His Every Choice (For His Pleasure, Book 12)

By Kelly Favor

© 2012 All Rights Reserved

It had been over two hours since Dr. Walsh had begun exploratory surgery on Hunter, and Kallie was falling apart.

She felt like she might be losing her mind. Alone in the waiting room, she ignored her constantly buzzing phone. There had been texts and calls from
family, friends, and unknown numbers that she suspected were journalists.

Detective Phillips had tried to stay with her, but she’d sent him back to the hotel to get some rest. He’d clearly been running on almost zero hours of
sleep.

Kallie turned off her cell and sat like a zombie, staring at the television and waiting for her world to come crashing down.

At a certain point, she

knew

that Hunter was going to die during the procedure.

Kallie had been impetuous, arrogant and borderline criminal in tossing aside a well-respected and highly decorated thoracic surgeon in favor of a
relatively experienced surgeon like Dr. Walsh.

Dr. Forrest’s words of warning rang loudly in her ears. He’d said that she would be an accomplice to murder if she insisted on putting Hunter
through a risky, unnecessary surgery when all he needed was a strong course of antibiotics.

What were you thinking? Why did you have to fight tooth and nail to put Hunter

through this torture? Are you completely out of your mind?

She was. Her mind was at war with itself, struggling to come to terms with having the burden of this life-and-death decision on her shoulders, and
her shoulders alone.

I just did what I thought was right.

The thought held little comfort. What did it matter if she’d thought she was right, when experts had told her she was wrong? Who did she think she
was? A man’s life was at stake. A man she loved.

The fear was so strong, so intense, that Kallie’s entire body was paralyzed by it.

She could hardly breathe. She knew that by the end of this—when someone came and explained to her that Hunter had passed away during his
operation—she would need to be carted away in a straightjacket.

Kallie knew that she’d never be able to live with herself after failing to protect Hunter when he’d needed her most.

Finally, she forced herself to move. If she sat in the stale, white hospital waiting room for even another moment, she was going to scream and she
wouldn’t stop until they came for her with the butterfly nets.

Her limbs moved mechanically, as if they belonged to somebody else. She walked robotically out of the room and took the elevators downstairs to
the first floor, then exited the hospital. She planned to walk around the building, thinking that perhaps being out in the world amongst normal people
going about their daily lives—she might find some sanity.

However, when she got outside, Kallie was instead confronted with Scarlett, who was smoking a cigarette and pacing the sidewalk.

She felt a burst of anger at seeing Scarlett there. After all, Hunter’s ex-girlfriend had promised to leave and return to the hotel room, waiting for
Kallie’s update. “What are you doing?” Kallie said, her words coming out clipped and emotionless.

Scarlett turned, her eyes widening in surprise. “I’m waiting to see if he’s okay.”

“I thought you were going back to the hotel to wait.”

Scarlett looked at the ground. “I was. I went back, but I couldn’t stand being there with nothing to do. So I came here. I didn’t want to bother you,
Kallie, that’s why I stayed outside.”

Kallie stared at her for a moment. “I see.”

Scarlett hesitantly met her gaze. “Are you okay?”

“What do you think?”

“I know you’re upset—“

“Obviously I’m upset. Hunter’s going to die because of me.”

“How can you say such a thing?”

Kallie smirked. “Because it’s my fault, that’s why. Ask Dr. Forrest.”

Scarlett shook her head. “I’m not following you. Did something happen?”

“I made an executive decision,” Kallie said, and in her ears, her own voice sounded high-pitched and unnatural. “Just like Hunter told me to. I
switched Dr. Forrest off the case and put this other doctor on his case—her name is Doctor Walsh. She wanted to do a very risky, exploratory
surgery to see why Hunter’s got a septic infection.”

Scarlett’s face grew pale. “So he’s in surgery right now?”

“Yes. And I didn’t have the energy to call and text everyone with an update about how I completely screwed up Hunter’s treatment. I couldn’t bring
myself to explain how I meddled and got involved in things that I knew nothing about. So that’s why I didn’t call you and tell you any of this.”

Scarlett’s expression was one of deep dismay. She took a long drag on her cigarette. “It’s okay that you didn’t let me know. I understand, Kallie.”

Kallie turned to her. “Well you shouldn’t understand. I’ve been nothing but mean to you from the beginning. I’ve been mean and cold and holier-than-
thou. And now I’ve gone and screwed things up beyond repair. You shouldn’t understand any of that—you should hate me.” Her hands were shaking
as she spoke. Her breathing was becoming erratic, and suddenly she couldn’t catch her breath.

“Kallie, what’s wrong?”

She tried to take a deep breath, but couldn’t. Her throat felt tight and she could hear her breath whistling, as if her esophagus had just shut
completely. “I—I can’t breathe.”

Scarlett dropped her cigarette to the pavement and crushed it underfoot. Then she took Kallie’s hands in her own. “Look at me,” she said. Her voice
was calm and in control.

Kallie met her gaze. She swallowed. Her heart was beating so, so fast—like it was going to explode. Her chest heaved in and out and her legs and
hands were tingling.

“I can’t—I can’t get any air.”

“It’s fine. You’re having a panic attack. I should know, I’ve had enough of them in my life.” Scarlett’s dark eyes stared intently into Kallie’s eyes.

“I think I’m going to pass out.”

“Just exhale, slowly. Count to five in your head.”

Kallie did as she was told, slowly letting out the air that she had in her lungs. She felt as though she needed to gulp more air, but resisted the
impulse. “Okay,” she whispered.

“Now take a very slow, five-second-breath in. Slowly. Slowly.” Scarlett looked into Kallie’s eyes and breathed in along with her.

Kallie counted to herself. Finally she’d breathed in as much air as she could.

“Like this?” she asked.

Scarlett nodded. “Let it out again slowly.” Scarlett walked her through that for the next minute or two.

After a bit, Kallie felt the sense of panic begin to pass.

“I think I’m better,” Kallie said softly.

Scarlett withdrew her hands, but still looked closely at Kallie. “You’ve pushed yourself too hard—taken too much of this on yourself. You can’t think
that Hunter’s life is in your hands. The doctors are the only ones who have that kind of power—the doctors and God. That’s it.”

Kallie nodded. “Thank you for saying that,” she said. A few tears ran down her cheeks. She felt as though she were made of ice or even glass—so
fragile that with the slightest breeze she would fall and break into a million pieces.

“I know what it’s like to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and let me tell you—it’s not worth it, Kallie. Trust me.” Scarlett smiled at her.

“I just don’t know what to do with this—I’m going crazy. Like, really and truly crazy.” She bit her lip. “I can’t lose him.”

“If only you smoked,” Scarlett laughed, taking out a new cigarette from her pack and quickly lighting it with the ease and grace of a longtime
enthusiast. She took a long drag, and Kallie watched her, admiring the other girl’s mysterious beauty. She could see now why Hunter had been so
drawn to her.

“Maybe you could teach me how,” Kallie smiled. “I’ve never even inhaled.”

Scarlett shook her head. “No, I couldn’t do it to you, Kallie. The addiction’s not worth the it.”

“Will you come back inside with me—keep me company?”

Scarlett looked startled. “Really?”

“It would be nice to sit together, to have someone with me who knows Hunter and understands what this is like.”

“Of course, I’ll come sit with you.” Scarlett smiled brightly.

A moment later, the two of them went back inside together.

***

Scarlett followed Kallie to the elevator, feeling that familiar sense of dread in her belly. Something about Kallie was drawing her in—and yet at the
same time, repelling her.

Kallie was everything she wasn’t: blond and doe-eyed, innocent, wholesome.

Kallie had even seemingly conquered Hunter’s singular independent streak—which Scarlett had never come close to doing in their time together.

Scarlett rode the elevator up, feeling oddly protective of Kallie, watching her to make sure she wasn’t going to have another panic attack or
something of that sort. It had felt nice to take care of someone again, the way she’d taken care of Kallie outside the hospital, if only for a brief
minute or two.

The elevator pinged and the doors opened, letting them off together. Kallie gave Scarlett a slightly worried look and Scarlett tried to return a
comforting smile.

Of course, if Hunter somehow recovers, she’ll forget all about me. She’ll forget

that I held her hand and comforted her. I’ll be alone again, just

like always.

Scarlett sighed, reminding herself that she’d always basically been on her own and somehow she’d always gotten by. She didn’t need Kallie or
Hunter—certainly not Terrence (who was crazy, and dead anyway)—she didn’t need anyone. She’d long since given up on the whole knight in
shining armor thing. She certainly wasn’t about to start hoping for a friendship with Hunter’s new flame.

And yet here she was, feeling those same stirrings of hope and dread, as she sat next to Kallie in the waiting room and felt suddenly close to this
woman that she barely knew. “The least they could do is put something decent on TV,” Scarlett whispered, with a smile.

Kallie laughed in return. There was an episode of that new game show, Take It All, playing on the television, and a contestant was squealing as
Howie Mandel announced that she’d just “taken it all.” The show was barely even audible.

“This might seem like a really bizarre request,” Kallie said to her. “But, could you hold my hand again?”

Scarlett nodded, trying to ignore the warm flood of happiness that overcame her from hearing those simple words. She grasped Kallie’s hand in her
own, and patted it softly. “Better?”

“Yeah.” Kallie sighed.

Scarlett thought that it was as if she’d naturally taken on the maternal role in the relationship, even though she was probably only two or three years
older. But in truth, she’d likely been through almost a lifetime of experiences that Kallie could never imagine.

I’m not that person anymore. I’m starting a new life now.

But how many times had she tried to start a new life? It always ended up in the same place.

She squeezed Kallie’s hand, as much to calm herself as anything. “It’s going to be okay,” she said. “I promise.”

Not long after this, Scarlett’s phone rang. She dug into her purse and found her cell, and didn’t recognize the number at first. But then she realized
that it was probably one of the rentals she’d contacted recently and hurriedly answered, keeping her voice as low as possible. “This is Scarlett,” she
said.

The man on the other end had a nasally, rather high-pitched voice. “You contacted me on Craigslist about my apartment?” he asked.

“Yeah. Is it still available?”

“It is. Could you come by today to see it?”

She sighed. “I’ve had an emergency and am out of town at the moment. What about early next week?”

There was a long pause. “I’m sorry, but I’ve already got multiple people coming today and tomorrow. I seriously doubt it will be available next week.”

“Oh.” She licked her lips. “I understand—“

Then he hung up. At first, Scarlett thought it was her cell losing reception, but when she checked, there were still plenty of bars. “Shit. He hung up on
me.”

Kallie looked at her. “Is everything okay?”

“Sure.” Scarlett felt a surge of emotion. After all, it was because of Kallie that she was in this position now—trying to find a new place to live with
very little money.

Still, she tried to cover up her mixed feelings, given how much Kallie had already been through in the last few days. “Everything’s okay,” Scarlett
said.

“It doesn’t sound that way.” Kallie watched her.

Scarlett sighed. “It’s just been really hard trying to find a new place to live.

Everything’s expensive, or in bad neighborhoods. The good places get snapped up so fast I never even get a chance to see them.” She shook her
head. “But I shouldn’t be complaining about something like this when…” she trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.

“But why do you need to find a new place to live?”

Scarlett just looked at her. Did Kallie truly not realize the implications of Hunter kicking Scarlett out of his house and then making Kallie the executor
of his estate?

“I can’t keep depending on…on other people to foot my bills,” she said, finally.

“You said so yourself, remember?”

Kallie’s lips tightened. “I didn’t mean those things I said. I was angry.”

“I know, but it doesn’t mean you were wrong about any of it.” Scarlett realized that this wasn’t the time or place for this conversation. She just wanted
to get out of this room, go away, away from everything. “I think I need to go have a smoke,” she said, getting up.

“Oh—okay.” Kallie sat there as Scarlett gathered her things and quickly walked out of the room.

Scarlett was angry with herself as she left. Kallie needed her support and she’d just taken off in a huff. Why? Because some idiot from Craigslist
had hung up on her?

Because rent was expensive in New York?

She jammed her finger against the elevator button, tapping her foot, wanting to have a cigarette worse than she’d ever wanted to in her life.

Just as the elevator arrived, she heard Kallie’s voice from behind her.

“Scarlett, wait.”

Scarlett turned around, aware suddenly that she’d been hoping for just this.

Hoping that Kallie would be concerned enough to come after her.

Kallie came slowly towards her. “I want to tell you something,” Kallie said.

“And please don’t take this the wrong way. I know that you and Hunter were close, and that I don’t understand everything the two of you went through,
or what exactly your arrangement was with him.”

“Arrangement?” Scarlett raised her eyebrows.

“He obviously agreed to pay your rent and keep you safe from Terrence.”

“Terrence is dead.”

“But his son isn’t.” Kallie looked at her. “I intend to honor Hunter’s wishes, regardless of what happens to him. You don’t need to find a new place to
live. At least, not right now—not until you’re ready.”

“I’m going to be fine, it’s not a big deal.”

“It’s a big deal to me. I want you to know that you shouldn’t worry about finding a new apartment right now. Stay where you are, we’ll take care of
things.”

Scarlett felt so grateful that she could barely even speak. “Thanks,” she muttered finally, struggling not to cry. “I appreciate that.”

“Come back when you’re done having your smoke?”

“Yeah.” Scarlett nodded. The elevator arrived and she got in. As the doors closed, they made eye contact once more, and Scarlett realized that she
might truly have made a friend.

***

When Dr. Walsh finally came out to speak to Kallie, it had been hours since Hunter had been taken away to surgery. But it felt to Kallie as if days or
even weeks had passed.

I must have aged a decade in the last week

.

And now, as the diminutive physician walked through the doors to the waiting room to speak to her, Kallie felt like she instantly aged another ten
years. The stress of the moment was incredible. She could hardly breathe.

Dr. Walsh’s face was so stony and cold, that Kallie instantly knew that the news was not good.

“I’m sorry, but Hunter passed away during the operation.”

That’s what Kallie heard the doctor say—she heard it as clearly as if it had been screamed through a megaphone into her ear.

Except that Dr. Walsh never said those words

.

Kallie anticipated it, played it out as vividly as if it had occurred, but that moment never truly came.

Instead, the doctor’s lips curved into a surprisingly gentle smile, and her eyes crinkled warmly. “Kallie, the operation was a success.”

Kallie turned to Scarlett, who was standing a few feet back, and held out her arms.

“It was a success!” she cried, and Scarlett ran over and they hugged for a moment.

“Now, of course I have to give you the standard line that Hunter isn’t completely out of the woods yet. He’s been through an awful lot, as you well
know.”

Kallie and Scarlett turned to listen again, their smiles fading as they took in the new information. “But he’s going to live—he’s going to recover,
right?” Kallie asked.

Dr. Walsh nodded hesitantly. “I’d be very surprised if he didn’t make a full recovery, based on what we found that was causing his complications.”

“What did you find?”

Dr. Walsh sighed. “This is very difficult to discuss, because there are some legalities involved.” She shook her head, and for the first time since
they’d met, Kallie saw uncertainty in the normally confident doctor’s eyes. “But I have to tell you that upon re-opening the site of the first surgery, we
encountered foreign matter in the wound.”

“Foreign matter?” Kallie couldn’t even begin to imagine what that meant.

“Well, apparently there was some gauze left inside the wound, and it festered and caused an infection.”

“Left inside by who?”

“I would assume it was left there by Dr. Forrest, accidentally, during the first emergency surgery Hunter underwent.”

Kallie could hardly speak, but she felt her face flush with rage. “That’s malpractice,” she said, her jaw tensing. “And with all his bluster and threats,
he nearly killed Hunter because of his incompetence. I should sue him for everything he’s worth.”

“I understand you’re very angry,” the doctor said, holding her hands out and keeping her voice low.

“Damn right she is,” Scarlett said. “She has every right to be.”

The doctor looked at them both. “Please just allow me to put this in context. Dr.

Forrest has been an excellent surgeon for decades, and he’s saved hundreds if not thousands of lives with his work in the field. I say this as
someone who is perhaps the biggest oppositional force he’s encountered in recent years. There is no love lost between Dr. Forrest and I, but at the
same time, I have to acknowledge his body of work.”

“Be that as it may,” Kallie said, “he’s put someone’s life in danger due to his incompetence, and he needs to be stopped.”

“I agree.” Dr. Walsh looked at her evenly. “I’ve made the Chief Medical Officer aware of the situation and an emergency meeting is being convened
to discuss the matter.

I can almost guarantee that Dr. Forrest will be asked to stop practicing medicine. He will surely be put on indefinite leave starting immediately, while
they conduct their investigation.”

Kallie folded her arms. “Well, that’s a start.”

“But I guess what I’m asking you to consider,” Dr. Walsh said, “is that this man devoted his entire life to serving others. And his biggest mistake has
been that he wanted to keep doing his job past the time that he was still capable of working at the highest level.”

Kallie could feel some of the anger leaving her as she took in the doctor’s words.

“I’ll consider what you’ve told me. Of course I will—especially because I know you went out on a limb for me, doing such a risky surgery on Hunter
with so many unknown factors.”

Dr. Walsh reached out and put a hand on Kallie’s shoulder. “Just take a day or two before you call in an army of lawyers on this. Okay?”

“Okay.” Kallie exhaled. “So. What about Hunter? Where is he now?”

“He’s in the recovery room, but he’ll be back in his room in the ICU probably within the next hour or so. And then you’re welcome to visit with him.”

“Is he conscious?”

“Getting there. He’s still woozy from the anesthesia, but I imagine he’ll be doing better by the time you see him.”

She then asked the question that made her the most nervous. “Is he on a ventilator?”

“No, I don’t believe he’ll need to be ventilated again. Once we removed the gauze that was causing all of that inflammation and infection, his
condition improved immediately. Along with the antibiotic course we have him on, I believe that he should continue to improve hour by hour.”

Kallie burst into tears again, hugging Scarlett, and crying—this time they were tears of joy and relief.

