Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“I’ll take that as an invitation. For a bit.”

I found the light switch, flipped it, and settled against him with a satisfied sigh. “I missed you too,” I whispered against his chest.

“I’m glad.” He sighed, exhaustion edging his words.

I laughed. “Sleepy?”

“I am. Two weeks is a hell of a long time to go without one decent night’s sleep.”

I kissed his chest. “There’s no reason for that tonight.”

“You’re right,” he said. “Sweet dreams, then.”

“Sweet dreams, Josh.” I felt my eyes drooping, exhaustion taking hold now that I had found some peace.

His hands rubbed up and down my back, his heart a soothing rhythm beneath my ear. And I fell into a deep sleep with a very contented smile on my face.

Chapter Ten

I turned on the shower and dropped my running clothes on the floor for the second time this morning.

I’d slipped from the bed and pulled on my running clothes, as was my morning routine. But something about me in my tight running shorts had enticed Josh into removing them all over again.

Five minutes and a good deal of grasping, kneading, and stifled moans later and I was almost too satisfied to force myself out of the warm bed for some serious exercise. While he watched from the tangled sheets and bedclothes, I tugged my running gear back on. He dressed and we walked to the lobby. We parted with a sweet kiss and I set out for more cardio.

Not that I really needed it after last night, but it was a pretty great way to start the day. He said he’d come with me next time. I liked the sound of that.

My shower was super quick, as motherhood required. I picked through my hair, dressed in some jeans and a long-sleeved white t-shirt. I pulled on my tennis shoes and tugged my hair into a ponytail, leaving my curls to bounce on my shoulders. I assessed my reflection with a smile. I looked pretty pleased with life. Because that’s exactly the way I felt.

Arthur was sipping coffee and reading a paper in one of the silk chairs by the window. I smiled at him. “Morning.”

“Run already? And a shower?” he teased. “Do you sleep?”

“Not as much as I should. But it was too nice a morning to stay in bed.”

“You and Josh have a nice evening?”

I nodded, smiling in spite of myself.

Arthur stood and poured me a steaming cup of dark black coffee. He handed me the fine bone china cup, saying, “It’s amazing, isn’t it, how hard it can hit you?”

I shot him a look.

“Did Shannon tell you I was married once? For twenty-two years. I promised myself I’d never enter into another relationship.”

I hadn’t known. “What happened?”

“With the marriage?” I nodded. “Nothing, really. No real drama. We just didn’t like each other anymore. And I thought being alone was a good fit for me.” He shrugged. “But then I met Shannon. She changed everything.”

“I’m happy for you both, Arthur.”

He nodded, his voice soft. “Me too.”

There was a soft thump from the kids’ room, jarring me into action. Then I remembered. “Arthur, are you computer savvy? Can you tell me why I wouldn’t have received some emails?”

“I can take a look if you like.”

I dashed into my bedroom and returned with my laptop.