“That’s right,” said Daisy. “I explained to Star that we didn’t tell her you bought Bright Star because you wanted to surprise her. Well, this is another surprise and we couldn’t have done it without Brent.”
Star knew her mother hadn’t changed much. She’d been the one to talk Brent into paying more for the ranch than it was worth.
“Now, Daisy, I can’t take all the credit,” said Brent. “After all, it was your idea we shoot the next film here. Besides, I didn’t want to see you have to give up your home. I think I’m going to like living on a ranch.”
“How long have you two been standing there?” asked Star.
“Not long enough to know all the details,” answered Daisy. “Is there some news you two would like to share by any chance?”
“There is,” answered Luke. “Mrs. Valens, your daughter has agreed to marry me.”
“Congratulations.” Brent walked up and pumped Luke’s hand. Daisy threw her arms around her daughter.
“Well, Luke,” said Daisy. “I admit I didn’t like you at first but now I know you’re the best man for my daughter.”
“He’ll grow on you,” laughed Brent. “So Luke, when’s the wedding?”
“As soon as possible as far as I’m concerned.” Luke wrapped his arm around Star. “But it’s up to Star however she wants to do it.”
“How about as soon as Jimmy the Outlaw is finished?” asked Star.
The room went silent and Brent waited for Luke’s answer.
“Is that what you want, Twinkles?” asked Luke.
Star smiled and nodded. “I want you to finish the film so I can be proud of seeing my husband on the big screen.”
“And Amber will do the last stunt?” asked Luke.
“I promise, I won’t get involved,” answered Star, making a cross with her finger over her heart.
“I don’t know,” said Luke. “I don’t feel comfortable about doing the love scene with Velvet.”
Brent cleared his throat to get their attention. “Neither of you know this yet, but Velvet walked off the set this morning. I’m afraid we’ll have to cancel the film after all. It’s a shame because the only scene she had left to shoot was that damned love scene.”
“What about if Star did it?” asked Daisy.
“Mother!” gasped Star. “This is the way the whole mess started in the first place. I’m not sure I like this idea.”
“We do have enough close-ups of Velvet in the love scene already,” said Brent. “The only part we have left could be shot at a distance with Star and no one would know the difference.”
“Star, what do you say?” asked Luke. “I think it just might work. Besides, there is no one else I want to kiss besides you.”
Star was speechless as three pairs of eyes stared at her, waiting for her answer.
“Do you promise me a two week honeymoon at Circle T afterwards with nobody there to bother us?” she asked Luke.
“I promise you a honeymoon that’ll last the rest of your life,” he answered. “I already told Brent I’m going back to ranching.”
“Then you’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Let’s seal that with a kiss,” said Luke, bending over and kissing her so passionately that Star almost forgot anyone else was there.
“Save that for in front of the camera and get some sleep, you two,” called Brent as he and Daisy exited the barn. “We start filming first thing in the morning.”
Chapter 23
Luke was up early the next morning, and shot the stunt scene with Amber before Star even got out of bed. He’d spent the night making love to Star in her room, and wasn’t surprised the girl was exhausted. If he wasn’t in a hurry to get the film done so they could get married, he’d still be in bed with her.
He made his way to the house with Maxi and Baby following at his heels. Star greeted him at the screen door wearing nothing more than a slinky black negligee. Luke tore open the door and pulled her outside with him. From inside, he could see Daisy, Louise, and the three hired hands seated at the table watching.
“Twinkles, what the hell do you think you’re doing prancing around in that in front of everyone?” He shielded her body with his.
Before she could answer, Brent walked up the stairs with the camera crew on his tail. “Tyler, it’s what I told her to wear for the love scene. You should recognize it, since Velvet’s been wearing it every time you’ve screwed up the scene. I had wardrobe make a few alterations so it would fit her.”
“She’s not wearing this in public,” said Luke adamantly.