Dr. Walsh told them that a nurse would be out in a short while to let them know when Hunter was back in his room, and then she took her leave of
them, after receiving a long, forceful hug from Kallie.

Immediately, Kallie and Scarlett went outside and Kallie began making phone calls and texting people, letting everyone know that Hunter was going
to be okay. The two of them were still crying, smiling, laughing.

Kallie felt like she was on the biggest high of her life. Everything outside looked so crisp and new and vibrant. The very air itself seemed so fresh
and clean, and she breathed it in deeply.

Everyone she told was ecstatic, from her parents and Sean, the detective, and all the way to Nicole and Red and even Danielle.

Scarlett was smoking and watching Kallie as she made phone call after phone call and delivered the good news. Finally, the last call had been
made, the last text sent, and Kallie looked at her. She could sense that something was wrong in the way Scarlett was watching her.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Scarlett told her. “It’s just…you have so many wonderful people in your life. I’m just happy for you is all.” She smiled, but Kallie thought the
smile was sad somehow.

“Come on, let’s go back inside. I don’t want to miss it when they tell us we can go see him.”

She was right that they didn’t have to wait very long. About fifteen minutes after they’d come back to the waiting room, a nurse came out and
informed them that Hunter was in the ICU and could receive visitors.

Kallie’s heart was beating a mile a minute as they traversed the halls to reach his private room. She was positively giddy with delight and relief. For
a little while there, she’d honestly believed she was never going to see him again, and yet, in just a few moments, they would be reunited.

“Maybe I should wait outside,” Scarlett said, as they approached the room.

“Why?”

“It just doesn’t feel right—me going in with you. I don’t want to intrude on your moment, Kallie.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“This is your time,” Scarlett said. “I’m going to take a walk.”

“Scarlett—“

But it was too late. Scarlett had turned around and started walking away, and Kallie was left wondering if she was really okay. But then she put
Scarlett out of her mind, because it wasn’t anything compared to Hunter. Hunter was just a few feet away from her, and Kallie’s entire body trembled
as she pictured him lying in bed, waiting for her to come and see him.

The last steps to the door were slow motion, and time itself seemed to come to a halt. It was like a dream. As she opened the door, she saw he’d
been waiting for her.

He was lying there in bed and his eyes met hers and he broke into a wide smile.

“Now there’s something you don’t see everyday. A real live angel in your hospital room.”

Kallie ran over to him, wanting to throw herself on him, but knowing that he was still far too physically fragile for that kind of thing. Instead, she
smothered his face with kisses, and Hunter laughed as she did so.

“Easy, easy—you’re going to get us thrown out,” he joked.

“I can’t stop,” she told him, taking his face in her hands, caressing his cheeks.

She looked into his dark eyes. “I almost lost you.”

“Don’t be silly,” he replied, but his eyes told her that he was well aware how close it had been.

“You look so much better. Your face has color again—normal color.”

“That’s good to know. I mean, it’s not easy being green and all.”

Kallie laughed and stroked his face again. She couldn’t believe how incredibly handsome he was, but more than that—she couldn’t believe how
beautiful his spirit was, his soul. “Do you know how much I love you?” she asked him.

His expression grew more serious. “Of course I know. Your love is what’s kept me alive.”

“Promise me you’ll never put yourself in any danger from now on. I can’t ever go through something like this again.”

“I’m going to be like a choir boy. Unless I need to protect you.” He smiled and now his hand was touching her cheek. “I’d do it all over again,” he
said. “I don’t regret a second of any of it.”

“That’s because you’re crazy.”

He nodded. “I suppose that’s true.”

“How much of the last couple of days do you even remember?”

“Not that much,” he confessed. He was starting to rip some of the tape off the IV

on his arm.

“Hey, don’t do that.”

“It’s itchy,” he said, toying with the tape that he’d ripped off his arm.

“That’s what’s bothering you after everything you’ve been through?” she asked, sitting down as close to his bed as she could.

“You’d be surprised. When I first woke up after being shot, what I couldn’t stand was how thirsty I was. I wanted a soda more than anything in the
world, even though my chest felt like someone had used it for target practice at a shooting range.”

“How does your chest feel now?”

“Pretty much the same.” He continued to play with his medical tape, as if he was a master sculptor working with new clay.

“The difference is, you’re truly on the mend now. The worst is over.”

“How can you know that? Did you get your license to practice medicine while I was laid up in here?”

“Maybe I did.”

He looked at her seriously. “I wouldn’t doubt you, Kallie. You could do anything you put your mind to.”

“You woke up on the right side of the bed.”

“I’m not going to let myself wake up on the wrong side anymore. I’ve wasted too much time feeling sorry for myself, blaming myself, playing the
victim. That’s in the past.”

“What brought this change on?”

“I think I might have been dead—or so close to it that there’s basically no difference—and I swear something happened to me, something I doubt I’ll
ever be able to explain.”

“What do you mean?”

He licked his lips, and briefly closed his eyes. “It’s like, I was gone—but I wasn’t really gone. I can’t put words to it. I just sensed that my father never
really went anywhere either, and that I’d never truly lost him. Not really.”

“I’m not sure I get it,” she admitted.

“Me either,” he said, a small, bemused smile crossing his lips. “I just came out of it knowing that being here with you like this is so precious that I
shouldn’t waste another second. Not another second.” He went back to messing with the piece of medical tape.

“Well I like the sound of that,” she laughed. “I don’t want to waste another second either. When I thought you might die, I nearly lost my mind.”

He suddenly hoisted himself up on an elbow, with great effort, turning towards her. “I’m going to say a few more things now,” he said, his cheeks
turning red.

“Hunter, don’t exert yourself. Lay down.” She started to get off her chair.

“No, just listen to me,” he said, his voice growling with some of his old intensity.

Kallie did as he said. “Okay, okay. I’m listening.”

“I want to tell you that I’m in love with you, and that I’ve always been in love with you, since the first moment I saw you at the pool that night. I can still
recall the way you looked, the glimmer of the water in your eyes, the feel of your skin when I touched you.”

His words were like a fire, burning her, but in the most pleasurable way. She remembered their first night together too—the magic of it, the
uncertainty, the tangible chemistry that had set her spinning into confusion. “I remember you touching me,” she smiled.

“Ever since that first night, I’ve been running away from what I knew deep down,” he said. His one hand was closed into a fist, draped over the side
of the railing of his bed as he looked at her.

“What did you know?”

“That I wanted to be with you, and that I needed to be the kind of man who deserved you. I didn’t think I was that man before, but now I know that I
am.” His fist opened up and revealed the medical tape, which had been crafted into a circular ring shape. He held it out to her, an offering. “Kallie
Young, will you do me the honor—the greatest honor of my life—and marry me?”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. But then she realized that all she’d ever had was this belief that somehow, someway, things would work
out between them.

Even when all the odds had been stacked against them, she’d never truly given up. “Of course I’ll marry you,” she said. “Nothing in the world could
make me happier.”

She took the “ring” and slipped it on her finger. “Hey, it fits,” she laughed.

“It’s not much, I know—but it’s the best I can do on such short notice. And like I said, I don’t want to waste another second. Soon, when I get out of
here, you’ll have something a little more substantial to replace it with.”

“I don’t care about that. I love this ring more than any diamond,” she said, and she wasn’t lying. She looked down at her finger with the tape ring, and
she had tears in her eyes.

“I love you, Kallie,” he said.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

“Now come here and kiss me,” he told her.

She rose off her seat and did as he commanded.

***

Scarlett wandered outside for a while, just drifting along the street and taking in the sights and sounds. Los Angeles was so different from New York
and the East Coast in general. The heat, the people in skimpy clothing, and everyone seemed to be smiling and friendly—unless you were a
smoker of course. She’d never been frowned at so much for smoking as she was in L.A. It was like they thought she was a violent criminal, the way
they turned up their noses and sniffed in disgust at her.

In any case, she was abstaining from smoking for a little while, and so she didn’t have to deal with any dirty looks from the other pedestrians.

Now that Hunter was going to be okay, Scarlett’s thoughts turned back to herself and what she was going to do with her life. She was at a
crossroads.

Terrence was dead. It was horrible that he was dead—yet she was glad he was dead. The man was a killer, and her entanglement with him was
one of the big regrets of her life. She’d known he was dangerous of course, he’d pretty much advertised it in flashing neon lights. But she’d never
realized just how far it went, and that he would do something so drastic to people that he hardly even knew.

She’d obviously been lucky to escape with her life.

But her irresponsibility had almost cost Hunter and Kallie their lives. Because of her, Hunter had taken a bullet and nearly died.

She knew that the only penance she could do now was to try and pick up the pieces and find a way to become self-sustaining, to earn her own way
in the world and stop trying to take from others.

Step one would be to get a job, and step two would be to get her own place. She appreciated Kallie’s assurances that she could stay where she
was, but Scarlett didn’t want to take advantage of anyone’s generosity anymore.

It has to end now, she thought.

Just because you were robbed of a childhood doesn’t mean you get to continue it

into adulthood.

Scarlett didn’t know if she’d heard that phrase somewhere—maybe a past therapist—or if she made it up herself. Either way, she wanted to
remember it, because it was true.

Eventually, she decided it was time to stop wandering the streets and head back to the hospital. She went up to the ICU and found Hunter and
Kallie kissing and laughing and generally acting like teenagers at prom. They were positively giddy.

“Hey, hope I’m not interrupting?” she said, as she hesitantly entered his room.

Kallie turned to her with flushed cheeks, waving Scarlett in. “Of course not!

Come in here, silly, and celebrate with us.”

“I should have brought champagne,” Scarlett said.

Hunter chuckled. “I’d love a drink right about now. Can you sneak some in?”

“If you want. What’s the occasion?”

Kallie and Hunter exchanged looks and then started giggling again. “Should we tell her?” Hunter said.

“Why not?” Kallie shrugged.

“Tell me what?”

Kallie held up her hand and extended her ring finger out for Scarlett to see.

“What do you think of it?” Kallie asked.

Scarlett squinted. “Is that some kind of art project?”

“It’s my engagement ring,” Kallie squealed.

“Temporary engagement ring,” Hunter corrected her. “I’ll be getting her a new one as soon as I get out of here.”

“You’re engaged? Seriously?”

“Yes.” Kallie leaned in and the two of them kissed yet again.

Scarlett was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Hunter looked so positively alive. The last time she’d seen him, he’d been having what
looked like cardiac arrest, and it had been frighteningly grim. Now, some hours later, he appeared to be in fantastic shape, as if he were almost
ready to leave the hospital.

“That’s amazing. Congratulations,” she told them, and realized that she actually meant it.

“Thanks,” Kallie said. “You’re the first person we’ve told about it.”

Now she felt that sense of happiness bubbling up inside—the sense that also brought with it the familiar, old taste of fear. She liked that Kallie liked
her. But what if Kallie’s feelings changed? Scarlett wanted to be friends, but friendship had always been so quick to turn on her in the past, like a
dog gone bad.

Still, she didn’t want to let her past insecurities taint the present moment. She watched Kallie and Hunter look into each other’s eyes and realized
that she could choose to just be happy for them. She took herself out of the picture entirely.

Here are two people who finally found one another. It’s got nothing to do with

me and my needs and fears and hopes.

One of the ICU nurses came in and checked on Hunter, making small talk and telling them how pleased the staff was at the quick turnaround he’d
made. “It’s like a miracle,” she said.

“She’s the miracle worker,” Hunter said, grabbing Kallie’s hand. “They should put her in one of those Disney movies where she goes around singing
and dancing and twirling through the air with her magic umbrella.”

“So now I’m Mary Poppins?”

“Maybe it’s the drugs talking,” Hunter admitted.

The nurse laughed, and then exited the room.

Hunter was growing tired, and his eyes were starting to drift closed now and then.

Kallie looked at Scarlett. “He probably needs to rest.”

“I’m exhausted and I haven’t been through anything,” Scarlett said. “I really can’t figure out how he has so much energy.”

“You’ve been through something,” Kallie told her. Her voice was earnest.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Scarlett nodded. “Thanks for saying that. Even though I’m not sure I’ve been through anything that wasn’t my own doing.”

“How long are you going to stay in Los Angeles?” Kallie asked her.

Scarlett thought about it, shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve barely had a chance to catch my breath.”

“Do you need to go back to work soon?”

“I don’t have a job.”

“Oh.” Kallie shrugged. “Well that’s good, then. You can stay out here until we go back, when Hunter gets released.”

“No,” Scarlett said. “It’s not good. I need to get back and find a job.”

“Like what? What are you looking for?”

“I don’t know. I’ve done some waitressing…”

Kallie gave Scarlett an enigmatic look. “We can find you something better than that.”

“Something wrong with being a waitress?”

“Not at all, but there’s not the best job security or benefits.”

Scarlett nodded. “True.” Also true was that she didn’t particularly enjoy waiting tables. But it was better than nothing.

“Give me some time to talk about it with Hunter,” Kallie said.

“I don’t want you doing me anymore favors. You’ve done enough.”

“Just don’t worry about it,” Kallie laughed. “It’s going to be fine, I promise.”

Scarlett wanted to believe her. She really did, but she wasn’t so sure.

***

Kallie stayed in the hospital until about nine o’clock that night. Hunter just slept most of the rest of the day. She wasn’t surprised. After all, he’d been
through the ringer and then some.

Dr. Walsh came in and checked on him once and seemed very pleased with everything she was seeing, especially the fact that his fever was gone
and his temperature was completely normal. She told Kallie she would be back again in the morning.

Scarlett left around dinnertime, but offered to come back later. Kallie told her not to worry.

When Hunter woke up very briefly, Kallie caressed his hair and gave him some water to drink. He was very drowsy and a little bit high from the
drugs.

He began singing to her in a quiet voice. “This thing called love, I just…can’t handle it…”

“Shhh….You don’t need to serenade me right now. Later.”

“I love singing to you, my love.”

“I know.” She laughed.

“I had a dream that Scarlett died,” he said.

Kallie got a chill. “You did?”

“Yeah.” His eyes were far away. “Terrence came back—crawled out of his grave and killed her in her sleep.”

“Hunter, that’s awful.”

“I know. You keep an eye on her, Kallie, okay? She’s…she needs someone to look after her sometimes.”

“Okay. I was thinking about seeing if she wanted to nanny for Red and Nicole.”

“Isn’t that your job?”

Kallie shrugged. “I’m not sure I’m really cut out for being a nanny.”

“I don’t think Scarlett is, either.”

“Maybe something else, then.”

Hunter’s eyes were closing again. “Maybe she can direct the movie if Bryson can’t hack it….” His eyes closed and he began to snore lightly.

Hunter slept for the remainder of the time she was there, and she didn’t want to disturb him. When they announced that visiting hours were ending,
Kallie leaned in and gave Hunter another long kiss on the cheek. He murmured something—it might have been,

I love you

—but she couldn’t be

sure.

“Love you so much,” she said, staring at his beautiful face for a long moment before she finally left the room.

When she got outside to walk back to the hotel, she found Detective Phillips standing there. He was wearing another beige suit, and still had dark
circles under his eyes. “Walk you back?” he said.

She started walking in the direction of the hotel, annoyed but unable to quite grasp why she was so annoyed. “You still look like you need sleep,”
she told him, as he caught up to her.

“I know. I don’t sleep well in hotels.”

“Then maybe you should go home.”

He chuckled. “You know I can’t do that.”

She glanced at him as they walked. “And you know that I’m not really in any danger from Terrence’s son. He’s hiding, he’s probably in another
country. He’s got warrants out for his arrest.”

“I’m not so sure. We know his father was dangerous to the point of self-destruction. How do we know Trevor isn’t just as bad as the father?”

“He probably would have done something by now if that was the case. And I think his father was clearly the bad guy, the one who ran things.”

“Trevor’s record indicates that he’s just as capable of violence as Terrence. You know firsthand, Kallie.”

She rolled her eyes. Part of her realized that the reason she found the detective’s presence so aggravating was that she was frightened by what he
implied.

“I don’t want to live in fear,” she said, finally.

“Of course you don’t. But this is how things are right now. Eventually, we’ll catch Trevor and he’ll go away for a long time. Until then, caution is a
good and healthy attitude.”

They kept walking together. As they started to approach the hotel, there was a series of flashes and pops from nearby. “Kallie! Kallie!” A male voice
screamed.

She turned and was blinded by another series of flashes, but she was able to make out a shadowy figure approaching.

The detective moved a little in front of her. “Excuse me,” he said. “We’re going inside. Let us through.”

“Kallie, is Hunter alive?” the man asked. More flashes.

She finally put it together that this man was some kind of paparazzi or reporter.

“Just leave me alone, please,” she said, squinting and trying to move away.

“Just give me a picture. Come on. Kallie, Kallie, don’t be a bitch.”

Suddenly, Detective Phillips flew forward, grabbing the man by his shirt and shaking him so hard that the camera fell to the concrete with a loud
crash.

“Next time you take unwanted pictures, I’ll knock so many teeth out you’ll get mistaken for a fucking Jack ‘O Lantern,” Phillips warned him. Then he
let the man go, grabbed Kallie by the elbow and quickly maneuvered her inside the hotel.

“That’s an expensive camera, fuckhead!” the man cried out as they went inside.

Kallie was shaking from the encounter. It felt like she’d been attacked physically, and she was getting vivid flashbacks from her assault and the
restaurant shooting.

“Just keep walking,” Phillips instructed. “I’m sorry I didn’t see that coming.”

Kallie put a hand up to shield the side of her face. Dimly, she could still hear the man yelling from outside.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“Come on. To the elevator.” Phillips led her past the hotel café and the chairs and couches in the lobby, all the way to the bank of elevators. He
pushed the button and they waited together in silence.

Finally the elevators came and he rode up to her floor with her.

