Page 113 of If Love Had A Price (If Love 3)

“I got the lead in the new Scott West movie. I found out this morning.”

The wind whistled by, ruffling Nate’s hair and filling his nostrils with the salty scent of the sea. Fuck, it felt weird to say those words out loud. Surreal, like he was a dream version of himself.

He’d been floating around in a strange bubble of this-can’t-really-be-happening since he received the call from Marty.

As Marty had predicted, Scott West himself had been present for the callback auditions. He didn’t speak or move the entire time, but Nate had had a gut feeling that the director liked him. Or maybe he’d liked Nate’s gray shirt, because yeah, graywasScott’s favorite color.

Did that help seal the deal?

Who knew? Who cared?

Nate was going to star in a motherfucking Scott West film.

It’d killed him to keep the auditions a secret from Kris, but he hadn’t wanted to jinx anything. Now that his new role was confirmed? He wanted to scream it from the rooftops.

Kris’s eyes grew round. “Scott West, the Oscar-winning director? The one who makes a movie, like, once a decade?”

He chuckled. “Something like that.”

“Holy shit, congratulations!”

Before he knew it, they were tangled together—Kris’s arms and legs wrapped around his neck and waist, her lips firm and insistent on his, her scent enveloping him like the world’s best-smelling blanket.

Heat raced through Nate’s veins, and he hissed when she ground her hips against his. He responded in sync, cupping her ass with his hands and exploring her mouth with urgent, pent-up need.

“If I’d known this was how you were going to react, I would’ve told you sooner,” he rasped when they broke for air.

“You should’ve.” Kris nuzzled his neck. “This is incredible news. It’s your big break, and you deserve it.”

Another, larger ripple of nerves.

It was funny. Nate had spent his entire life dreaming of stardom, but now that it was close enough for him to touch, it was scary as hell. Exciting too, yeah, but what if he messed things up?

There was nothing more nerve-wracking than having your dreams come true and not knowing how to handle it.

“We don’t know that,” he said. “The movie could be a flop.”

Scott West hadn’t directed a single flop in his life. The man had the Midas touch when it came to critically acclaimed blockbusters. But there was a first time for everything, and Nate didn’t want to get his hopes up.

“No, it won’t,” Kris said firmly. “The movie’s going to break records. It’s going to be one of those legendary franchises that everyone lines up to see in theaters on opening day, and you’re going to be the newest, hottest addition to the A-list.”

He grinned at her confidence. “You have a lot of faith in Scott West.”

“No, I have a lot of faith inyou.You got this.” Kris paused. “I swear to God, if you ditch me for some up-and-coming starlet while I’m in Seattle, I’ll fly back here and pin your balls to the wall.”

“As you should.” Nate pulled her into his chest. “Don’t worry. You’ll forever be my red carpet date.”

“Excellent. I love dressing up in designer gowns and strutting down red carpets with arm candy.”

His grin widened. “I love you, Kris Carrera.”

Kris ran her fingers through his hair, her eyes pools of liquid chocolate in the moonlight. “And I love you, Nate Reynolds.”

Their lips met in another kiss. It started soft and sweet, but soon escalated to a heat level that sent all of Nate’s blood rushing south.

He slipped his hand beneath Kris’s thong and found her wet, warm, and ready.

His cock pulsed, screaming at him to get a move on already, but he didn’t want to rush this. They had hours before sunrise, and he was going to make good use of every second.

Nate laid Kris on her back and tugged her underwear down her legs while she watched him with hot, hooded eyes. She was so beautiful it made his heart ache, and when she orgasmed around him, her head tilting back and her mouth falling open with pleasure, he knew without a doubt that his heart would never belong to him again.

It was hers. Always.