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Doctor on the Red Carpet
Anne Fraser
Doctor on
The Red Carpet
Anne Fraser
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Table of Contents
Cover (#u92621864-5ceb-5656-b875-77697ae24eab)
Title Page (#uebae1b71-bb22-53d5-9e00-c37c81235d6f)
Chapter One (#u67a3c5a4-111c-5de3-b16b-9e2eff19fb34)
Chapter Two (#u5685586d-3f9a-53b2-9e84-05b3b9f456d2)
Chapter Three (#u815e3799-1ae2-58c7-8cf9-0b5b3a865ec7)
Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE
DR ELIZABETH MORGAN stepped out the car, transfixed at the hustle and bustle in front of her. The desert heat of California smothered her skin like a blanket, making her damp blouse stick to her back. Rivulets of perspiration trickled between her breasts.
What was she doing here? She glanced wistfully at the driver as he unloaded her suitcases, tempted for a moment to tell him not to bother. She’d made a mistake, changed her mind—would he please take her back to Los Angeles International Airport? And straight onto a flight back to England.
But she couldn’t do that.
Wiping the dust from her face with a tired hand, Elizabeth took a deep steadying breath. Right—the director must be somewhere amongst the crowd of people. Dragging her cases behind her, she picked her way along the rutted dusty ground, her feet throbbing in her unsuitable high heels. This wasn’t what she’d expected. Weren’t all movies made in a studio? Not out in the back of beyond near Palm Desert in what must be a rundown mining town. Hardly the glamour and sophistication she’d envisaged.
Not that she could bring herself to care. It was all she could do these days to put one foot in front of the other. If it hadn’t been for the fact she’d known she would go crazy if she stayed in London, she would never have taken this job. Doctor on a Hollywood film set was as far away from what she used to do as it was possible to get. At least here there were no constant memories of the life she once led. And that was its attraction.
She screwed her eyes up against the harsh midday sun. Filming was in full swing, it appeared. Cameramen were perched high on top of mobile cameras, people stood in clusters, talking animatedly, and around what appeared to be the central filming area, large aluminium caravans stretched almost as far as the eye could see.
Just then a horse cantered by, kicking up dust and with someone clinging precariously to its neck. Elizabeth watched, heart in mouth, as the rider seemed to lose what little balance he had and slid further off the horse, before landing with a thump on the ground.
Elizabeth paused only to pick up her medical bag. Judging by the way the rider had fallen, he was bound to be badly hurt.
But to her amazement, before she had even crossed the few yards to his side, the man was on his feet, wiping dust from his trousers with a nonchalant flick of his cowboy hat.
�How was that, Philip?’ he called out in an American accent. �Was that realistic enough for you?’
Elizabeth slowed to a walk. He was big this man, well over six foot and powerfully muscled. He was wearing faded jeans that clung disconcertingly to his thighs and cowboy boots with spurs. He had short brown hair and a wide mouth and had such an air of masculine assurance about him that instinctively Elizabeth knew this was a man who broke hearts. Was he one of the actors? Silly question—he was bound to be.
He stopped swatting the dust from his clothes as she approached, and gave her a long slow stare. Then he grinned, showing even white teeth. If he carried on riding horses like that, Elizabeth thought testily, he wouldn’t have perfect teeth for much longer.
�Howdy, ma’am. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Kendrick,’ he said, holding out his hand.
Elizabeth’s fingers were enveloped in his. For some reason the way he was looking at her was making her heart race. Then again, she had got a fright. She’d really thought that the way this man had fallen from the horse meant she would be fixing him up and calling an ambulance. And all before she’d even unpacked.
�Dr Elizabeth Morgan,’ she replied. �I’m the doctor for the set. Are you all right? Maybe you should sit down.’ She glanced around. The only place she could see was a couple of camping chairs outside a trailer a few yards away. What if he collapsed before she got him there? She’d never be able to support a man of his size. �Actually, back on the ground will do while I look you over.’
His grin grew wider. �Now, come to think of it, ma’am, I think I did hurt my shoulder. Maybe you should have a quick look-see?’
Before she could say anything he whipped off the dust-smeared cambric shirt he was wearing, revealing a bronzed chest with a number of scars. His torso was muscled, not overly so but enough for Elizabeth to be able to detect each individual ridge. He wore his jeans low on his hips, and his abdomen was taut, with a fine sprinkling of dark hair disappearing into the waistband. She blinked.
This was a man who was perfectly aware of the effect he had on women—other women that was. He’d find out soon enough that she was immune to any man.
�I really do think you should sit down, Mr …?’ she said. The ridiculous way her pulse was behaving you’d think it was her who had just fallen off a horse.
�It’s Kendrick. No one calls anyone here by their last name. You might be all formal in England …’ He raised an eyebrow at her. �You are from England, right?’ When she nodded he continued. �But we all use first names here, Lizzie.’
�It’s Elizabeth. And I’d prefer you to call me Dr Morgan,’ Elizabeth responded stiffly. When he quirked an eyebrow at her she flushed. Damn the man. Everything about him made her feel at a disadvantage. �Now, which shoulder did you hurt?’
He stepped closer until he seemed almost to block out the sun. She resisted the impulse to move away.
�Come to think of it, the shoulder is fine. I was kidding.’ His eyes glinted down at her.
�I’d rather you didn’t waste my time, Mr … er … Kendrick,’ she said, dismayed at the way her heart continued to race. �You’ve heard about the boy who cried wolf, haven’t you?’
Her words only made his smile wider. He turned to call over to a middle-aged man with long sideburns and a ponytail who was making his way towards them, accompanied by a young woman in the tiniest denim shorts Elizabeth had ever seen.
�Hey, Philip. We have someone over here who likes fairytales. Maybe you should explain who I am. I have a feeling this little lady isn’t going to believe a word I say.’
Just who was he calling a little lady? Who did he think he was? Was he so absorbed in the movie he was acting in that he was getting it confused with real life?
The man he called Philip sauntered towards them with the girl in denim shorts, who was taking short, fast steps in outrageously high heels as she struggled to keep up with him, all the time passing him pieces of paper to sign as they walked.
�Okay, Sunny, that’ll do for now,’ Philip said. �I’ll catch up with you after lunch.’
Sunny?
The girl shot Kendrick a look from under thickly mascara’d eyelashes. Kendrick winked back, earning himself a blush before Sunny tottered away on her high heels.
�You must be Dr Morgan,’ Philip said. �Glad you made it here so quickly. I’m the director.’ He waved a hand towards Kendrick. �I see you’ve already met our stuntman and stunt co-ordinator. �Kendrick, Dr Morgan has stepped in for Dr Marshall. You might want to keep on the right side of her, seeing as you’re likely to need her services at least once during this movie.’
Kendrick flung his shirt over his shoulder and smiled again. �You know I don’t tend to get hurt, Philip, that’s why you employ me.’ Kendrick tipped his head at Elizabeth. �Good to meet you, but if you’ll excuse me I should get washed up.’ With a casual wave of his hand he turned on his heel and strolled away.
There was silence as Philip and Elizabeth watched Kendrick’s retreating back.
�He’s right, you know. He rarely gets hurt—at least not seriously. But there’s always the possibility. That’s one of the reasons we need a full-time doc on set,’ Philip said. He looked at Elizabeth. �I’m sorry I wasn’t here to meet you when you arrived, but nothing interrupts filming when we have the right light I’m afraid. I’m glad you were able to fill in for Dr Marshall at short notice.’
