STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) Read Online Free Page A

special skills.”
    “You’re experienced? With Thoroughbreds?”
    “I worked for almost two years at the Three Books Equine Center.”
    “I’ve heard of the place.” He gave an approving nod. “So you’ve handled some rough stock?”
    She nodded. Not really a lie. When Peanut wanted to keep grazing, he was plenty tough to catch. And she’d often moved horses around for the technicians, collecting them from their stalls and leading them to the therapy rooms. Some of them were quite rambunctious, although it was probably prudent not to ask this man’s definition of ‘rough.’
    “Drop by the main barn after the party shoot,” he said. “If you can handle a horse, we might be able to use you. But dress appropriately.” The corner of his mouth twitched. “And the assistant director has his own coffee girl and doesn’t look after the horses. And we usually just refer to him as the AD. What’s your first name?”
    “Emily,” she managed, her cheeks flushing with heat. She should have paid more attention when Judith was prattling about ADs and movies and Internet gossip. At least this man hadn’t called her bluff in front of the coffee guard.
    And ‘dress appropriately?’ She hadn’t worn jeans since she left West Virginia, determined to leave her hick life behind. But this was a big opportunity…if only she could find suitable clothes.
    “I’m Dan Barrett,” he went on. “Here’s my card. It will give you entry to the test site.”
    “Test?” The mere word turned her mouth dry. She tended to flunk tests.
    “Just basic horse handling,” he said. “We need background that can handle horses, not actors trying to pretend they know what they’re doing. Can you ride?”
    “Sure. I’ve been riding since I was two.” She squared her shoulders in a show of confidence but inside, her heart was pounding. This was the Barrett guy Judith had talked about, the production manager for the horse unit. She hadn’t mentioned he was drop-dead gorgeous with a voice so soft and silky it was almost hypnotic. Or that his cobalt blue eyes would leave her slightly unbalanced, as if they could see much more than she liked to reveal.
    Judith had only said he was an industry expert. And certainly not the type to be fooled.
    She knew she should grab the opportunity and leave, before she said anything more and screwed it up. But she lingered, palming the card around her warm cup. “I’m not really a fancy rider,” she said. “I haven’t had any formal instruction, not unless you count a big sister who always preached about not yanking on a horse’s mouth.”
    “Sounds like a smart sister.”
    “Yes.” Emily nodded. “Super smart. And the best horse masseuse around.” She gave herself a mental kick, wishing she’d said Jenna was studying to be a vet. That was much more impressive. But there was something about Dan’s eyes, so knowing and patient, not at all judgmental. He just waited, as though what she had to say was of the utmost importance. And she should be selling herself here, not drawing attention to her limited background.
    “Jenna taught me a whole lot,” she added lamely. “But you know, basic stuff.”
    He nodded, poured a cup of coffee and snapped on a plastic lid. She checked for a ring but his fingers were bare. And lean and tanned and rugged. Like he was capable of doing many things. A flush of awareness swept her.
    She jerked her head up, realizing she’d been staring. And all he was doing was putting a lid on a cup. “Well, thanks very much.” She backed up a step. “I appreciate the opportunity. Guess I’ll see you later.”
    “Yes.” He smiled. “This afternoon.”
    She nodded and walked toward the exit, unable to resist a last peek over her shoulder. Already he was surrounded by three men with headsets. For a brief instant though, his head turned and his piercing gaze caught hers.
    His eyes seemed to skim over her legs in a classic male once-over. However, the moment was too brief