A Heated Touch of Action (A Scripted for Love Novel)

by MK Meredith

  Even with the mask, there was no denying the truth.

  She trusted him.

  “Jimmy, I…” She didn’t know how to explain how afraid she was.

  “I trust you. With my heart, Cleo…my life. But I didn’t want the darker side of what was happening to hurt you.”

  Pacing, he said, “I never told you everything about Jack. He was an addict. In rehab. I’d been bailing him out of trouble our whole lives. But I’d forgotten that he’d done the same for me over and over again.”

  She tried to reach for him. “You don’t have to—”

  “But I do.” He kept pacing. “You were right. I didn’t let you in. One day I was supposed to take Jack to an appointment, but I was busy, running late, and frustrated that he couldn’t find a way to get there himself. I justified myself with the excuse that he was a grown man.”

  With a sigh, he stopped in front of her. “I was only a few minutes late. He was already gone, hand-made tourniquet still around his biceps.”

  “Oh, Jimmy.”

  Grabbing her hands, he pressed them to his chest, and she could feel the pounding of his heart beneath her fingertips.

  “I’d already hurt the people in my life I loved most. I didn’t want to add you to the list,” He said.

  She couldn’t imagine experiencing what he’d been through. What he’d accomplished in his life, the man he’d become was an incredible testament to his strength and perseverance.

  “But that’s just it. Your pain is my pain. If we both carry it, we can handle anything. We stay connected. And I think that’s what I’m afraid of if I’m honest…”

  “Bel, I—” He reached out to her.

  She took his hand and placed it over her racing heart. “That’s what I’m afraid of most. That someday, when I love you so much that life seems impossible without you, the novelty of being with me will wear off, and you’ll—”

  Before she could finish the word, Jimmy slammed his mouth on hers, wiping out whatever thought had been taking up space in her head. His large hands molded her to him, and she hung on for dear life.

  “Now do you finally get it? That you’re it for me?”

  Afraid to hope but terrified to lose, she gave a small nod. “I know who you are…and I love you for every hard-won detail of the man you’ve become. I see you with Cleo, and there is no doubt that you are a man worth fighting for.”

  She pressed a kiss to his mouth. “I love you for every dark moment in your life and all the bright light you bring.” She tried to swallow past the lump in her throat and gazed up at him in breathless wonder, and in that moment, it happened.

  All the fear and doubt and heartache that she’d been carrying with her for so many years eased its strangling hold on her…and for the first time in her adult life, she could finally breathe.

  “Yes, I do.” She nodded. “I think you love me, Jimmy Callahan.”

  “If you only think it, you’re not as smart as I thought you were, professor.”

  “Did it work, Uncle Jimmy? Does she believe us now?”

  Bel turned in Jimmy’s arms to find Cleo standing with Margo and Raquel.

  “Cleo!” Bel immediately left Jimmy’s side and sunk down to look the little girl in the face. “I’ve missed you.”

  Cleo hugged her tight, the soft scent of strawberry shampoo filling Bel with more joy than she ever expected to experience in a lifetime much less a single moment.

  “I’m living with Uncle Jimmy now.”

  Bel looked at Margo before she could stop herself, but the woman had nothing but appreciation glowing from her face.

  “Jimmy never lets us down. You can count on him.” Margo said, putting her hand out for Cleo.

  He wrapped his arm around Bel’s waist. “So, what do you say, professor? Are you all talk and no action, or are you going to promise to love me for the rest of my life?”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “You had me at eggnog.”

  EPILOGUE

  Bel held Jimmy’s hand tight as he pulled her through Raquel’s living room to the birthday party out by the pool. It had been weeks full of more love than she’d ever imagined since the gallery, and she was still trying to catch her breath.

  Jimmy’s show had been a staggering success. He had so many opportunities, but he’d said the only clear answer was to take his time, weigh his options, and figure out what would fit in their lives the best. His, Cleo’s, and Bel’s.

  The fact that she was a part of that process, a consideration in his answer was the most humbling experience she’d ever had.

  He loved her.

  She was still terrified, but she decided that wasn’t a bad thing.

  Fear kept her on her toes, present, and would keep her from taking anything for granted.

  What’s more, her seminar was going strong and in demand with her appearance schedule set for the year along with a few book signings.

  Turned out academia wasn’t the only place interested in her book. Sales to couples and those seeking love were through the roof.

  Their future wasn’t without a few bumps in the road, life had those no matter how well the path was paved, but they were finding their way. And Cleo kept them grounded.

  She was the priority for both of them.

  “Of course, Raquel is hosting the party for Cleo,” Bel said.

  “With pony rides and everything,” Jimmy added, his voice edged with emotion.

  Her giant of a man was both giddy and touched, and without a doubt, as excited as Cleo when she’d found out that she’d be heading to Disneyland in a few days with her mother, Addi, Bel, and Sam. The women were determined to bring Margo and Cleo into the fold so they never felt alone again.

