Page 13 of Dangerous Kiss
He stopped himself.Woah.He was thinking about what he looked for in a woman? That was…progress. That’s what Grace would have called it…progress.You would like Biba, Grace…but I wouldn’t look for your approval now, and you wouldn’t want me to. Can I really move on?Cosimo watched Biba move around with the crew, laughing and joking with them, but remaining efficient and responsible at the same time.
“Cos? You ready?” Lars, his assistant director, called over to him, and Cosimo switched back into director mode.
Filming went smoothly. The man playing ‘Thornton’, Stella’s character Lucy’s much older husband, was an Italian star, one who had made his name decades before Stella was even born. Franco Discali was an old-fashioned gentleman, respectful but flirtatious with the female members of crew. He had little time for diva antics, but he had taken a shine to Biba, and she in turn adored the older man. He was funny and erudite, and she loved talking to him about movies and his career.
Now, as he waited to film his next scene, he beckoned Biba over. “Buongiorno, Biba May.”
Biba giggled. Franco always called her by her full name and Biba wasn’t sure if it was because he thought it was her full name—like Biba-May Bloggs—or if he knew better and just liked using her full name. Franco was mischievous like that.
“Buongiorno, Franco. You got everything you need?”
“I’m fine. Wishing Stella would hurry up and read her lines. She seems to be flirting with Cosimo instead of acting.”
Biba glanced over at Stella, who was rubbing her hand up and down Cosimo’s arm. Biba looked away, trying to quell the stab of jealousy that made her stomach hurt. Still, she couldn’t help but talk about Cosimo to Franco.
“You’ve worked with Cosimo before, right?”
“Many times since he started his career.” There was a strange hint of paternal pride in Franco’s voice. “I’ve never seen anyone with his vision before. I should have retired a decade ago, but I wanted to continue to work with him. I only act in Cosimo’s films now.”
Biba was touched. “He’s a good guy.”
“He is, he truly is. I knew his mother, you know, back in the day.” Franco smiled at Biba. “You remind me of her.”
“How so?”
“Your kindness. She would like you.” Franco looked back at Stella, and his mouth twitched up in a smirk. “Unlike Ms. Reckless. She’s not subtle, is she?”
Biba grinned. “Nope. Not in any way. In a strange way, I kind of admire her for saying what she wants.”
“But there’s no mystery, no allure.” Franco studied her. “Cosimo told me what happened, Biba May. I’m so sorry.”
Biba felt choked up, so she just nodded. “Thanks, Franco.”
Filming went smoothly for the rest of the day, and it wasn’t until they broke for a meal that Rich came to find her. For once, his bright blue eyes were serious. “Beebs, I’m so sorry. I had no idea Damon would react like that.”
Biba smiled at him. “Don’t worry about it, Rich, really. He’s gone; that’s all that matters. Did Cosimo bawl you out?”
“And then some, but I deserved it.” He smiled at her ruefully. “But he did tell me you asked him not to fire me. I’m grateful, Beebs, really.”
Biba hugged him. Rich had a kind heart even if he was sometimes thoughtless. He squeezed her in his arms. They’d known each other long enough now, that they were as close as…
“Beebs?”
“Yup?”
“Maybe some night…I could take you out?”
Woah.Biba looked up at him. There was no denying he was utterly gorgeous, all dark hair and bright blue eyes and sexy smile…and she didn’t mind him asking. She was flattered, but…
She shot a quick look at Cosimo.Out of your league, girl, and you know it. He’s a grown man. You’re just a kid.She smiled at Rich. “That would be fun…I do have to warn you that I’m, um…not looking for anything serious.”
Rich grinned. “Me neither. Just thought we could have some fun.”
The kind of fun Rich wanted wasn’t what she was looking for either, but Biba thought she could be honest with him later. Rich wasn’t threatening at all, and at least Biba felt safe with him in a way which she hadn’t felt with anyone…ever.
Cosimo looked over at them now and smiled, and Biba’s belly quivered with desire. Stop it. She gave him a half-smile then moved out of his line of vision. Yeah, you need to tell Rich it can’t go anywhere. But the thought of a night out with fun-loving Rich was probably what she needed right now—and if something grew out of it, at least it would distract her from thinking about Cosimo DeLuca.
After dinner, Cosimo caught up to her as she was walking slowly to the trailers. “Hey.”
