All But the Fall Read online

  “He’s a beautiful animal. A Morgan, right?” Her amber eyes grazed across him again.

  “Yep. You ride?”

  “When I was younger.” She shivered as the wind picked up.

  “I’ve gotta get him to the set, but there’s a lot of down time in between takes. These guys get restless and need the exercise, if you’d like to ride sometime.” He should know better than where his thoughts were going.

  She nodded after a brief hesitation. “I don’t know, maybe some time, though it’s been quite a long time.”

  “You don’t forget.” He had to admit the idea of teaching her meant he’d have his hands on her, and that made things a little more than interesting, though it had seemed her tone sounded abrupt. Final. Ah, he knew better, and getting tangled in a relationship on the set would only complicate his work.

  “I won’t keep you.” A hint of a blush touched her cheeks. “Is this where I am supposed to say ‘break a leg’?”

  He shook his head. “Not with horses.”

  “In that case, how about happy filming?” She began walking back toward the medical tent, turning to smile his direction once more.

  “Better.” He tugged Thor behind him toward the little western town. She was very easy on the eyes if nothing else, but his life wasn’t in a place where he needed to add a woman to it. He shook his head. Here he was, on the set of a television series with Hollywood babes walking all over the place, and the one woman who’d managed to capture his attention was the behind the scenes nurse consultant. There had to be something wrong with this picture, or things on this set had gotten a bit more than interesting.

  Chapter Two

  “Jenna, you’re needed in trauma-two.” Shay McKenzie grabbed a pile of charts at the nurse’s station, whipping her blonde ponytail off her shoulder in a frenzy of sorting reports from the lab.

  “Is that before or after they commit us all?” Jenna kidded with a smile, letting it fade as she signed onto the computer, searching the electronic medical record. It had been a hectic shift but glancing at the clock, it was almost time for report.

  Brianna Carlton, registered nurse and Jenna’s best friend, leaned against the counter. “I’ll join you both. We can commit ourselves as a trio to the mental health unit. Think they’ll take us?”

  Jenna lifted her brows. “I’m sure they’d take you.”

  “They wouldn’t know how good they had it if I showed up.” Her best friend challenged with a swing of her hips as she sashayed away to her work, letting out a huge laugh.

  “On second thought, they couldn’t handle you at all.” Jenna opened the next chart, taking a look, giggling to herself. Trauma-two could wait. The man with a broken leg had already been splinted and was sleeping off his booze, waiting on his ride.

  The three-year-old boy with a fever in room four was waiting on discharge papers. She headed that way and re-assured the nervous parents that his fever was coming down and he would be released soon.

  She smiled to herself thinking of Mason, her twelve-month-old son and the light of her life. After this shift was done, she would begin her new job, which would give her more time home with her son. She dropped by room five where the man with the broken leg was still sleeping. She entered his vitals into the Electronic Medical Record and passed by the desk again.

  “Shay, has five’s ride shown up yet?” she asked, taking a sip from her water bottle.

  The unit clerk glanced at the board above her. “The sister called, said she’ll get him when she gets off work later tonight.”

  Brianna met her gaze as she returned to the counter, laying down her clipboard with hint of excitement. “Ready to hit the Hollywood limelight?”

  “It’s not the limelight, it’s a consultant job.” She smiled, a blitz of anxious nerves flowing through her. Taking the job with Leland Films as set nurse and medical consultant was her first venture away from patient care.

  “Oh, you are going Hollywood, and I couldn’t be more proud.” Brianna began tapping on the keyboard of one of the computers. “The chest pain in six is a good case of indigestion. He’s going home. I think he’ll avoid the pasta bar from now on.”

  The edges of Shay’s lips dropped. “We won’t get to see you near as often. Bummer, but we’re all proud. And you start right away?”

  “Yep, I’m due on the set Monday. And I’ll be here to work a shift now and then.” She touched Shay’s shoulder.

  “Our Jenna’s gonna get that script of hers in the right hands yet.” Brianna glanced up with pride. “How was the pre-meeting on the set?”

