Page 7 of California Dreaming

Archer led them to the car and helped Margaret inside. Then he opened Tessa’s door for her. When was the last time a man had opened a car door for her? It must have been years.

He looked at her with such sudden intensity that she felt a quiver of longing shudder through her. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Great meeting you. I hope to see you again next time I’m in town.”

“I’d like that,” she managed.

As she got into the car and he shut the door, the twelve-year-old deep inside thought she might never wash that cheek again.

Chapter Four

Arch was back on set in Death Valley before he’d even had time to reflect on how restful his weekend at home had been. Every time he visited Carmel, he felt the hold it had on his heart. There was nowhere like home and no one like his family.

Plus, there was something about Tessa Taylor that he couldn’t stop thinking about. Not only was she gorgeous, but her kindness and gentle capability also shone through her beauty like a sunbeam. Since the night of his dad’s birthday party, his mind kept flashing back to the tangible bond between Tessa and Margaret. How Tessa had managed to tame her feisty client and make a friend, too, was impressive.

What’s more, the sparks between him and Tessa at the party had been undeniable. He remembered her blush when he’d held her gaze and a wave of electricity had raced through him.

He swallowed, trying to get a grip on himself. Especially now that he was worlds away in the desert, with an entire film crew waiting on him. Shooting for the buddy Western remake was running behind schedule, and everyone was showing symptoms of stress. What’s more, they’d saved a tough stunt on a horse until the end of the shoot, and the crew was clearly on edge.

Arch didn’t see what all the fuss was about. He liked to do his own stunts. It was one of the things that set him apart from some of the other Hollywood action stars, and he jumped at any opportunity to learn a new skill or try out a tricky sequence. But something about this particular stunt had the crew in knots, not least the stunt director. His name was Jesse Monroe, a seasoned director with a string of hit action movies under his belt and a reputation for running a tight ship.

Arch had been riding since he was a boy and was as comfortable in the saddle as he was driving his sports car, or riding the waves on his surfboard. But Jesse was still pushing for a stunt double, even though they needed to get this shot in the can. Arch figured a lot was riding on this movie and maybe Jesse was cracking under the pressure.

Jesse crossed the set, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun. He was short, with a weatherbeaten brow, but his wide shoulders and bold stance gave him a cocky air that he wore like a second skin.

“Are we ready to roll?” Arch understood that time was money, especially in the movie business.

“Frankly, I think this stunt is too difficult for you,” Jesse said bluntly, the desert reflected in his Ray-Bans. He shook his head as if anticipating Arch’s response. “I know you’re going to argue with me, but I’ve got a stunt rider ready to go.”

It was all Arch could do to stop his jaw from falling open. Too difficult? He’d been doing his own stunts for years. He had all the necessary experience.

He hitched up his jeans, hooking his thumbs through the belt loops and drawing himself up to his full height, easily channeling the devil-may-care attitude of his cowboy character. It was hot, hard work in full Western garb.

The tone of Jesse’s voice had hit a nerve deep inside him, and he remembered being a young boy, held back by his mom while his older brothers went off together on big-kid expeditions. It’s too hard for you seemed to echo in his head.

But he wasn’t little Archie anymore. He was Archer Davenport. And anyone saying something was too difficult for him made him doubly determined to prove them wrong.

“I know my limits,” he told Jesse, “and this stunt isn’t anywhere close.” He raised his stubbled jaw and set his lips in a firm line. “I’ve never had a problem with a horse before.”

Jesse inched forward, asserting himself. “There’s a first time for everything,” he said. “I’m in the business of calculated risks, and I’m telling you this one isn’t worth it. That leap across the river is too much.”

Arch searched for his longtime friend and co-lead, Smith Sullivan. Smith knew Arch better than anyone else here. He might be older, but the two of them had a natural friendship that ran much deeper than most of the other Hollywood relationships Arch had formed during his years in the limelight. Smith would back him up.

As if sensing the need for support, Smith Sullivan made his way over to the two men, the heavy thunk of his boots audible on the dusty ground. Smith’s dark eyes turned to Arch, silently asking what was going on. His strong jaw was covered with the stubble the director wanted for them.

But to Arch’s dismay, Smith didn’t look fully sold on the idea as Arch explained his decision to go ahead with the stunt.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked. Beads of sweat gathered at Smith’s temples, and he wiped them away with the back of his hand.

Arch was disappointed that Smith also thought this stunt might be beyond him. But then, Smith had written, starred in, directed, and produced his last film. No doubt that was making him hesitate. If anything, the doubt coming from all corners made Arch all the more determined. In the movie, his character was the doer; Smith’s was the thinker. It was time to live up to his character.

“Hell, yeah, I can do it. Just watch me.”

Jesse looked to Smith for his reaction, and the older actor gave a brief nod. Arch knew Smith respected his abilities, and he was determined not to let him or the movie down.

Arch tipped his hat and made for his horse, a beautiful brown stallion named Bracing Bill with impressive muscles that rippled as he galloped. Though the horse was known to be highly strung, Arch and Bracing Bill had bonded during filming. He was pretty sure they respected each other. Apart from a couple of minor mishaps, they’d worked well together—a fact that made Arch more than a little proud.

He stroked his faithful companion. “You love to run, don’t you, my friend?”

Bracing Bill leaned into his touch, and Arch murmured encouraging words, preparing them both for the task ahead. He’d always been good with animals. And it gave him a well-founded confidence the others didn’t seem to share. He whispered to the horse for a few minutes, until everything was ready.

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