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Kirra nodded. ‘We can make immediate medical calls. If they have a concussion, are in hypothermia, or injured seriously… but when it comes to what might happen, we can only advise and hope for the best. It’s not ideal, but things are getting better all the time with safety. The truth is, people can die or be seriously injured on set. It’s not common, but it does happen – far more than it should.’

Hannah couldn’t help but think of Caleb’s friend Baz, and it made her want to be the best film medic she could be – to avoid accidents like that. Caleb and the other stunt performers’ safety was reliant not only on their skill, but on her final checks. It was a sobering thought.

‘Unfortunately,’ continued Kirra, ‘in most cases the final call is made by the executive producers and director, not us. Sometimes by the lead actors too, when it’s a big name like Lucas Richards. He’s also one of the executive producers on this job, so that gives him more clout.’

‘Is that why I was able to get this job? Because Lucas Richards always wants three medics?’ Hannah was beginning to suspect she’d only got this job because of Caleb and was half-afraid that if it fell through now, she’d be jobless and homeless in a single blow.

Kirra nodded. ‘I’m grateful you’re here. But the truth is, if Lucas Richards wants something, he gets it.’

‘What happens if Lucas changes his mind about having me here? I mean, Caleb was the one who said he needed me. What if that’s a mistake?’

Kirra shook her head. ‘Caleb may as well be Lucas. They’ve worked together for years, and considering how much power he has – Caleb barely ever wields it or takes the piss. So, I think your position is pretty safe as long as you don’t fuck it up.’

Hannah nodded and tried to rally her enthusiasm. ‘Then I best get it right. Concentrate fully on the job at hand.’

Kirra grinned. ‘That’s the spirit!’

Hannah had made her decision. She would concentrate on her job and new life first – the things that would last well after Caleb was gone. Friends with benefits would have to wait until she was more settled.

Chapter Seventeen

Caleb had lived with Hannah for nearly a month, and in that time, there had been no hint of another kiss. They moved around each other like satellites, Caleb training and rehearsing stunts, Hannah learning the ropes of her new job. At work, they were purely professional, and at night they were friendly flatmates.

He couldn’t even be mad about it; it was how he’d suggested things could be between them. Especially if she decided against a fling with him, which, apparently, she had. And who could blame her? He had so little to offer.

But he wished she hadn’t kissed him. Now, he could think of little else and found himself staring at her mouth whenever she spoke. Fantasising about kissing her again every night and thinking of her during every workout and meeting. Wondering how she was doing and whether she was enjoying her new life here.

She certainly seemed to be enjoying living here. Most weekends and evenings she went to a variety of activities: a yoga class, a book club, a baking course. He’d allowed himself one of her pistachio croissant-doughnut things, simply because she’d seemed so eager for him to try one – it had been delicious and well worth the extra half-hour run on the beach.

‘Caleb!’ shouted Lucas, his voice bellowing across the airport concourse and turning a few heads – including some photographers who’d been waiting expectantly for Lucas Richards to arrive.

Caleb wouldn’t have normally met a star he was doubling for at the airport, but he’d known Lucas since the start of his career, and they were close friends.

A few cameras clicked as he walked over and hugged his friend in welcome. ‘How was the flight?’ Caleb tried his best to block the photographers with his back, as did some of Lucas’s security.

‘All good,’ Lucas said cheerfully, untroubled by the cameras. He was a professional and was never openly fazed by the publicity. After a few fleeting, smiling waves at his audience, they strode away to the waiting cars.

Emma, Lucas’s personal assistant, elbow-bumped Caleb playfully before climbing into the car after Lucas. ‘Good to see you.’

‘You too,’ Caleb said, covering her with his body as she climbed into the seat next to Lucas. Emma was a curvy redhead, and she’d once confessed to Caleb that she dreaded seeing a paparazzi photo of her bum getting in and out of the cars. So, whenever he travelled with them, he became her human shield, or butt shield as Emma called it.

Once Emma was settled, Caleb took a seat opposite her in the limo-style seating.

Lucas grinned. ‘How’s production?’

‘Right on track,’ Caleb reassured him quickly. He’d had to work his ass off to make sure it was, as Jackson, in his inexperience, had failed to do a lot of the groundwork.

‘How’s things with your friend Baz?’ asked Emma kindly.

‘Ah shit!’ said Lucas with genuine regret. ‘Sorry, dude, I forgot. How is he?’

‘Good, thanks. A friend of mine did some research on the operation they’ve recommended for him, and she seems to think it might help him with the seizures.’ Hannah had done more than that; she’d even spoken to Baz’s wife personally, reassuring her not only about the operation but taking the time to explain the frightening and confusing medical terms used in explaining the procedure and risks.

‘That sounds hopeful,’ said Emma sympathetically; she already knew there was very little to feel hopeful about where Baz was concerned.

‘It is.’ Caleb tried to rally a smile but found he couldn’t.

There was a moment of subdued silence, until Lucas asked curiously, ‘So, any reason you’re not staying in my house this time?’