  “Great. I have a medical tent with all you could ever want, a radio and cart and every piece of equipment I listed.” She shrugged as it seemed no expense had been spared.

  “Did you get to see Drake Masters? I would pass out cold if I saw him.” Shay pretended to swoon, placing the back of her hand against her forehead.

  Brianna patted her heart, her long dark weaves falling across her shoulder. “That’s one fine specimen of a man.”

  “I saw him when the cast was introduced.” Jenna answered though her thoughts went back to Aaron, where they had been for several days now. She’d only gone to the corral to take a look at the horses, but his deep green eyes and tender voice had been enough to captivate her. She pushed thoughts of him away wanting to shake her head. A relationship wasn’t something she could fathom at this point in her life—or likely ever.

  “And how about other men on the set? I might need to spend time being the second nurse in command.” Brianna batted the eyelids to her chocolate eyes.

  Jenna shook her head. “Oh, you can come along any time you like. There are actors and crew all over the place for those of you who are desperate.”

  “I’m not desperate, but I am always on the lookout for the one and only Mr. Carlton.” Bri defended cocking her head to the side.

  “Look no further.” Dr. Gates handed Shay a stack of clip boards.

  Brianna eyed him with skepticism. “You have a wife and six children. Haven’t you learned what causes that yet?”

  “Yes, but I can’t keep my hands off the woman.” The physician laughed and glanced at Jenna. “So, how is working as a nurse consultant going?”

  “It’s been interesting. I helped the make-up ladies dress a few gunshot wounds, making them look realistic for practice. It was a lot of fun.” She’d also enjoyed talking with Sally at the catering tent, and of course, she could add Aaron Decker to that list, though as much as she’d been thinking of him, it was best she put a stop to it right away.

  “Well, congrats on the new job, but don’t forget about us low lifes here in the E.R.” The doctor glanced at Shay. “We’re all done here, huh?”

  Shay looked up from the computer. “Shhh, don’t jinx us, but all are treated and streeted.”

  “I’ll see you all in a few weeks.” Jenna hugged the clerk, and the doctor and turned toward the locker room with Brianna following.

  “I’d tell you I am going to miss you except you live right next door and tonight is ice cream and movie night with my best guy.” Brianna jerked her locker open, sifting inside.

  “I’ll be on the weekend shift in no time and what’s tonight, Mexican or Chinese?” She had to smile. The new job would change things little for them, best friends since college back in Virginia.

  “Thai. So how about your script, have you learned what you thought you would?” Her friend tugged on her jacket and tossed her purse over her shoulder, then closed her locker.

  “Not yet, but I’ll learn the ropes.” Jenna’s pulse raced thinking about it. She’d dabbled at novel and script writing for years. And when she’d heard a television series was being filmed nearby and it had to do with the old west, she’d opted to apply on a whim, surprised she’d gotten the job.

  “How you do it, nurse, nurse consulting, writing, and mommy. But are you taking care of you?” Bri leaned back against the lockers, eyeing her closely.

  “I’m fine.” She turned her a
ttention back to her locker, avoiding her friend’s gaze.

  “Hey, it’s me, remember?” Brianna was quick to remind her in challenge.

  “Yes. I am sleeping well, writing, and now I will have more time with Mason. I’m fine. Really, I am.” She answered with the surest smile she could manage, though there were times she wished she could convince herself.

  Brianna adjusted her purse, opening the door to the staff lounge. “Bring my sweet date to me in pajamas and a clean diaper, and you can rest tonight.”

  “You got it.” She led them down the hall and out the back door of the emergency room and into the parking lot where they parted ways at her SUV. She climbed inside and turned the engine, looking on as Bri took her corvette toward town where she’d pick up dinner before returning home. Friday night date nights were common for them and meant takeout and playing with Mason until long after bedtime.

  She supposed she couldn’t blame Brianna for worrying about her. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever quit looking over her shoulder and there were still times she woke with nightmares, but the past was now behind her. She shook her thoughts and smiled instead, anticipating picking up Mason from Mrs. Lucy. The elderly Cheyenne woman adored her son and made it easy for her to do the work she needed to do. She did have her life back, and while it had taken some time, she was ready to face the new job and the changes it would bring, such as a better schedule with her son.

