“About bars and whatnot.”

“Whatnot? What are you talking about?”

“I can’t have the cast and crew knowing I made out with you,” she said in a harsh whisper.

He laughed. “Why would I mention it?” What does she think of me?

“Who would believe it, right?”

John shook his head. “Listen, whatever your problem is with me, I’m here to do my job.” John raised a hand before she could interrupt him. “I’ll get you the shooting schedule and call sheets tonight.”

“It’s a lot of work.” She let out a breath.

He noticed the dark circles under her eyes. They were both starting this shoot behind schedule, a little tired, and more than a little cranky.

“Look,” Anna said, her face softening as she gripped her hands tight. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved at the premiere. It was shitty of me to be so rude and dismissive. It was a weird night, but that doesn’t excuse my actions.”

She bit her lip, as if holding back more words. The apology sounded genuine. John appreciated it.

“I’m sorry I pretended we hadn’t met. I was just surprised by...” He wasn’t quite sure how to explain it without offending her.

“How I looked like an extra in a Scorsese movie?”

John grinned, feeling that lightness he hadn’t felt since the afternoon in the bar. “You looked pretty good. I’m sure you would’ve had at least one line.”

Anna laughed, that old smile coming back. Her real smile. There was a chance this could work.

Cole approached the table. “Anna, I need to talk to you about some issues with the new script.”

Anna ignored Cole, turning back to John. “You have everything you need for now?”

John nodded, walking away and remembering that smile on her face. He could get used to it.

Chapter Fifteen

“Quiet on the set!” Anna enjoyed the thrill that always moved through her at those words as she stood behind the camera. She waited for that magical hush to descend on the cast and crew and took a deep breath. “Action.”

Four days after receiving their new script, Derek and Nicole stood on the new interior set. The vampire’s modern Italian apartment displayed a mix of old and new furnishings. Metal floor lamps stood beside an antique four-drawer chest, a framed Modigliani print resting on top with a small Etruscan vase next to it. The costume department had scrounged modern clothes from wherever they could, even the crew. Anna’s favorite fisherman’s sweater looked pretty good for its screen debut.