Page 90 of Hollywood Humbug
“Mine.”
“What?” She laughs, and I feel the vibration in my chest.
“You’re all mine.”
“Hmm…” She nudges me with her ass, indicating she wants me to move.
“Uh-uh.”
“Jacks, let me up. My feet are going numb.” She laughs as she wiggles her ass again.
“Fine, but I don’t believe you.” I lift off her and help her into the bed before stepping into the bathroom to wipe myself down.
I return to the bedroom with a warm, wet washcloth to clean her up as well, and she smiles shyly at me even though I know she appreciates it. I’ve always done this for her, which hasn’tchanged ten years later. It won’t change ten years from now either. I toss the washcloth into the hamper and climb into bed with her.
Her hands run up my sides and over my shoulders until she reaches my neck and pulls me in for a searing kiss. Our tongues tangle as my heart beats faster, and I moan low in my throat. I lift my head and look down at her face, feeling a swell of emotion. I always knew she was the one, even when I tried not to admit it, thinking we’d missed our chance to be together. But things are different now.Weare different now and ready to commit. At least, I am, and I hope she feels the same.
I pull her close so her head rests on my chest. She looks up at me with a sleepy, satisfied smile. “I’m glad you came here tonight.”
“Me too,” I admit, running my fingertips up and down her bare back. “I missed you, you know—all these years. I thought about you constantly. And I won’t let you get away again, Hailey.”
I’m going to make this work. No matter what it takes, I’m going to have my happy ending with her.
Nine
HAILEY
Ever since I moved here, I’ve been impressed with how people on the west coast throw a party. They really know how to celebrate.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and the entire cast and movie crew are gathered at Avalon Hollywood, a historic club rented out by some of the executive producers. The place is enormous, located at the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine. It is a historical landmark and has hosted some of the world’s greatest musical performers, and has been the venue of choice for some of Hollywood’s most premier and exclusive events. Music plays in the background while attendees mill about the opulent space, enjoying the plentiful food and flowing champagne.
I’m here on Jackson’s arm, and there have been several curious glances aimed our way. Since the movie doesn’t resume filming until next week, no one knows that we’re together yet. I just smile at everyone and even throw a wink at Audrey, who gapes at us with her jaw dropped. I know she’ll want all the details of how the two of us got together, but it can wait. Tonight, I’m focused on having a good time with my man.
My man.
It feels strange to think of him as that, considering Jackson and I have only been back together for about a week. But at the same time, it’s as if we were never apart. I suppose that’s because a piece of my heart has always belonged to him. I never stopped thinking about him, no matter how much time passed, and now I feel like I know the reason. It wasn’t just about being hung up on my ex. I know that we were always meant to find our way back to each other.
And now that it’s finally happened, I’m the happiest I’ve been in years. Because as fulfilling as my work is, I’ve always felt like something was missing. And the deep, personal connection I have with Jackson fills that void.
He hands me a champagne flute and joins me at a high round table with two other cast members. I try to engage in pleasant conversation and listen as they tell me about their holidays with their families. But I can’t seem to keep my attention off the gorgeous man next to me. Of course, it doesn’t help when he gently strokes his thumb along the bare skin of my lower back, right inside the diamond-shaped cutout of my black fitted dress.
He presses the faintest kiss to the top of my shoulder just as his phone goes off. Removing it from his pocket, he glances at the screen before turning it to show me. It’s a picture of Cam in a sleeping bag on the floor with Mama Robbie’s grandkids around her. All of them are passed out, and my heart swells with affection for his little girl.
I’ve gotten to know her over the last few days, and I’m already wrapped around her little finger. Cam is a sweetheart who takes after Jackson so much I can’t help but adore her too.
“She’s so cute,” I say, as he nods with a fatherly warmth in his eyes.
“She is, but I’m glad that we have tonight alone together.”
I take his hand, intertwining our fingers. “Ihavebeen looking forward to having you to myself for the night.”
“Should we get out of here?”
A shiver runs down my spine at the implication, but I glance around the party and shake my head. “We just got here. I don’t want to be rude by leaving too early.”
Jackson grumbles under his breath but doesn’t argue. So, instead, we continue socializing, making our rounds to all the tables. The atmosphere in the club is fun and electric, and the music has everyone on their feet. It certainly helps that there’s an abundance of bubbly passed around to loosen up the partygoers, who beg Jackson and me to join them on the dance floor. But we decide watching is pretty entertaining and hang back at one of the tables.
Luca arrives late to the party, and for once, he actually looks relaxed. I guess he’s a little different outside the set.