“Well, I think I need to work something out with Helene’s glam squad. If I’m gonna be photographed with you I need a perfect five minutes face.” Amanda paused for a moment before she reached over and took Sam’s hand. She missed his smooth skin and his warm touch. She didn’t want to go any longer without either in her life. “I don’t want to hide anymore. Not behind Dru, not behind any job or this notion that there is no part of any spotlight for me. I have no desire to be out in front, but I want to be with you. By your side.”

“I want all of that for you. I want to help make it happen if you’ll let me.”

Amanda couldn’t speak. She’d had her parents and Helene, but it was really something to have Sam on her side. A nod of agreement would have to do. Sam moved closer, pushing his leg under hers on the couch. Amanda almost gasped as his warm fingers spread out over her thigh. She couldn’t wait any longer. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his, then again and once more until he kissed her back. His arm came around her waist and Amanda let herself lean back against the cushion, far enough for Sam to climb over her. She sighed into his mouth as he settled his weight between her hips, letting her feel every inch of his growing erection against the fabric of her jeans. Amanda broke the kiss before her body took over and she started rubbing herself along his length in a shameless display of the need fighting to get out.

She looked at him, drawing her fingers over his lightly stubbled cheek.

“Where’s your cowboy hat?”

“Out at the ranch. Attracts a little too much attention on Sunset.”

“That’s a shame. I like you in that hat. You should keep a spare here. Warm up this place a bit.”

“I think we need to get you a proper hat. Shade those beautiful eyes from the blaring sun.”

“I’ll need a different hat for every day,” she said, biting her lip.

“A different hat for every day of the week. With boots to match,” Sam replied with a smile and she knew this was it for her. It was too early to say the words out loud, but she’d found her man and she wasn’t going to let him go.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Amanda let out several quick breaths and fought the urge to fiddle with her gown. She’d survived the hard part. She’d survived the short walk from the hotel to the luxury SUV that would take them the short drive to the Met. And the hardest part, the red carpet.