Elizabeth wanted to know what had happened to Dr Marshall, but decided not to ask. She would find out soon enough.
�Why don’t I show you around then you can get settled in?’ Philip said. �I’ll explain what it is we need you to do on the way.’
�I’d appreciate that.’
�The film we’re shooting is an action movie, but you might have gathered that. It involves car chases, horses, a few explosions. That sort of thing. Kendrick does most of the stunts, although we have some others, including a stuntwoman. You’ll meet her later. I understand that you have experience in emergency medicine?’
�I’ve completed training in emergency medicine.’ She wasn’t going to remind him that it had been a couple of years since she’d worked as a doctor. It was all in her CV. Besides, some things you never forgot.
�Good. A lot of what you’ll do here is deal with sore throats, upset stomachs, fairly minor stuff, although at times you’ll think your patients are at death’s door from the way they complain. Having said that, I’m counting on you to keep our cast and crew healthy. Any time they have off costs the production serious money.’
They walked across an open stretch of ground and into a dusty street lined with wooden buildings. Elizabeth wondered if they were real or just facades. If so, they were remarkably authentic in appearance.
A tumbleweed rolled past. The heat was intense.
�We have our two stars, Jack and Tara, as well as about twenty other actors. Add in the supporting staff, camera crew, sound recordists, grips, runners and film extras and that takes the number to around a hundred. We’ll keep you busy.’
�I’m glad to hear it,’ Elizabeth responded honestly. Busy was exactly what she needed, and the busier the better.
Philip paused in front of a large tent. �Most of us eat here together, but you have a kitchen in your trailer so it’s up to you what you choose to do.’
Elizabeth nodded. Although she would have preferred to keep out of everyone’s way when she wasn’t treating them, she knew it would be difficult in such a small community. She didn’t mind eating communally every now and again as long as nobody asked her too many questions. While she was here she intended to do her job and keep herself to herself.
�Okay, that’s more or less it,’ Philip said. �Except for the medical trailer, where you’ll work out of. It’s on the other side of the camp. It’s equipped with everything you could need. Anything serious, God forbid, we send into LA by chopper. There’s always at least one available.’
�I’d like to see the medical facility now, if that’s okay. Just to check that everything is there that I’ll need.’
�Sure. I think you’ll find it’s better equipped than some small hospitals. Like I said, we can’t take any risks with our cast, and that includes Kendrick. After you’ve had a look around, I’ll ask Sunny to take you to your trailer, so you can settle in. You’ll meet everyone at lunch or on the set. Filming starts again at two p.m. We’ll need you to hang around for that. We’re going to be shooting some stunts with Kendrick and knowing him there’s bound to be a scrape or two that will need attention.’
Philip left her to look around the medical trailer, telling her that he’d send Sunny to take her to her accommodation. He had been right when he’d told her money hadn’t been spared when it had come to fitting out the facility and Elizabeth was impressed. It was so well equipped she could probably deal with most scenarios. There was a defibrillator, monitoring equipment, basic drugs—just about everything she was used to having when she’d worked in a hospital.
And when Sunny returned to take Elizabeth to her caravan—or trailer as the Americans called it—it seemed no expense had been spared there either. Sunny had hurried off again as soon as she’d shown Elizabeth where she was to live for the next few weeks.
It was a relief to step out of the blazing sun and into the air-conditioned mobile home. A compact kitchenette was fitted with every mod-con and device ever thought of. Swinging open the cupboard doors, Elizabeth noted they were fully stocked. Did she have Sunny to thank for that? Comfortable couches lined three walls of a living room dominated by an enormous plasma-screen TV. DVDs and books filled a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf.
Slipping off her shoes, Elizabeth opened the door leading off the sitting room and found a bedroom complete with double bed and wardrobe. This was certainly a far cry from the cramped caravans she remembered from childhood holidays. It was more like a five-star luxury suite—with an en suite bathroom to boot. And someone had thoughtfully brought her suitcases in for her as well.
Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
Elizabeth reached into her handbag and retrieved the photograph of her daughter, placing it carefully on the bedside table. She touched a finger to her lip, then to the image.
�Morning, darling,’ she whispered. �Bet you never thought you’d find Mummy in a place like this, did you? I only wish you could be here with me.’
Elizabeth’s throat tightened as she trailed her fingers over her daughter’s face. No amount of longing or praying or wishing could bring the precious child in the photo back to life and into her arms.
Dragging her eyes away, she glanced at her watch. There wasn’t time to unpack before lunch and filming, but she definitely needed a quick, cooling shower and a change of clothes.
Afterwards, feeling refreshed and slightly more human, she redid the plait in her hair, changed into a pair of white cotton trousers and a T-shirt and stepped outside, screwing her eyes up against the midday sun.
Kendrick rotated his shoulder and winced. Damn it. The fall had hurt him more than he cared to admit. He watched the new doctor come out of her trailer and whistled under his breath. She was a stunner. Even with her long blonde hair captured in a plait and wearing a simple white T-shirt and low-slung cotton trousers, anyone could see that she had a body that could drive a man crazy. Add the aristocratic nose and the cool, almost icy blue eyes and Kendrick knew she would be a challenge. But what the hell? That was what made her interesting. Years of dating women from all walks of life had honed his instincts and already he suspected that Dr Elizabeth Morgan might be his toughest challenge yet.
Elizabeth put a few pieces of fruit and cheese on her plate and looked around the mess tent for a place to sit.
She’d hesitated about going for lunch. She hadn’t had much of an appetite over the last couple of years and the last three months had put paid to the little appetite she did have, but she knew she had to eat. She couldn’t risk getting ill. She had no doubt, and neither could she blame them, that the film company would replace her in a heartbeat if they felt she wasn’t up to the job.
However, she almost changed her mind when she arrived at the dining tent. It was crowded and she couldn’t see an empty seat. As she was about to retreat back to her trailer Kendrick appeared by her side, his plate piled high with grilled chicken and rice. Unlike her, it seemed as if he had a pretty good appetite.
Catching her look, he grinned. �Protein. Good for repairing muscle, isn’t it?’
Elizabeth shrugged. �Doesn’t look as if you have much problem in that regard.’
When his grin widened, she realised that she had spoken without thinking. �I mean … you assured me there was no damage after your fall,’ she added hastily, annoyed to find she was flushing
�Tell you what,’ he drawled, �why don’t we find a place to eat outside in the shade? It will be more comfortable, apart from anything else. The fans they use to try and keep the air circulating in here aren’t much good.’
She didn’t want to have anything more to do with Kendrick than she had to, but as she opened her mouth to refuse she saw that he had already turned away to go back outside. There was nothing she could do without seeming rude except follow.
He was right, there was more air outside. Moreover, a little breeze had come in from somewhere, cooling her overheated skin. Kendrick pulled out a folding chair for her, before easing his long, powerfully built frame into one beside her.
�So, tell me, Lizzie, what brings you here?’ he asked, forking a piece of meat. �All the way from England? I would guess London if I had to narrow it down.’
She noticed he was no longer speaking like a cowboy from a movie. In fact, despite the American accent, she could have sworn he had spent some time in the UK.
�You’re correct,’ she said. �London. But I spent some time in America before …’ She bit her lip. She didn’t want to go there. She didn’t want to talk about her life back then. She definitely didn’t want to think about Simon and she couldn’t bear to think about Charlie. �Before going back to the UK,’ she finished lamely.
Kendrick studied her thoughtfully for a moment.
