Capture the Rainbow by Iris Johansen Page A

under the covers of the bed? “I promise to stay out of your way as much as possible when I come to Sedikhan.”
    He muttered a low curse, his face darkening stormily. “Trying to back out of our agreement so soon, Kendra? I believe I warned you about that last night. I’m not settling for a one-night stand when I had a more permanent arrangement in mind.” His green eyes were glacier cool. “You’ll get the part and all the additional roles I can manage to throw your way, but I’m the one who calls the shots. Now get out of those clothes and come back here.”
    “The hell I will.” Her brown eyes were blazing as she stomped into her sandals. “On the set you may call the shots but that’s the only place, Mr. Damon. I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about, but I’ll be damned if I’ll stand here and let you threaten me like some kind of petty dictator. Last night was the only time I’ll ever be in your bed and it would be wise if you’d recognize that fact. As soon as I finish this job, I’ll take pains to avoid working on any more of your films.” She tossed her head angrily. “I’m going to have enough on my plate just handling the gags on this picture without having to tolerate a director with a colossal ego.”
    “Gags?” His eyes narrowed.
    “Gags,” she repeated impatiently. “Stunts. You’re a director, you know what I mean, for heaven’s sake!”
    “Yes, I know what you mean,” he said, his expression grim. “I think you’d better come back here and sit down. We’ve got some talking to do. So you’re not an actress?”
    “An actress?” Her eyes widened in surprise. “Of course not. What ever made you think that? I’ve been hired to do Billie Callahan’s stunts in
Venture.
” Then all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place and she glared accusingly at him. “You thought I was sleeping with you to get a part in
Venture
?”
    “Sleeping had very little to do with it,” he drawled, “but yes, I thought that’s why you were vamping Balding, then me.” His lips tightened. “Upon reflection, it could still be reasonable. The business you’re in is very competitive and
Venture
has a big budget.”
    “Sell myself into your film? I’m a professional stuntwoman, not a hooker,” she spat. “I’m very good at my job and I have no need to earn any fringe benefits on my back.” She drew a deep steadying breath and tried to control her temper. “As for Dave, I’ve been friends with him and his wife for years. He’d laugh himself silly at the idea that I was trying to vamp him.”
    “You could have fooled me,” he said, scowling at her. “You two were all over each other last night.”
    “Affection, not lust,” she said caustically. “I suppose it would be too much to expect you to recognize the difference. You were so busy dreaming up dirty little pictures with that fertile imagination of yours. You wanted me to be some kind of prostitute so that you could feel comfortable about going on the prowl yourself. Not that you need any excuse from what I hear.”
    “No, I don’t.” He leaned back on the pillows and regarded her calmly. “And I believe I could be excused for the mistake under the circumstances. You weren’t exactly reluctant to be lured into bed, Kendra, and you displayed a very satisfactory degree of lust yourself.” He paused. “For an amateur.”
    She inhaled sharply, feeling as if she had been hit in the stomach. “I told you last night was a mistake. Perhaps Dave was right and I had too much to drink.” Her gaze was steady. “I won’t be dishonest and try to shift the blame onto your shoulders.” She tried to smile. “Suppose we both chalk it up to temporary insanity and just go on from here.”
    “I’m willing,” he said promptly. “Come back to bed and we’ll initiate a brand-new start for our relationship.”
    “Haven’t you been listening to me?” Her hands clenched in exasperation. “It’s not going to happen