  ****

  Aaron urged Maxus along the ridge west of base camp. Dressed as an eighteen-eighties cowboy, complete with hat and bandana, he needed the horse to make a ramble down the hill and jump the narrow portion of the river at the bottom. Cameras were rolling on both sides of the river, with crew holding reflectors and lights to enhance filming. While he resembled Drake Masters from a distance, the film guys would edit the footage to make it seem like Masters was the one who’d made the jump.

  Horace Leland looked into the camera and then up. “And…action!”

  Aaron took Maxus to a gallop, ignoring the cameras and letting the horse take the lead. Maxus could do this jump with ease and picked up more speed nearing the river. He urged the horse, leaning back to counter his weight as the animal found his footing, kicking up dirt behind him as they got closer to the water.

  He clucked his tongue lifting the reins. “Up.”

  The horse leaped on command and landed with ease on the other side, stirring up dust as he hit ground again. Behind them, cheers erupted, but Maxus kept going as the script called for the bounty hunter to ride until he faded from the camera’s view.

  “That’s a cut.” Horace’s voice echoed across the river.

  Aaron turned Maxus, satisfied with the smooth jump. He returned over the small wooden bridge used by the camera crew, Maxus’ hooves clanking across the wooden boards. Arriving closer to the cameras, he glanced at the director, who was reviewing the instant footage on one of the monitors.

  “No, the lighting’s all wrong in the foreground. Run it again.” Horace pranced away with his usual smirk.

  This is how things were done. Maxus’ jump had been smooth, but the director expected perfection. They could make the jump again, but more than twice would fatigue the animal, putting them both at risk.

  “Sorry, Aaron.” Jack Henderson, lighting crew lead, spoke as he rode back by.

  He gave a nod urging the horse ahead about the time that Horace lifted from the monitor again and yelled. “Places.”

  Aaron galloped Maxus back toward the ridge, catching a glimpse of Jeremiah talking to Gabe—and Jenna. Both of his brothers with the nurse made him pause, though he’d sworn off women for a while now. He’d been busy on the set and hadn’t had a chance to speak to her again, but it appeared his brothers were doing a fine job of things. Get your head in the game, Aaron.

  “Is the horse ready?” Horace, again.

  He raised his hand signaling Maxus was good, though he wasn’t so sure about himself.

  “And action!”

  Once again he took Maxus along the same path down the steep ridge, nothing much different from before. They reached the bottom, and he pulled the reins to keep Maxus on target. He urged the horse with the same command, but Maxus stopped dead in his tracks at the river’s edge. Somewhere while flying through the air toward the frigid water, Aaron cursed. The cold water was going to hurt.

  And then he hit, breaking through and sinking deep, his breath knocked from his body with the impact. Fumbling for control, he hit the rocky bottom with his back. Growling under the dark frigid water he kicked for the surface, gulping for air as he found it. Son of a bitch!

  Swimming in the numbing water, the frenzy of commotion on the bank was almost comical. His old west clothing was soaked through and heavy as he inched ahead. In the shallow water, he stood to walk, his boots sinking in the muddy soil. Gabe had Maxus by the reins and stood at the edge of the river near Jeremiah.

  “You hurt?” Jeremiah grabbed his elbow, pulling him up the grassy bank.

  He shook his head, teeth chattering. “Just…frozen.”

  “Damn Maxus, can’t ever predict that horse’s mood.” Jeremiah steadied him, handing him his soaked cowboy hat.

  Gabe met them with the horse. “You all right?”

  “Yea.” He shivered, water sloshing from his boots as he shook the water from his ears. It was evident he was going to work hard for his paycheck today, right along with the animal who’d just dumped him.

  Horace raced over as if concerned, still holding the radio in his hand. “Get the nurse in here. Can you shoot again?”

