35. Epilogue
Epilogue
Aura
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.
He looks me up and down hungrily. “You’re going to have to get off if you want me to do that.”
“Right.” I slip off his lap reluctantly, hoping I didn’t leave a damp patch on his jeans.
My skin is buzzing with need, and judging by the red marks on his face and chest, I’m going to have to touch up my lipstick.
But we get ourselves together eventually and climb out of the car into the dark alley. Miles must have let them know we’re here, because the unassuming black steel door swings open to let us sneak in the back way.
A chorus of happy birthdays ring out as we open the door to the small private room. The long table is filled with the smiling faces of the principal cast, plus a couple of other familiar ones.
“Caleb? Shayla?” The happy shock on Quint’s face makes the entire thing worthwhile. It was tough getting all the siblings to come out. “Preston?”
It took all my wiles to get them to leave the ranch behind even for a weekend.
But their employees are like family, and I finally got Dean to convince Caleb the place wouldn’t burn down without them there for a couple of days.
They all stand up to give us hugs, every one of them grinning from ear to ear at the surprise on their little brother’s face.
Quint turns to me as we settle in beside each other. “Thank you so much.” His lips brush my cheek in a whisper of a kiss. “But my birthday was last week.”
“Exactly. That’s what made it such a good surprise. You couldn’t be with your family on the actual day, so I brought them to you tonight.” I spread my arms out to take them all in. “But that’s not all. There’s one more secret that I’ve been keeping locked down.”
“What is it?”
“Everybody you see in this room. We’re all coming back to Hollow Hills.”
His eyes widen. “What? Season two?”
“Season two!” I yell, holding up the glass of water sitting in front of me as a chorus of voices echo the words. We’ll have to order a bottle of champagne.
Everybody holds up whatever they’ve got in front of them, and the sound of glasses clinking and excited shouts fills the small room.
Quint turns to his brothers and sister. “You knew?”
Caleb ducks his head. “Someone had to sign the contract.”
“Well, thank you, everyone. Thanks for showing up to surprise me like this. I was wondering why Hollywood was so eager to leave tonight.” He turns to me with a look that has heat rising up my neck.
“I’m glad I managed to get you out of that lounge chair.”
What I don’t say out loud is that maybe I’ll get him back in there after we get home. Maybe climb on top of him… The urge to play sick and run out of here is real, but that would be wildly unfair.
“So, any guesses on what the writers have up their sleeves this season?” Hayden asks.
Everyone starts chiming in with wild speculations, and I look around the table at the people in my life I’m starting to think of as family. The proof that there are people out there who care about me as a person, not just as a star.
I reach under the table to give Quint’s hand a squeeze and lean into his shoulder.
“I love you so much,” I tell him, “and if you think I’m not going to celebrate every birthday with you, you’re not thinking straight. Every moment belongs to you. Even when I’m filming in another country, you’ll always be with me in my heart.”
The pure love I have for him is mirrored back on his face when he looks down at me. “I love you too, Hollywood, and I’ll go anywhere you go. Because you’re a shooting star and I’m just the trail of light that’s lucky enough to follow you around.”