True to his word, Paul was parked outside Toni’s apartment and beeping his horn promptly at nine o’clock the following morning.

Hurrying down the stairs with her small suitcase, Toni was rather grateful he hadn’t wanted to come inside. It was clean but it sure as hell wasn’t anything elegant. And the neighborhood could have been better. She felt safe there, since she knew quite a few of the other residents in the building.

But there were some things she just didn’t feel like explaining at that hour of the morning and her economical lifestyle was one of them.

Fortunately, Paul didn’t seem interested in either her apartment or her. He was all business, merely nodding at her as he leaned over and opened the door. “I didn’t want to leave this stuff.” His head tilted backward and Toni followed his gaze, seeing several large metallic boxes clamped shut with strapping and an assortment of locks.

“The cameras.”

“Ahh.” Toni settled herself and fastened her seatbelt. “Smaller than I’d have imagined.”

Paul blinked and Toni could’ve sworn for a second he glanced down at his crotch. “Oh, you mean the camera stuff, right?” His face crinkled into a grin, making him look suddenly boyish and very charming.

She couldn’t help grinning back. “Of course.”

He chuckled as he started the engine and they headed out of town. “Looks like a good day.”

“Yep.” Toni glanced at the sunshine and the blue skies. “No smog. I guess it’ll be warm at the beach.”

They were both silent for a while as Paul negotiated the traffic and got them onto the freeway heading south. Then he leaned back in his seat and clicked on his cruise control. “Whew. We’re making good time.”

“You’ve been there before?” It was a natural question. Paul seemed to know where he was going.

“Yes. There’ve been a few location shoots there. Makes sense since it’s Bud’s house. No fees. Anything to bring the film in under budget.”

“I guess.”

Paul glanced over at her. “Nervous?”

“Kinda.” She bit her lip. “It’s all new to me.”

“You’ll be fine. Bud wouldn’t have brought you on board if didn’t think you’ve got what it takes.”

“Thanks. I think.” Toni wrinkled her nose. “I guess it’s all routine to you, huh?”

“Too routine most of the time.” His voice sounded a bit strained. “Maybe I’ve been in the business too long. Five years shooting sex scenes…well, it all runs together.”