�What about you?’ she asked, before he could ask her anything else. �If I’m not mistaken, you’ve spent time in the UK too.’
�And you’d be right. I went to boarding school in England. My parents travelled a lot and my mother is English. But we were talking about you.’ Kendrick neatly turned the conversation back.
�Nothing much to tell.’ At least, nothing much she wanted to tell. �I went to medical school—St Bart’s?’ She raised her eyebrows in question. When he nodded, indicating he knew it, she continued. �I trained in emergency medicine and then worked with the London Air Ambulance service for a year. That’s about it.’
�Married? Kids?’ His eyes dropped to the bare finger of her left hand. Elizabeth sucked in a breath.
�I was married but it didn’t work out,’ she said evenly. This was exactly the kind of conversation she wanted to avoid.
�I’m sorry.’
�Don’t be. It happens.’ She placed her plate to the side. �Isn’t it time for filming to start again?’
�It’ll probably be closer to two-thirty before it gets under way. Our leading lady isn’t known for her timekeeping.’
When he smiled at her, his eyes creased, revealing faint laughter lines. She wondered if everything amused Kendrick.
�In that case, I guess I’ll go along to the medical trailer. There might be someone who wants to see the doctor before filming starts.’
�Do you know where it is? I could show you if you like.’
�Philip took me there earlier. Anyway, don’t you have to be on set, getting blown up or something like that?’ she said, more sharply than she intended. The trouble was, and she didn’t know why, this man was getting under her skin, despite the fact she had just met him.
Kendrick looked baffled. He stood up, slapping the dust from his trousers.
�Sorry, Lizzie. I hope I didn’t say anything to offend you.’
Elizabeth felt herself go cold with embarrassment. He was right. Despite his blatant interest and the way he looked at her, he’d been friendly and welcoming. He wasn’t to know that she was barely holding it together. That since Simon had left her, she’d erected a shield around herself. And then as Charlie had become sicker and sicker … A wall of pain slammed into her and she swallowed hard.
None of that excused her appalling manners. Kendrick wasn’t to blame for any of it.
�I’m sorry, that was rude of me. I’m just a little …’ she struggled to find the right word �… out of sorts, that’s all.’
The ready grin flashed, but before he could say anything, a loud screeching noise made them both whirl round.
�What in the name of …?’ Kendrick said.
Philip was using some sort of megaphone in an apparent attempt to summon the cast.
�He needs to get that thing tuned.’
As they shared a smile, Elizabeth’s heart missed a beat. He had the devil in his bright blue eyes, she thought irrationally.
�Have to go, I’m afraid,’ Kendrick said, sketching a salute. �We’re going to need you too. Philip has been putting off this scene until you got here.’
�What kind of scene?’
�I have to drive a car off a cliff.’ The matter-of-fact way he said it made it sound as if this was what most people did as a part of their daily routine.
�Oh, really?’ she said with a lift of her eyebrow. He had to be winding her up again, but this time she wasn’t going to fall for it.
�Don’t worry. I jump out of the car once it goes over the cliff. I’m not actually in it when it hits the ground. Or at least I hope I won’t be.’ He muttered the last few words.
�Let me get this right,’ Elizabeth said. �You are in a car that goes over a cliff, but you jump out in mid-air? And how do you get back on the ground? Fly?’
�It’s not as difficult as it sounds. They’ve removed the rear window. Once the car goes over, I climb out and sort of sky-dive to the ground. I’ll have a parachute.’
She still didn’t know whether to believe him. It sounded too fantastic.
But as the trucks, loaded up with cameras, cast and crew, including Elizabeth, rolled out into the desert coming to a stop at the top of a cliff, she realised that Kendrick hadn’t been teasing her.
Philip was hustling everyone to get into position. �We don’t have much time, folks,’ he said. �And I don’t want to do this more than once, so let’s get it right.’ He turned to Elizabeth. �You better check with Kendrick where he’d like you positioned, just in case he has a problem.’
Elizabeth nodded. This was why she was here and she needed to be prepared for anything. Heaving her medical kitbag over her shoulder, she searched around for Kendrick.
Given his height, it wasn’t difficult to spot him amongst the crowd of people. Although the set was buzzing with noise and activity, she could hear his distinctive voice coolly instructing his team above the clamour. As if he sensed her gaze, Kendrick looked over towards her. As their eyes locked, her pulse missed a beat. This was a man totally in control and completely in charge. What would it be like to have someone like him on your side? Someone to count on?
Almost immediately, Elizabeth shook the thought away. Where had that come from? She didn’t really know anything about Kendrick. There was no way she was ever going to go down that road again. He was just a man, a work colleague.
She threaded her way amongst the crowd until she was standing in front of him.
�Where’s the best place for me to wait in case I’m needed?’ she asked.
He gave her a lopsided grin. �Lizzie, if this goes wrong, no doctor is going to patch me up.’ His voice grew serious. �Not that anything will go wrong. But with a stunt like this, other factors come into play, so we have to be prepared for anything. We’re cordoning off a safe area at the foot of the cliffs. Watch out for falling debris when the car falls to the ground—that’s the biggest risk to the crew.’
�Okay.’ The words �Good luck’ hovered on her lips, but she bit them back. Somehow she didn’t think Kendrick would need it. Instead she made her way over to the base of the cliff and behind a toughened plexiglass screen. He’d certainly thought of everything.
From the bottom, the cliff looked even higher. Kendrick was right. If he didn’t manage to get out of the falling car in time, or if his parachute failed, she doubted she’d be able to do much to help him. There was a very real possibility he could be killed. Her blood ran cold. But he was a professional. This was what he was trained to do.
After a tense hour and a half they were ready. The car rolled over the lip of the cliff and into space. An explosion splintered the sky, sending sparks of dazzling yellow and orange outwards and sizzling towards the canyon floor. A collective gasp went up from the onlookers, but still the cameras kept on rolling. After what seemed like an eternity, but could only have been a second or two, a figure clambered out of the rear window and launched itself away from the falling car. Elizabeth couldn’t have pulled her eyes away even if she’d wanted to. There were a few heart-stopping seconds as the figure fell, hurtling towards the ground, and there was no sign of Kendrick’s parachute opening. Elizabeth tensed, positive that the sound of the car crashing to the ground was going to be followed by the thud of his body. Only when his parachute whooshed open did she realise she’d been holding her breath. Kendrick landed lightly on his feet, several metres away from the burning wreck and only a short distance from her.
He sketched a bow as everyone applauded.
Relieved that for this scene at least her services hadn’t been needed, Elizabeth crossed over to Kendrick, who was divesting himself of his parachute.
�Are you okay?’ she asked.
He turned glinting eyes on her. She could tell that he’d got a kick out of what he’d just done.
�Perfect,’ he said.
�That was crazy,’ she said. �I don’t know why you let Philip talk you into doing it. No film is worth dying for.’
His eyes narrowed and he frowned at her. �Relax, Doc,’ he said.
Although his tone was light, there was an undercurrent of steel in his words. �I have no intention of getting myself—or anyone else on my team—killed. We spend a lot of time discussing and planning the stunts beforehand to eliminate as much risk as possible. Then we deal with what’s left. It’s what stuntmen and women do. If you don’t like it, perhaps this isn’t the job for you.’
He looked over the top of her head. �Hey, Josh, Immy. What d’you think? Did Philip get the shot he needed?’
He walked away, leaving Elizabeth feeling dismissed.