  “Cleo’s never had a party like this, and she’s transitioned so well over the past two months. I’m glad she’s getting something special.” His words held the thick tone of a man holding back tears.

  He held her against his side like a lifeline, and her heart swelled with love.

  “It’s all thanks to you.”

  “No.” He pressed his lips hard against hers, and she soaked in his love, counting the seconds so she didn’t miss one. “It’s all thanks to us. The person who said it takes a village wasn’t kidding.”

  “There you are, darlings!” Raquel glided toward them with her usual ethereal grace, her long white pants and matching cape floating in her wake. The white suit really popped against the brightly colored balloons and streamers that made their backyard look like a piñata.

  “Raquel, this is more than anything I’d ever have expected.” He kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”

  She turned her cheek for a kiss from Bel as well as they all watched Cleo and a few of her school friends being led in a circle on a small pony with a rainbow of ribbons braided into its mane. The girls’ smiles and shrieks of laughter pulled a few giggles from the adults, Jimmy included. Though Bel knew he’d deny it all day long.

  Cleo waved at them. “Look at me! I’m riding!”

  The smile on his face grew wide with adoration, and Bel didn’t know how much more she’d be able to take. Damn, she loved this man. Against all her best attempts not to.

  And she was so thankful. She’d needed a push. Her dad saw it. Gage, too. But no way in hell was she going to admit any such thing. Her brother was hard enough to deal with now that he was doing so well. This kind of praise would push him over the edge of annoying and straight into impossible.

  “Well, I’m tickled pink to do it, Jimmy. This is a birthday celebration Cleo will always remember and a celebration of a job well done for myself. It’s not every day I prove that I’m right, but almost.” She teased.

  Martin joined them, handing over a glass of Prosecco. “You were right all along as usual, my dear.”

  “Oh, thank you, darling…for the compliment and the glass. Is this part of the case that Chase sent from Ferrara?”

  “It is,” he said.

  Bel acknowledged Martin with a hug, but there was no way
in hell she was letting Raquel say something so mysterious without an explanation. “What do you mean, ‘job well done’ and ‘right all along’?”

  Martin chuckled. “Up to her old tricks, of course.”

  “Old? There’s nothing old about me, including my tricks,” she insisted with a huff.

  “Tricks?” Jimmy’s voice sounded as confused as Bel felt.

  The Mother of Malibu took her husband’s arm. “Let’s go check on our guests. I need to introduce Sam’s brother, Luca, to Liv Karsten. She has a few legalities he might just be able to help out with.”

  With a dismissive wave of her fingers toward Bel, she added, “You don’t seriously think all the photographers you interviewed in town didn’t work out by chance, did you?” Her laugh lingered as she disappeared into the crowd with Martin.

  Bel turned to Jimmy. “What does she mean?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “You have no idea?” She narrowed her gaze.

  He put two fingers up. “Scout’s honor.” But his grin was huge.

  “You’re no scout…that’s for sure.”

  Pulling her in close, Jimmy took a leisurely taste, gliding his lips along hers. “Agreed, but I’ll tell you this. If Raquel is responsible for us being together, I owe her more than a simple thank you. She’s given me a whole future.”

  Bel couldn’t even pretend to be miffed about her friend’s manipulation as a smile spread her lips wide. Her heart blossomed open with his words. “You love me.”

  He laid his forehead against hers. “And you love me, professor.”

  “I’m still nervous.”

  With a kiss to her nose, he took her hand. “I’m excited.” He led her through a maze of bean bags to Gage and Roque, who were spread out on lounge chairs, Mason jars of moonshine in their hands.

  “Oh hell.” Jimmy laughed.

  “Hey, don’t judge. I have a baby coming. Besides, it’s a party.” Gage held his jar high, then took a healthy swallow.

  “An eight-year-old’s birthday party,” Jimmy corrected, then grabbed the jar. “I want a sip.”

  “Hey!” Gage attempted to lunge but gave up, melting back into the chair as if any movement at all was too much effort.

  Roque tapped his jar to Jimmy’s. “Congratulations. How are you handling having Cleo full-time and Bel’s tour?”

  “Cleo and I are great.” He nodded toward Bel. “She’s been invaluable. As for the tour, Clee and I are cheering from the sidelines during the summer and a few over spring break, outside of that…” Jimmy took a sip of moonshine as Gage pulled another out from behind his back for himself. “We’ll hold down the fort while she’s gone. Cleo will be busy with school, and between a few local projects with Gallagher Productions and from my show, I have plenty to keep me busy.”

  Bel loved the excitement on his face. He’d settled into his new normal in a beautiful way, and she was thrilled that he’d be there for Cleo. The little girl had a real chance at an amazing life now. And she’d get to be a part of it.

  She and Jimmy would take it slow. There was no reason to rush, and with Cleo’s presence, every reason to be careful.

  That was something Bel was really good at.

  But not so careful anymore that they’d miss out on life. That was a big lesson learned she’d have to find a way to thank Jimmy for someday.

  Roque nodded across the dance floor where Raquel and Luca were talking. “What’s going on over there?”

