Epilogue

Epilogue

I stand on the platform with Matthew on one side of me and Simon on the other, my hand tight in his. We’ve already been past the step and repeat, but still the cameras are flashing as the crowd of reporters and photographers gather around us.

Matthew steps forward, holding the mic. “Thank you so much for coming to our wrap party for Spiraling. I loved this script from the first moment Frannie showed it to me, and I think it’s appropriate now that I turn the stage over to her.”

I squeeze Simon’s hand, then look out at the crowd. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize most members of the press, so their faces all look familiar, and it’s easy to smile. Why not? This incredible film is wrapped, I’m alive, and Simon’s hand is warm and comforting in mine.

“I really just wanted to thank you for coming. I’m so excited for this project. As you all know, there were some stumbling blocks after Freeway Flix changed ownership, but I owe Matthew and Hardline Entertainment a debt of gratitude for keeping the project alive. I’m happy to answer any questions about the film you might have, but I would like to reiterate that I won’t be talking about Aaron Kepner, Freeway Flix, or anything related to Bright Eyes.”

Beside me, Simon tightens his grip, and I appreciate it. As he well knows, I’ve spent countless hours talking to the police and giving interviews about my relationship with Carolyn and Aaron. Thankfully, my lawyer has already made clear to the press that I can’t talk about his attempt to kill me. But that doesn’t mean I can’t feel the topic bubbling in the air.

In front of me, a dozen hands shoot up, and I point to John, one of the reporters I’ve known for over a decade. “We understand you have some personal news. Care to give us an official statement?”

I glance sideways at Simon, who takes a step forward. “I’m pretty sure she asked for questions regarding the movie.”

“Oh, come on, Simon,” John says. “You both know what we’re all waiting for.”

“Fine, fine,” Simon says, then turns to me with that gorgeous smile. “Go ahead, baby. The press wants a story, right?”

The reporters all laugh, and more cameras snap as I flash my most camera-ready smile.

“Fair enough. I know you’re all expecting an engagement announcement. I’m sorry to tell you there won’t be one.”

I keep a straight face as I watch the reporters squirm.

“But—” John begins.

“Instead, I’d like to officially introduce you all to my husband, Simon Barré.”

There’s a moment of confused silence, then a burst of applause that rises even higher when Simon pulls me close and kisses me. When it finally dies down, he takes the mic. “We got married last weekend,” he says. “In Tahoe. And if you’d like a statement from me, you can tell the world that I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“Yeah,” I say with a tease, “you really are.” Then I tug on his tie to pull him back to me and kiss him hard as cameras snap, video rolls, and applause thunders around us.

Because honestly, how perfect is that?

Pretty damn perfect, at least as far as I’m concerned. And considering the congrats after we step off the platform, I think the rest of the crowd agrees with us.

Zelda Clayton is the first to give me a hug. Her brown hair hangs in waves around her face, and she looks younger than her twenty-four years. We met a few weeks ago at her birthday party, thrown by our mutual friend Jamie Archer Hunter, who’s not only Ryan’s wife but is starring in the adaptation of one of Zelda’s books.

“I’m so excited for you. Huge congratulations.”

“You, too,” I say. “When are you and Jasper tying the knot?”

She glances down at her engagement ring, then smiles up at me. “A few more months. We’re planning the wedding around the honeymoon. Paris first, then Rome.”

“Good for you,” I say, and we both laugh.

I’m about to ask where Jasper is, but I see him walking with Damien and Trevor. He peels off, then steps up and hooks his arm around Zelda’s waist. She leans against him, looking for all the world like the two of them have been together always.

“What’s up with Trevor and Mr. Stark?” she asks her fiancé. “They look so serious.”

“I overheard something earlier,” Jasper tells us. “The FBI wants Trevor to come on board for one of their operations.”

“Really?” Simon’s brow rises. “Will he be working with Ollie McKee?”

Jasper nods. “Apparently, it’s his project, and he asked specifically for Trevor.”

“Interesting,” Simon says, sharing a knowing look with Jasper.

“What?” I ask. “Why?”

Zelda rolls her eyes. “Because Trevor’s gay, and Ollie’s not. That we know of. But Trevor has a crush. Plus, I’ve heard from Jamie that she’s started to speculate that Ollie might be bi. And since Jamie’s one of Ollie’s oldest friends…” She trails off with a shrug.

“Hey, they’re solid friends,” Jasper says. “If they end up being more than that, then good for them.”

I look at Simon. “Whatever happens, I hope they’re as happy as we are.”

“Amen to that,” he says, then seals the words with a kiss.

The End

* * * *

Also from 1001 Dark Nights and J. Kenner, discover Craved By You, Tangled With You, Memories of You, Cherish Me, Tease Me, Indulge Me, Damien, Hold Me, Tame Me, Tempt Me, Justify Me, Caress of Darkness, Caress of Pleasure, and Rising Storm.

* * * *

Touch Me: A Stark International Novella

Coming April 23, 2024

Click here to purchase.

Former wild child Jamie Archer can’t believe how amazing her life has become. Not only is she married to the sexiest man on the planet, Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter, but she’s also set to star in a big budget blockbuster that is sure to send her career soaring into the stratosphere.

Everything is perfect until Jamie, the least maternal person on the planet, finds out that not only is she pregnant, but that her due date interferes with the film’s production schedule.

Ryan has always supported his wife’s ambition, but he never expected to learn that they were having a baby from the shouts of paparazzi. Hurt, angry, and afraid that Jamie will choose her career over their family, Ryan tries to pull her closer, but only succeeds in pushing her away.

Now, as the pillars of their once fairytale marriage begin to crumble, Jamie and Ryan must find a way to outshine the glitter of stardom and rediscover the strength of their bond.