She was wishing for Hunter. This was when he would hold her and tell her that everything was okay. But having the detective here with her wasn’t the
worst thing in the world.

She kept seeing Terrence and his eyes, filled with insanity and bloodlust. He’d been ready to kill her, and having seen that, she could never unsee
it. It was a split-second vision that she’d been able to push out of her mind when she’d been dealing with Hunter’s health. But now that Hunter was
getting better, she couldn’t keep pushing what happened out of her mind.

It was back with a vengeance.

She shuddered as the elevator doors opened and Phillips had to escort her out into the hallway, to her room. “Are you scared?” he asked.

“I’m all right,” she lied. “I think I’m just overtired.”

At her door, he stood for a long moment. “I can stand guard out here tonight if you’d like.”

“No. Don’t be silly.”

“It’s not silly. You’re white as a ghost.”

“I don’t want you to stand outside my room tonight, Detective.”

He nodded briskly. “As you wish.”

She opened the door and started to walk in. He was already heading back down the hall. Kallie stepped out once more and called to him.
“Detective Phillips?”

He stopped and looked at her. “Yeah?”

“If you could walk me to the hospital tomorrow morning, that would be nice.”

He smiled and nodded. “My pleasure, Kallie. Sleep tight, now.” And then he continued walking away from her.

She went inside her room and shut the door, bolted it. Suddenly, she was wracked by shaking and she sunk to the floor, sobbing.

Everything was playing out again in her head—the madness, the terror of everything she’d witnessed. The sheer enormity of the violence was
beyond comprehension. Hunter had nearly been killed, and she’d also watched him murder a man with his bare hands.

She’d nearly died herself.

Kallie crawled across the floor, only instead of the carpet of the hotel room pressing against her hands and knees, she instead felt the hard and
gritty sensation of the restaurant floor. The sting of broken glass, the blood. She held up her hands and saw the deep, deep red—and her mouth
opened to peel out a scream that never came.

She jumped up to her feet and ran to her bed. Then she was under the covers, whimpering and crying as the darkness overwhelmed her.

She could see his eyes again—Terrence’s wild, mad eyes. He was like Charles Manson reborn, those gleefully crazy eyes capable of anything and
everything.

Kallie knew she would never, ever forget those eyes, as long as she lived…

But somehow, she did forget—or at least, she was able to drift into an uneasy sleep where Terrence and his madness couldn’t follow her.

She awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and most of the anxiety and fear from the previous night had drained away to almost nothing. It was
like some bad dream.

She was smiling now, thinking of Hunter.

But she was also starving, realizing she hadn’t eaten in a very long time.

Kallie took a brief shower, and then dressed in her very last outfit combination.

After this, someone would certainly catch on that she was wearing the same clothes over and over—she now officially needed a new wardrobe out
here.

She went downstairs and decided to grab a bite to eat at the café before she met the detective to walk to the hospital. As she was sitting down with
a Danish and coffee (and trying to ignore the stares of the other patrons), Kallie saw Lydia walking by. She looked like she’d been out all night
drinking and hadn’t even gone to bed yet.

When Lydia turned her head and saw Kallie, her eyes grew wide as saucers.

“You’re back!” she shouted, coming inside the restaurant. “Nobody knew where you were.”

“What do you mean?” Kallie asked, lowering her voice and hoping that Lydia might take the hint. No such luck.

Lydia wasn’t much for hints or subtlety. “I mean, Sean and your mom and dad have been wondering if you were ever going to make time to see
anyone.”

“I’ve been busy, Lydia. Hunter was in critical condition until late yesterday.

When did I have time?”

“I’m just saying, you’re down here now. Will you stay and see everyone for a bit?”

Kallie looked at the time on her phone. “I really need to go to the hospital.”

Lydia’s eyes narrowed. “If I tell them you were here and refused to even see them—“

“Don’t tell them, then,” Kallie said. But she knew it wasn’t right to blow her family off. As crazy as it seemed, Lydia actually had a point for once.

“Please, Kallie. Can I tell them you’re here?”

“Of course,” Kallie relented.

Lydia smiled and made a fist like she’d just scored the winning goal. “Give me two minutes. I’ll go round up the troops.”

“Great.” Kallie faked a smile, and Lydia ran out of the café.

Kallie went back to eating her Danish and pretending that nobody was staring at her. It was so strange feeling known, realizing that there were news
stories and newspaper articles being written about her and Hunter. She wasn’t reading them, but she was aware they existed and others were
clearly staying more informed.

At one point, a young woman with striking red hair actually approached her table.

“Excuse me,” the woman said nervously.

Kallie looked up at her. “Yes?”

“I don’t mean to bother you. I just wanted to say that I am so moved by what you’ve been through. You’re so courageous.” The red haired woman
could hardly even meet Kallie’s gaze.

“Thank you for saying that,” Kallie told her. “What’s your name?”

“Theresa.”

“Theresa, that’s a lovely name. Very nice to have met you.”

The woman smiled as if Kallie had just told her she was going to give her a thousand dollars. “My thoughts are with you and Hunter,” Theresa said.
“Thanks for talking to me.” She gave a small wave and a self-conscious smile as she left.

“Of course. Of course.” Kallie watched her go, a sense of unreality washing over her. Theresa had so much emotion in her eyes, and it was clear
that speaking to Kallie had been very important to her. Kallie was trying to fathom how it was possible that she’d created this effect in someone
she’d never even met.

It was strange. She supposed that if she ever met Meryl Streep, Kallie might be just as nervous. Maybe that’s how celebrities felt when strangers
came up to them with the weight of so much expectation and emotion. How could you deal with all of those intimate needs from so many people
you’d never met?

She was thinking about that when she was confronted with the intimate needs of people who she had known her entire life, as her parents and
brother filed into the café to see her. Lydia was leading the pack, jabbering away loud enough for all to hear.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw her just sitting here by herself,” Lydia said.

What’s wrong with sitting alone? Kallie wondered. Some time alone was nice once in awhile. Lydia was one of those women who’d never been to a
movie by herself, or out to a restaurant with just a newspaper or a book. Kallie had never been that desperately social.

She stood up and gave hugs to her mother and father and Sean. Sean gave her a stern look. “What am I now, chopped liver? Haven’t heard from
you in days, sis.”

“I’m sorry. It’s been so busy and there were some tough moments. I didn’t have a chance to stop and catch my breath.”

As everyone sat down, Kallie noticed that there was that same tension in the air, left over from the other day when her parents had begged her to go
back with them to Ohio. She could see it written all over their faces, still.

“Where’s your bodyguard?” her father asked, as a waitress came to the table and set down coffee cups and a large pot for them.

“He should be down in a little bit,” Kallie said. “And he’s not really a bodyguard.

Just a detective.”

“What’s the difference? He’s paid to protect you,” Sean replied.

Her mother looked at her with sad eyes. “I’ve barely been able to sleep, I’m so worried for you.”

“I know,” Kallie said. Silently, she cursed Lydia for bringing everyone down here to start this same old song and dance. She didn’t want or need this
kind of drama.

“You know, but you’re still going to stay on course,” her mother sighed.

“It’s what I want to do,” Kallie said, simply. “I don’t have any doubts.”

“Maybe you don’t,” Sean said, “but what about Hunter?”

“What about him?”

“Maybe he does have doubts. Have you talked about any of this with him?”

Kallie crossed her arms. “What Hunter and I talk about is our business.”

“Don’t get defensive,” her mother said. “We’re only saying this out of love.”

“I know that, but you’re not listening to me. I love Hunter and I belong wherever he is.”

“You’re too young to know who you belong with.”

“I don’t agree.”

The table fell silent. Lydia tapped the tabletop with her fingernails. “Guys, this is silly. Kallie’s a rock star. Why are we raining on her parade?”

Kallie hated Lydia’s fawning almost as much if not more than the rest of her family’s disapproving commentary. “I’m not a rock star. I’m just a normal
person who’s doing the best I can.”

Her father smiled a little. “I was always hoping one of my kids would grow up to be a rock star. I just thought that meant actually playing in a band,
like The Beatles or something.”

Everyone laughed a bit at this, and that seemed to break the ice. Normal conversation resumed, with Kallie asking everyone about what they’d
been doing the last day or two, and explaining the emergency surgery Hunter had undergone that had helped discover what was causing the
infection.

When she was finished catching them up on everything, Sean gave her a brotherly pat on the back. “I’m proud of you, Kallie. You hold up good
under pressure.”

She grinned. “Thanks, Sean.”

Just when it seemed that the meal might end on a pleasant note, one of the hotel staff entered the café and headed straight for table. “Miss Young?”
he said, as he got closer.

“Yes?” she replied, wondering what this could be about.

“Your fiancé has called the front desk, looking for you, ma’am.”

Kallie felt her face flush. She couldn’t imagine why Hunter hadn’t called her cell.

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” She pulled out her cell and saw that it had died. She needed to charge the damn thing better.

“Kallie,” Sean said.

She looked at him. “Please, let’s not get into this right now.”

He reached out and took her hand roughly. “What the hell is that?” he asked, gesturing to the ring Hunter had used to propose yesterday.

“Okay,” she said, wrenching her hand free. “We’re engaged. Hunter proposed to me yesterday and I accepted.”

“Oh my God!” Lydia squealed. “That is so fucking awesome!”

Kallie felt like sliding under the table. Everyone was staring at them now.

Her parents looked like she’d just told them she had contracted a fatal disease.

Sean’s face was red. “Yeah, really awesome. Congrats.” He said it without a hint of genuine happiness for her.

“Thanks,” she said, sarcastically. “The support is appreciated.”

“Kallie,” her father said. “You know we support you. We’ll always support you.

We love you.”

Her mother nodded. “Just because we’re concerned, doesn’t mean we aren’t happy that you’ve found someone you care about.”

“Well, I don’t support it,” Sean told her. “I mean, I know Hunter’s a good guy and he risked his life for you—but that doesn’t mean I think you should
marry him.”

“This isn’t a democratic decision,” Kallie said. “I make my own choices. I didn’t put it up for a family vote.”

“You tell them, Kallie,” Lydia said, nodding.

“Now I really need to take Hunter’s call, if you would excuse me.” Kallie stood up and went to the front desk. The concierge handed the phone over
to her.

“Hunter?” she said.

“Babe.”

“Are you okay?”

“Dr. Walsh just came by and looked me over. Said I might be released as early as the day after tomorrow now.”

“Are you serious?”

“I am indeed. Also, I got on the phone with Max Weisman this morning.”

“What? You’re making business calls now?”

Hunter laughed. “Yeah, I’m rolling calls from my hospital bed. That’s dedication for you.”

“I guess so.” She smiled, loving the sound of his voice and hearing his vitality.

“Anyway, we’re going to have a meeting tomorrow with the team, including some suits from Sony Pictures.”

Kallie shook her head. “Sony Pictures? Why would they be involved?”

“For distribution. Max Weisman is big, but he can’t roll out a major film to all the theatres nationwide and worldwide the way that Sony can. Getting
them involved is huge, so this meeting is going to be very, very important.”

“Shouldn’t we wait until you’re released from the hospital?”

“I can call in on the phone, but you need to be there in person with Bryson to represent us.”

She wasn’t so sure about that, but decided not to push back right now. “Okay,”

she said. “You’re the boss.”

“You remembered,” he joked. “See you soon?”

“Yes. Very soon.” They said their goodbyes and then she gave the receiver back to the concierge.

Her family was still conversing in the café. She watched them all with mixed emotions, knowing how much they all cared, but wishing that for once—
maybe they would care just a little bit less.

“Ready to hit the road?” a voice said from over her shoulder.

She turned and found the detective there, looking freshly shaven and slightly more well rested than he had appeared yesterday.

“Yes, more than ready. Just one second.” She went back to the café and told everyone she’d be at the hospital the rest of the day and didn’t know
when she would be free again.

People looked glum, but Kallie didn’t know what else to do. She wasn’t in L.A.

to play host to her family, but to take care of Hunter and everything that went along with that. Her family would just have to understand.

And for the most part, they seemed to be trying to—everyone but Sean, who was sullen and quiet as she said goodbye.

Minutes later, she and the detective were leaving the hotel out a back entrance, as he’d done some reconnaissance and noted that there was an
SUV out front with some paparazzi schmoozing in and around it.

They took a side street and avoided the press, eventually coming back to the main road without losing too much time. “This media thing is only
going to intensify the longer you’re here in L.A.,” Phillips noted as they walked.

“Why? Nothing interesting’s even happened.”

“It’s just how it is. They’ve latched onto your story, and the fact that you’re so reclusive and mysterious is only enticing them further.”

“So you’re saying it would be better if I went out and did a million interviews and chased after the reporters? That would make them leave me
alone?”

“No. You’re pretty much screwed either way,” he said drily.

They got to the hospital and then Phillips departed for a bite at the cafeteria, while Kallie went the rest of the way to Hunter’s room.

Hunter was in rare form. He was joking with one of the nurses, sitting up in bed.

He looked like a new man. She couldn’t believe it.

When he saw her, Hunter waved her to him. “Come here, you little vixen.”

She came closer and he reached out, pulling her towards him. “Careful, you’re going to pull out your stitches,” she said.

“I don’t give a shit,” he said. His grip was firm and strong, and for the first time in a little while, she felt the familiar sexual arousal from Hunter’s
forceful presence. Her nipples stiffened beneath her blouse as he pulled her into his embrace and gave her a long, passionate kiss.

“Oh my,” the nurse said, turning red. “I wish I had a tenth of that with my husband.”

Kallie tried to extricate herself from his affections, not wanting to cause a scene.

“Honey…” she said. “Let’s not get in trouble for too much PDA.”

“It’s not PDA,” Hunter said. “This is rehab. This is the best physical therapy I can get, isn’t it?”

The nurse nodded. “Oh yes. Absolutely. Well, let me leave you to it.” She pulled the curtain as she left, causing Hunter to laugh uproariously. A
moment later, the door to the room swung closed as well.

Kallie shook her head. “You sure they’re not giving you too many drugs?”

Hunter sat back in his bed, sighing contentedly. “Just the right amount, as far as I’m concerned. I actually ate a full breakfast this morning,” he told
her, gesturing to the discarded tray with its empty plates nearby. “And I even had a full bowel movement.”

“Yuck.” Kallie wrinkled her nose.

“Hey, do you know how big a deal that is? My system’s coming back online.

I’m fucking alive.”

She looked at him. It was true. His skin color was normal and healthy, his eyes were sharp and alert. He looked slightly thinner from not having
eaten much recently, and his chest was still heavily bandaged—but other than that, he did look incredible considering what he’d been through.

“You do look damn good,” she allowed. “Just don’t overdo it.”

Hunter shook his head. “I’m sick of underdoing it. I think back about how I was living my life, and it pisses me off. I wasn’t fully committing to my life
before. I wasn’t fully committing to you. Well, that’s finished,” he said, slicing his hand through the air.

“Done. This is the new me.”

“Okay, okay,” she said. “I believe you.”

“Come here,” he told her, his eyes suddenly burning into hers with new intensity.

“That curtain’s shut for a reason.”

Kallie laughed, but she came back to his side again, leaned in and kissed him, returning his passion now with her own fire. Her love for him had
grown immensely in the last days, and along with it—her attraction. If she could have climbed on top of him right then and there, she would have.

Hunter’s hand ran up her thigh, showing that he too wanted what she wanted.

His tongue pressed into her mouth, exploring as if for the first time. Kallie moaned, yearning for him. She’d been waiting for this, wondering if she’d
ever have him back again. Now that she saw he was truly going to be okay, she was barely able to contain her wanting.

“I need you,” he said, breaking away and staring into her eyes.

“I need you too,” she replied, nearly breathless.

“I want to see you naked. I want to kiss you all over.”

“Me too. More than anything.”

“Let’s do it.” Her put a hand beneath her blouse and started to move up toward her breasts.

She pulled back. “Not here, Hunter!”

“Why the hell not?”

“You know why. When you’re released, and we can get some privacy, then I’ll be all yours.”

He threw his head back against his pillow in mock petulance. “That’s ridiculous.

I can’t wait that long. Besides, this is my therapy. Do you want to help me get better or not?”

“Of course I do.”

“Okay, then at least sit on my bed with me,” he said, patting a spot next to him.

She got up on it, although there wasn’t much room. She could feel his warmth through the sheets, and it felt good to be close to him again. He lay
back and looked at her as she ran her hands over his stomach.

“Does that feel good?” she asked him.

“Too damn good,” he muttered, his nostrils flaring. “You have no clue what I would do to you right now.”

“I think I have a pretty good idea.” She rubbed his stomach more sensually, wanting to go lower, knowing what she would find there. The thought of
taking him in her mouth suddenly occurred to her, and despite her reservations about their privacy—

she was having trouble resisting the urge.

Hunter’s eyes closed now, as she continued her delicate massage. She knew he’d never expect her to pull a stunt like this, which was another part
of its appeal.

Her hands strayed down, pulling the sheet lower still. She checked over her shoulder. There were two layers of security—the curtain and the door. If
someone walked in, she’d have enough time to stop….well, she was pretty sure. However, if she wasn’t able to hear them come in, it could be quite
embarrassing for everyone.

“Your hands are like magic,” Hunter sighed contentedly.

Kallie slid the sheet down until she revealed the lower portion of his hospital gown. The top portion had been unsnapped to allow for his dressing
over his chest. But the lower portion of the gown was still snapped.

She slowly allowed her hand to grasp onto his erection through the soft gown. He let out a low moan of pleasure. She began stroking him over the
material, enjoying the sensation of his hard cock as it grew even stiffer. “Is this the kind of physical therapy you had in mind?” she asked him softly.

“This is exactly it,” he said. “I’m feeling stronger already.”

“You do feel strong,” she agreed, speeding up her ministrations. She was having a hard time resisting him. She wanted him so badly, wanted to
feel that hardness in her mouth—wanted to take him all the way in, to taste him, to suck him.