  “Have you guys ever heard anything about Raquel fixing people up?” Jimmy asked.

  Gage groaned. “Shit. So many things make sense now. We never found out until after the fact, but Raquel had been all over what had happened between Sam and me. How did I not see it with you?”

  “Well,” Bel teased. “I am the brighter Cutler sibling.”

  “Hell, you were clueless, otherwise you’d have left town in a heartbeat, you little coward,” her brother threw back.

  With her nose in the air, she sniffed, but there was no stopping her smirk. “I guess we’ll never really know.”

  “She had her ring covered fingers in my business with Addi, too. Seeing the two of you confirms it.” Roque said.

  “Should we warn Luca?” He adjusted the pillow behind his back on the lounge chair, not really seeming very concerned about his aunt’s invasion into their love lives.

  “No one warned us,” Jimmy said. And giving Bel a once-over that warmed her head to toe, he added, “Thank God.”

  With a quick grin, he winked at her. “You look a little heated.”

  Borrowing from Addi’s playbook, she returned. “Well, then…I must need some action.” She gave him a look that left no room for confusion.

  Gage gagged. “Get a room, but not here, for God’s sake. There’s a kid’s birthday party going on.”

  Bel ignored her brother, having eyes for one man only. Jimmy’s gaze took on the intense look that she found so damn exciting. “This party won’t end soon enough,” he growled

  Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him with all the passion and promise that chemistry and emotion could offer.

  “That’s just it, Jimmy Callahan. Our party never has to end.”

  I hope you loved this happy ever after! Reviews make a huge difference to author’s careers. I would be extremely grateful if you are able to take a few seconds and leave a review. Simply click the book below then choose from your favorite retailer. Add your star rating and say a few words. That’s it! TY!

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  Feed your romance addiction with more books by MK Meredith!

  Cape Van Buren

  On the Cape Novels:

  Love on the Cape (Larkin and Ryker) bk 1

  Honor on the Cape (Blayne and Jamie) bk 2

  Cherish on the Cape(Claire and Mitch) bk 3

  Novellas:

  Draw You In (formerly Falling for You/Sage & Parker)

  International Temptation Series

  A strong dose of decadence along with a side of tall, dark,

  and sexy in your favorite travel destinations.

  Seducing the Tycoon (Drago and Chase) bk 1

  Playing the Spanish Billionaire (Meteu and London) bk 2

  Scripted for Love

  There's no place like paradise and the happy ever afters

  found in the film industry of Malibu, CA.

  Love Under the Hot Lights (Sam and Gage) bk 1

  Just a Little Camera Shy (Addi and Roque) bk 2

  A Heated Touch of Action (Bel and Jimmy) bk 3

  What Happens in Vegas Series

  multi author series)

  What happens when a romance convention descends upon Vegas?

  A whole lot of love!

  Seducing Seven (Seven and Blake) bk 9

  Connect with MK:

  Website: mkmeredith.com

  Twitter: twitter.com/MKMKMeredith

  Facebook: facebook.com/MKMKMeredith/

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  To my children and husband, otherwise known as my hearts and soul, thank you for believing in me and always knowing I could do this even when I didn’t. Brian, I’ll never get used to how supportive you are. I’m in awe.

  To my big brothers, Tommy, Todd, and Billy—as goofy as I am, you’ve always held me up. Tommy, you’ve always known I could do it. Todd, you put your support into action. Thank you for reading my first book. Billy, you’re the best cheerleader a girl could have. To Paula, my sister of the heart, I’m forever in awe of you. And to my mom, who’s continued to mother me from the ot
her side, I hope I have a fraction of your grace. Thank you.

  Thank you to KR Nadelson and Jessica Snyder and Dawn Yacovetta for helping me make this story as beautiful as possible.

  Thank you Amber Shaffer Koeckritz for talking to me about Academia and helping me see this story.

  Thank you to my street team, MK & CO for your friendship and for believing in me. I love everyone in this family, from the very first to the still to come.

  One more exuberant thank-you to the readers of this book. Experiencing life with you in this way is magical. I hope that at least one scene, one line, or simply one word resonates with each of you. And to my sisters and brothers in the fight against breast and all types of cancer. I know both sides, having lost my mom to breast cancer at a young age, and surviving myself. My writing is one of the things that carries me through. I have many more books to write.

  Thank you.

  Hugs and loves and peanut butter,

  MK

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  MK Meredith writes contemporary romance promising an emotional ride on heated sheets. She believes the best route to success is to never stop learning. Her lifelong love affair with peanut butter continues, and only two things come close in the battle for her affections: gorgeous heels and maybe Gerard Butler…or was it David Gandy? Who is she kidding? Her true loves are her husband and two children who have survived her SEAs (spontaneous explosions of affection) and lived to tell the tale. The Merediths live in the DC area with their large fur baby…until the next adventure calls.

  www.mkmeredith.com

  mk@mkmeredith.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Contents

  Copyright

  Praise for MK Meredith

  Introduction

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13