by Eva Haining
“It’s real. We’re real. Tonight is going to be crazy and overwhelming and amazing, but whenever you feel like it’s too much, just take my hand. I’ll keep you grounded, baby. I’ve got you… I’ve always got you.” I take a moment to drink him in, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne deep into my chest, calming the storm inside. My hands are shaking as a security guard opens the limo door, the sound of the crowd hitting me like a wall. “Breathe, baby. I’m just taking my wife to a movie. Nothing more. Okay?”
“Okay.” He slides out before leaning in to offer his hand. With practiced ease, he helps me out and into the limelight, cameras flashing, fans screaming behind barriers, and a long stretch of red carpet. Microphones are thrust out from the first row of the crowd, all from eager reporters.
Jasper wraps his arm firmly around my waist, the warmth of his chest at my side giving me the strength I need to put one foot in front of the other.
“Smile and wave. Everyone here is rooting for you, country girl.” As I turn my face to stare up into the eyes of the man I love, I no longer see movie star, J.J. Savage, all I see is him, my Jasper. He leans down, letting his lips brush mine in a reverent kiss, and the crowd erupts. Girls are screaming his name, and reporters are shouting mine, begging us to come over to where they stand.
I let Jasper take the lead following close at his side, but I can tell he’s positioning me for the cameras, showing me off, and it gives me a thrill. His hand leaves mine for a few moments to sign autographs before zeroing in on one of the reporters—someone he obviously recognizes. Sliding his arm around my waist, he ushers me over, keeping me close as we strain to hear some of the questions being asked of us.
“J.J., is it true that you bankrolled this movie yourself?”
“Partially. I threw every dime I had into this, so I’m hoping you guys will enjoy it. But, I had two amazing friends who are already inside as far as I know, Maddox Hale, the rodeo legend, and his business partner, Jackson McKinney. They really had faith in me when no one else did. We wouldn’t be standing here today if they hadn’t put their money where their mouth is. I’m confident we’re going to do them proud tonight.” Listening to him talk about Mad and Jax with such humility and respect makes my heart melt.
“Ms. Bryant, what was it like to work with Jasper?”
“Amazing, infuriating, and such a great honor. He’s Hollywood royalty for a good reason. I learned so much about the craft from working alongside him. I feel truly blessed.”
“I just need to correct you there,” Jasper interjects. “When you quote her in the Los Angeles Times, make sure you get her name right. It’s not Maisie Bryant, it’s Maisie Savage.” The reporter’s eyebrows shoot up so far, they disappear under her bangs. The crowd explodes, the noise deafening as they cheer and holler.
Jasper has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face as he pulls me into his arms and plants one hell of a kiss on me, making me weak in the knees. Simultaneously, a show for the cameras and a sensual moment just for us.
When we come up for air, the cameras are going crazy as he lifts his voice over the din.
“Make sure you all get that right. Maisie Savage. The great state of Texas made it official last week! Watch out Hollywood, my wife is coming for you.” With a massive, beautiful, possessive smile, he waves to the crowd and grabs my hand. “Thanks for coming out tonight and for supporting the movie. You won’t regret it. This girl’s got the chops!”
My heart is pounding as he pulls me inside, the doors deadening the rapturous applause still going on outside.
“I didn’t know you were going to tell everyone.”
“I wanted them to know you’re mine. Call it the Hollywood equivalent of marking my territory.”
“You just peed on me? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“Yes.” His mischievous grin sparks a fire in my core.
“Us country girls mark our territory, too.”
“Baby, you do whatever you gotta do. I’m game. I want the world to know I’m the lucky son of a bitch who snagged you. Marrying you will always be the most incredible moment of my life. Now, are you ready to watch this movie?”
“I’m nervous.” Lacing his fingers with mine, he tightens his grip.
“It’s going to be amazing. You’ll see. You’re breathtaking on screen.”
The theater is full of familiar faces—the cast, our friends, and plenty of Hollywood bigwigs I recognize but haven’t met yet.
As we take our seats, my stomach churns with nerves—fireflies fighting to take flight. The lights dim, and the plush red velvet curtains pull back revealing the opening credits. It’s really happening, my debut on the silver screen.
My breath catches in my chest as the opening scene fades in, the rolling fields of Mustang Ranch looking ethereal in their beauty. It’s then that a lump forms in my throat, my eyes well with tears, falling unbidden as I read the words onscreen.
In Loving Memory
Of
Joseph Andrew Bryant
who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Gone but never forgotten.
“Did you do this?” I whisper in his ear.
“I wanted you to have a little piece of him with you today. He’d be so proud of you, Maisie.”
My lips find his, pouring all of the love and adoration I have for him into this one small kiss.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, baby.” As we settle down to watch the movie that brought us together, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the man sitting next to me. Seeing us together on screen, I wonder how I ever could’ve questioned the authenticity of what we have.
Jasper is so much more than the man I see on film. He’s kind and loving, thoughtful and stubborn as hell. He makes me question myself and pushes me outside of my comfort zone. He’s opened my eyes to a life I didn’t know I wanted. Not one of fame and fortune, but a life measured in friendship, in our profound and unrelenting love, in the quiet moments we share every day. I can’t wait for the next chapter of our love story to unfold, deep in the heart of Kingsbury Falls. Just a city boy and a country girl making our way together, our future alive with possibilities and the promise of an incredible, extraordinary life together.
THE END
buy MUSTANG DADDY
buy MUSTANG BUCK
preorder MUSTANG CHRISTMAS
preorder MUSTANG BELLE
buy romantic comedy FUMBLE
buy the complete MANHATTAN KNIGHTS SERIES
buy WILD RUGGED DADDY
buy paranormal romance LUXURE
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Simon, as always, you are my number one supporter and championed this book every step of the way. I know I’m not always the easiest person to live with, especially when I get lost in the lives of my characters, but you encourage me on a daily basis and continue to believe in my talent. You teach me the true meaning of romance again and again. I love you so much.
Ria, Ria, Ria. Firstly, I will say it just for you—Jasper is yours. You claimed him the moment you read him, and your love for him from those first few chapters inspired me to create a leading man worth loving. Your willingness to get alongside me on this journey means more than I can ever express. I love you, girl.
To my kickass Beta team, I love you and appreciate your support.
Thank you to my editor, Nicki Kuzn. Your support of my craft is truly appreciated and your dedication to helping me provide quality books for my readers is a gift.
To my readers, old and new, thank you. Your support of this series gives me such joy. Y’all brought Mustang Ranch and the town of Kingsbury Falls to life. Thank you so much for giving these characters
a place to call home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm happiest when wandering through the uncharted territory of my imagination. You'll find me curled up with my laptop, browsing the books at the local library, or enjoying the smell of a new book, taking great delight in cracking the spine and writing in the margins!
Eva is a native Scot but lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and a whizzy little fur baby with the most ridiculous ears. She first fell in love with British literature while majoring in Linguistics, 17th Century Poetry, and Shakespeare at University. She is an avid reader and lifelong notebook hoarder. In 2014, she finally put her extensive collection to good use and started writing her first novel. Mustang Hollywood marks Eva’s ninth full-length novel.
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