Finally, she began unsnapping his gown so that she could reach in. His cock started to poke its head insistently out, and she could no longer resist
the temptation.

Kallie leaned down and sucked the tip of his cock for a few seconds, as Hunter gasped.

“That’s incredible,” he groaned. “Holy shit, Kallie.”

“You like that?” she asked slyly, as she came up and began stroking him faster now, the spit from her mouth giving her hand some lubrication.

“I do,” he gasped.

“Good,” she said, diving down and taking his entire shaft into her mouth.

Between her legs was instantly wet as she enjoyed the familiar taste of him, the saltiness.

She loved having his cock in her mouth just about as much as having it in her pussy.

Kallie bobbed her head up and down on him.

“That’s very nice,” he said. His hands grabbed her hair and tugged on it as she continued to suck on him. He was getting a little rough, which Kallie
knew was a sign that he was beginning to really enjoy himself.

Her tongue licked up and around his hardness as she took him in and let him out rhythmically. She used her hand to work the lower part of his shaft
as she continued to suck.

“I’m going to come,” he announced. “I want you to take it all—every last drop, Kallie.”

She liked that he was taking charge again. That was yet another sign of his return to normal. Hunter loved to give her orders and anything else
would have been strange.

He pumped his hips towards her, forcing her to take him in again and again, deeper and deeper. She knew he was about to release and anxiously
awaited it. She was so anxious, in fact, that when he finally exploded in her mouth, she came simultaneously.

That was new—she hadn’t even been touching herself.

A wave of heat exploded between her legs and she shuddered with excitement, as he came violently, spurting his semen down her throat and
groaning as he did so.

“Damn it,” he said, his legs flexing and stiffening with the effort. She could feel his entire body going rigid as he pulsed into her mouth.

There was a lot of cum, but she took his order seriously, and dutifully drank it all down. Finally, he was finished.

When she came up, she smiled. “Wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a drop.”

Then she pulled the covers back over his lower half.

“That was incredible,” he said, appearing almost shaken from what she’d done to him.

“I’m glad you liked it. I liked it too.”

“Liked it?” he laughed weakly. “You nearly sent me back to the operating room with that stunt. Christ.” He put a hand up to his forehead and took a
long breath.

Kallie got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. When she came back, Hunter was having some water and sitting up again.

“So, this meeting tomorrow,” he said. “I already called Bryson, so he’s on board.”

“What time and where do I go?” she asked, sitting in one of the chairs.

Hunter was back in business mode. He was checking his cell. “Max Weisman’s office. Meeting’s at two o’clock. Make sure to dress appropriately,”
he said, glancing up at her outfit.

She looked down at her own clothes with some anxiety. “What does that mean?”

“It means, you need to come correct to this thing. Very classy, business sexy.”

“Business sexy?”

“Yes.” He glared at her, reminding her even more of his old self. This time, she was less happy about it.

“Okay, I think I can handle dressing myself. But what else do I do?”

“I’ll be on the phone so I can still handle the delicate stuff. The most important thing we need to do is assert ourselves as being on par with Max, and
make sure that he doesn’t attempt to undermine Bryson’s credibility with the suits from Sony.”

“And how do we do that?”

“You’ll know it when it becomes necessary. You’re a smart girl.”

“I already set Max straight about messing with us,” she said.

Hunter laughed. “Impossible. This is Hollywood. These people are worse than mobsters and criminals. The criminals get eaten alive out here. There
is nothing tougher and dirtier than the movie business.”

Kallie thought about showing up at the meeting with just her and Bryson. She would feel outnumbered, especially with Hunter being only a voice
over a phone. And then it occurred to her. “What about Scarlett?”

“What about her?”

“I want to bring her along,” Kallie said.

“Why?” His brow knit in confusion.

“She’ll help even out the numbers during the meeting.”

Hunter shrugged. “Being outnumbered is never good, so you’ve got my blessing on this. Just make sure she knows to keep quiet and not say
anything stupid.”

Kallie sat back and smiled, feeling pleased with herself.

***

It was nearing evening when Scarlett went to the bookstore. It was only about five blocks from her hotel, and better than going to some dingy bar.
She didn’t feel like being hit on by some nasty barfly or feeling as alone as she would in a place like that.

She’d considered texting Kallie and seeing if Hunter was up for a visit, but the truth of the matter was that Scarlett no longer felt comfortable visiting
him. She was starting to see herself as a very much unwanted third wheel, and now that Kallie had proven herself to be his one true love or
whatever…Scarlett didn’t want to be bitter about it.

Things with her and Hunter were never going to work out anyhow, and she’d known that for a long time. But somehow, seeing how he could be with
Kallie made Scarlett feel like a failure, like less of a woman.

The reason Hunter hadn’t shown that side of himself with Scarlett was because she hadn’t been worth it to him.

Trying to quell those negative, bleak feelings, she walked to the bookstore and browsed around for a while. It was one of those unique, eclectic
stores—not the usual chain with the Starbucks inside and the same damn books on the front tables.

This place had nooks and crannies. It had character.

Scarlett enjoyed reading, and even more so when she was in a funk. Today, she was definitely in a funk. As she walked the isles, she couldn’t stop
thinking about what to do back in New York.

How can I make some money? How can I find a place on my own?

She knew that it was wrong not to have those answers at this stage of her life.

But the sad fact was, she had squandered too many years being self-destructive and it was catching up to her now, just when she felt most ready to
change.

A child’s voice broke her out of her melancholia.

“Please, Mommy. Please.” The girl was pleading, somewhere over in the children’s section nearby.

“I said no, Delia.”

“Why not?”

“Because.” The mother had that sharp, dismissive tone that reminded Scarlett of someone else. Someone from her past.

She couldn’t help but try to get a look at the two of them. Feeling like a voyeur, Scarlett guiltily wandered into the children’s section, where a cute
little girl with auburn hair that flowed almost to her lower back was looking longingly at a book on one of the shelves.

Her mother, a very tall, thin woman with short hair of a similar color, was browsing in the youngest section with a little boy that couldn’t have been
more than five.

“You want this one, Toby?” she asked him, bending down and showing him something.

Toby made some noises of interest and the mother began showing him some of the pages.

Scarlett pretended to look at something, but her gaze returned to the little girl, Delia. The little girl was still staring at that same book. She pulled it
off the shelf and started to read it. Her little mouth curved into an enchanted smile.

Scarlett felt a deep pang of sadness and longing in her stomach. She wished she could reach out to the girl somehow. Something about her was so
achingly familiar.

The mother was coming back over now, with her young son in tow.

“Come on, Delia. Time to go.”

Delia clutched the book. “Please?”

“No. Put it back. I told you we can’t afford anymore books for you this month.

Next month we’ll get it.”

“But that’s so far away, and—“

“Back. Now.” Her mother pointed at the shelf. The girl returned the book to its rightful spot with tears in her eyes.

Scarlett had seen enough. Once they moved from the aisle and started for the front, she quickly went and grabbed the book. Running at high speed,
she got to the register and quickly bought it, using cash to speed up the transaction.

She wanted to finish before they left and disappeared. Luckily, the man at the register was speedy. A couple of minutes later, he’d bagged the
book and thanked her for shopping there.

Scarlett went outside and spotted the woman putting her youngest in his car seat while Delia waited patiently nearby.

“Excuse me,” Scarlett said. “Excuse me,” she said again, when the woman didn’t notice her.

“Mommy, there’s a lady here for you,” Delia said, tugging at her mother’s shirt.

The woman stood up straight, looking severe in the sunlight, taller than Scarlett by a good few inches. “Can I help you?” she said.

Scarlett held out the bag to her. “I couldn’t help but overhearing your discussion in there,” she said. “About the book.”

The woman frowned, hesitantly accepting the bag and opening it to look inside.

Her eyes narrowed. “I can’t take this.”

“Please. It’s my pleasure, really. It’s nothing.”

The woman’s lips tightened. “We’re not that poor,” she said. “We just have to watch what we spend. That’s all.”

“It’s fine. I’m not—I’m not judging.” Scarlett held up her hands. “It just seemed like something nice is all.”

The woman nodded, seeming to cave in somehow. “Fine. Delia, thank the nice lady for your present.” She handed the little girl the bag and when
she looked inside and saw her book, Delia squeaked excitedly.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you! Oh!” She held it to her chest and beamed.

Scarlett felt a burst of happiness that was poignant in its sharpness. Along with that, was the wish that someone had done that for her when she was
the same age as this girl.

“I’m so glad you like it,” Scarlett smiled. “Enjoy.”

The mother was clearly annoyed, but it didn’t matter. As Scarlett walked away from the bookstore, she could hear the girl’s delighted chatter.

Midway through her walk back to the hotel, she got a call on her cell. When she saw it was Kallie, Scarlett was surprised that she got a little nervous.
She was happy that Kallie had called her. She found that she wanted Kallie to like her. “Hello?”

“Hey, Scarlett. Is this an okay time?”

“Yeah. Yeah, just taking a walk.” She found it amusing and endearing that Kallie thought she might have something important going on. She’d spent
the last day doing entirely nothing.

“Are you busy tomorrow?” Kallie said.

Again, Scarlett had to stifle a laugh. “No, I think I’m pretty free. Why?”

“I was hoping you’d do me a favor and come to a meeting with me.”

Scarlett stopped walking. “A meeting…”

“I know it sounds strange. Basically, you wouldn’t have to do anything but sit there and look good.”

Scarlett blushed a little. “Look good for whom?”

“Movie people. We’re meeting with some production people and I don’t want to go alone. Hunter’s going to be on the phone, but I need backup.”

She wasn’t sure what Kallie meant, but it occurred to her that she didn’t care about the details. It was enough to simply be included, to be thought of
for something.

“Of course I’ll do it,” she said.

“Awesome. The only thing you need to do is dress up a little bit like you’re going out to a nice restaurant. It’s a very high-powered business meeting
so we need to look sharp.”

“Got it.” Scarlett had luckily brought one nice outfit along with her, for just in case. So this had vindicated that decision.

“Can you be at my hotel by two o’clock tomorrow?” Kallie asked.

“Sure thing.” Scarlett tried to inject enthusiasm into her voice. She wanted Kallie to know she was excited to be asked.

“Thanks. I owe you one!” Kallie said, as they got off the phone.

Scarlett hung up and continued walking with a spring in her step and a smile on her face. She was actually beginning to wonder if her luck was
changing.

***

Bryson was waiting for them outside of Max Weisman’s building when they arrived the next day.

“Fancy meeting you here,” he said, grinning at Kallie as she got out of the cab.

“You look sharp,” she said, admiring his crisp new suit. It seemed to accentuate his height. He still had the shaggy blond ‘do but it went well with the
formal attire. He looked the part, she decided. His part was of a maverick director—an artist—who was dressing up for a meeting with the suits.
They would understand his shaggy hair and the light beard stubble. He was creative—he wasn’t one of their bean counters.

Scarlett approached him with an obvious lack of enthusiasm. “Hey,” she said, her voice barely registering any human emotion.

Bryson smiled at her. “Nice to see you again,” he said. “And under happier circumstances, too.”

Kallie recalled how the two of them had bickered in the waiting room of the hospital. Clearly, Scarlett wasn’t a huge fan of his. Kallie had no idea
why, but she didn’t particularly care at the moment. There were more important matters at hand.

“Well, no time like the present,” Kallie said. “Let’s head up and see what Max has in store for us today.” She tried to smile confidently.

Bryson opened the door and motioned Kallie and Scarlett through. Scarlett rolled her eyes, which Kallie noticed, but decided to ignore.

On the way up in the elevator, Kallie reminded Bryson that his main goal was just to stay assertive and confident. “But don’t overdo it. Listen and be
accommodating within reason. Don’t overcompensate.”

“Overcompensate for what?” he laughed.

“I can imagine a few things,” Scarlett said.

He gave her an annoyed look. “Did I do something to offend you?”

“No.” She sighed. “I was just making conversation.”

“You have an odd way of making conversation.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Anyway,” Kallie said, trying to steer things back on track, “we all just need to stay calm and project confidence. If they ask us something we don’t
know the answer to, just turn things over to Hunter and he’ll do it.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Bryson said.

Scarlett nodded, but Kallie thought she looked scared. At the same time, Scarlett had dressed perfectly, in a navy shift dress that truly suited her
figure. Her hair was perfect, her high heels were sexy and sophisticated, as requested.

Kallie was pleased with her own appearance as well. She’d managed to purchase a nice strappy vest and pencil skirt earlier in the morning, so
Kallie felt dressed appropriately. However, she didn’t even remotely feel prepared, even after a long phone call with Hunter to calm her nerves on
the ride over.

Hunter had told her he had every confidence in her abilities. “How can you be nervous about this after what we’ve been through?” he’d asked her.

She didn’t know the answer at the time, but she was even more nervous now.

Somehow, this felt like a very big deal.

They arrived at Max’s outer chambers, where they were greeted by his male assistant. “Come right in,” he said, his face betraying anxiety. “Max is
waiting for you.”

He smiled at Kallie in the way she’d started to become accustomed to recently. People knew her now—they wanted to connect with her somehow.
She could read it in their faces, in their eyes, the way they continually stole glances at her or even stared if they thought she wouldn’t notice.

Kallie ignored the assistant’s hopeful gaze as he led them to Max’s office.

As they got closer, Kallie could hear the voices—Max’s was of course the loudest one by far. His bellowing laughter greeted them as his assistant
knocked. “Miss Young is here,” the assistant announced, simultaneously opening the door.

When they entered the office, Max was already mid-lumber toward her, his arms outstretched for the requisite bear hug. “Kallie, what a sight for
sore eyes.” He gave her a big hug, and she could smell coffee and onions and perhaps cigar smoke as he held her tightly.

When he was done with her, he introduced himself to Scarlett and shook Bryson’s hand, heaping effusive praise as he did so.

Meanwhile, Kallie was taking in the two people from Sony Pictures. The man was short and balding, with beady little eyes and a disapproving
expression. The woman was older, with short silvery hair cropped close to her head. Both of them were dressed very conservatively, and had an
uptight air about them.

“This is Martin Engvall, Vice President of Worldwide Distribution at Sony Pictures,” Max said.

Max shook hands with Kallie. “Pleased to meet you,” he said.

“And this is Barbara Woods, VP of Production.”

Barbara shook hands with Kallie as well, smiling with teeth that seemed too big for her mouth. “What an honor,” she said warmly.

They all took seats that had been arranged around a glossy wooden table. This table hadn’t been in the office before, so it appeared to have been
specially arranged for the occasion.

“Let’s just get Hunter on the line,” Max said, turning on the conference phone and dialing.

Hunter answered on the second ring. Introductions were made again.

Kallie introduced Scarlett as being a key member of her production team, which nobody questioned, even though it told them absolutely nothing
about her role.

Hunter cracked a few jokes about his health status that made everyone laugh.

It seemed to loosen the room up—especially Kallie. Just knowing Hunter was on the line helped her confidence.

“I’ll start things off,” Max said, already sweating as he spoke. “We called this meeting because things are moving very quickly with Bridge and
Tunnel.”

“Bridge and Tunnel?” Hunter asked.

“That’s the working title of the film,” Max replied.

“That’s news to me,” Hunter said.

The Sony people glanced at one another. Max cleared his throat. “Sorry, Hunter.

I lose track of what we’ve discussed and what we haven’t. But we’ve been tossing around some new names and thought it worked.”

“Bridge and Tunnel tested through the roof with our focus group,” Martin said.

There was a long pause. Kallie was sure Hunter was going to explode with righteous indignation, but he surprised her. “That’s fine as a working
title,” he said simply.

“Great.” Max grinned. He was positively beaming. “Fantastic.”

Bryson blew air out his mouth and sat back, but said nothing. Kallie wasn’t sure what she thought, because although they’d changed the title—she
also thought their new idea was pretty good.

“So you were saying,” Kallie prodded Max to continue.

“Right,” Max huffed. “Bridge and Tunnel is moving fast, guys. Faster than any picture I’ve seen in my whole career. I know that sounds like bullshit,
but it’s not.

Barbara and Martin can back me up on this—we’re getting tremendous heat right now.”

Martin leaned forward. “It’s true. We’ve already done some focus groups on this and the response is off the charts. People around the country are
aware of your story, and the horrible tragedy that unfolded for you all. It’s made everyone extremely curious about this film. We think that it’s going to
give us a shot at reaching the kind of audience, the kind of numbers, that’s typically reserved for action films and children’s movies.”

“Obviously, that’s part of the reason Sony signed on to do this,” Max said.

Barbara shot him a look. “That’s a part. But we also love the script. We think it’s fantastic, and we love Bryson’s writing.”

“Okay,” Hunter’s voice buzzed from the conference phone. “Let’s cut to the chase. Let’s deal with the issues.”

Max shifted in his seat. “We want to get moving on pre-production right away, with plans to hit the ground running in four to five weeks.”

Hunter said something unintelligible on his end—it sounded like he’d either laughed, or shouted an obscenity. “Are you serious?” he said, after a
moment.

“We are,” Barbara replied. “Now, we need pre-production to include some rehearsal time with the actors, some possible rewrites, and then we’ll
also need Bryson to be finished with his storyboards and master shot list within that month. It’s a lot to put on his plate.”

Bryson folded his arms. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Max gave him a look. “Of course, you might not know what it takes to do that much work in such a short timeframe.”

“I can do it.” Bryson stared confidently at him, and Max lowered his eyes.

“Good, then. Are we in agreement on the time frame?”

“It’s super aggressive,” Hunter said. “I’m not sure…”

And then his line went dead. Max began trying to dial him again, but it seemed as though the problem was with Max’s phone line. Kallie called
Hunter back and tried to put him on speaker, but he wasn’t able to hear everyone through her cell.

“Look, you’re going to have to handle this meeting until they can patch me through the conference line again,” Hunter told her. “I can’t hear anything
over your phone.”

