Aura laughs, grabbing the hem of my shirt to swipe at her cheek. “I think she approves.”
“I think so too.”
We seal it with a kiss.
I pull back first. “I’ve always believed in love, Hollywood. And I’ve even thought I knew what it was a few times before. But I was wrong. I didn’t know what love was until the moment you walked into my life. You changed me in ways I never expected. But I’m a better man with you in it. I love you so goddamn much it hurts. I’d marry you today if I could.”
She laughs through happy tears. “I already said yes.”
“I know. Just wanted to make sure you knew I meant it. Today, tomorrow, and every day after. You’re my future.”
“Have you ever thought of a career as a screenwriter? Because that was some pretty damn good stuff there.”
“You’re the only one I’d want to write for, so I think I’ll pass.” I smooth her hair back off her face, smiling down at her.
“Fair enough.. And I don’t think I’d want you writing those words for anyone else. You make me greedy. For your touch and your sweet words. I love everything about you, and I want to spend the rest of my life discovering new things about you. I love you more than any love story on film. You’re my future.”
Epilogue
Aura
6MonthsLater
Quint’s long, lean frame is stretched out on a lounger, and I’ll never get tired of seeing him there. While we spend as much time as we can in Balsam Grove, I’ve still got responsibilities here in LA. And this is one of the best kind, especially considering the early spring snowstorm we left behind in Alberta. We’ve been doing heavy promo for the upcoming release of Sterling Hearts, and that feeling I got the first day on set is finally paying off.
This show is magic. The chemistry between the cast is incredible, the location, our amazing team of women in charge. And all this positive hype is paying off. Which is why we’re wrapping up our promo blitz before the premiere with a little private party to celebrate.
“Hey, pool boy, time to get ready.”
My favorite slow grin spreads across his face and happy flutters dance around in my stomach as he sits up, putting down his book. It’s a feeling that’ll never get old. He looks at me like he’s seeing past the makeup and the costumes and the Hollywood polish. That same look is in his eyes whether I’m in full glam mode for a red carpet event or just waking up in the morning with ogre breath and cave troll hair.
“Can’t I wear this?”
My gaze runs from the shaggy mess of brown hair, down the bronzed ridges of his abs, to his muscled thighs. And now all I can picture is what’s under the trunks inconveniently blocking my view. And judging by the bulge, he’s thinking the exact same thing.
“Absolutely not. We’ll never get out of the house if you don’t put some clothes on.”
I try to focus on the cool blue water rippling in the slight breeze, the sun beating down on my face. Anything but his gorgeous body on display. Because we’re on a timeline.
He stalks toward me, placing his hands on my hips, bare except for the thin gold straps of my bikini. My skin is warm from the sun, and he ducks his head to whisper in my ear. “Would that be so bad?”
A shiver ripples down my neck. “Yes. This is important. Plus, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
I can feel his eyes trailing down my body as he leans back, shifting his sunglasses to the top of his head to take me in, but I shove at his chest. He’s too damn hard to resist when he’s this close.
“Not that. Later.” I step away from him and start walking away but pause to look at him over my shoulder. “If you’re a good boy and get dressed.”
Heat flares in his eyes, intensifying the specks of brown. “Usually you’re telling me to take my clothes off when you call me a good boy. I much prefer that.”
“Like I said, later. Now come on.”
***
By some miracle we make it out of the house and into the car, but by the time we pull into the alley beside the restaurant, his shirt is unbuttoned and I’m straddling his lap.
My lips are bruised, and a couple of strands have come loose from my updo to tickle my cheek as the car slides to a gentle stop.
“Shit. Do up your shirt.” I shake my head at him, pulling the sides of the shirt together over his chest.