Who was he to tell her what job did or didn’t suit her? But she had to admit he was right. Her job wasn’t to worry about Kendrick or to tell the film producers what they could or couldn’t do. Her job was to keep them alive long enough to get them to hospital should anything happen.
Filming over for the day, Elizabeth knew that this was the time that the cast and crew would be most likely to look for her should they require a medical opinion. She took a ride on the first truck heading back to the camp and, sure enough, she was kept busy until dinnertime, seeing members of the crew who had sore throats or sunburn. Nothing too serious and nothing that required more than some painkillers or advice.
When she was certain there were no more patients, she locked up. If anyone needed her out of hours, they knew where to find her.
She let herself back into her trailer and picked up the photo from the bedside table.
Charlie was staring into the camera, a small smile on her face. It had been taken just before she’d lost control of her neck muscles, but even then they had been deteriorating, giving her a lopsided look. But to Elizabeth her daughter looked beautiful.
Elizabeth started to unpack. On top of her clothes was Charlie’s favourite soft toy, the ear lightly chewed and missing an eye. A crushing pain squeezed Elizabeth’s chest as memories rushed back. Her daughter’s little face looking up at her with incomprehension that Mummy wasn’t able to help, the feel of her child’s tiny frame in her arms as Charlie lost more and more weight. The last time she had held Charlie, knowing that she was slipping away and there was nothing, nothing anyone could do and that no amount of love or denial could stop her from dying. And then later the small white casket being lowered into the ground, the disbelief that she would have to live out the rest of her life without her daughter.
Elizabeth brought the soft toy to her face and inhaled the still lingering scent of her daughter.
In the weeks following Charlie’s funeral Elizabeth had been almost unable to function. She’d wandered around the small house, alone and aching to touch her child. Just once more.
The nights were the worst. She’d find herself curled up in her daughter’s bed, soaking the pillow with her tears. But eventually she’d known she had to do something. When she’d seen this job advertised it had seemed perfect. No chance of coming into contact with children, a limited contract that would give her breathing space to decide what to do with the rest of her life, and an environment where people knew nothing of her past and were unlikely to be interested.
As soon as she’d been offered the job and accepted, she’d put her terraced cottage on the market. With a bit of luck it would be sold before she had finished here. With Charlie gone, Elizabeth couldn’t bear to live in the home that had once held such happiness. She didn’t know if she could even ever set foot inside it again.
Her throat ached as she remembered sitting on the floor of Charlie’s bedroom, tears pouring down her face as she’d packed away Charlie’s clothes and toys. She hadn’t been able to pack away the soft toy. Together with the photo, it was all she had brought with her to remind her of her darling daughter. Not that she needed anything to remind her of Charlie. Every second of Charlie’s too-short life was burned into her soul. She kissed the photo one more time before replacing it on her bedside table.
Although so far her day had been mostly straightforward and the work nothing compared to caring for a severely disabled child twenty-four hours a day, Elizabeth was tired. But for once it was a nice tiredness. She had been able to forget for a few hours. The thought sent another shot of pain through her. Not that she wanted to or could forget her baby. Despite Charlie’s disabilities Elizabeth would have given everything she had to have her daughter back.
But that wasn’t to be. She had somehow to make some sort of life for herself, even if at the moment she didn’t know what that could be.
CHAPTER TWO
THE weather over the next couple of days continued to be hot. The nights were thankfully cooler but still Elizabeth found it difficult to sleep. When she did it was to dream of Charlie.
She was getting to know some the cast and crew. Everyone was friendly and good company. Somehow she was always aware of Kendrick even when she wasn’t in attendance for one of his stunts. Often she’d see him walking around the set, joking with the cast and crew or occasionally outside his trailer, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Whenever she walked past him, he seemed to know she was there, even with his hat tipped forward, covering his eyes.
Kendrick wasn’t the only stuntperson on set. There was Imogen, who doubled up for Tara, the female star of the film, and Josh, an older man who helped Kendrick with some of the stunts. Gossip on the set had it that Josh had been a rally driver before getting into stunt work and he took the lead in most of the stunts involving high-speed chases. Elizabeth was sure that there was an element of competition between him and Kendrick. As far as she could see, they were always trying to outdo each other in terms of who could do the most difficult stunt.
Most of the filming took place during the day, although Philip had warned her that some of it took place in the evenings, depending on the light.
One morning, Sunny came to see her before filming began.
�I haven’t been feeling so good over the last couple of days. I don’t know if it’s the heat, but I feel as if I have a temperature.’
�Any other symptoms?’ Elizabeth asked, taking in the young woman’s pallor.
Sunny shook her head. �Nothing specific. Just as if I’m coming down with flu. And I can’t afford to be ill. We’re already running behind schedule. If we don’t catch up, Philip is going to insist on filming over the weekend and I want to get home to see my kids.’
Grief, Sunny had children? She didn’t look old enough.
�Why don’t you slip your blouse off while I check you over?’ Elizabeth suggested, picking up her stethoscope. �How many children do you have?’
�Two.’ Sunny smiled wistfully. �Sam is eight and Trixie six. I had Sam when I was seventeen, before you ask.’ That made her twenty-five.
�You must miss them.’
�I used to bring them with me on a job and that worked fine until they started school. I could have employed a tutor to teach them on set, but I don’t think that’s fair, do you? Children need their friends and a routine, don’t you think? I want them to have a better start in life than I did.’
Elizabeth’s heart tightened as the never-far-away image of Charlie floated in front of her. What she would give to have had her daughter know what having friends felt like. It didn’t stop her sympathising with Sunny, though. It had to be tough for the young mother, working away from her children.
�Philip has been good to me. He took me on as a gofer, now I’m his personal assistant. I kind of always hoped I’d be discovered one day, but I guess that’s not going to happen now.’
Sunny squinted up at Elizabeth as Elizabeth took her blood pressure. That seemed normal too.
�Do you have children?’ Sunny asked.
Elizabeth turned away and sucked in a steadying breath.
�No, it’s just me,’ she replied, picking up a couple of Vacutainers. It was just her—now. �I’d like to take some blood before we finish if that’s okay?’ Something seemed a little off, but Elizabeth couldn’t put her finger on it.
Sunny nodded. �It would be good if you could take it where no one can see the marks. Just in case …’ She gave a little smile. �I still haven’t given up hope they might use me in the film.’
�I’ll try not to leave any, I promise.’
Elizabeth inserted the needle into the crook of Sunny’s arm and filled three vials to send to the lab. She didn’t think there was anything seriously wrong, but it wouldn’t hurt to be thorough.
�I’m really looking forward to seeing the kids next weekend,’ Sunny was saying. �Hey, by the way, we’re going to be filming in the studio in Hollywood and Jack is having a party for the cast and crew. I know he was planning to invite you. Everyone else will be there. Even my kids.’
Elizabeth smiled. �I doubt he wants to invite me, he hardly knows me.’
�Then it’s a good way for you to get to know him and the rest of us. He has a huge house on Mulholland Drive—you know, where a lot of Hollywood stars live. His parties have quite a reputation. Half of Hollywood would give their eye teeth to be invited.’
�I’m not really a party animal,’ Elizabeth demurred. �I’m more the kind to go to bed with a good book.’
�In LA?’ Sunny didn’t attempt to keep the incredulity from her voice. �You have to be kidding me. Didn’t you just tell me that you’re footloose and fancy-free?’ She nibbled on her bottom lip and studied Elizabeth through violet eyes. She might look innocent, almost naïve, but there was no mistaking the sharp intelligence behind the ditzy exterior. �Or have you just recently had your heart broken?’