She was aghast at the idea of doing this without him. “Are you sure?

Ummm…I’m not certain that’s such a great plan…”

“You’ll be fine,” Hunter told her. “I trust you.”

“Okay…we’ll keep trying to fix the line here.”

“Love you—call me when it’s over.”

She got off the phone and said that Hunter wanted them to continue without him until they could get the speakerphone working again.

Max smiled and nodded. “Certainly. I’ll put my assistant on it right away,” he said. But Kallie, being paranoid by nature, couldn’t help but think that
they’d intentionally screwed up the connection for just that reason. They wanted to gain an advantage in this meeting. She was certain that Max
wasn’t above these kinds of sleazy tactics.

“So the timeframe,” Max said once more. “We’re in agreement?”

Kallie nodded, trying to project an air of certainty that she didn’t feel. “Yes, we are.” She didn’t know how to argue something like this—she didn’t
know a thing about pre-production or what it would entail.

“Moving on,” Max said, sitting back and looking happy as a pig in its own excrement. “We need to discuss location.”

“We want to film here in L.A.,” Barbara said. Martin nodded as she spoke. “It has to be in L.A.,” he agreed.

Bryson stiffened next to Kallie. “My script was tailored for New York City,” he said. “New York and romantic comedies are inextricably linked. All of
the best ones have the Manhattan backdrop. You guys know that.”

“Be that as it may,” Max said, “it’s much more cost-effective and streamlined to do it locally. We have all the people here, and we can get set up
much faster.”

“Not to mention, the locations. New York can be very difficult with certain locales. Here we have soundstages galore,” Martin added.

Kallie wasn’t sure what to think. She was starting to be angry at Hunter for telling her to just take over. This was ridiculous—she was way out of her
depth here.

Not that anybody else cared. They were too busy arguing.

“I don’t think soundstages are a bonus in this case,” Bryson said. “In fact, I think they’re a horrible idea. I want to use authentic New York landmarks
and locales. That’s what will make this film feel timeless—classic.”

Tempers were rising now. Kallie could feel the temperature in the room starting to go up, and the beads of sweat on Max’s forehead were an
endorsement of that fact.

“What makes a film classic is good writing, good acting and good directing,” Max said.

“And frankly, kid, you don’t know how to make something timeless. You don’t even have film one under your belt, so let’s not talk about competing
with Annie Hall just yet.”

Bryson was about to come unglued. Kallie could see it in his face, and she was determined not to let him explode. If he lost his cool, the people
from Sony would lose faith in him before the first shot of the movie was even filmed. Kallie knew enough about human nature to know that—and she
knew enough about Max to suspect he might want that to happen.

Then he could fire Bryson and bring in someone else to direct.

“Hold on a second,” Kallie said, before anybody continued. “Let’s just back up a step or two.”

Everyone turned to look at her now.

“We’re not going to film in New York,” Max said. “It’s too expensive, the production won’t get started in time—there are just too many issues with
New York.”

“Bryson’s script is tied to New York,” Kallie said. “If you didn’t want to shoot in New York, you should have discussed that with us before now. It’s too
integral to the film. It’s the third lead.”

Max made a face. “Don’t say that. Please. Manhattan?” He waved his hand at her. “Manhattan’s like that cute girl who’s been screwed by the entire
college football team. She’s overrated and she’s been done. By just about everyone.”

Martin snorted a laugh, and Barbara just shook her head sadly. “I happen to agree with him,” she said. “Not his choice of words, but the spirit of
what he’s saying.”

Kallie knew that this was one of those times she needed to hold firm. “We’re not shooting this movie in Los Angeles. Bryson thinks Manhattan is
integral to the film’s success, and that’s reason enough for me.”

The room fell silent. Max muttered under his breath and then exchanged glances with Barbara and Martin.

“Okay, it looks like we shoot in New York.” He sighed. “This sadly puts even more pressure on the director. You’ll be dealing with weather issues,
noise issues, location issues, and it just gets worse. But who am I to keep a first-time director from committing career suicide?”

“I think I’ll be just fine,” Bryson told him.

“We’ll see,” Max sighed again.

“That brings us to casting,” Martin said, making notes now.

“Eliza Johnston is still in, right?” Kallie asked.

“She is,” Max replied.

“But we also were able to get Dale Nolan to sign on for the male lead,” Barbara said softly. Her pale blue eyes fixed on Bryson as she said it.

Bryson’s head came up. “Are you serious? Dale Nolan?”

Barbara and Martin grinned at his reaction. Even Scarlett, who had basically been mute the entire time, made a noise of disbelief. Dale Nolan was
probably one of the hottest actors in Hollywood. He’d just won an Oscar the previous year for The Long Night, in which he’d played a renegade Nazi
to astounding and unmitigated critical acclaim. Not only was he a fantastic actor, but he was fantastic looking—women adored him. He had huge
box office appeal.

“That’s incredible,” Kallie said. “When did this happen?”

“We just got word about an hour before the meeting,” Max said, his eyes sparkling with delight. “You understand that between the male and female
leads, we’re now in possession of possibly the two fastest rising stars in all of Hollywood.”

Bryson was sitting back and just shaking his head. “I really can’t believe it. I mean, to land a guy with that kind of talent—“

“But he needs a strong director,” Max interrupted. “As good as he is, you must have heard the rumors.”

“Of course,” Bryson said.

“Rumors?” Kallie asked. “What kind of rumors?”

The Sony people smirked and laughed a little. Kallie felt her face flush. Max answered her slowly, as if speaking to a child or an idiot. “It’s a poorly
kept secret that Dale Nolan can ruin a film if left to his own devices. He’s a genius who needs lots of care and feeding. Under the guidance of a
strong director, he produces incomparable work. But if a director lacks vision or strength of character, then Dale has been known to destruct…”

“And take down the whole picture with him,” Martin finished. “I can name at least four films from Dale’s past, where his behind-the-scenes antics
essentially killed the movie before it had even gone to post-production.”

Max smiled grimly, but also with some glee. “And coincidentally, four directors who never worked in Hollywood again.”

Bryson sat up taller. “I won’t be number five, Max. You can bet on that.”

Max shrugged. “Obviously, my interest is in seeing you succeed.”

“Is it?”

“Of course it is. Why would I want to see this film fail?”

“I don’t know,” Bryson replied. “You tell me.” His eyes were flinty and Kallie became aware that there was a vast reservoir of anger beneath his
lighthearted appearance. The realization unnerved her slightly. What else hadn’t she realized about Bryson before so closely tying her fate to his?

“The answer is that I want this film to do well,” Max said. “But everyone in this room knows that I don’t think you’re right to direct.”

Bryson laughed without humor. “Here we go again.”

“Max,” Kallie said. “Come on. Let’s not do this.”

“All right, all right. I apologize,” Max said. “I’m just putting cards on the table.

Dale Nolan is a huge win for us. But there are some downsides to his acquisition.”

“I’m ecstatic that you landed him,” Kallie said. “I think Hunter will be, too.”

After some brief discussion about logistics, Max asked if there was any other pressing business to attend to before ending the meeting.

Nobody said anything, and it was about to end there. But then Kallie had a burst of inspiration. “Just one quick note,” she said.

“Yes?” Max replied.

“Well, as I mentioned earlier, Scarlett is someone who’s been a huge asset to our production team. And…well…I was wondering if we might be
able to find a place for her on set in some capacity.”

Max and Barbara looked confused. Martin just shook his head.

Scarlett shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Martin said. “I don’t see where something like that fits into this meeting.”

Kallie felt like she’d been squashed underfoot. After doing so well the entire meeting, she’d gotten greedy and made a fool of herself.

“You can put her on the catering team,” Max said, gathering his notes.

“I just thought maybe there was a role for her to fill…” Kallie’s last attempt trailed off as she realized they were no longer listening to her.

Bryson turned to her then. “She can be my assistant,” he said, “if that works.”

Kallie broke into a huge smile. “Actually, that’s perfect.”

“Seems like I’ll be needing the help,” he said.

Kallie looked to Scarlett, but Scarlett’s expression was stony and cold. She didn’t seem pleased with the assignment.

Kallie didn’t care. She’d accomplished all of her goals now. As they left Max’s office, she knew that this was where she wanted to be.

Kallie loved the movie business.

***

Scarlett was still in shock as they left the building. She hadn’t expected Kallie to do any of that, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

One thing Scarlett knew was that she didn’t want to work with, near, or for, Bryson Taylor. He’d rubbed her the wrong way from the first time she’d
laid eyes on him, when he’d stomped around the hospital waiting room and shouted like an imbecile.

But the real reason you don’t like him is ridiculous

.

It’s not Bryson’s fault that he

looks like Owen.

Not just looks like Owen, she thought. He acts like Owen, speaks like him, and has the same arrogance.

Although Bryson’s better looking.

No. She couldn’t even allow herself to think such a thing. Men like Bryson Taylor were a dime a dozen. He was so clearly used to things being easy,
especially with women. He was entitled, opportunistic, and immature. She was no longer attracted to the Bryson’s of the world—and in fact, had a
hard time even being civil to that type of man.

Meanwhile, Bryson and Kallie were congratulating each other on the meeting having gone so well. “Can you believe that we got Dale fucking
Nolan?” Bryson cried out, at one point in the elevator.

Kallie giggled. “Dale freaking Nolan!”

Scarlett feigned excitement, not wanting to disappoint Kallie too much. She wondered if it would be really wrong of her to tell Kallie she didn’t want
the job.

I think I’d rather wait tables.

But she couldn’t bear to imagine how hurt Kallie would be when she told her.

After all, Kallie had gone so far out of her way to make it happen. She’d stuck her neck out for Scarlett. Scarlett knew she couldn’t hurt her for being
a good friend.

Kallie got in the cab waiting out front for them, and Scarlett was about to slide in after her, when Bryson called out to her.

“Hey, Scarlett,” he said.

She stopped and turned to face him. “Yeah?”

“We should probably set up a time to meet and discuss your position. Now that you work for me and all.” He grinned at her like the cat that ate the
canary.

“I work for Kallie and Hunter.”

“Well, since we’re going to be working together, and your title is assistant, we should probably meet to figure out what you’ll be assisting me with.”

She sighed. “Sure. Whatever.”

“I’ll get your number from Kallie and be in touch.”

She felt a burning rage at his smugness. He knew that she didn’t want to work for him.

Refusing to take his bait, she simply got in the cab and shut the door.

They drove in silence for a little while, until Kallie finally turned and looked at her with a questioning expression. “Something’s going on with you and
Bryson.”

“What do you mean?” Scarlett said, making a face.

“There seems to be some tension or issue there. Is there a problem between you two?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Are you sure? Because I only want you to do this job if it’s something you’d enjoy.”

Scarlett sighed. “Bryson just reminds me a little of an ex-boyfriend of mine. It’s no big deal.”

“Ugh.” Kallie grimaced. “That’s not good.”

“The ex was from a long time ago, when I was like seventeen. It’s really nothing.”

“You’re sure? Really, really sure?”

This is your chance to tell her that maybe it’s not such a good idea after all, Scarlett thought. But then the moment passed.

“I’m excited to do this. There’s no problem with me and Bryson,” she lied.

Kallie put an arm around her. “I know you’re going to be amazing,” Kallie said.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us.”

Scarlett put on her smile and thanked Kallie profusely, hoping that maybe someday soon she’d actually believe it.

***

When Bryson called her the very next morning to meet, Scarlett was still trying to figure out whether she intended to go through with this crazy stunt.
Yes, she needed a job. She needed money and Kallie had reassured her yesterday that they would insist she be paid a fair wage for being
Bryson’s assistant.

But the fact remained that Scarlett knew she was going to hate working for this man. So when she saw the unknown number come across her cell
phone, she was tempted not to even answer it.

But finally she did, sitting up in bed and clearing her throat as she brought the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Scarlett?” the unmistakable voice of Bryson Taylor said.

“This is she.”

“Hey, it’s Bryson.”

She waited.

“You still there?” he asked.

“Yup.”

He laughed. “Okay then. This isn’t starting off awkward at all.”

“Sorry, I’m just tired.” It was true, even if it wasn’t even remotely the real reason she was being so difficult.

“Jetlag can be a real bitch,” he said. “Anyway, I wanted to see if you’d like to meet up this afternoon to discuss the position? It’s just a casual thing,
not all business uptight like yesterday.”

She sighed, thinking of the empty day ahead of her. Might as well get it out of the way, she decided. “Sure, why not?”

“Great. I’ll text you the address. Want to make it, say, one o’clock?”

She forced a smile to her face and made herself sound upbeat. “Sounds great, Bryson.”

“Okay, see you then.”

She got off the phone, and a minute later the text came through with the address to meet. And then the very next second a follow-up text that said:

Really looking forward to getting started!

Scarlett actually found a sincere smile coming to her face when she read that.

And this caused her to rethink her snap judgment about Bryson’s character. Was it possible she’d misjudged him?

Maybe the sad truth of it was that Bryson Taylor was nothing but a relaxed, simple guy, who just so happened to resemble a certain ex-boyfriend
from her past.

It wasn’t Bryson’s fault that he looked like Owen. Well, more than that, he also shared some of Owen’s mannerisms. Things that she’d loved when
she was in love with Owen, but hated once she’d had her heart smashed into a thousand pieces by the one person she’d dared trust.

But that was Owen. Owen is not Bryson—they’re two different people.

And it wasn’t right for her to treat Bryson badly based on something he had no control over.

Then and there, Scarlett made a resolution. She would try and start fresh with Bryson, and she would try to make the most of this new job
opportunity that Kallie had been kind enough to extend to her.

This could be the beginning of the change she’d been trying to make in her life, if she didn’t sabotage it with a bad attitude.

Having made this decision, Scarlett found herself smiling a lot more frequently.

She even caught herself humming once or twice as she got ready for the day.

Scarlett ended up wearing jeans and a t-shirt, keeping it casual as Bryson had suggested. She assumed the address he’d texted her was for a
coffee shop or something, but was surprised when the cab she was taking stopped in front of some outdoor basketball courts.

“Here you go,” the driver said, turning and smiling.

“Are you sure?” Scarlett asked, turning in her seat to look up and down the street.

“Is there a coffee shop around here? Maybe a restaurant?”

The driver shook his head and repeated the address again. Scarlett checked it against the text message.

The driver was sure that it was the same address.

But that made no sense. Maybe Bryson had texted her the wrong address by accident. Scarlett found her frustration growing already, but she
calmed herself down.

This is no big deal. Simple mistake. Just call him up and…

But just at that moment, she caught a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

It was him—Bryson—standing beside the fence of the nearest basketball court, taking a swig of water from a plastic bottle. He was dressed in
baggy green shorts and a grey, sweat-stained t-shirt.

“Should we try another address?” the cabbie asked.

“Nope.” She sighed and shook her head. “This is the place. And I’m screwed.”

The driver laughed appreciatively. “Aint we all.”

Scarlett paid the cab fare and then got out of the cab, slowly making her way past the chain link fence and inside the courts. Men were playing
aggressively just a few feet away—playing as if their very lives depended on making a shot or stealing the ball.

This wasn’t simply a friendly game. They were driving hard to the basket, fouling, and a couple of them were even athletic enough to dunk.

Scarlett was surprised, if not exactly impressed. They all looked far too sweaty and animalistic. She sat down on one of the steel benches nearby
and watched Bryson.

He dribbled the ball effortlessly when it was passed to him, then passed it off. When he cut to the basket, someone gave him the ball again and he
jumped up and put it in with ease, looking up and smiling at his teammate.

Scarlett wanted to believe that this was a misunderstanding. After all, she was just beginning to try out her new and improved attitude. But when they
took a quick break and he headed over to the bench and sat down next to her, Scarlett’s hopes were dashed.

“Hey, you made it,” he said, grinning at her as he opened his water bottle.

“I almost turned around. I figured you’d given me the wrong address.” She squinted at him as the sun reflected off the blacktop.

“Sorry, I should’ve mentioned we were playing,” he said. Then he drank for a long time. Water rivulets dripped down his chin.

“Are you almost done?” she asked him.

“Done with what?”

“Your game. I mean, you invited me here to talk.”

“Let’s talk,” he said. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “No time like the present.”

“So your game is over?”

“It’s really not an issue for me.” He took another small sip.

Scarlett felt a surge of anger. She wiped the hair from her eyes. “Okay, fine.

Let’s get it over with. Tell me what you expect from me.”

“Not much. When I get to New York, I guess you can do the basics. Organize my calendar, send emails, that kind of thing.”

Scarlett nodded. “Is that all? I mean, won’t there be movie specific help you’ll need from me?”

“I doubt it. I’ll have assistant directors and so forth. They’ll be my go-to people as far as movie stuff goes.” He looked at her with his blue eyes.

“Yo, Taylor! You in or out?” One of the men called to him. The game appeared to be reforming.

“One second!” Bryson called out. He turned back to her. “To be honest, I don’t think I really need an assistant.”

Scarlett resisted the urge to stand up, call him an asshole, and walk off the court.

“Why did you offer me this position if you didn’t need my help?”

“Because, it was really awkward. Kallie asked for something for you to do, and they all just blew it off. I felt bad for her.”

“Then let’s just forget the whole thing.” She stood up.

“Hey, no. That’s not what I meant.”

“Well, what did you mean?”

He stood up and looked at her. He was taller than her, and she felt his masculinity—smelled his sweat. It wasn’t a very unclean smell, but somehow
it made her uncomfortable. He was wet and glistening in the sun, muscular and tan and strong.

She felt tiny and pale and weak in comparison.

“I just meant to say that I’m not sure how the whole thing’s going to work.” He grinned. “But I still want to try. And either way, you’ll make money and
probably meet some really cool people.”

She supposed that grin probably had worked a lot of magic in its time, but she wasn’t falling for it. “Whatever you say, Bryson. You’re the director.”

