Riley stared at him and laughed. You're unbelievable! she said, pushing at him. Even though she was relieved that he took their breakup so well, she couldnt help but feel a tad jealous that he was so quick to seize upon another opportunity in the form of her cousin. Had he been attracted to Bridgette for some time now? She might never find out, since most guys were too buttoned down for that kind of discussion, especially with ex-girlfriends, and Forest was no exception.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
IT DIDNT TAKE long before news of Riley and Forest breaking up hit the worlds tabloids. It was all over the internet and in almost every magazine. Accompanying that news was the start of the rumor mill about Riley and Landon. For their part though, they played it discreetly. They didn't behave any differently after the breakup news and so their affair was ended quickly by the press.
The only people who really noticed anything were the ones closest to the pair. They picked up on the slight differences in behavior the two exhibited, like the bit of extra flirtatiousness. However, it wasn't long before their friends got bored of nothing important happening and the attention swept over to Forest and Bridgette's sudden get-together.
The last month of filming proved to be the most interesting, as it was focused on the final scene, when Riley's character would die for the last time and say the three words the actress had trouble saying.
Riley was amazed with how many scenes they had to do in the rain. She looked at Landon standing in front of her, soaking wet and clothes ripped, fresh off a fight scene.
Why? Why can't you? Landon asked. I've said it every damn time, even during the times I've hated you. Yet, you can't even do it once. Riley looked down. God, after all the crap you've put me through for centuries, this is the worst. Do you even feel anything for me? Did you ever?
Of course I didI still do! Riley said, her eyes snapping back up. She was aware of all the eyes on them and the several cameras watching their moves, but she focused only on Landon.
Do you really? Landon asked softly. Riley felt tears run down her cheeks, along with the rain. Just say it, just once. Let me know all of this was worth something!
Riley opened her mouth
So I said at the start of the show we're going to have a real treat today. Just hours before the opening of their movie, please welcome Riley Pratt and Landon Callahan, Dr. Bernadette announced to an uproar of applause and cheers from the audience as the mentioned pair walked out from backstage.
Riley laughed slightly as she waved at the crowd. Then she stopped as Landon grabbed her left hand, which had a black leather fingerless glove on it. All eyes went to him and Riley smirked, as she knew what was coming.
Landon slid one hand to the back of her neck and the other over her lower back, dipped her down then proceeded to kiss her right in the middle of the stage, in front of the watchful audience and cameras. Riley's arms slid around his neck as she returned the kiss, trying hard not to laugh at the large burst of shouting from the women in the stands.
Wow, that is some entrance! Dr. Bernadette exclaimed, causing the pair to separate as Landon got Riley back on her feet. She gave into her urge to laugh as she took his hand and they moved to sit on the couch. Do you two need some water for that fire?
No way, the fire's awesome! Riley exclaimed.
Okay, this question needs to be asked right away, Dr. Bernadette said.
If it's a question about the two of us dating Riley started.
It hasn't been going on for as long as everyone thinks, Landon cut in.
Just the last little while since we wrapped up shooting, Riley finished.
So basically, after everyone decided you two weren't secretly having an affair, you were, in fact, getting together, Dr. Bernadette stated.
Yeah, sort of, Riley admitted, laughing. I mean it wasn't right after I broke up with Forest, but it wasn't too long after either.
And Forest is now dating your cousin, Dr. Bernadette said, the keyboard player for The Valentinas?
Yeah, they're doing pretty good, Riley said, brushing her hair out of her face. We're all conspiring against Alice now, since she's the only single one left, now that Paul and Faith have decided to be official.
Well, I'm sure there are plenty of men out there who would love to date little Alice, Dr. Bernadette said.
Oh, we know there are, Landon agreed. Its just a matter of figuring out which ones are band approved. Everyone laughed at that.
So Riley, this was your first movie, and the first project the two of you have done since high school, Dr. Bernadette stated. Riley and Landon both nodded. We, uh, got in touch with your parents.
Oh no! Riley exclaimed.
Oh yes, Dr. Bernadette replied, grinning. And they were kind enough to send us some footage of one of the plays you two did together.
Riley shook her head and put her gloved hand to her forehead. Landon squeezed her other hand as the clip from their first play together was shown over the screens.
Now, where did that song come from? Dr. Bernadette asked.
