Page 4 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

But come on. One of the main reasons Cassie was conducting this tour at all was to help the newcomers familiarize themselves with the set. Mr. Nonchalant over there hadn’t even properly apologized for wasting people’s time. Who did he think he was? Leonardo Di Caprio?

Harrison cleared his throat. “I’m very sorry for being late. Please forgive me. It certainly wasn’t my intention to waste anyone’s time today.”

Hmm.

“Anyway, as you can see, this saloon has a more rustic feel than some of the other places we’ve already seen today.” She shot a look at Harrison. “Most of us, anyway.”

His lips buckled in on each other, and he glanced away.

Good. He should feel bad. “So we’ve now seen most of the buildings where most of the shooting for the main scenes will take place, which leaves some of the on-site accommodation.” Cassie gestured for Lance Fidler to take the lead.

“Thanks, Cassie. It’s always good to have that refresher. So, regarding accommodation, this year we’re switching things up and doing things a little differently…”

Cassie pressed her lips together, her gaze sliding to Harrison. His gaze instantly flicked away. Huh. Had he been watching her? Just wait until he heard what Lance was going to say.

“…and so, in addition to our usual trailers, thanks to our wonderful ranch hosts, we’ll also have a limited number of on-site opportunities for those who want a full experience of what life could be like back in the day.”

Harrison guffawed. “Are you serious?”

“Deadly.”

So it didn’t look like he’d be putting up his hand to stay in the western town’s apartments any time soon. Well, good. This year’s opportunity to increase revenue by expanding their in-town accommodation could do without the likes of him.

Harrison whistled, smirking a little as he shook his head. “I know some people here think they’re getting into the role simply by dressing the part…” His cold eyes glanced at her. “But don’t you think that’s overkill?”

She frowned at him. Wait. Did he think she was part of the crew?

Mal now wore his own crease between his brows. “I would think you’d be trying to do all you could to fit in, Harrison. Not looking for excuses.”

Ouch. She snuck another peek at him, catching his wince which he quickly hid. “I don’t mean to sound like I’m making excuses.”

Except he was. So far today he’d blamed her “poor directions” for being late, and now he was complaining about having to get into character. Honestly. The man needed to grow up and take some responsibility.

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She checked the number, nodded to Mal, then took Lance aside. “I need to return this call, but if there’s any questions, you’ll know where I’ll be.”

“Thanks, Cass. The place looks great as always.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Her gaze drifted to the arms-crossed actor nearby, who clearly didn’t approve. Well, too bad. He’d signed on the dotted line which meant he was supposed to be here. He’d have to work on his attitude to make sure the next four months weren’t all pain.

“Excuse me,” she murmured, flashing Ainsley a grin, who offered one of her own, before Cassie headed outside.

Then she returned the call. “Hello, Mr. Cameron? This is Cassie James from Three Creek Ranch Western Town. You just called us about our movie set…”

Cassie groaned as she dragged herself up the steps and inside the ranch house, then paused in the back doorway as familiar, well-loved aromas nearly brought her to her knees. She’d joked about her mom’s hippie tendencies before, but the woman sure knew her way around a stove. She lingered, inhaling the comfort of this place that looked and smelled a lot like love. After the day she had, she needed more of that.

“Cassie?”

She turned and straightened. “Hannah!”

After a hug hello, Cassie turned to her brother who swept her up in his own strong hug. “I might’ve known if Hannah was here you’d not be too far away,” she teased.

“This is my home too, sis.” He ruffled her hair affectionately.

Well, it was sometimes. The man had an apartment in the city, but like Dorothy from a certain movie, all the James family knew there was no place like home.

Hannah grinned. “And I might be here to talk wedding details with you, but I get the feeling that someone is trying to make the most of our time together now the season is over.”

Franklin’s and Calgary’s hockey season, but whatever. The Stanley Cup was still going. She hoped a Canadian team would raise the Cup this year, and the way Vancouver was going, they might just do that.

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