“That’s right. Thanks for reminding me, Scarlett.” He began backing away from her, moving towards the center of the court, where his teammates
awaited him.

Scarlett turned and left the area without looking back for a long time. When she finally turned around again, she was far enough away that she was
fairly sure Bryson couldn’t see her anymore.

She watched them play basketball for five or ten more minutes.

She wasn’t sure why she kept watching, why her heart was beating slightly faster than normal, why her stomach was churning with a strange
sensation she hadn’t had in years.

But then she just left, and walked until she could catch a cab back to the hotel.

***

Kallie couldn’t believe that Hunter was finally being released from the hospital.

She’d been certain they would want to keep him at least another week. He’d only just begun walking the halls the previous day, and he wasn’t all
that steady on his feet yet.

But apparently that’s how things worked nowadays. They turned beds over fast—

even if you were a big shot movie producer.

As they packed his essentials and made sure he had everything he would need, Hunter was finishing getting dressed. He was wearing gray sweats
and a black Nike zip-up hoodie. All of his movements were slow and deliberate, as if he’d only just learned how to put on clothes recently.

She noticed him grimacing here and there as he stretched to do things that his body wasn’t used to, and that likely put some strain on his chest
wound.

Kallie was throwing out some of the trash that had accumulated over the last six or eight hours, while Hunter did what he had to do.

Detective Phillips was waiting right outside the room, talking to one of the nurses.

She felt a surprising burst of affection for the strange, mercurial detective. He’d actually been quite an asset—and she was almost beginning to
view him as a friend.

“Damn,” Hunter hissed.

Kallie turned to look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t reach my feet. Will you help me with my socks and shoes?” His voice betrayed his frustration.

“It’s okay,” Kallie said. “Don’t strain yourself trying to do every little thing.”

“I know, I know. I just hate being like a fucking infant, needing so much help.”

“It’s just temporary.”

“I know that.”

She glanced up at him, wondering if he was in more pain than he was letting on.

This was the first time she’d seen him edgy since he’d come into the hospital. Of course he was only human, and there would be struggles as he
healed. She knew that much.

Kallie bent down and put on Hunter’s socks and slid his sneakers over his feet, tied the laces. It did sort of feel like she was tying a little boys shoes
for him, which made her smile for some reason.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” She rolled her eyes.

“Exactly. Nothing,” he agreed, petulantly.

Now it was even more like dealing with a kid, and she restrained herself from giggling with a mighty effort.

When that was done, all they had to do was get him wheelchair and bring him down to be officially discharged. Detective Phillips said something to
the nurse, and she turned and left. Then he came into the room, surveying the bags. “You have everything you need?” he asked.

“Yes,” Kallie replied, mentally ticking off the list as she spoke. “Clothes, keys, phone, wallet, medications—“ There was an entire white paper bag
filled with his antibiotics and painkillers, creams and lotions and dressings.

Hunter sighed and lowered himself to a sitting position on the bed. “I’m fucking exhausted already. I feel like I’m halfway up Mount Everest.”

“I guess that makes us Sherpas,” Detective Phillips joked.

“No, you’re a yak,” Hunter told him.

“So, I’m less than a Sherpa.”

“We’re not putting value judgments on it,” Hunter responded drily.

Kallie eyed Hunter, wondering why exactly he was so testy. Probably the pain, she decided. For the first time that morning, she’d really gotten a
closer look at his scar.

He had multiple scars, on his chest, actually. There was the scar from the bullet entry just below his right nipple, and then a two large scars running
down the center of his chest from his surgeries. They were stitched up, but the wounds themselves were swollen and red and almost looked like
deformities.

Clearly they were painful, and moving around so much was probably putting him under a great deal of strain and discomfort. She knew that she

needed to be patient with him right now because of that fact.

Even if he was being a bit of a brat.

They waited a few minutes until the nurse returned with the requisite wheelchair.

Kallie thought that Hunter might get upset because of the connection to his father, but actually he didn’t seem to mind sitting in it at all.

Once he was seated, he took a duffel bag on his lap and was quiet as a church mouse. Detective Phillips carried the rest of the stuff, allowing Kallie
to be free to sign the paperwork that finalized Hunter’s departure.

Finally, they arrived out front, where a taxi awaited. Phillips loaded the stuff into the trunk and then slammed it shut.

He turned and looked at both of them. “I guess this is where we part ways,” he said.

Hunter got slowly to his feet, refusing any attempts to help him stand up. “We’re not going to have a Casablanca moment,” he said, extending his
hand.

“Hey, we’ll always have Paris,” Phillips said.

“Here’s looking at you kid,” Hunter said, winking. He gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “You’ve been really good to me and Kallie, Detective.
I won’t forget that.”

“Call me if you need anything,” Phillips told him, smiling warmly. “Us yaks enjoy being loaded down with all kinds of crap. It’s what we live for, you
know.”

Hunter laughed and lowered himself into the backseat of the taxi, slowly.

Phillips walked the few steps to Kallie. She saw that his eyes weren’t entirely dry. “I’m glad everything worked out,” he said, extending his hand for
her to shake.

Instead, she gave him a big hug. “Thank you for being there for us,” she said, feeling a wave of emotion overcome her.

“Hey, anytime. Anytime. It was the least I could do after blowing your case.”

They broke off their hug.

“What are you doing when you go back?” she said.

“My flight’s later tonight. I’ll be back on the job tomorrow.”

“No rest for the weary,” she said.

“That’s the story of my life.” He smiled kindly. Then his smile faded. “But do be careful, the detective said, his voice lowering. “I know that you want to
think it’s all over, now that Terrence is out of the picture and Hunter’s on the mend. But I’m worried about Trevor—I’m worried that he’ll come after
you both at some point.”

Kallie felt a chill run up her spine. She didn’t want to think about that right now.

But she understood the detective was simply doing his job. “We’ll be careful, I promise.”

A minute later, she was in the backseat of the taxi with Hunter, and they were pulling away from the curb.

“I kind of grew to like him,” she said, surprised by the revelation.

“What’s not to like?” Hunter agreed. He took her hand in his and looked at her.

“Sorry I was being such an ass back there.”

Kallie smiled softly. “I understand. You’re only human.”

“Believe me, I’ve never been more aware of that fact than I am at this very moment.” He smiled. “But being with you makes up for everything. I’m the
luckiest man on the planet.”

“Thanks for saying that,” she said.

“Come here, baby.” He pulled her in and gave her a long, seductive kiss.

Her entire body relaxed into him, feeling instantly protected and held and loved as his lips warmed hers.

It didn’t take them long at all to arrive back at the hotel. Unfortunately, there were more paparazzi there then ever. Kallie shook her head. “Should we
try and sneak in somehow?”

“No, I’m too worn out to bother. Let’s give them the money shot they’ve been waiting for.”

“Okay,” she said, not at all certain that it was a good idea.

She got out of the cab and somebody spotted her. “Hey, there she is—Kallie Young!” someone shouted, and then there was a rush of
photographers crowding around her, snapping pictures and asking questions.

She didn’t like it, didn’t like the feeling of being hounded and invaded and unable to escape. It was a claustrophobic feeling. There must have been
almost a dozen of them crowding, pushing and shoving—trying to get the best shot.

Why they asked so many questions, she had no idea. Maybe to get her to look at the camera?

Hunter slowly eased out of the cab. When they saw him, the paparazzi became even more frenzied. “Could you help us with our bags?” Kallie yelled
to the taxi driver, wanting more than anything to get inside the hotel.

“Sure thing,” the driver said, and got out to grab their things from the trunk.

Hunter was finally out of the car, breathing a little heavily. He raised his hand, signaling for the paparazzi to quiet down. “Hey knock it off, you bunch
of jackals.”

There was a ripple of appreciative laughter. “How you feeling, Hunter?” one of them called out.

“If you want to know firsthand, come closer and I’ll give you a demonstration.”

“No thanks.”

Hunter smiled. “Look, I know what you guys want. You’ve got a job to do and we’re happy to do our part. Just give us some space so we can get our
bags inside and everything, and then Kallie and I will pose for some pictures. Sound good?”

The paparazzi were surprisingly compliant. Kallie watched as the crowd slowly dispersed, allowing the taxi driver to carry the bags inside the hotel
with little trouble.

Hunter hobbled over to the sidewalk and motioned Kallie over to him. “Come on, baby, let’s give them some sugar.”

She felt her face flush as the paparazzi gathered to take photos from just a few feet away. Hunter was used to this—he’d been to premieres and
spent time on the red carpet. She’d never experienced anything like it, and she didn’t enjoy the sensation of being under the microscope.

Still, Kallie knew that this was the deal Hunter had made with the photographers, and they seemed to respect it. They’d quieted down and were
content to merely snap photos and talk amongst themselves.

Kallie and Hunter stood close together, smiling and waving. Then Hunter grabbed her around the waist and pulled her even closer. “Give me a kiss.”

“In front of everyone?”

“They’ll love it.”

“I know, but—“

“No buts.” He planted a firm kiss on her lips, and despite her misgivings, she responded passionately.

Whenever Hunter kissed her, it was as if nothing and nobody else existed for that brief time.

When they broke off their kiss, the paparazzi broke into a round of applause that sounded genuine to her ears.

“Way to go, Hunter!”

“You show ‘em, Kallie!”

Their congratulatory shouts echoed as Hunter pulled Kallie into the hotel lobby.

Soon, they were finally in their own hotel suite, and the door was closed. They had their privacy.

Hunter collapsed onto the couch, groaning. “So now I feel like I just got to the top of Mount Everest,” he said. “And I’m looking around and thinking—
damn—I forgot I was going to have climb back

down

this son of a bitch.”

Kallie laughed, as she made her way to the couch and sat, rubbing his shoulders gently. “And you don’t even have your trusty yak to help you.”

“That feels so good,” he said, as she continued to rub his tense shoulders.

“You should rest,” she said. “I’m going to take a bath if it’s okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” Hunter told her. He grabbed her hand and kissed it with great affection. “It’s your turn to be taken care of now.”

“No, no, no.”

“What?”

She shook her head. “You’re not ready to take care of me just yet. You’re still healing.”

He looked up at her balefully. “I’m almost ninety percent.”

“Bullshit.” She stroked his cheek lightly. “Don’t rush it, honey. I’m fine. I know you’re going to take care of me forever and ever. But right now, you
need to keep resting and letting me do the heavy lifting around here.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He leaned back and closed his eyes.

Kallie went to take her bath.

***

The warm water calmed her frayed nerves and loosened her muscles. Kallie hadn’t taken a nice, luxurious bath in what felt like ages. She stayed in
for nearly an hour, relishing the peace and calm that she was experiencing.

Finally, everything seemed to be falling into place.

She hadn’t allowed herself to think past the next moment and the next challenge in a long time. Ever since Hunter’s injury, she’d been dealing with
the very real threat that she could lose him at any moment.

But now he was here with her again, healthy enough to come home.

They were engaged.

She smiled just thinking about it. She wasn’t daydreaming about the big fancy wedding or her dress or any of that. She was merely allowing the
sensation of happiness and love to settle into her very bones.

Kallie thought back to when she’d first met Nicole and Red. Watching them interact, she’d felt so much jealousy and sadness at the thought that she
might never have what the two of them shared.

And yet here she was, feeling just as loved and taken care of as Nicole must have felt. She was in love with the man of her dreams, a man who’d
risked everything for her.

The excitement of it all, the bigness of it all, was too much—it overwhelmed her with joy and she cried tears of happiness, laughing as she did so.
She knew it was silly, knew she was being emotional and borderline hysterical.

But what was she to do? Just when life had taken on the qualities of her worst fears and nightmares—everything had suddenly turned around—and
now her dreams were coming true.

Life was amazing. Life was frightening. Life was unpredictable. Nothing to do but hang on and try and enjoy the ride, she thought.

The water was cooling now. Kallie shivered slightly and stood up, grabbing her robe and slipping it on, using a towel to quickly dry her hair.

When she emerged from the bathroom, Hunter was no longer on the couch.

She figured he must have gone to the bedroom to sleep. But when she entered the bedroom, Kallie was shocked to find the room adorned with
flowers and candles—like something out of a movie.

Hunter was sitting in a leather chair in the corner of the room, holding one long-stemmed rose in his hand.

Kallie put her hands up to her mouth. “Oh my God. Hunter, how did you do this?”

He smiled. “I wish I could say I did this all myself, but I had help. I’m in no condition to do much else but sit here and wait for you. Thankfully, I knew
how much you enjoy a long bath.”

She walked further into the room. Candles adorned the windowsill, the desk in the corner, the nightstands. Rose petals covered the floor beneath
her. “But when did you find the time to set this up?”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He held out the long-stemmed rose to her and she took it, holding it to her nose and smelling its fragrance.

“It’s beautiful, Hunter.”

“Not nearly as beautiful as you, my dear.”

She smiled at him. It was almost too much. “I love you,” she told him.

His gaze went to her hand, and his eyes narrowed. “You say you love me, but you’ve cast aside our engagement ring.”

Kallie looked down in surprise. It was true. The tape must have come off in the bath and she hadn’t noticed. “The water…I’m sorry…” she said,
sadly. “I’ll go fish it out of the tub.” She turned to run to the bathroom and look for it.

“No, no. Wait.” Hunter maneuvered his stiff body from off his chair, sinking slowly to one knee. He winced in obvious pain. “Don’t go anywhere. Stay

right where you are.”

“Hunter, don’t. Don’t, you’ll hurt yourself.”

He ignored her, settling into a kneeling position. Reaching into the pocket of his sweatshirt, he brought forth a dark, velvety case and held it aloft,
opening it so that she could see what was inside.

Kallie gasped at the gigantic, sparkling diamond ring staring up at her.

“Maybe this will keep better than the previous version,” Hunter said.

“Oh my God.” She didn’t know what else to say. “There’s no words,” she whispered. “No words.”

“Just one,” he told her. “One word is all I ask.”

“Yes,” she cried.

Hunter took the ring from its case and slipped it over her finger, where it fit perfectly. How he’d managed to do all of this, she hadn’t the faintest
idea. But she wouldn’t have been surprised if Detective Phillips had been a big part of it.

“Okay, I might need some help getting up again,” he admitted, gritting his teeth.

Laughing, Kallie helped him to his feet.

She could feel the comforting presence of the engagement ring on her finger.

They embraced and she kissed him passionately.

Hunter took her by the hand and led her to the bed. His eyes were so loving, so full of warmth. “Did I ever thank you for saving my life?” he said.

“Dr. Walsh saved your life.”

He shook his head. “I know everything, Kallie. I know what you did for me, and how you fought to make sure I got the care that I needed.” He
gestured to the bed. “Sit.”

Kallie did as she was told, sitting down and looking up at him. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I just tried my best.”

“I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.”

“And I won’t forget that you were only in the hospital in the first place because you took a bullet to save me.”

“I’d have taken a hundred bullets gladly for the chance to be your husband.”

She laughed. “Hunter…”

He put a hand under her chin and made her look at him. “I’m serious, Kallie.

There’s nothing I care about in this whole world the way I care about you.”

“I feel the same way.”

“And to think I almost screwed it all up because I was scared to tell you the truth about my past. I must have been a fool because I was blind. But
now, thank God, I can see.”

Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly, and then her lips. Slowly, he lowered himself to the bed next to her and they kissed for a
very long time.

Kallie felt so tenderly towards him, and she didn’t know how to express her devotion. She unzipped his sweatshirt and pulled it off, and then helped
him take off his t-shirt. When his shirt was off, she looked at his wounds and bruises in the candlelight.

“You’ve been through too much,” she told him. “I wish I could heal every last bruise with a kiss.”

“You can try.”

And so she did try, softly kissing the bruises around his chest. Many of the bruises had faded or were nearly gone now, but some of the particularly
deep ones were still there. Kallie kissed his wounds, touching them with her hands and lips, wishing she could take them all away.

He would carry these scars forever, she realized. “I’m sorry you have all of this.

I’m sorry you have scars and pain.”

“These scars make me happy,” he said.

“Why would they make you happy?”

“Because they remind me of how much I love you. They’re my battle scars and I’ll wear them with pride. I went to battle for you, and for us, and I’ll
never stop as long as I’m drawing breath.”

He pulled her up so that he could kiss her again. She felt his desire as he continued to draw her closer still, pressing her body against his.

She wanted to be close to him once more, to lay naked in his arms and be held for the night. That’s when she always felt safest.

Hunter’s lips moved to her cheeks and then her jawline. Slowly, he worked his way down her neck, lingering at her shoulder. His hands caressed
her body as he kissed everywhere. His touches were slow, as if he was drinking her in through every sense he had. She felt him taking her in
through his lips and tongue, his fingers, his eyes. He was even smelling her, she thought.

She’d never felt so appreciated by any man. She sensed that he’d changed from everything he’d gone through. He was no longer the same man
that had so glibly written that BDSM contract for her to sign. Nor was he the same man that had tried to impress her with a ride on the back of his
motorcycle.

He may not have been as carefree as he once was, either. She could see a change in his eyes—a seriousness that hadn’t quite been there before.
As much as it saddened her to think that he’d changed, it also gratified her. She knew that he’d grown in so many ways, and let go of so many fears
and torn down so many walls that had stood between them.

As he undressed her slowly and allowed her to undress him, Kallie felt that truly they were naked, bare to one another in body and soul. There was
nowhere left to hide, and just as importantly, no reason for either of them to hide.

When they were completely naked, Hunter trailed his fingers across her bare breasts and down her stomach. His touch ignited a firestorm of
sensations throughout her body and she gasped for breath. His eyes locked on hers. “I want to be as close to you as I can,” he said. “I want to be
inside of you forever.”

She opened her legs for him. “I want you inside. Please.” Her breathing sped up as she anticipated him.

