Overnight Sensation (24 page)

“I looked terrible. Then, later that night…” She stopped and bit her lip, remembering how much she’d wanted him.

“I wanted you, too,” he said, reading her thoughts. “I still do. I always will. That won’t ever stop.”

“Garrett…” The love in his eyes robbed her of breath.

He cupped her face and tilted it up, his lips almost touching hers. “So the only question is…do you forgive me? Do you love me? Can we try to make this work?”

Ivy’s breath caught in her throat, and she smiled against his mouth. “Yes,” she breathed. “Yes. And yes.”

Epilogue

One Year Later

THE SLEEK BLACK LIMOUSINE drew to a halt in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Ivy peered out the tinted glass windows at the towering coral-red columns that supported the traditional Chinese pagoda-style architecture, and at the massive stone-carved dragon that twisted over the entrance. A red carpet had been rolled across the ground from the curb where the limousine was parked to the entry itself. Red velvet roping cordoned off the walkway from the throngs of paparazzi and eager fans who lined the sidewalks on either side, clamoring for a view of the celebrities as they arrived.

Ivy stared at the brilliantly lit marquee on either side of the entrance. There, in enormous letters, were the words World Premiere…Eye of the Hunter. Beneath the name of the film, were the names Eric Terrell and Ivy James, in brilliant neon lights.

A hand descended warmly on her bare shoulder, caressing her skin. “You did it, sweetheart. They say this film is going to earn you an Academy Award nomination.”

Ivy turned in the seat toward Garrett. He was gorgeous in a tailored suit, and although she hadn’t quite gotten used to his newly cropped hair, she silently acknowledged that it gave him a whole new appeal. He looked like every woman’s fantasy.

“I can hardly believe it.” She smiled and leaned across to give him a lingering kiss. “It’s like a dream come true. And I’m not just talking about the films.”

She was talking about him, and how he’d kept his promise to make their relationship work. He had a home in North Carolina, not far from Fort Bragg, and she had a small apartment in New York City. Despite a sometimes hectic filming schedule, they’d resolved never to be apart for more than three nights. So far, they were succeeding.

“You’d better get used to this,” Garrett murmured against her lips, “since I’d be willing to bet the last two films you made are going to do as well, if not better, than this one.”

The door to the limousine opened. Ivy climbed out and took Garrett’s hand, nearly blinded by the bright flashes of the cameras.

Reporters shouted questions. “Ms. James,” called one woman, “I see you’re here tonight with the man who inspired this movie.”

“Yes,” Ivy said, smiling and twining her fingers with Garrett’s. “This is Garrett Stokes, the real-life hero of this amazing story.”

“Is it true that you and Mr. Stokes are engaged to be married?”

“It’s true,” Garrett said with a smile, bringing Ivy’s hand to his lips.

They were barraged with more questions as they made their way slowly toward the entrance to the theater.

“What about your leading man, Ms. James? He hasn’t made an appearance yet tonight. Does he plan to attend the premiere?”

Ivy drew Garrett to a stop on the red carpet. “Actually,” she said, “my leading man is right here.” She looked into Garrett’s eyes. “This is my leading man, now and forever.”

And as the cameras continued to flash around them, they gave their onlookers a kiss worthy of an Academy Award.

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