“Opinions,” the director said.

The AD stared at his computer tablet and poised his fingers above the screen to record notes.

Caz said, “My character wouldn’t sleep with her.”

“I know what guys are like,” Petra said. “Your character’s a guy. I’m a super hot vixen, so he’d sleep with me. In fact, I’m surprised the sex doesn’t happen more often throughout the script. When I was in —”

“At this point in the investigation, he suspects her of killing his true love,” Caz said. “He wouldn’t do it.”

“This scene got moved,” the screenwriter said. “It’s not my fault the sex now falls at the end of the investigation. It was supposed to happen earlier.”

The director looked at Ashley. “You’re part of our target audience. Opinion.”

Surprised at being asked, Ashley tilted her head and assessed the image again. “Well, Caz looks great with his shirt off, so it’d be a shame to lose that scene, but that kiss was so not hot.”

“I wrote the scene hot.” The writer sounded defensive.

The director nodded. “PA, go to Research and ask them for some romantic DVDs. Mark the scenes and get them to Caspian tomorrow.” The director turned to the AD, who made notes. “We’ll shoot the car chase next instead, rework the schedule.” The director turned to Caz. “Watch the DVDs and we’ll reshoot Thursday. I’ll make a decision then.”

“The PA will help me with the scene?” Caz said, in a way that wasn’t really a question.

“Yes.” Turning to Ashley, the director commanded, “Show Caspian how to kiss.”

Chapter 11

Slipping out of the viewing room, Ashley rubbed her hands over her arms and walked down the hall. The outrage on Caz’s face had been funny, but show Caz how to kiss?Was the director kidding? She bet no one over at the Fry Hut was being asked to give kissing lessons as part of their job. Then again, Marissa did have a pervy new manager while Irina was on her big Italian vacation.

Caz caught up to her halfway down the hall. “What time do you want to come over tomorrow?”

Continuing down the empty corridor, Ashley rubbed her arms again and without looking at him, said, “Mmm, I don’t know.”

Caz put a hand on her arm to still her. “Why are you so reluctant? It’s just a kiss.”

Ashley leaned against the wall. His hand remained on her arm and she said, “I know.” She shrugged then met his gaze. “I don’t know. I’m not an actress, so I guess I just like the thought that if a guy is going to kiss me, it’s me he’s kissing.”

Caz let go of her arm and slid his hand around to the back of her waist. Her eyes flew up to his. Threading his other hand through the back of her hair, Caz leaned forward, close enough that she could smell his cologne, and whispered, “Thanks for helping me, Ashley.” Then he tilted his head and lightly kissed her mouth.

Caz’s lips were warm and gentle and then gone.

Ashley relaxed against the wall and she smiled up at him. He was right. This would be fine. “Yeah, I’ll bring dinner.” She winked at him. “You’re not a lost cause. You can probably be taught how to kiss.” She straightened away from the wall and moved to leave.

Caz tightened his grip in her hair, stilling her. His eyes brightened with intent and his mouth lowered again. This kiss was firmer. His mouth parted hers. She could taste him, tea and warmth and something decidedly Caz. His jaw was rough against her soft skin, exciting.

She moved her hands to the back of his head and lifted to her tiptoes so she could press closer. Her knees weakened, and he moved her back against the wall. Following her, he leaned his body into hers. Teeth, tongue, lips moved, draining her of all thoughts. Her right hand slid down his back, feeling the unyielding muscles she admired. Her left hand threaded into his silky hair.

His fingers slid under the back of her T-shirt and rubbed lightly at the skin of her waist. She made a muffled sound against his mouth and pressed closer. The sensations were amazing, wicked. She bit down lightly on his bottom lip then soothed it with her tongue. Vaguely in the back of her head, she heard the screening door open, but the information didn’t stop her from kissing Caz. She didn’t stop until she heard the director’s praise.

“Much better.”

***

Caz tilted his head and stared with an intent expression as Ashley chopped and threw the ingredients together.

“This is TexMex, not California-style Mexican. Like we talked about.” Chop, toss, and bake. “It’s way better.” Ashley served the food on off-white plates she found in his kitchen and they carried them over to his coffee table.

From the first bite forward, his expression was gratifying. He ate everything she put in front of him.

She took a sip of her iced tea. She hadn’t bothered to call Dad. His own project kept him horribly busy. Five dinners in a row with him not showing, she’d given up on sharing meals.

“This is good.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Yes. The flavors make me think of holiday.”

“Yeah? Have you decided to take one when the shooting wraps?”

Caz shrugged. “My agent is pushing for another film after the press tour.”

“That martial arts thing?”

“No, that’s a done deal. I mean, one after that.”

“Is it a film you’re interested in?”

“No, I’m interested in a film based on a Moliere novel, but she’s pushing to go big budget.”

“Nothing’s wrong with low budget. We’re studying Moliere too. He’s one of the authors on my summer reading list. Just think, if you make the movie, no student will ever have to read the novel again.”

“My contribution to education.” Caz took another bite, swallowed, and said, “I really want the holiday.”

“Well, you’ve decided then, vacation it is.”

“My schedule’s not that simple.”

Ashley shrugged and moved over to her bag and pulled out five DVDs. It sounded simple to her. “In addition to dinner, I brought the five greatest onscreen movie kisses ever. Prepare to learn.”

Caz frowned and took a last bite, carrying his plate back into the kitchen. The plate clattered into the sink. “I know how to kiss.”

Ashley laughed. “We can watch these tomorrow if you want.” She put the movies on his coffee table. Shouldering her bag, she headed to the door. “I marked the scene numbers on the covers, so you can fast forward right to the good scenes.”

“No, I didn’t mean you should leave.” Caz moved around the kitchenette. He tugged her toward the couch and put her drink back in her hand. “You said you’d help.” He frowned as the ice clinked against the side of her glass, and he gave a small shudder. “Iced tea.”

“If you’d try it, you might like it.” After putting her bag down by the sofa, she took a sip of the icy drink.

“Never.” He moved to the player and slid the top DVD in.

She caught the remote control he threw to her. “This is so, uh, weird. I bet Petra would be glad to help you.”

His mouth twisted, and he thrummed his fingers against the couch cushion, shaking his head at her suggestion. He poured himself another cup of hot tea.

Ashley scooted a bit away from him to lessen the tension. Kicking off her shoes, she folded her legs beneath her. “Have you done this a lot? Screen kisses?”

“I had a small part in a French film not too long ago. So yeah.” He muttered a few words in French.

Ashley smiled and said a small phrase in her own high school French, a little jealous of the European ease with languages. She hadn’t thought the British spoke as many languages as continental Europeans, but she’d heard him use French before. “Where’d you learn French?”

“Summers abroad. You?”

“Mrs. Hart’s third period French class. I finished French Two, but I’m nowhere as proficient as you. Teach me some?”