But first, Hunter had other ideas. He kissed her breasts, letting his tongue wander over her hardened nipples. She cried out as he sucked and
licked them, bringing her arousal to new, dizzying heights.

When she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, he began kissing further down her stomach, licking her belly, tasting her. “You’re so sweet,” he
murmured.

She looked down at him, his heavily muscled back working as he lowered himself even further and started to stroke her most intimate place with his
tongue.

Kallie had waited so long to be with him again that she immediately climaxed, surprising both of them with the ferocity and intensity of her orgasm.

Hunter adapted by grabbing her buttocks and pulling her into his mouth so that he could suck her clitoris while she came.

This caused her to come immediately again, her urgency shocking in its primitiveness.

“You taste amazing,” he said, grinning. “I need more.” Thus saying, he gently licked up and down the sensitive parts of her, between her legs, until
she was arched and spread, unable to control herself.

She cried out again and again, unable to stop the building wave of ecstasy. “I’m coming. I’m coming,” she told him.

“Good. Come for me again,” he said, lifting her to him once more.

When that was over, he raised himself up and she saw how hard and ready he was.

“Will you please make love to me?” she pleaded.

His answer was to slowly and forcefully plunge his shaft into her until he could go no deeper. His thickness filled her space and she locked her legs
around him, relishing the feeling of having him inside.

“You feel so amazing,” he whispered in her ear. “You’re so warm and wet and tight.” Groaning with pleasure, he began stroking in and out, in and
out. At first, his rhythm was slow and controlled.

Kallie ran her hands along his shoulders and down his arms as he made love to her.

The two of them were moaning in mutual pleasure, and then he was kissing her fully, his tongue exploring, his hips crashing into her as he began to
build towards his own climax.

This was the part that Kallie loved most. She knew it was coming—that moment when he lost all control and became the wildest part of himself,
taking her with abandon.

It took him longer to build to that place, but when it came, Kallie was hardly ready for it. Hunter exploded with passion, sliding deeply into her and
pulling her hair as he deeply kissed her mouth. His breath was her breath, his body melded to hers.

She felt that at that precise moment, there was no difference between his soul and hers. It was a true communion, a true moment of connection that
she’d never before experienced.

He came, grinding himself against her and pouring himself into her. He moaned, almost a roar.

She came with him, suddenly, with overwhelming abandon.

When it was over, the two of them could barely speak for minutes. Still inside of her, Hunter lay against her, nuzzling her neck, his breath warm
against her skin.

She could feel his heartbeat against hers, intermingling.

Their chests heaved together.

Their sweat cooled together.

“I love you forever,” he said.

“I love you forever,” she told him.

And then came the most blessed, relaxing sleep that she could remember. His body remained close to hers, and they never bothered getting
dressed again. They lay naked, intertwined—as relaxed and at home with one another as if they’d always none this moment.

***

It had been a few days since Scarlett had seen Bryson at the basketball court.

After the less-than-encouraging meeting, Scarlett had returned to New York. She’d spent the following days getting over her jetlag, shopping for
some new clothes for the job, and reading up on the movie biz.

She didn’t know much about Hollywood or filmmaking, so she got a few books—

memoirs written by people who’d lived and breathed this stuff for years on end. The books scared her. They detailed a world filled with narcissists,
people who would cut your throat to get another rung up the ladder. As scary as it was to read about the fast-paced and demanding world of a
Hollywood insider, Scarlett had to admit that she found it all fascinating.

And part of her was looking forward to a new challenge, a chance to test herself and prove that she was capable and worthy. After all, Kallie had
believed in her enough to get her this gig, the least Scarlett could do was give it a real shot.

So even though she thought that Bryson was an obnoxious jock who hadn’t matured much beyond a high school level, she decided to do everything
in her power to be a good assistant to him.

When he finally got around to calling her and telling her he was in town, Scarlett was happy to get started. She asked him if he needed her help yet
and he was noncommittal.

He told her he didn’t know just what he was even doing, so perhaps she would be bored trying to be his assistant right now.

However, Scarlett sensed that perhaps there was a place for her in the mix. She said she’d drop by his apartment the next morning and get to work.

So now she was standing in Midtown Manhattan, at a very swanky building with the doorman and the whole shebang, and asking to go up and see
Bryson Taylor. The concierge called up and checked in to make sure she was expected, then told her to go ahead.

For a moment, Scarlett had been nervous that Bryson had already forgotten, but apparently not.

On the elevator ride up, she looked herself over. She’d dressed in a burgundy slouchy knit top and a black mini skirt, black high heels. It was a bit
much, but she wanted to give off an air of effortless New York sophistication. Bryson hadn’t seen that side of her and perhaps it would shock him
into looking at her in a different light.

She arrived at the door to his apartment and knocked twice.

Moments later, he opened the door and greeted her. “Wow, you dressed up,” he said.

“Wow, you didn’t,” she replied, taking note of his basketball shorts and sleeveless tank top—a different ensemble than what he’d worn the other day
at the courts, but basically the same idea.

“Sorry, I just woke up not too long ago. Still on L.A. time.” He wandered through the apartment, giving her a de facto tour of the place. It was huge,
spacious, modern. “It’s kind of got the whole post-modern Zen thing going on,” he said.

“Actually, I don’t even know what that means. The realtor told me that.”

She supposed Bryson was lucky that the production had paid for him to stay in such a nice place.

Scarlett admired the views of Manhattan from the enormous picture windows.

Everything was light wood, and very sleek and minimalist. Still, Bryson had managed to mess it up already with a few pizza boxes, empty beer
bottles, magazines and papers floating around.

Not to mention, the clothes she glimpsed on the floor of his bedroom through the slightly ajar door.

They ended up in the kitchen, where Bryson started to brew coffee. “You like it strong?” he asked her.

“Of course.” She sat down at the table and stared at the majestic skyline. “What a view,” she marveled.

He glanced over as he ground the beans. “Yeah, it’s pretty killer all right.”

“Rad,” she mumbled, over the sound of the grinder.

“So,” Bryson said, smiling as the coffee brewed and then poured automatically into a mug.

“So,” she agreed.

“I’m not really sure where to start.”

Scarlett opened her purse and pulled out a notebook and pen. “Well, let’s just get an idea of what needs doing, okay?”

Bryson brought the mug over to her. “What do you prefer—cream, sugar, Splenda, cocoa powder, vanilla extract? I can go on.”

She laughed. For a millisecond, she nearly found him charming. “I take it black with a few Splenda.”

He put a box of Splenda on the table next to her mug, and a spoon. Then he went back to the coffee maker and started on his mug. He was tall and
broad shouldered, athletic, and handsome. She figured that he’d never probably had much of an issue with the ladies—at least, not getting them
into bed.

But she wasn’t here for any of that. Bryson was still standing by the coffee machine and she was waiting with her pen in the air.

“So, what are the basic things you need to get done in the next week or two?” she asked.

He sighed. “It’s all in my head. I’m not really a list-making kind of guy.”

“But don’t you think maybe for a project this big, it could help to jot down some goals?”

“Yeah, maybe.” He grabbed his cup and slowly meandered over to the table.

“Honestly, my main goal at the moment is to do some of these rewrites that Max and the Sony people came up with.”

“Rewrites?”

He nodded as he poured cream into his coffee. “Yeah. A couple days ago, Max called me and said they had a few minor tweaks. Well, when they
sent their notes over, it turned out to be some major stuff.”

Scarlett jotted the phrase “major rewrites” in her notebook.

“What did you just write?” he said.

“I just put that down as a goal.”

“No. That doesn’t count. Cross that out.”

“Why?”

“Because, that’s my goal. That’s personal to me. It’s not—it’s not what I envision you helping me with.”

She pursed her lips and lay her pen down. “So what do you envision me helping you with, Bryson?”

He waved his arms, nearly spilling his cup. “I don’t know. This. All of this.”

“All of what?”

“The stuff that I need to organize. I need to call my AD’s, start making storyboards, a master shot list, talk to the cinematographer, scout locations—
which reminds me, that means talking to the location scout.”

Scarlett was writing everything down furiously as he spoke. “Okay, okay. That’s a lot of stuff.”

He took a sip of coffee. “Oh, and I need to meet with Dale and Eliza. Separately.

No, together.” He stopped mid sip and reconsidered. “No, separately.”

Scarlett stared at him. She suddenly wanted a cigarette, badly. “Bryson, you seem a little…I don’t know…all over the place.”

“This is just my process,” he said, wandering away from the table. “This is normal, it’s how I work. It will come together, Scarlett. You’ll see.”

She watched him as he stared out the window, drinking his coffee. She wished she could have as much faith in him as he seemed to have in
himself. Maybe he was right—maybe it would all come together.

Or maybe Max Weisman was right, and Bryson Taylor was going to be an unmitigated disaster.

***

Kallie was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to take care of the final preparations for the dinner party she and Hunter were
hosting at their home.

It was strange to call it “their” home, when the castle was a place that had one time felt completely foreign and intimidating and unlived in.

It still was slightly intimidating, but she was working hard to slowly make it her own with little touches here and there throughout the house.

Hunter, for his part, wasn’t able to do a whole lot of helping with the party setup, but he did what he could. He’d set the table in the dining room and
chosen a few wines for the occasion. He’d sampled the pasta dish she’d made, which was just about ready to eat.

“Ten or fifteen minutes and the sauce is done,” she announced to nobody in particular.

Just then, the doorbell rang. “Can you get that?” she called out.

“Yes dear,” Hunter replied in a semi-sarcastic tone as he went to answer the door.

He hadn’t been completely in favor of this event, citing his need to relax and recover. Of course, Kallie knew that wasn’t the real reason. Hunter was
back at work on the sequel to Blue Horizon and didn’t want to stop for anything.

As far as she was concerned, all the more reason to host a dinner party and take a break.

When Hunter opened the door, Kallie heard Danielle’s unmistakable voice floating down the hallway. “This house is so amazing—so gothic and
dark, Hunter. Tre magnifique!”

Kallie smiled to herself as she stirred the pasta and then the sauce. Originally, she’d only planned to invite Nicole and Red, just to have a quiet little
foursome. But then Danielle got wind of it and somehow horned her way in.

It was fine, Kallie thought. The more, the merrier.

Kane and Hunter began discussing some obscure business deal that Kane was in the midst of, and Hunter said they should go up to the terrace.
Kane came in briefly and gave Kallie a kiss on both cheeks. “So good to see you, darling,” he said. “The food smells delicious.”

Then he left and Danielle came in, her eyes alight with some secret enthusiasm.

“Look at you in here playing housewife, Kallie!”

“Playing?” Kallie asked, raising her eyebrows.

“You know what I mean.” Danielle came over and sniffed. “Delicious. We bought wine,” she said, holding up a bag.

“Oh, thanks. You can put it on the table with the other bottles.”

“I guarantee you’ll love what Kane picked out. Maybe you should put the other stuff back—save it for a different occasion.”

“Sure, we can have your wine instead,” Kallie said, already beginning to regret inviting Danielle to this dinner. She’d forgotten that they didn’t
particularly get along.

“Anyway, I’m so happy the two of you are back and healthy and happy.”

“And engaged,” Kallie said, holding out her hand.

“Oh my God!” Danielle shrieked. “That rock is huge! Like Kobe Bryant huge.

Are you kidding me? Hunter could have bought an island, but instead he bought you that diamond ring.” She fanned herself dramatically.

“I’m pleased,” Kallie said, not sure how to respond to the hysterics.

“Let me help you with the food.”

“That’s okay, Danielle—“

But Danielle insisted, and as per usual, she got her way.

A few minutes later, Nicole and Red arrived, and Kallie and Nicole hugged for a long time, both of them breaking into tears.

“I was so worried,” Nicole whispered into her ear. “I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened…”

“It’s okay. We’re good.” Kallie hugged her back. They were truly like sisters.

“This is what it was like when I surprised Nicole on her wedding day. So much emotion,” Danielle said, to everyone and no one in particular.

Finally, they all sat down to eat. The food was delicious—at least, everyone said it was and Kallie thought she’d pulled it off quite well.

They drank Kane’s wine, and it was also pretty magnificent—or tre magnifique, as Danielle would have said.

Red and Nicole were looking healthy and happy, and the meal was full of conversations about funny times from the past—Red and Kane joking
about their mutual hatred of one another, Danielle recounting the time she’d first seen Red’s car sitting outside their apartment and Nicole had
made up some elaborate lie about why it was there.

Kallie asked Red and Nicole about baby Riley, who was with Nicole’s mother at the moment. The two of them made some jokes about that one. But
apparently Riley was already learning some sign language—she was a very bright baby. No surprise there.

During a lull in the conversation, Danielle cleared her throat and seemed to be giving Kane the evil eye for some reason.

He glanced at her and subtly shook his head.

She nodded at him, a little less subtly.

“So, Hunter—we hear wonderful things about this new film you and Kallie are working on together,” Kane began, as if on cue.

Hunter nodded. “It’s very exciting. Did you hear how Kallie found the script in my slush pile? She fished it out of the muck, polished it off, and sold it.”
He looked at her and grabbed her hand in his.

“We did hear as much,” Kane said.

“And did you hear that I put her in touch with Max Weisman?” Red asked Kane, grinning. “Shame you couldn’t have been the one to do it.” He
chewed his pasta with a big grin, still happy to try and one-up Kane whenever possible.

“Well, it’s funny you mention that,” Kane said, shifting in his seat. He smiled, but his smile was slightly tense—which wasn’t like him at all. Kane was
always cool as a cucumber, from that Kallie had always seen and heard.

“Funny?” Red asked. “How so?”

“It’s just that lately I’ve been dabbling a bit in the film industry as well.”

Hunter glanced at him. “Really.”

“Oh, yes. Just a little bit, but I’m intrigued. And now that Danielle’s acting career is taking off—“

“Wait, what?” Nicole asked. She turned to Danielle. “You’re acting now?”

Danielle blushed and waved her hand. “It’s nothing. It’s really—“ she looked at Kane and made a little face. “Honey, you shouldn’t have mentioned it.
Tonight isn’t about me and my acting career.”

But to the contrary, Kallie thought it quite obvious that Danielle had pressured Kane to bring all of this up so that she could talk about it without
appearing vain.

Kane shrugged and drank an extra long gulp of wine.

“So what parts have you gotten?” Hunter said.

Danielle smiled demurely. “I just shot a commercial spot for Wellington Tubs.”

Nobody knew quite what to say about that, and the table fell slightly silent. Red cleared his throat. “Wellington Tubs…wait a minute…” he stuck his
fork in the air.

“Those are the specialty tubs, the ones for older people who need help getting in and out…”

“Not just older people,” Danielle said. “Also people with any kind of motor impairment. Anyway, I’m just breaking in, but it’s been kind of a whirlwind
for me.”

Red nodded. “Congrats, Danielle. Awesome.”

“I mean, lord knows I was driving Kane halfway out of his mind when I was just staying home all day. Now I have direction, passion, focus.”

Kane nodded. “Yes. Yes she does.” He chewed and swallowed. “I say, there may even be a part for Danielle in your film, Hunter.”

“There is?” Hunter said.

Nicole and Red exchanged glances and Kallie looked down at the table, worried she might burst out laughing otherwise.

“Perhaps so,” Kane said. “I’m just thinking aloud here. But I’m sure you haven’t cast every little bit part yet. Have you?”

“Not exactly,” Hunter said. “No.”

“Well, perhaps just think about it then. She’s quite gifted. Quite. And she’s working with only the top teachers in New York.”

Danielle nodded and drank some wine.

Kallie decided she now knew why Danielle was so insistent on coming to this dinner party.

“Yeah, we’ll definitely think about that. Right Kallie?” Hunter said, turning to her with pleading eyes.

“Definitely,” Kallie replied.

The rest of dinner went smoothly. When it was over, Kane and Danielle said they had to meet some business associates for drinks and went jetting
off. That left just the four of them. Hunter and Red went into the viewing room and put on a film that Hunter was interested in showing him.

Kallie and Nicole went out to the terrace for some fresh air.

Nicole went to the railing and looked out into the darkness. “Goodness, the stars are bright out here tonight,” she admired. “It is getting a little chilly,
though.”

“Should we go back inside?” Kallie asked.

“No, I like it. The wine was starting to make me drowsy.”

Kallie went and stood next to her. “I’m so glad you guys came. It really meant a lot to me. And Hunter.”

Nicole nodded. When she turned to look at Kallie again, Kallie realized that she had tears in her eyes.

“Nicole, is something wrong?”

“No.” She smiled but had to turn away again.

“Okay, something is wrong. Please, tell me what it is.”

“I’m just being silly.”

“No you’re not. Is it to do with Red? Is it something I’ve done?”

Nicole took a few breaths. “I’m hurt. There, I’ve said it now. I’m hurt.” She turned and looked at Kallie with steady eyes. “You left our home, left our
family and just…never came back again.”

Kallie felt as though she’d been punched in the stomach. All the air was knocked out of her. Instantly, she knew how wrong she’d been. “Nicole, I’m
so sorry. I guess I just lost track of everything. It all happened so fast.”

“I understand that. But, we were depending on you. We brought you here to watch Riley. You took a job with us and we had every expectation that
you’d return to the position at some point. Now, it seems you’ve just gone ahead and moved in with Hunter, gotten engaged and started working
with him. Where’s the courtesy to at least tell us—tell me that you had no intentions of coming back?”

Kallie was stunned. She hadn’t meant to be so selfish, to think only of her own interests. It had been such a fast process, and yet so gradual
somehow—the thoughts had never crystallized enough to even have the conversation. And then she’d been racing against time to help Hunter…
she’d just forgotten.

“I’m a bad friend,” Kallie said. “I know that. You’re totally right.”

“I didn’t say any such thing.”

“No, but I’m saying it now. You’re right that I’ve treated you and Red very disrespectfully. With everything you’ve done for me—treated me like family
—and I repaid you by being irresponsible and selfish.”

