down to his cock, leaving no doubt where we’re off to.
A month later, we’re in Hollywood.
I’m thoroughly enjoying being an intern of sorts on the set crew, helping decorate scenes to be shot in old homes, saloons, stores, jail houses, and a mass of other settings.
Yes, he’s doing another Western, but this time it’s by one of the best and brightest creative teams in the industry, or so he says.
I’m also amazed by the film process.
Mostly, though, I’m awed by my stunning husband. Ridge’s ability to read something once, and have it memorized, is truly astounding.
So is the way he repeats what he’s read with such passion and belief. He makes every bit of fiction come alive.
And when the cameras aren’t filming, he’s back to being himself, which is even better.
I’ve read the script. It’s compelling, action-packed, but there’s also a love interest for Levi, Ridge’s reformed outlaw character. It’s a small part of the story, but it still makes my stomach queasy.
I know Ridge loves me, but I know what it’s like pretending to be his love interest.
I don’t want anyone else having the honor.
Call me jealous. Whenever he breaks from scenes, I’ve got my lips on his, marking my territory for all to see.
“Grace, you’re needed in wardrobe.”
I fluff the pillows on the old bed I’d just covered with a patchwork quilt for an upcoming scene, and turn to the producer’s assistant, James. He’s older, with grey hair and more lines on his face than a road map.
“Wardrobe? Why?”
“For your fitting,” he says. “C’mon down!”
“Fitting for what?” I shake my head.
“Aw, Jesus, didn’t...” His wrinkles double as he frowns. “Didn’t Ridge tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Change of script. You’re making a special cameo.”
Instant goosebumps.
“Um, what? No, no way, I’m no actress.”
“There’s no acting involved.” James pinches the bridge of his nose. “You’ll see. Follow me.”
Ridge is still busy filming scenes outside, so I can’t ask him what this is all about. “Wait, how? What did he change?”
“Instead of him and Cleo getting together in the end, after he’s cleaned up the town, he rides away alone,” James tells me.
I know the scene he’s talking about. Cleo, the dance hall girl, is supposed to jump on the back of Ridge’s horse and they ride into the sunset together.
“When he rides off, that’s when the audience finds out that every time he looked at his watch, he was looking at a picture of you,” James says. “I like it. It’s unexpected. If the people behind his last movie just listened to his suggestions, the movie wouldn’t have flopped. This one won’t. I guarantee it. It’ll be a blockbuster.” He nods at his own affirmation. “Anyway, they need you in wardrobe for a dress to get some photos taken so we’ll have them for the watch.”
Ridge walks in just then, dust on his boots, jeans hugging those hips I know too well.
My heart melts at the sight of him for so many reasons.
“I was just telling Grace about the changes you made,” James says.
I nod.
Ridge’s eyes smolder, just like they do at night when we’re alone, as he walks toward me. My face tilts up as he arrives, fully expecting a kiss.
After I give him the sugar, he says, “I decided you’re the only love interest I’m having, whether it’s real life or make-believe.”
“I love you,” I mouth as our lips meet again.
After a kiss that leaves me wishing we were at the place he keeps in Malibu, the one his mother bought years ago and he still owns, he steps back and looks down at me with a broad smile.
“We’ll celebrate your first role in a film tonight,” he tells me, pressing his head to mine.
I pull back softly, touching his chin.
“Better idea—we’ll celebrate our love.” Shaking my head so my hair flips, I add, “But right now, I’m needed in wardrobe.”
His laughter echoes in my ears as I leave the set. I choose this gorgeous old dress, historical down to the last detail, and sit through several photo sets.
Weeks later, I’m in that dress again for the movie’s final scene.
I’ll never be an actress, but I agree to participate in the fade to black because Ridge insists I’ll be the only love fit for him.
The scene is just me, standing at an old well, drawing up a bucket of water, when Ridge appears in the distance.
I drop the rope instantly and go racing toward him through the tall grasses.
He rides in, jumps off his horse, and catches me in his