“Why not?” asked Star. “You didn’t object when Velvet wore it.”
“Luke, we don’t have time to waste.” Brent opened the door and directed the crew inside. “Go on upstairs,” he told them. “We’re shooting the scene in Star’s bedroom.”
Star tried to step out from behind Luke but he pushed her back out of sight. “For Crissake, Brent. You’ve decided to use the girl’s own room for the scene?”
“It’s a bedroom,” Brent reminded him. “Where’d you expect me to shoot the scene? In the back of the limo?”
Luke didn’t like the fact that the world was going to see Star in that damned sexy negligee, not to mention he’d be in bed with her with her mother and the crew watching. He was starting to despise this decision, after all.
“You should see the room,” said Star, sticking out her head from behind him. “They’ve fixed it up just like it would have looked almost a hundred years ago. Brent found enough things in the antique shop in town to match the room of the set where the rest of the scene was shot.”
“Star, I can’t let you do this.” Luke took off his shirt and threw it around her shoulders.
“Tyler, don’t start this again,” complained Brent. “You agreed to the terms and we’re so close to being done with the film.” He hurried into the house before Luke could answer.
Star snuck her arms around Luke’s waist and laid her head against his back. “It’ll be all right, Luke. Just this once. Please?”
Luke turned toward her and pulled her head against his bare chest. The smell of herbal soap drifted past his nostrils. Her hair was soft and shiny and smelled like apricots.
“It was all right when Velvet played the scene,” said Star. “Why should it be any different now?”
“Barabelle liked to bare her bells for anyone,” he answered. “You’re going to be my wife, Star. Your twinkles are for my eyes only.”
“No one’s going to see any more flesh than you can see right now.”
He took a step back and stared at her, watching her face blush as he did so. “I like your flesh. I also like the way that nightgown looks on you.”
“I’ll wear it on the honeymoon if you want. Now, let’s go shoot the scene and get this over with so we can stop the play acting and get down to the real stuff.”
“I agree, Twinkles. Let’s do it.”
“Take me now, my outlaw. If I’m to live another moment without feeling your body within me, I’ll die.” Star was saying Velvet’s lines but Velvet’s voice would be dubbed in later. Luke hated this idea already.
“I will, you little wanton, for my body’s achin’ for the pleasures you have to offer.” Luke hated calling Star a little wanton but the rest of the statement was true. He said it with more conviction than he ever had when he’d tried to act out the scene with Velvet. He wanted Star, all right. He wanted her badly but not with a cast and crew of people standing over him with lights, makeup brushes, and cameras, all watching.
“Take me, my love!” Star threw her head back and looked like she was in ecstasy and about ready to climax. “I’ve waited a lifetime for a man like you.” She picked her head back up and stared Luke in the eyes and whispered. “I love you.”
Too bad they were going to do a voice over. The way Star said I love you was real, and had depth and passion. The way Velvet’s words came across were phony. Just another trademark of a Valens film.
“I love you, too.” Lu
ke meant the words this time and didn’t have trouble saying them. He’d never meant it more in his life. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Brent nodding his head and smiling. The scene was going to work. It would be done and over with in just a few minutes. Then he’d go on to marry Star and get back to his real life of ranching.
There was no struggle in his kiss as he gently laid Star on the bed. He was dressed only in his briefs, having even taken his boots off this time. Neither did he have a toothpick stashed behind his ear although, at the moment, he could have used a cigarette.
He straddled his nearly naked body atop Star’s and hoped to hell no one could see the bulge beneath his shorts. Bringing his lips to hers, he melted into the kiss. He slipped his hand down her nightgown, but stopped right before meeting with her breast.
He couldn’t do it.
Not with everyone watching. At any moment, Brent was going to yell cut and they’d have to start over from the top. Still, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. But he had to do something and he had to do it fast.
