STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) Read Online Free

allowed.”
    Emily turned toward the woman, her fingers tightening around the saucer. She didn’t want to get in trouble her very first hour. But she also didn’t want to leave without two cups of this delicious-smelling coffee.
    “Of course, I’m aware it’s restricted,” Emily said. “But I’ve been asked to pick up beverages.”
    “You’re not cast or crew. Who sent you?”
    Emily adjusted the cup in the middle of the saucer, stalling for time. But her mind blanked beneath the woman’s gimlet gaze. Judith’s name wouldn’t carry much weight, and she couldn’t remember any of the directors Judith had mentioned. She gave an airy wave of her hand. “You know…the assistant director. That guy who does the horses.”
    The attendant’s gaze shifted to someone behind Emily. Her stony expression cracked into a surprisingly pretty smile.
    “You’ll need paper cups around the barn,” a man said, his voice low and velvety but with an unmistakable hint of authority.
    Emily turned, her breezy words stalling in her throat. He was so ruggedly handsome, he had to be a movie star. Striking cheekbones accentuated a chiseled jaw and perfectly cut mouth. Amusement edged his eyes as he reached below the table and pulled out a stack of paper cups. “How many cups do you need?” He winked. “You know, for that guy who does the horses.”
    “Two, please.” She checked over her shoulder. The attendant had rushed away to challenge an unfortunate teenager by the doughnut table. “Thanks,” Emily whispered. “I thought she was going to pry the cup from my hand.”
    “She’s been known to do that. She’s irritatingly vigilant.” The man chuckled, such a warm and easy-going sound Emily stopped worrying about the Gestapo attendant.
    Now that she had a chance to study his clothes, it was clear he was no actor. There was nothing fake about his faded jeans, his workmanlike tan or the layer of dust that covered his boots. His brown hair was slightly long, curling over the back of his collar and lightened from the sun. He was a head taller than she was, and had a big headset stuck in his leather cowboy belt.
    Emily’s tension eased. It would have been awesome to bump shoulders with a famous actor like Robert Dexter but she’d grown up among simple working folk. She was comfortable around this type of man. There was no need to pretend.
    “This is my first time on a movie set,” she confided. “They certainly have a great selection of coffee.”
    “It goes a long way in keeping people happy.” His gaze drifted over her brand new silk dress down to her stiletto heels, his intelligent blue eyes seeming to absorb every detail. “You don’t look like you’re heading to the barn.”
    “No, I’m an actress.” She laughed, but his gaze remained on her face. “Well, trying to be,” she added. “I’m background, here for the party scene. Hoping to be moved to special skills.”
    “What are your special skills?”
    Her smile froze. His simple question highlighted her unfortunate dilemma. She had no skills. Despite Jenna’s support, her life had been a depressing string of failures. So far, her most notable achievement was holding her breath longer than any of the boys at the Three Brooks swimming hole.
    Naturally she had an elevator pitch that, speaking fast, could be delivered in less than thirty seconds. And she was accustomed to fighting for attention. However, this man just waited, as though her answer was important and he wasn’t going to be distracted by silly prattle.
    Someone hollered. Cutlery rattled. But neither of them spoke.
    “I’m guessing you’re a very fine dancer,” he finally said, his voice gentle. “Wardrobe gave you nice heels too. Perfect for the party shoot today.”
    She laughed then, a real laugh, despite her surge of despair. “I haven’t been to wardrobe yet.” She stuck out her foot and wiggled her toes. “These are my own shoes. But I was hoping my horse experience might qualify for