She narrowed her eyes when Elizabeth took in a sharp intake of breath. �I’m right, aren’t I? In that case, you have to come. It’ll cheer you up, and who knows—you might meet someone else.’
That was so not going to happen. Never, ever would she give her heart to someone only to have it broken. The agony simply wasn’t worth it. She was finished with men, finished with love. All she wanted now was to find a measure of peace.
�We’ll see,’ Elizabeth murmured, placing the blood samples into a specimen bag for one of the drivers to take to hospital. �Okay, I should have the results for you in a day or two. In the meantime, if anything changes, let me know straight away.’
As she was escorting Sunny out of her trailer, Kendrick sauntered up to them.
�Hey, Kendrick, how’re you doing?’ Sunny greeted him warmly. �I’ve just been telling Elizabeth about Jack’s party, but she says she’s not coming.’
Kendrick eyed Elizabeth. �Maybe I can change her mind.’
Elizabeth shook her head. �It’s kind of Jack to think of me, but I’m not really the partying kind. I’m quite happy with my own company.’
�I’ll leave you two to argue it out, but right now I could do with a lie down. I’m feeling yucky,’ Sunny said
Kendrick took Sunny by the arm and turned her round. He peered into her face. �You don’t look too good. What did the doc say?’
�The doc hasn’t said very much yet. We think it’s a case of flu but just in case, the doc has taken some blood,’ Elizabeth said, irritated.
But Kendrick was no longer smiling. �What about your pee? Is it normal?’ he asked Sunny.
Elizabeth was growing more indignant by the moment. Just who did he think he was?
�Well, now that you ask …’ Sunny looked embarrassed. �It’s kind of dark.’
An alarm bell went off in Elizabeth’s head.
�And when was it that you were in Tanzania for those few days’ filming? Ten days ago, if my memory serves me right,’ Kendrick continued.
�Yes. About then.’ Sunny turned to Elizabeth. �Philip had a couple of scenes he wanted to shoot there. Something about the light. Only Jack and Tara and a few of the supporting crew were needed, apart from me. Anyway, Kendrick, why are you asking?’
�I think I should have a closer look at you, Sunny,’ Elizabeth said. Damn it, she had been so sure it was flu she hadn’t even asked the obvious questions.
�Did you take prophylactic anti-malarial medication before you went?’ she asked as a confused-looking Sunny let herself be led back inside.
�Yes. Of course. Why?’
Kendrick and Elizabeth shared a look. �Doesn’t necessarily mean anything,’ Kendrick said.
He was right. Although prophylaxis helped, it didn’t, contrary to what most people thought, mean you couldn’t get malaria. Add the flu-like symptoms and the tiredness to the dark urine and malaria was seeming more likely.
�I think you might have to go to a hospital in Los Angeles to be checked out more thoroughly,’ Elizabeth said. She could have kicked herself. Why hadn’t she asked more questions? �I should take you there. Is there a car we could use?’
�I’ll take her,’ Kendrick volunteered. �I’ll use the helicopter. It’ll be faster and more comfortable. I could be there and back in a couple of hours.’
�You can fly a helicopter?’ Was there nothing this man couldn’t do?
�I’m a qualified pilot,’ he said briefly.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. What was a trained pilot doing working as a stuntman?
�If you could get Philip to agree, that would be a help.’ Elizabeth placed a reassuring hand on Sunny’s arm. �It’s best we get you to hospital as soon as we can, but it’s only a precaution.’
�I’ll tell Philip I’m taking it. Don’t worry, he won’t try and stop me. I fly it for him for his stunts and we keep it handy in case we need to get anyone to hospital in a hurry.’
Elizabeth guessed that the people most likely to require to be flown to hospital in a hurry would be the stuntmen. Kendrick in particular. She wondered if he’d thought about who would fly him if he got badly hurt.
�The cost of a trip to LA is nothing in the scheme of filming a movie like this,’ Kendrick continued. �Besides, sometimes I fly Tara and Jack to LA for the weekend to save them hiring their own planes. It’s all part of the service. We stuntmen do all sorts of stuff on set.’
�In that case, would you clear it with him and let him know what’s happening? Sunny, do you want to grab what you need for a couple of nights in hospital? You might want to phone your family and let them know what’s happening. While you’re doing that I’ll speak to the admitting attending at the hospital so they know we’re coming.’
By the time she’d spoken to the hospital, Sunny had packed a bag and was waiting by the door of the helicopter. Kendrick was in the pilot’s seat, doing some sort of checks, or so Elizabeth assumed.
The helicopter was small with only just enough space for Sunny and Elizabeth in the back.
�Philip’s not too happy about me going,’ Sunny said. �He depends on me. Are you sure it’s necessary? I don’t feel that bad.’ Then she groaned. �Just really, really tired. Is it okay if I lie down?’
�Sure,’ Elizabeth said. Sunny was definitely deteriorating. It was good that they’d be at the hospital in thirty minutes.
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped as Kendrick took off and she found herself clutching Sunny’s hand.
�It’s okay,’ Sunny mumbled. �I’ve see him fly. Believe me, we’re in safe hands.’
As soon as they were airborne and the helicopter levelled out, Elizabeth was too busy monitoring her patient to worry whether they’d make it to the hospital in one piece. At least until they got into Los Angeles city and she saw that they were flying just over, and sometimes between, the skyscrapers. At that point she wished she could keep her eyes closed.
Kendrick put the helicopter down so gently Elizabeth almost didn’t realise they had landed on the roof of the LA city hospital. Almost before the rotors had stopped turning, the hospital staff were wheeling a gurney towards them.
Sunny opened an eye and tried to protest that she could walk, but she didn’t have the energy. Elizabeth quickly updated the doctor, who nodded. �Don’t worry, we’ll take it from here. I’m afraid you’re going to have to move that chopper from the landing pad. We’re expecting another casualty in a few minutes.’
Although she knew the hospital was first class, Elizabeth didn’t want to abandon Sunny. But she didn’t really have an option. She bent over her patient.
�I’ll phone and find out how you’re doing as soon as I can.’ She squeezed Sunny’s hand. �You’re going to be fine.’
Kendrick had hopped out of the pilot’s seat in time to hear the doctor’s words.
�Jump in beside me, Lizzie. We’d better get out of the way,’ he said.
Reluctantly, Elizabeth did as he suggested. She wasn’t at all sure about being in front with Kendrick where she had a bird’s-eye view of the buildings they had to negotiate their way through, but now was clearly not the time to argue. As Kendrick started the engine he passed her a pair of headphones and indicated she should put them on. Then with another stomach-lurching lift, they were back in the air.
�I should have stayed with her,’ Elizabeth shouted above the noise of the engine.
Kendrick winced. �You don’t have to yell.’ His amused voice came over the head phones. �Just speak normally. Sunny will be fine, I promise. Besides, you might be needed back on set.’
Elizabeth couldn’t say anything as they flew between the buildings. She was clenching her jaw too tight. Thankfully, and not a minute too soon, they were leaving the city behind.
�How come you guessed it was malaria?’ she asked as soon as she could speak.
�Saw a bit of it in the army.’
�You were in the forces?’
�Yup.’ He didn’t elaborate.
Kendrick surprised her more and more. Thank God he had recognised what could have turned out to be very nasty for Sunny if she hadn’t been sent to hospital.
�I should have picked it up,’ she said. �I can’t believe I didn’t.’