Star pushed him over and rolled atop him. She guided his hand to the strap of her nightgown and he understood what she was trying to do. He improvised, pulling down her nightgown to expose her bare back instead of grabbing her breast in front of everyone. He let his hands roam freely over her soft skin. All the while, Star squirmed in ecstasy only making him harder. She winked at him when only he could see her face and he gave her a look that said I’ll get you for this later. She knew damned well what she was doing to him. She could feel his arousal beneath her and seemed to like it.
They both had labored breathing and a sweat broke out on Luke’s brow. He prayed Star wouldn’t sit up now, or she’d expose herself and his secret in the process. Their kissing became more heated, more passionate, and for a split second Luke almost forgot they were on display. He reached over and grabbed the bedspread and threw it over their heads so they could continue their love scene in private.
“Cut!” came Brent’s muffled voice from outside the blanket. “I said cut, Tyler! That’s a wrap. I love the way you ended with the blanket over the two of you. It adds mystique and yet leaves things to the viewer’s imagination.”
Luke let his hands wander freely beneath the blanket, not caring what the hell Brent had to say.
“Tyler, come on,” came Brent’s voice once again.
“He wants you to stop,” whispered Star.
“I won’t stop until I’m finished, Twinkles. And I can’t do that until I get all these damned people out of here.” He poked his head out from under the blankets. “Everyone, out!” he shouted.
“But Luke . . .” Brent started to object.
“Now!” Luke commanded.
The room cleared instantly, and someone switched off the lights and even closed he door.
“Now, where were we?” Luke stuck his head back under the blanket.
“I believe we were in the middle of a sex scene,” reminded Star.
“Love scene, Twinkles. Brent might get sleazy with his films, but there’s no actual sex in them.”
“Well, maybe we should make one of our own then.” Star smiled devilishly and disappeared beneath the blanket. Luke felt her warm kisses trailing down his chest, and when she came close to his waist he was glad . . . damned glad . . . that everyone had left the room.
Chapter 24
The wedding day came exactly one week later. If it had been up to Luke they would have eloped, but Star wanted to invite the small town of Possum Ridge, not to mention have time to find a gown, get a cake, and do those wedding things that girls craved. Luke decided he would take that time to phone his best friend, James Taylor, a rancher close by to come serve as his best man.
“James, thanks for coming,” he said, riding his horse next to James as they made their way to the church. Star would be meeting them there along with everyone else.
“My pleasure,” said James, a tall, dark-haired man in his early thirties. He had a twin named Zeb and they looked so much alike that sometimes Luke had trouble telling them apart. “So, I hear you are going back to ranching.”
“That’s right,” said Luke. “I’m done with stunt work and want to start raising a family with Star.”
“I hear you.” James straightened his Stetson as they approached the church. “Luke, I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet since I just arrived, but I’m selling my ranch and moving back to Sweetwater, Michigan to be with my brothers.”
“Really?” This surprised Luke, but he was happy for James. “That’s right, you have eleven brothers. I can’t blame you for wanting to be near them. Sometimes, I wish I wasn’t an only child. Wait, I take that back,” said Luke with a raised hand in the air. “I had a stepbrother and hated every minute of it. He moved to the west coast and I’m glad I’ll never have to see him again. I think I’ll just be happy without siblings.”
James laughed. “Well, if you ever feel the need to be by family, you’re welcome to visit me in Sweetwater and I’ll share mine.”
“How about you, James? I thought you were living with a girl. Aren’t you married by now?”
“Things didn’t work out,” James told him softly. “You’ve got a good woman in Star, Luke. Take good care of her because girls like her are hard to come by.”
“You know I will.”
Luke and James dismounted and walked into the church where Star was waiting for them, as well as the rest of the town.
They were married at St. Joseph’s, the one and only church in Possum Ridge. Daisy served as Star’s matron of honor, at Star’s request. Star wore a short white dress with a sassy frill of lace, and flowers in her hair instead of a veil.