  Aaron nodded as Jenna trotted from her cart toward him, carrying a small bag, her stethoscope in hand.

  “I’m fine.” He grabbed Maxus’ reins from his brother. She was doing her job, but besides the dull ache in his back, he was good. He walked past them all, disgusted at another take. The first take had been good but getting Maxus to cooperate for a third time was questionable given the ornery horse.

  “He gets like that when he’s focused.” Gabe must’ve said that to Jenna. He didn’t turn back, this being a matter of pride. He’d just had his ass dumped in the river by a horse who thought he was in charge and right in front of the woman he hadn’t been able to keep out of his head since meeting her. He shook with the cold, and he knew darn better than the thoughts he’d let play along about her the last few days.

  “Get him to wardrobe. Twenty minutes folks,” Horace’s yelled from his chair.

  Aaron stopped at the wardrobe trailer, shivering as he tied off Maxus. He patted the horse, groaning against the sting of his back. “If you’d follow the rules, things would be easier on me and you.”

  “Oh my Lord, Aaron, you’re frozen. Are you sure you aren’t hurt, honey?” Sheila, who managed wardrobe with her husband, Brian, helped him out of his jacket and vest. His body shuddered in spite of his efforts to ignore the cold gloss of water on his skin.

  “I’m good. Sorry about the hat.” He handed the sopping piece to her in exchange for the large towel.

  “We have more hats, but we don’t have more Aarons. My lands, Horace can’t go with one take of anything.” She fussed over him turning to shout toward the back. “Brian, honey, could you turn up the heat?”

  Aaron turned, struggling out of his wet undershirt, spotting Jenna inside the door. He hadn’t known she was there as he was stripping, not that it mattered much on a set.

  “Kick out of your boots.” Brian entered drawing him away, the elderly balding man a foot shorter and always in a hurry. “You got some scrapes on your back, use the towel.”

  He stepped out of his water-soaked boots and shucked his trousers, bending to pull his wet socks off. Brian scurried away with the wet clothing, leaving him to contemplate standing in his boxers alone with Jenna. He glanced at her again.

  “Your brothers sent me.” She ambled closer, though she dropped her gaze.

  “I’m fine.” He stepped behind the short dressing screen, removing his boxers and drying himself, well aware s
he still moved closer. Had he not felt like a land bound iceberg, his body might have stirred with the fact she was watching. He stepped into another pair of boxers and from behind the screen, tugging the towel across his shoulders, still disgusted at the spill.

  “You’re bleeding.” She grabbed his shoulder to turn him and used the towel to dry the blood, surprising him.

  “Can’t feel much in the cold.” He’d feel it by morning without a doubt, but her fingers along his skin was enough to make him suck in a fast breath that wasn’t due to the cold.

  “Sit.” She motioned to a chair, lifting her brows.

  He sat with a soft grumble to himself, deciding she wasn’t taking “no” for an answer.

  “I don’t think your horse wanted to make that jump a second time.” She ran her warm fingers along his spine and ribs causing him to shudder and contemplate the thoughts he shouldn’t be having where she was concerned. Thoughts that abruptly reminded him of the reasons there wasn’t a woman in his life.

  He grimaced when she hit a tender spot. “He throws his weight around.”

  “Leave this open to air. Ice and Ibuprofen. You aren’t broken.” She pressed the towel to his back again, “but you’re probably hypothermic.”

  “Goes with the territory.” He glanced at her. Damn, she was beautiful, but he’d known that the first time he laid eyes on her when filming had opened.

  “And here I thought it was rodeos that were so dangerous.” She brushed a strand of hair behind her ears, blushing at his continued gaze.

  He stared at her, powerless not to do so. Her amber eyes were one thing, but her full pink lips were entirely something different. Yeah, he’d like to get a taste of those lips… Damn, he had it bad, but that wasn’t going to happen. At least not now. His life was too busy, and he was on the edge of what he’d been waiting on for a long time.

  “Well, be sure to hang on this time. I, on the other hand, am not watching.” She shook her head, stepping away and breaking the intensity of his thoughts.