�Don’t beat yourself up,’ Kendrick said. �It happens.
�But not to me. I hate making mistakes.’
Kendrick’s smile was back in action. �I might not have recognised what it was if I hadn’t known she was in Tanzania a couple of weeks ago, so I wouldn’t call it a mistake, exactly.’
�What would you call it, then?’ Elizabeth snapped.
Immediately she felt ashamed. She was tired and out of sorts but that didn’t excuse any of it.
�I’m sorry,’ she said, shaking her head. �I’m not usually this touchy. It’s just …’ She stopped herself just in time. If her history got out, if people knew the real reason she was here, they would be sympathetic and want to know all sorts of stuff she didn’t want to talk about. More worryingly, they might wonder if she should be back at work and if she was up to the job. Especially if they knew she had almost missed diagnosing Sunny immediately. Of course, as soon as the blood results had come back she would have known that there was something more seriously wrong than flu. But by then it might have been too late. She shivered. Sunny had two small children depending on her.
Kendrick was looking at her as if she puzzled him. It was hardly surprising. Her behaviour must seem odd at the least.
She forced a smile. �Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.’
Kendrick studied her intently for another moment, before touching his hand to his head in an informal salute. Elizabeth wanted to tell him to keep an eye on where he was flying but she had the horrible suspicion that if she did, he would tease her by doing some trick with the helicopter. It was just his style.
As they flew out over the desert Elizabeth began to relax. At least out here there was nothing to crash into.
�It’s beautiful,’ she said. �I’ve never been in a place quite as desolate as this before, but it has its own magic.’
�I’ll show you more of it when we have time off,’ he said.
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that she wouldn’t dream of spending a minute longer with him than she had to, but she bit back the words. She’d been quite rude enough for one day. It wasn’t his fault that he made her feel on edge.
�I’d like that,’ she said.
�It reminds me of my folks’ home,’ he continued.
�Where is that?’
�A few hundred miles to the north. My father has a ranch near the San Bernardino Mountains.’ He glanced at her. �Have you ever been to a working ranch?’
�No. I would love to see one, though.’
When she saw the satisfied smile on Kendrick’s lips she could have bitten her tongue. Clearly the man thought he was making progress. Didn’t he recognise a friendly, polite response when he got one? But anything she said now would only make it worse.
The rest of the short journey passed quickly. Kendrick made a short detour to point out the San Andreas fault.
�Have you ever experienced an earthquake?’ Elizabeth asked. The thought of one happening, even though they were so close to the fault, didn’t concern her. How could it? The worst had already happened.
�I was involved in the rescue mission after the quake in Kashmir. The army used the helicopters’ heat-seeking equipment and radar to locate trapped bodies.’ He brought his dark eyebrows together and his silver eyes darkened to pewter. �It was tough. I sure hope we don’t see anything like that here, even though they think it’s inevitable.’
There was nothing much she could say in reply. The more she knew about Kendrick the more he surprised her. From helicopter pilot to stuntman? None of it seemed to fit. But the closed look on his face told her now was not the time for questions. If ever.
When they touched down they were surrounded by people wanting to know about Sunny. As soon as she’d updated them, Elizabeth excused herself, saying she wanted to phone the hospital, leaving Kendrick to field their questions. Whatever he decided to tell them about her near miss was up to him. Somehow she knew he would make sure there was no blame attached to her and she didn’t know how she felt about that. She didn’t want to be beholden to this man.
That night, when Elizabeth was lying in bed, her thoughts kept drifting back to Kendrick. Thumping her pillow and throwing off her blankets didn’t make any difference. Resigned to a sleepless night, Elizabeth made herself cocoa and took a seat by the window, gazing out at the thousand stars lighting up the cloudless sky.
Earlier she had spoken to the doctor at the hospital and he’d confirmed a diagnosis of malaria.
�Well spotted,’ he said warmly. �A day or two would have made a difference. She would have become a lot sicker. As it is, we should be able to discharge her after the weekend.’
�It wasn’t me who spotted it,’ she’d said. She couldn’t sit back and take credit where none was due. �It was one of the stuntmen. He was in the army and saw a lot of it there, apparently. He’s the one who flew us down.’
�Well, whoever caught it, the result’s the same,’ the voice on the other end of the phone said. �But tell him good job from me.’
Why did her thoughts keep returning to Kendrick? There was no doubt he was interesting. One minute he was acting like someone straight out of an action movie, the next he was being kind and perceptive and, she had to admit, good company. But that wasn’t the only reason. There was a strength about him, an assurance, as if he was always in control, as if he’d never let anything bad happen on his watch.
In every way he was different from the man she had married. She couldn’t imagine Kendrick walking out on his wife and child when that child had a life-limiting illness. But then again, what did she really know about the stuntman? He was clearly someone who liked his freedom. But that was okay. It wasn’t as if she was thinking of Kendrick in that way. Being intrigued by someone was a whole different ball game to wanting to be with them.
She walked across to the bedside table and picked up the photograph of Charlie. Tracing the contours of her daughter’s face with the tip of her finger, she smiled. From the first moment she’d held her daughter in her arms, she’d been overwhelmed with love. In that instant she’d understood when people talked about a mother’s tigerish protectiveness. And when Charlie had finally been diagnosed with Gaucher’s disease, that instinct had only grown stronger. She would have given her life for her child.
Simon, on the other hand, had been disbelieving, almost outraged. As it had become apparent there was something seriously wrong with their child, he’d insisted on getting a second and then a third opinion. But no matter how many doctors they had seen, the diagnosis had always been the same, as Elizabeth had known it would be. Charlie had inherited a rare gene from both her parents and there was nothing anyone could do to stop the illness taking its course. Finally she had put her foot down.
�Enough, Simon. She has a terminal illness and nothing’s going to change that. She won’t be with us for long, but whatever time we have with her, can’t we just make the most of it? No more treating her like a pincushion. No more dragging her halfway across the world.’ Seeing the grief in her husband’s eyes, she had softened. �Let’s just love her.’
Simon had shaken his head and looked at her, his eyes filled with abject misery. �I don’t know if I can cope with all this. I know what that says about me, but I don’t think I can.’
And he couldn’t. He had tried at first, but soon he’d been spending more and more time away from them and at work. Elizabeth had intended to return to her job with the air ambulance service when the baby was six months old, but that had proved impossible. Not that she’d minded. She’d wanted to make the most of every second she had of Charlie’s life.
It shouldn’t have been a surprise when Simon had left, but it had been. To be honest, she hadn’t even noticed him drawing away from her until it had been too late.
His leaving her rocked her soul, but for Charlie’s sake she had picked herself up and carried on. What else could she do? The last time she had seen her ex-husband had been at Charlie’s funeral.
She would never love again, she knew that. It was too painful. So why was she even thinking about Kendrick? The man was clearly not her type. But wasn’t that part of the reason she was attracted to him? At least he didn’t pretend to be something or somebody he wasn’t.
CHAPTER THREE
KENDRICK glanced over to where Jack was leaning against one of the cars they were using in the shoot, gesticulating with his hands as he talked. Next to him was Elizabeth but from her body language, arms folded, whatever Jack was saying was cutting no ice. For the first time ever, Jack’s famous smile and charm was having no effect. Kendrick eyed Elizabeth speculatively. Most women were fawning, gibbering wrecks when Jack turned on his charm. But Dr Lizzie seemed less than starstruck. Kendrick grinned. The movie star was still persevering, but it would take more than his dazzling, whiter-than-white smile to thaw this particular ice maiden.