Rice flew in all directions as they exited the church and ran for the limo that would take them over to the ranch. Buck was all smiles in the front seat, and Big Jake handed Luke a bottle of Dom Perignon as he entered the car.
“I’ve got a big mess of food cooked up over at Bright Star,” said Jake. “Not to mention the three-layer whipped cream cake Star requested.”
Star stuck her head out the door. “Thanks, Jake. For everything.”
“The bottle is compliments of Brent Valens,” he said.
“We’ll make sure to thank Dad later,” remarked Luke.
“I heard that, Tyler.” Brent strolled up with Daisy on his arm. “Don’t be calling me Dad!”
“Well, you’re married to Daisy now, so I guess you’re my father-in-law.”
“Do you want that bottle of Dom Perignon or not?” grumbled Brent.
“Okay, Pops, I get the message,” Luke said with a chuckle.
Luke got in and slammed the door before Brent could complain again.
“You look wonderful today, Luke.” Star reached over and pecked him on the cheek. Luke had to admit he did clean up nicely. He’d even rented a tux for the occasion. The black suit looked smashing with his white carnation in the lapel. He had offered to get a haircut for the occasion but Star wouldn’t hear of it. Instead, he wore his hair long and loose the way Star liked it.
He removed the cork from the bottle and the foam spilled over the rim. He reached for a champagne glass that was in a bucket at their feet and spied something sticking out from under the seat.
Luke grabbed it and held it up to Star. “Are these yours?” he asked, holding Star’s black silk panties that she’d lost in the limo the first time they’d made love.
“Luke! You know they are.” Star grabbed them from him and sat on them. She then snatched away the bottle and took a swig of champagne. He took the bottle back and did the same. Both of them continued drinking directly from the bottle.
Buck opened the sliding partition and spoke to them from the driver’s seat. “Star, your mother says you should throw your bouquet before we leave.”
“Good idea,” said Star, picking up her bouquet of white carnations and roses.
Buck opened the sun roof and Star stuck her head out. She closed her eyes and tossed the bouquet. A squeal of delight went up
and Star opened her eyes to see Louise smiling from ear to ear. Louise patted down her gray hair and threw Star a kiss.
“Back to Bright Star for the celebration,” Star told Buck.
“And then on to Circle T for the honeymoon,” added Luke.
Star sat back down and leaned against Luke’s shoulder. “Are you happy to have your ranch back, Luke?”
“Not half as happy as I am to have you for a wife. As soon as we can afford it, I’m going to replace your gold band with the ring I originally bought for you. The jeweler is holding it for us.”
He smothered her with a kiss, only to be interrupted by Buck clearing his throat from the front seat.
“Did you need something, Buck?” Luke didn’t bother to look up.
“Not me,” said Buck. “However, I think these two want to congratulate you personally.”
With that, Maxi jumped into the back seat through the dividing partition. Buck reached over and placed Baby on the back of the front seat.
Maxi jumped up and licked Luke’s face, causing him to spill the champagne on the seat. Baby flapped her wings and jumped down to his lap, pecking at the puddle.
The dog then jumped on Star, causing her to jerk backward, her fist accidentally hitting Luke right in the eye.
Star and Luke looked at each other and laughed.
“Still slugging me, Twinkles, are you? What did I do to deserve that one?”
Star reached over and kissed him gently on the eye. “Well, sweetheart. I guess, that’s what you get for marrying the rancher’s bear of a daughter.”
“I guess you’re right,” Luke replied. “But I must say, I damned well enjoy being a Starstruck Cowboy.”
From the Author
I hope you enjoyed Star and Luke’s story. This book was written many years ago when I first started writing romance. That was back in the days when I stored my files on floppy disks. Well, after changing over computers years later, I thought this book had been lost forever. I was happy to find it on a floppy and still be able to open it and retrieve the story after all. This was the very first contemporary romance I ever wrote.
Starstruck Cowboy (Working Man Series Book 1) Page 19
