad about this?”

                He waved to the setup. “This says you think I’m showing up to do my part and nothing else.”

                She crossed to him. He’d dressed as she’d requested, and the faded blue shirt looked as good as she’d hoped. The color was perfect on him, and the camera was going to have a mini meltdown from all the sex appeal. Worse, the camera might not be alone in its reaction.

                But first, she had to figure out what was going on. She stopped directly in front of him and put her hands on her hips.

                “I don’t think so,” she said quietly. “You’re not mad at me. You’re right. I should have mentioned when I was getting here. I genuinely didn’t think about it. Next time I’ll offer to let you fetch and carry. I promise. So tell me what happened?”