What was her story anyway? Why was she so cool and distant? Had she just come out of a broken relationship? It was the most likely explanation for her frosty exterior. If so, he knew exactly how to fix that.
He strolled across to Jack and Elizabeth and was pleasantly surprised to see the look of relief in her eyes when she noticed him and shot him a smile. He loved seeing her all-too-rare smile. It softened her mouth and lit up her eyes.
�Kendrick,’ she said. �Jack was just inviting me to his party next weekend. He says everyone’s going.’
Sneaky so-and-so. Trying to get in there first. Thinking that an invitation to his mansion in Beverly Hills would tip things in his favour. His gut was telling him that it would take more than glitz and glamour to impress the doctor, but he wasn’t going to tell Jack that.
�You’re coming too, I assume, Kendrick?’ Although the lead actor smiled, Kendrick could see that he didn’t want him to get in his way. Every time they did a film together there would be this little unspoken competition about who would end up with the woman they both wanted. So far the score had tipped in Kendrick’s favour, but Jack was only just lagging behind.
�Wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ Kendrick said easily. �Would you excuse us for a minute? There’s something I need to speak to Dr Morgan about. In private.’
�He’s after you, you know that,’ he said as soon as Jack was out of hearing.
Elizabeth shook her hand free and glared at him. �I’m perfectly able to look after myself, you know,’ she said coldly. �And as for Jack being after me …’ her voice was thick with sarcasm �… I can assure you I’m not interested. In him, or any other man for that matter.’
Ouch. There was no mistaking how she meant that comment. It was time to change tack.
�Look, I was just being a little over-protective. Can’t help myself.’
�Not when a little lady might need to be rescued,’ Elizabeth bit back.
Wow! She was prickly. This wasn’t exactly going to plan. He changed tack again.
�Actually, I wanted to ask you about my arm.’ Women couldn’t resist a man in pain and as the doctor she had no choice but to take him seriously. �When I did my latest stunt, I think I wrenched it again.’
Elizabeth’s frown was replaced by a look of concern. Kendrick decided not to let the fact it was professional concern bother him. At least she was no longer glaring at him.
�Why don’t you come into the medical trailer and let me have a look?’ she suggested.
Kendrick raised a triumphant eyebrow at Jack, who was watching them closely, and fell into step next to Elizabeth. �I’m pretty sure it’s just a sprained muscle. Nothing a bit of massage won’t help.’ He shot her a look. �I don’t suppose you’re into massage, are you, by any chance?’
Oops, perhaps he’d overdone it. The glare was back.
�I’m a doctor, not a masseuse!’
She stopped in her tracks and placed her hands on her hips. Kendrick was distracted for a long moment. Her hips curved in just the right places and a man could probably just about circle that waist with the palms of his hands. As for those legs. His eyes travelled down the length of her body and he swallowed a groan as a vivid image of those long legs wrapped around him jumped into his mind.
�When you’re quite finished …’ a cool voice said, and he dragged his eyes back to her face, only to find himself focusing on a mouth that just cried out to be kissed.
He shook his head. Now was not the place and certainly not the time. Dr Elizabeth Morgan needed a good bit more thawing before he would even risk a quick taste of those lips.
Inside her trailer, Elizabeth instructed Kendrick to sit on her sofa.
Trying to remember that Kendrick’s torso was simply a mass of muscle and fibre, she ran her hands over his powerful shoulders. Then she noticed something odd. A star-shaped hole with lines radiating out from the centre just below his left clavicle. Although she had never seen a bullet wound before, there was no mistaking what this was. She touched the scar with her finger.
�Is this what I think it is?’ she said softly.
Kendrick nodded. �Got it in Iraq. Damn bullet chipped a bit of bone. That’s what makes my shoulder stiff sometimes.’
Not just been in the army, then, but on active service.
So he hadn’t been all together untruthful when he’d crashed from the horse a few days earlier. A wound like that was bound to cause problems. Especially since he insisted on battering it every day of the week.
�How does a helicopter pilot get a bullet wound?’
His expression darkened and for the first time Elizabeth wondered whether Kendrick was as easygoing as he liked to pretend he was.
�That’s a long story. Can we save it for another day?’
This time Elizabeth was sure she saw a shadow cross his face. Did Kendrick have something in his past he didn’t want to talk about? Maybe they weren’t so different after all?
�Sure,’ she said. He was entitled to his privacy as much as she was entitled to hers. Nevertheless, she found herself wanting to know more. Why had he gone from being an officer in the army, someone no doubt with a bright future ahead of him, to a stuntman? And why was she interested? It wasn’t as if she was planning to get involved with him. All she wanted to do was to be left alone with her pain. If he had secrets of his own, it was none of her business and never would be.
Turning her attention back to what she was supposed to be doing—giving the man in front of her the best medical attention she could—she carefully felt along his shoulder, probing gently and asking him to lift and lower his arm. There was a little stiffness there, but nothing too worrying. She would like to have a look at his X-rays and medical records, though. Until she saw them she wouldn’t be happy that he was working as a stuntman. Repeated banging of a damaged limb couldn’t do it any good. She had an idea that Kendrick would somehow have managed to forget to tell the film producers about his medical history.
�Does Philip know about your shoulder?’ she asked.
�No. And you’re not going to tell him,’ Kendrick said firmly.
�He should know. It’s not a good idea to carry on working as a stuntman until I see your X-rays. You could damage your shoulder permanently.’
Kendrick’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist so hard it was almost painful.
�He’s not to know,’ he said through clenched teeth. �You’re my doctor and bound by patient confidentiality, isn’t that right?’
Surprised by the vehemence in his tone, Elizabeth removed her hand from his grasp. �Of course I can’t say anything, but I’d feel happier if I could get a look at your medical notes.’
Kendrick eased himself off the couch and picking up his shirt, shrugged into it.
�I have no idea where my records are. Even if I did, there’s nothing in them that would give you any reason to worry. Stuntmen work with injuries all the time. If we stopped every time we hurt ourselves, we’d never work. Broken bones and other injuries are part of the job.’
�But not bullet wounds surely?’ Elizabeth said sharply.
�No. They don’t usually use live ammunition on film sets.’ He shook his head in mock dismay. �That would lead to too many dead actors.’
Elizabeth flushed. For some reason he was always wrong footing her.
�So, what about Jack’s party? Are you going to come? Because if you are, we could travel down together.’ The teasing look was back in his eyes. �You don’t want to stay here on your own surely? That’s no fun.’
Fun? She wondered if she even remembered what that was.
�I’m more than happy to stay here by myself. I happen to like my own company.’ She made herself smile. �Honestly.’
Kendrick eyed her thoughtfully. �I wonder,’ he said slowly. �At least think about it.’
Then picking up his hat and whistling under his breath he left her feeling as if she’d just done a couple of rounds in a boxing ring.
Kendrick strode back to his trailer.
Trust Lizzie to have picked up on the bullet wound. Despite her anxiety over almost not picking up Sunny’s malaria instantly, he doubted she missed much.
He’d liked the feel of her cool fingers on his skin. The way a lock of hair had fallen across her face as she’d bent over. She intrigued him more and more. What was behind that guarded exterior?
Not that he wanted to know, he told himself. His interest in Lizzie Morgan was purely physical. The same as his interest in any woman since Amy.
He winced. Amy. His first love and his last. He would never feel that way again. He wouldn’t let himself. Loving someone meant responsibility. Or should do. Their happiness, their life in your hands.
