Her Red-Carpet Romance by Marie Ferrarella

happy just making movies, giving people a reason to detach from their lives for a couple of hours and just let themselves be entertained.”
    â€œThat cameraman I talked to also told me that you actually remember everyone’s name.”
    â€œIs there a question in there somewhere?” he asked.
    â€œDo you? Remember everyone’s name,” she clarified in case that had gotten lost in the shuffle.
    Lukkas shrugged carelessly. “Seems like the right thing to do. Someone works for you, you should have the decency to know their name.”
    â€œNo argument here,” she told him. “But you are aware that that’s pretty unique, aren’t you?”
    He shrugged again. “I really don’t have the time to run any self-serving surveys,” he told her. “I’ve got a movie to bring in on time and, if possible, underbudget.”
    â€œWell, I’m here to help with that in any way I can,” she assured him a tad breathlessly.
    Admittedly, she’d gotten a little caught up in the proceedings. Being around Lukkas seemed to do that. Not only that, but she found herself sneaking side glances at the man. Here, on the set, even when he wasn’t issuing orders he seemed somehow larger than life.
    Great, all you need is to fall for the guy. That’ll end your career before it ever gets a chance to start
, she chided herself.
Whatever you think you’re feeling for this guy, you’re not
, she silently emphasized, determined to get a firm grip on her overactive imagination.
    â€œAnd you’re sure about using Joanne Campbell?” Yohanna asked, getting back to the actress they’d discussed.
    â€œWhy?” he asked, curious as to why she would question something like this. “You don’t think she’s right for the part?”
    â€œI have no idea about the part,” Yohanna confessed. “I just want to be sure that you’re sure.”
    He relaxed just the slightest touch. “Well, in that case, yes, I am.”
    â€œAnd what would you like to do about Monica Elliott?” She prodded.
    That was simple as far as he was concerned. “Let her twist a little in the wind, then send her a text message telling her I’ve changed my mind and she can go do her other movie. Maybe she’ll be nicer to the next director she works with on her next picture.”
    â€œYou really think she can change her behavior?” Yohanna asked him skeptically.
    â€œHey, why not?” He was a firm believer in second chances. “I’m in the business of making fantasies, remember?”
    â€œI remember.” She brought up another topic that was, in her view, just as important. Possibly more so. “Have you eaten yet?”
    Preoccupied, Lukkas was certain he’d heard his all-around assistant incorrectly.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œHave you eaten?” she repeated. “I’ve noticed that you tend to get caught up in whatever you’re doing and then you just forget to eat. Not recommended,” she told him. “That catches up with you after a while—big-time.”
    â€œAuditioning for the part of my mother?”
    Yohanna couldn’t tell if he was amused or annoyed. She trod lightly.
    â€œNo. I just want to keep the job I have,” she told him.
    â€œOh, didn’t I tell you?” he asked, looking surprised at his own oversight.
    Yohanna narrowed her eyebrows slightly as she looked at the producer, waiting for an explanation.
    â€œTell me what?” she prompted when he didn’t immediately follow up on his previous question.
    â€œThat I’ve decided that you passed the test. You’re hired on a permanent basis.”
    â€œNo three-month probation?” she asked, wanting to be perfectly clear where she stood.
    â€œConsider it month number four,” Lukkas answered glibly.
    He’d done it again. Left her stunned and falling behind, Yohanna thought. But this time, he also