Nicole sighed and stood up straight, folding her arms, shivering slightly as the breeze kicked up. “I didn’t bring this up to make you feel bad. I just
wanted to know.

Do you think you still might come back and be Riley’s nanny?”

Kallie’s stomach twisted. The look of hope on Nicole’s innocent face was heart wrenching. But she knew that it wasn’t right to string her along
further. Kallie shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. I just don’t think it was the right line of work for me.”

Nicole’s lips tightened. “I understand.”

“Nicole—“ Kallie reached out to touch her shoulder.

“It’s okay.” She smiled briefly. “I just should go. I’m tired and overly emotional.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. As long as you’re happy.”

And then she left, and Kallie knew there was nothing more she could say to make it better.

***

That night, after everyone had left, Kallie told Hunter about what had happened with Nicole.

They were in bed together, cuddling, and she told him the entire story. He listened quietly. “She’ll get over it.”

“Am I a horrible person?”

“No, you’re a beautiful person.” He looked at her. “You’ll find a way to make it up to her. It will work out.”

She sat there, unable to take her mind off of it.

Hunter glanced at her. “Stop worrying, Kallie. I’m serious. Life is too good to waste time on this crap. We have a wedding to plan.”

She shook her head. “I don’t feel like I deserve to plan my wedding. I feel like a big jerk.”

He turned to her. “I think you feel bad because you’ve been bad.”

She smiled, knowing what he meant. She decided to play along. “I do feel particularly bad right now.”

“Maybe it’s time you leaned a lesson about treating people the right way.” He suddenly grabbed her wrists tightly. “Downstairs, now,” he
commanded gruffly.

She got up out of bed, wearing just her bra and panties. “Should I—“

“No more questions. No more talking from you. Just down to the basement and wait for me.”

Kallie went down to the basement, as he’d commanded. She didn’t even turn the light on, determined not to make a mistake by assuming any
control of anything.

Eventually, she heard his footsteps on the stairs and then the lights came on. He was wearing his boxer shorts and a t-shirt and carrying a whip.

Her breath caught in her chest. “Hunter—“

“Go to the pulleys. Now.” He cracked the whip across the ground and it made a sound that was so loud, it caused her to jump.

She went to the pulleys, near the part of the room where the ropes hung down from the ceiling, and stood waiting for him. He came from behind her,
grabbed her wrists and extended her arms out, cuffing her to the ropes. Then Hunter began hoisting her so that most of her weight was distributed
to the pulley system, although some weight was still on her feet.

“We’re going back to the old ways,” he said, violently ripping her panties off.

She took a shuddering breath. Even though it was more like a game now, this excited her. Despite the knowing that it wasn’t real, Kallie was
intensely excited by the control he was taking.

The cool basement air felt strange and sensual against her bare private parts.

“Now, you must be punished.” He stepped back. She could hear him moving away from her and then there was a whisking, snapping sound and
she felt a stinging lash against her bottom.

She cried out. The pain was significant, stinging and harsh. But yes—she enjoyed it. Her pussy was moist.

“Another.” The same sharp crack against her bare buttocks.

“One more.” And the final one, snapping against her ass as she inhaled in pain.

She let out a shuddering, whimpering breath.

Hunter was suddenly against her from behind, pressing his erection against her butt while one hand grabbed her breast firmly. The other hand slid
to the wetness between her legs. Before she knew it, he’d slid his cock into her from behind while he simultaneously rubbed her clitoris with his
hand.

He fucked her hard, making her come twice in the span of a few minutes.

“Now, I’m going to finish off.” He thrust into her, grunting, biting softly on her earlobe as he came, his stomach slapping her ass with each hard
pounding.

When he was done, he started releasing her from her bondage.

“How do you feel now?” he asked her, as he freed her hands.

She turned and smiled at him. “I think it worked.”

They turned the lights off in the basement, walking back upstairs together, joking and laughing.

Maybe everything in life wasn’t perfect, Kallie thought, as she went to bed with her man. Maybe there were still problems, and maybe they wouldn’t
just be solved overnight.

But she was loved.

And that, it turned out, really was enough for her.

***

Scarlett was sitting in her apartment on the computer when Bryson called.

It had been days since she’d gone to his apartment to try and figure out what he needed help with, and since then he hadn’t been in touch. She’d
started to wonder if this new job had already turned into another busted opportunity—maybe it was time to start surfing the web for waitressing
opportunities.

But then her cell had started buzzing on the table, and when she’d picked it up, the caller ID said BRYSON in big, bold letters.

Part of her was relieved and another part of her was annoyed. As usual. She answered, trying to sound neutral and busy, as if she hadn’t just spent
the last twenty-four hours eating junk food and reading YouTube comments. “Hello, this is Scarlett.”

“Hey, Scarlett. It’s Bryson.”

“Oh, hi Bryson,” she said, still pretending this was some surprise that she was taking in stride while out doing fun and interesting things in New York
City.

“Sorry I haven’t been in touch,” he said. “Rewrites.”

“Sure.” She flipped her hair, waited for what was next.

“Anyway,” he sighed, “I kind of have a big favor to ask you.”

She pursed her lips. “Just say it already.”

“I know it’s short notice, but I need you to come out to a nightclub with me tonight.”

“Why?”

“Because Eliza asked me to meet her and Dale out at some swanky club in the city and I really don’t want to go by myself.”

Scarlett was beyond annoyed at his request. She couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy, to drop this on her at the last minute. It was already almost
six o’clock and she would only have a couple of hours to get ready. On top of that, he hadn’t given her anything else to do at all since they’d last met,
even though there was clearly tons of stuff she could have been doing.

“This doesn’t really seem like it fits my job description,” she told him.

“Yes it does. I need help and you’re my assistant.”

“Glad you noticed,” she said. “It would be nice to get some real assistant work like making phone calls, answering emails, planning your schedule,
setting up appointments.”

“This is for the movie. This will assist me greatly.”

“This is a social event and I have nothing to wear.”

“You’ll look great—I know it.”

She sighed. Her stomach was in knots at the thought of going to some crazy hipster club where every woman would be an actress or a model and
she would be—well, herself. “I don’t think I could be much help.”

“Please. Scarlett, I’m begging you. I’ve been so anxious about this and I really need you there with me.”

“Fine,” she said, hating that she had no choice but to do this. “Tell me where and when and I’ll be there.”

“Oh my God, Scarlett, you’re a lifesaver!”

“You owe me one, Bryson.”

“I owe you a million.”

He told her he’d text her the address and then they got off the phone. Scarlett went to prep, so that she might look hot and sexy and like she slightly
belonged at this fancy nightclub that she had no interest in going to.

***

They agreed to meet outside the club at nine-thirty, on the corner, so they could go in together. Bryson had mentioned that he’d be on the guest list,
so she wouldn’t have probably been able to get in on her own anyhow.

By the time the cab dropped her off, she was in a near frenzy of anxiety. It had been hard to find an appropriate outfit, but she’d finally settled on a
sexy black dress that had never seemed quite appropriate for most occasions. She’d done her makeup a little heavier than usual, as well, which
might have been a mistake, because now she was self-conscious about it.

What if she was the ugliest girl there? What if people knew she didn’t really belong?

She calmed herself, saying that none of these things were real possibilities, they were just her anxiety talking. It’s just a job, she told herself. It’s not
personal.

The taxi dropped her off on the corner near the nightclub, where there was already a huge line of people stretching nearly to where she stood.

Bryson didn’t have appeared to have arrived yet, so Scarlett just took in the scene.

Now that she was finally there, it didn’t feel quite as intimidating. Just another nightclub in the city, and she’d been to plenty over the years.

The people standing in line didn’t look much different from people standing in line for any other club.

“Hey, Scarlett!” a voice called out. She looked over and saw Bryson coming toward her from across the street.

He started to cross, and she had a chance to see him objectively, almost as if it was her first time meeting him. And in some ways it did seem like a
first meeting, since he looked different than any other occasion. For one thing, he’d put some gel in his hair or something—it looked styled in that
messy, funky way some guys did. And it worked, she had to admit. He was clean-shaven, wearing a dark black shirt and jeans, all of which fit him
perfectly and accentuated his lithe, muscular frame.

Previously when she’d seen him, Bryson had looked hot in the way that a surfer might look, relaxed and dressed down. She hadn’t really thought he
could ever do anything but the whole laidback jock persona. But seeing him like this, she realized that there really might be more to him than met
the eye.

“Hey,” she said, as he got closer.

“Thanks so much for meeting me here,” he smiled. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“That’s me,” she said. “A regular Mother Theresa.”

“Well, let’s not get carried away. We’re not feeding the poor and caring for the wretched.” He winked. “Come on, let’s do this. You ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

He started toward the club. “Now, let’s just agree to stick together, no matter what. At least we’ll have each other.”

“Agreed.”

They didn’t bother getting in line, but instead Bryson led them right to the door, where an enormous bouncer dressed in black found Bryson +1 on
the guest list and let them in.

Bryson took a deep breath and looked at her. “Moment of truth. I’m texting Eliza that we’re here.” He quickly texted into his phone as they made their
way into a dark hallway, where the bass drum of heavy music echoed out from the main club area.

Strobe lights were slightly disorienting, but gave a feeling of anonymity.

They started walking again, staying close to one another, which Scarlett had to admit was rather comforting. No matter what, even if the actors
ignored them, they could still at least talk to each other.

The main dance floor was packed with people—a lot of skinny girls wearing next to nothing, dancing and writhing to the music. As she looked
around, it occurred to Scarlett why everyone standing out in line had looked so normal.

It turned out that they didn’t let the normal people into this club.

A bar off to the side was also so packed that Scarlett could hardly imagine ordering a drink. Usually, a girl like her could get to a busy bar and
attract the bartender’s attention by virtue of being a reasonably cute female—but Scarlett didn’t think her charms would work here.

“Shit, there she is!” Bryson yelled out.

She could barely hear him over the noise. “What?”

“Eliza’s right there!” he yelled.

And then Scarlett saw her—Eliza Johnston, in the flesh, wearing dark skinny jeans that seemed to accentuate her amazingly sexy hips, a
glimmering sequined shirt that showed off her flat tummy, and that face which had graced billboards and big screens around the world.

In person, she was magnetic to look at, and not just because Scarlett was aware that she was a famous actress.

Her cheekbones were high and almost feline, her eyes brooding and sensual. Her dark hair fell perfectly over her forehead, down to her shoulders.
Her skin looked soft and flawless. When Eliza saw Bryson, her mouth curved into a dangerous smile. She waved him over to where she was
standing, and the next thing Scarlett knew, he’d disappeared from her side and was rushing to greet his leading lady.

Scarlett had been left in the dust.

The two of them were immediately talking, their faces so close together they could practically have been kissing.

There were a couple of amazingly stunning women standing next to Eliza that were likely her friends, but they were almost as intimidating as she
was, and they didn’t look very friendly. Besides, what was Scarlett going to do? Walk up and yell, Hi, I’m Bryson’s assistant—that guy you don’t
know who’s directing a movie you’ve never heard of!

It didn’t make sense.

Instead, she decided to go stand by the bar and pretend to try and order a drink.

As she stood there, feeling lonelier and less useful than she’d perhaps ever felt in her entire life, she watched Bryson talking to Eliza. They seemed
to be hitting it off incredibly well, and the actress was constantly touching his arm, smiling and laughing at whatever he said.

Scarlett felt a burning sense of humiliation at having been dropped so quickly after going out of her way to help him.

The truth was that he hadn’t needed her at all.

This was a waste of time. This was ridiculous.

She was almost about to leave the club entirely. Bryson wouldn’t know the difference, that much was sure. She had been right about his arrogance
and selfishness—

she hadn’t misjudged him. He’d been exactly what she’d taken him for at first glance, charming, good looking jerk who only cared about himself.

As she was readying to head for the exit, she noticed Bryson pointing at her. He was talking to someone else now, a guy. Actually, not just a
random guy—Bryson was talking to Dale Nolan and pointing at Scarlett.

Dale was lanky, a little shorter than Bryson, with fine, dirty blond hair that he kept in a ponytail and a beard that would have looked bad on most men
—which somehow looked completely hot and perfect on him. Dale Nolan was terrifically handsome, although a little on the thin side for Scarlett’s
tastes, and he was known as one of the greatest actors of the younger generation.

And he was heading towards her.

She tried to smile as he approached. When he got close, he held out his hand and she shook it. He held on longer than expected—much longer.
“You must be the mysterious Scarlett everyone’s been talking about.”

“That’s me. And you must be the famous movie star everyone’s been talking about.”

He didn’t laugh. At first, she thought she’d made a huge mistake, but then he looked her up and down. “Well, aren’t you the most luscious piece of
fruit in here.”

“Thanks. I think.” She adjusted her dress self-consciously.

“Let me get you a drink, darling. What do you take?” His hand moved to her lower back now, almost touching her ass.

“Uh---vodka tonic?”

She was flustered by his immediate flirtations and sexual energy. It was completely unexpected, though not totally unwanted. After all, at least
someone was giving her attention—and one of the biggest movie stars, at that.

The bartender spotted him immediately and nodded to him.

Dale held up a hand and two fingers popped up. “Two vodka tonics!” he shouted.

Some women nearby noticed him and began staring. They looked giddy and almost swooned as they realized who he was.

Oh, and he still had his hand on Scarlett’s ass. She couldn’t believe this.

A moment later, he was passing her a drink in a little plastic cup and holding one himself.

“So,” he said, his eyes again looking her up and down.

“Have you had a chance to talk to Bryson yet?” she asked.

He shrugged. “A little. I’d rather talk to you.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“Let’s really talk about you,” he said. “What are your turn-ons?”

She laughed. He must be putting her on. A man who could have any woman at any time—supermodels, actresses, anyone—did not have to be this
absurdly flirtatious.

“Turn-ons?” she said, thinking. “Men without beards.”

He grinned at her through her beard. “I like a challenge, darling. You must know that.”

“In what way am I a challenge?”

He smiled wider. “Every woman is a challenge, my dearest Scarlett.”

“So I guess I’m just like anyone to you.”

His hand began rubbing her ass and she moved away.

“You’re not just like anyone to me. I mean, who would I choose to spend my last night with before going to prison? Not just anyone, I can assure you.”

It suddenly occurred to her what was going on here. In the days after meeting with Bryson at his apartment, she’d had a lot of time on her hands. A
lot. And she’d spent a great deal of it researching the actors that she anticipated working with. In doing so, she had come across some articles
about an off-Broadway play that Dale had been in recently. In fact, she was almost certain it was still going on.

In this avant-garde production, Dale apparently played a lecherous, depraved conman who eventually succumbed to AIDS and died in prison. As
strange as it sounded, she had to believe that he was still in character.

In a nightclub.

As strange as it sounded, it actually made sense, based on all of her research.

Dale was meticulous and he was strictly a method actor who literally became each role he played, going to extremes to stay in character to a point
that most considered unreasonable.

Realizing this fact, Scarlett loosened up a little. Right now she wasn’t dealing with a famous movie star—she was dealing with a perverted conman
who thought she was the hottest thing in town.

Before long, the two of them were talking closer together, with Dale saying outrageously inappropriate sexual comments, and Scarlett replying with
equally outrageous statements. Of course, her statements were mostly just absurdities—but she was enjoying the banter, because she knew now
that it was purely a goof.

Dale, however, was becoming more aggressive, especially as the alcohol flowed.

She found that she was having to continually take his hands off her ass and hips as he moved ever closer, telling her what a gorgeous flower she
was and what he could do to her in bed—in her “boudoir,” as he put it.

It was clear to Scarlett that Dale knew she was aware of his being in character, and that she wasn’t bothered by it. So he began taking more and
more liberties, touching her in ways that would have caused her to smack any normal guy. But in this case, she found it more humorous than
anything.

And then something happened that Scarlett never would have expected.

Dale was getting frisky with her yet again, and this time as he put his hand on her butt and she moved it away, Bryson was suddenly grabbing Dale
and pulling him away from her.

Bryson’s face was red with anger. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Dale laughed. “Just whispering sweet nothings, my man.”

“I’m not your man.”

Scarlett tried to interrupt, but the music was loud and things had moved too quickly. Nobody was even listening to her.

“Are you her man?” Dale asked. “Like, are you her father? Do you have lustful feelings for her?”

“You’re a sick fuck,” Bryson said. “She’s my assistant.”

“She’s got an ass that won’t quit—maybe we should both try her out,” Dale told him.

And that’s when Bryson punched him. It was so fast that Scarlett almost missed it.

One second, they were talking to each other—well, yelling, she supposed—and the next, Dale was on the floor, shaking his head.

Bryson stood over him. “Don’t ever touch her again or there will be more where that came from. You got it?”

Everyone nearby was staring now. Bryson had just publicly struck Dale Nolan, one of the biggest stars in the world—and the lead actor in his film.

Scarlett felt sick.

Dale rubbed his chin and laughed, but his eyes were flinty. “Do you know what you just fucking did?” he asked.

Bryson didn’t answer, but Scarlett could see in his face that it was starting to sink in.

I know what he did. He just destroyed his career, and this film right along with it.

THE END

Dearest Reader,

I hope you have enjoyed this final book in Kallie and Hunter’s whirlwind romance. I had a great time writing HIS EVERY CHOICE, and it felt
wonderful to give Hunter a bit of healing at the hands of the woman he loves.

And don’t worry --- you’ll still see glimpses of Kallie and Hunter in the upcoming books, along with all your other favorite characters. In the meantime,
though, it’s time for Scarlett and Bryson to take center stage. I hope you will continue to follow them and see their relationship blossom.

Look for Book Thirteen, WITH HIS CONSENT, coming out on December 24th.

Please also know the books are uploaded to each retailer at the same time, and if there is a delay with them showing up in certain places, it is
because that specific retailer has a longer processing time.

I hope you and yours have a great holiday.

All my very best,

Kelly Favor

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