Free Illusions of Love by Michelle Betham

small but quite obvious gestures in anyone’s eyes that these were two people who’d once been extremely close.   Although, he sensed India ’s body language was far less intimate than Michael’s.   Sometimes she’d back off whenever Michael came near her, or turn away slightly just to discourage any move he might make, and that was encouraging for Dominic.   It looked like this game might be easier to play than he’d first thought.
    But it wasn’t until a break in filming later that morning that he finally got a chance to introduce himself to India properly, before their first scenes together took place that afternoon.   And he was destined to spend the afternoon one very lucky guy indeed because, thanks to the practice of shooting out of sequence, he was going to get to kiss this incredible looking woman as many times as it took to get the scene in the can.   But, if what he sensed was true, and Michael really was trying to win back his ex-wife, then he suspected that scene would be in the can fairly quickly.   Maybe he should deliberately mess things up, try for a few extra shots at the target.   Surely it had to be fun trying?
    He approached India as she sat on the sidelines, talking to her P.A. who looked up and smiled at him.   A wasted smile on Dominic.   He was never swinging that way.
    India looked up too, immediately standing up and holding out her hand.   ‘Hey, good to finally meet you, Dominic.’
    He took her hand and shook it gently, leaning forward to kiss her lightly on the cheek.   ‘It’s good to meet you too, India .   I’m a great admirer of yours.   You’re an extremely talented actress.’
    She smiled, a beautiful smile that lit up her whole face and Dominic could well understand just why Michael couldn’t seem to leave this woman alone.   But he liked a challenge.   Especially one where he could play against a man like Michael Walsh.   And there was a lot to play for.   A lot to be proved.
    ‘Thank you.   That’s very kind of you.’
    Bobby snorted from his still-seated position and India threw him a look, but he just shrugged and threw her a wide-eyed innocent expression back.
    ‘Excuse him, he’s got hay fever,’ India smiled as Dominic finally let go of her hand.   She had the softest of skin; he’d held onto her long enough to find that out.
    He put his hands in his pockets and continued to look at her, trying to take in as much of her face as he could.   He’d seen her in the flesh before, at premieres and parties and the odd awards ceremony, but this was the first time he’d ever spoken to her, the first time he’d had a chance to get up close and personal with her.   And the timing was perfect.
    ‘I’m really looking forward to doing this movie with you, India .   I think it’s going to be a very… interesting experience.’   He pushed a hand through his slightly dishevelled hair.   ‘Look, you can say no, but, I’d quite like to get to know my leading lady a little better, if that’s okay with you. So, how about a drink?   This evening, maybe?   Outside, at the Terrace Bar?   We can… find out a little bit more about each other, I mean, that can only be good for the movie.   After all, we are supposed to be playing a married couple.’
    She smiled again, and he couldn’t help but notice her incredible eyes, now made up in their movie make-up, all seductive and sexy.   He’d once read an interview with Michael Walsh where he’d described India as the kind of woman who got under your skin and stayed there forever.   Dominic thought that maybe a truer word had never been spoken.   He’d only been speaking to her for five minutes and she was already making him feel as though he could stay there talking to her for hours.
    ‘It can’t do any harm,’ she said, but Dominic could tell she was slightly distracted now as Michael started calling for people to get back on set.   ‘I’ll meet you at the Terrace Bar this evening, okay?