It was a song my mom wrote, Riley explained. I think that was the only song in the whole play I didn't have figured out right off the bat. It took me basically until opening night to work it out. Then I just borrowed from her and it worked so well. I was really amazed.
Looks like you two did really great! Dr. Bernadette said, looking at the freeze frame on the screens. Now, this clip The screens changed to play a clip from the movie. This was another song from your parents, wasn't it?
Yeah, that was their wedding song, Riley answered, watching the clip. I absolutely loved that song so much and it fit, not only with the movie, but with the two of us personally as well. She looked at Landon and smiled. He grinned and kissed her softly.
Alright, let's get some words out of Mr. Silent here, Dr. Bernadette turned to look at Landon.
Fire away, Landon stated.
Did you have any idea this is how things would be when you suggested Riley take the lead role? Dr. Bernadette asked.
To be honest, when I originally suggested it, I wasn't thinking too much about the consequences, Landon replied. Then when it hit, it worried me. But I'm happy with the way things turned out.
Do you think you two are ever going to do another movie together? Dr. Bernadette asked.
Oh, I don't know, Landon said, grinning. Riley wants to get into the vampire craze.
I only want to be in True Blood just once, Riley defended. I can't help it if I think Eric's hot. You think Sookie's hot.
So, Dr. Bernadette, how are things with you and Keeli? Landon asked, quickly changing the subject. Riley just smirked as she pulled off her glove.
It's all great and holy cow, look at the size of that ring! Dr. Bernadette exclaimed, taking Riley's now visible hand to look at the humongous diamond ring on her finger. Landon and Riley both laughed. Ladies and Gentlemen, you got it here first. These two are engaged! The crowd erupted into cheers that were even louder than when the two had kissed. How did it happen?
We were in bed and he just turned to me and asked, Riley explained.
Oh come on, there was more than that, Landon protested.
Well yeah, but I'm not gonna spill all of it! Riley said, pushing him lightly. Some things have to remain between us, you know. She smiled as Landon slid his arm around her shoulders.
The point is that I love this girl, Landon started but stopped when Riley coughed. Sorrywoman, more than anything else.
What do you have to say to that, Riley? Dr. Bernadette asked.
Riley looked at the host, then at the crowd before turning her eyes to Landon. Her hand was clasped in his and his eyes were solely on her, as he smiled at her. The man had been her friend, her enemy, her boyfriend and her co-star. He had been the cause for so many emotions in her, so many smiles, so many tears and so much joy. He was always at her side, even when they didn't like each other and he was always willing to step in and take care of her, or let her do her own thing. He was everything she wanted and he wa
s always coming back to her, no matter what.
From their first meeting at the hospital as little kids, to their rowdy and uncontrolled behavior as preteens and the mass chaos through high school that brought them back together then pushed them apart again in the endall this had shown them that they would never be truly done with each other.
Alison had been right when she told Riley that the movie was like her life, except for the fact that her life was the only one she had and she only had one chance to do it right.
Dr. Bernadette, I can honestly say that I absolutely, one hundred percent, positively love this man with all my heart, Riley answered.
And I did. Again and again and again. I loved him.
END
ALSO BY AUBREY BAILEY
The Challenge
Table of Contents
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Epilogue
BOOK TWO - TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FOURTY
CHAPTER FOURTY-ONE
CHAPTER FOURTY-TWO
CHAPTER FOURTY-THREE
CHAPTER FOURTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FOURTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FOURTY-SIX
CHAPTER FOURTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FOURTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FOURTY-NINE
CHAPTER FIFTY
EPILOGUE
BOOK THREE - TO LOVE ONCE AGAIN IS TO LOVE AGAIN
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
CHAPTER SIXTY
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
ALSO BY AUBREY BAILEY
Unnamed
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Epilogue
BOOK TWO - TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FOURTY
CHAPTER FOURTY-ONE
CHAPTER FOURTY-TWO
CHAPTER FOURTY-THREE
CHAPTER FOURTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FOURTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FOURTY-SIX
CHAPTER FOURTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FOURTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FOURTY-NINE
CHAPTER FIFTY
EPILOGUE
BOOK THREE - TO LOVE ONCE AGAIN IS TO LOVE AGAIN
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
CHAPTER SIXTY
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
If I Never Knew You Trilogy Bundle Page 30