But he had been unable to save Amy. If he’d got there five minutes earlier, might he have been able to? He would never know.
Why was it coming back now? He’d thought he’d closed that particular wound—one that was worse than any physical pain he’d ever experienced. It didn’t matter how many big waves he surfed, how many mountains he flung himself off, how fast he rode his horse, no rush of adrenaline, no losing himself in another woman’s arms could completely wipe out the feelings of loss and guilt.
If the army hadn’t stopped him from flying while they’d investigated, would he have stayed? There was no clear answer to that. Or not one he wanted to think about. At least working as a stuntman gave him a similar adrenaline rush to flying helicopters. He needed his daily dose or he’d go crazy. He grimaced. His father had been disbelieving and furious when he’d told him about his decision to leave the army, but that was too bad. All his life he’d tried to win his father’s approval—and failed. Now he was living the life he wanted, with no responsibility for anyone but himself.
He let himself into his trailer and peeled off his shirt, feeling restless and on edge. He needed to be doing something. A workout would help. And after that? An image of blue eyes and a soft mouth jumped into his head. After his workout, he knew just what he needed to keep his head from going places he didn’t want to go.
Elizabeth stroked the horse’s mane and he whinnied with pleasure. After lunch she had walked around the perimeter of the camp until she had come across the stables.
�You like horses?’
She started as a deep voice came from behind her. She whirled around to find Kendrick standing there. Earlier she had passed him lying on a bench, dressed only in his army pants, concentrating as he lifted weights above his head. Happily he had been too preoccupied to notice her stealing surreptitious glances at him as each muscle in his abdomen and shoulders bunched every time he lifted the weights above his head.
The horse nuzzled its soft mouth into her hand and she pulled her hand away as its whiskers tickled her palm.
�Hey, it’s okay. Buster won’t bite,’ Kendrick said, misreading her action.
�I know. I have ridden before.’ Okay, so it was years ago and was only once, but he didn’t need to know that.
Kendrick raised an eyebrow at her and his mouth turned up at the corners. Elizabeth’s heart thumped against her ribs. It would be much better if he wasn’t so sexy.
�Have you got anything planned for this afternoon?’ Kendrick continued.
Why was he so damned determined to seek her out at every opportunity? Hadn’t she made it crystal clear she wasn’t interested?
�Just work. I’m employed here for a reason, you know,’ she said testily, trying to ignore the uncomfortable racing of her heart.
He grinned down at her. �Not this afternoon you’re not. Philip is shooting a close-up that involves Jack and Tara in a love scene. Unless something happens there, like she bites his tongue when he tries to put it down her throat, which I wouldn’t put past her—they have a bit of history—I think you’ll be all right.’
�Why do you want to know?’ Elizabeth asked. �Do you need to see me again? Is your shoulder causing you more discomfort?’
�The shoulder’s fine. I thought you might like to come with me to the desert for a ride. We could take the horses we’ve been using for the stunts. You’ve already met Buster here.’
Would he ever give up? On the other hand, she hated having time on her own, despite what she’d told him earlier. Without something to occupy her mind there was too much time for thinking, and thinking meant remembering….
�I don’t know. It’s a long time since I’ve been on a horse,’ she admitted �I wouldn’t be surprised if it had me off in seconds.’
�No, he won’t. The horses we use are like lambs—really well trained. Besides, we use western saddles. It’s like sitting in an armchair.’
It wasn’t just the horses that was making her hesitate. Although she wanted to see what was out there beyond the confines of the set, she wasn’t sure why Kendrick was asking her. If he thought she was up for some brief romance with him, he was very much mistaken. Couldn’t he see he was wasting his time pursuing her?
�It’s only a horse ride—I’m not proposing marriage,’ he said, as if reading her mind. �Of course, if you’re too chicken …’ He shrugged, leaving the challenge hanging in the air.
Elizabeth made up her mind. Why not? It was unlikely that she’d ever be back here, so she should make the most of every opportunity that came her way.
�Who do you think you’re calling chicken? I’ve a clinic to do first, but I can be ready about three.’
She turned away, knowing and having to admit liking it that he was staring after her. Was she nuts? Didn’t she know that Kendrick spelt danger? On the other hand, Kendrick was no more looking for a long-term relationship than she was. In that respect they were two of a kind, even if for completely different reasons. And she could handle someone like Kendrick.
The clinic produced no more than the usual sore throats, sniffles and sore muscles, a sprained ankle and a paper cut. Despite the work being a little boring at times, Elizabeth was content that the cast and crew were keeping well. Especially after Sunny becoming ill. Although Philip’s assistant was very much better, she remained in hospital.
Elizabeth was ready and waiting when Kendrick turned up with a riding hat.
She eyed the hat warily.
�I thought you said it was perfectly safe,’ she said. �I’m not intending to go any faster than a walk. You do know that?’
�Just a precaution,’ he said. �Anyone can fall off a horse. We need to make sure the set doc stays in one piece.’
�Where’s yours, then?’
He looked aghast. �When I said anyone, I didn’t mean me. I’ve been riding all my life and only fall off when I mean to.’
Feeling less certain about the proposed adventure, Elizabeth waited while he fastened the helmet on for her. As his fingertips brushed against her throat, she felt goose-bumps pop up all over her body.
Now that she was committed to riding him, Buster looked bigger somehow and Elizabeth eyed him nervously. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. But before she could do or say anything, Kendrick had taken hold of her leg and swung her into the saddle. He was right about that at least. It was like sitting in an armchair.
Kendrick adjusted the stirrups for her, lifting each of her legs in turn while he did so. Elizabeth felt a jolt of electricity each time his hands brushed her calves. Why did her hormones seem to have suddenly come back to life? And why with this man?
Once her stirrups were adjusted to Kendrick’s satisfaction, he showed her how to hold the reins in one hand and the pommel of the saddle with another.
�It will make you feel more secure. If you want to go right, just pull the reins to the right and ditto for the opposite direction. You don’t have to use your legs—he’ll respond to your voice.’
Kendrick swung himself into his own saddle and wheeled his horse round.
�Just follow me.’
As they left the compound behind Elizabeth began to relax, especially when Buster responded to her voice and the slightest pull on his reins. She looked around. The desert seemed to stretch on for as far as the eye could see, with the mountains in the distance. She hoped Kendrick had water in his saddlebags. Of course he would have water. He wasn’t the kind of man who would go into the desert unprepared. Risktaker he may be, but idiot he clearly wasn’t.
He brought his horse next to hers. �There’s a canyon about five miles from here. I thought we could stop there.’
�Sounds good.’
�How does it feel? Do you think you could manage to post—I mean trot? Or a short canter?’
�I could try.’
�Don’t try and rise or anything fancy. Just relax and stay with the horse’s movements. I’ll go in front. Buster likes to stay behind. If you feel yourself slipping, hold onto the pommel, say whoa and he will. Okay?’
Elizabeth’s mouth had gone dry so she simply nodded. Kendrick kicked his horse on to a slow trot and Buster followed immediately. Elizabeth clenched her teeth before remembering what Kendrick had said about relaxing. She forced her body to go with Buster’s rhythm and soon she found that it was okay. She could do this. All she had to do was concentrate.
Kendrick was riding with one hand on the rear of his saddle, looking back at her and watching to see how she was doing. If she’d dared let go of the saddle or the reins, she would have given him a thumbs-up. As it was, she managed a smile.
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