Page 18 of Ring in the New Year

"Oh crap, I forgot."

Angela jerked backwards out of his hold. "You what?"

That trademark smile lit up his face. The one that promised legions of voyeuristic women that he would deliver them the pleasure they saw on the screen. "She's not going to use the video. She can't."

"But she still has it?"

"Actually, the director has it. But it's likely in the trash."

"Holden, I'm going to need you to explain yourself."

Holden's arms came back around her. Angela placed her hands on his chest and held still for him. Because even if she was going to be ridiculed and her career ended, this was the place she wanted to come home to: inside this man's arms.

"The video was of two people making love. It's a bad look for a hardcore porn company. They can't use it. They won't use it. You're safe."

His hold tightened around her, and she knew his words were true.

"Kendra's out of ammo. And I'm out of a job." As Holden buried his face in her neck, he drew her even closer into hisembrace. He exhaled a long breath that carried the weight of a thousand unsaid confessions.

Angela breathed out, her lips grazing his skin just above the collar of his shirt, feeling the echo of his words vibrating through her body.

"I'm walking away from it all. I want to create something real, something meaningful. Focus on directing, but... different. Videos centered on women's pleasure. Empowering. Celebrating them. Every scene, every frame—it'll be about their desires, their joy," he said, his gaze locked on to hers with an intensity that felt as if it could ignite her very soul. "It's time I use what I've learned, what I've been given, for a greater good."

"That sounds hot," she whispered in his ear.

Holden chuckled and pulled away from her. He gazed into her eyes, and all Angela saw was raw honesty and determination there.

"Are you sure about this?" Angela asked. "You know, directing can be quite the... demanding position."

Holden's lips curled into a playful grin, the kind that always sparked a wildfire within her. "I think I can handle it, especially with my top advisor by my side."

She rolled her eyes, feigning exasperation. "Oh, I see how it is—using me for my brilliant mind."

"Among other things." His gaze swept over her in a sensuous caress that left a trail of heat in its wake. "You're the muse, Angela. My fire. My conscience. You make it all worth it."

Their mouths met in a kiss that was at once both an affirmation and a vow, a meeting of two souls that had found their match in passion and purpose. Her hands traced the contours of his back, mapping out the terrain she adored.

Angela felt the words, but she wasn't ready to say them yet. So she?—

"I love you, Angela."

She gulped at the declaration. She'd heard it from her ears, so she knew she hadn't hallucinated.

"I know it's only been a few days. But I've seen enough of the fake stuff to know the real deal."

Angela's lips worked. But her mouth was dry, likely because she was breathing so shallowly, her lungs racing to keep up with her heart.

"You don't have to say—ouch!"

Holden rubbed at the spot on his chest where Angela had given him a whack.

"I wanted to say it first," she huffed. "But I thought it was too soon."

"Oh." He grinned. "My bad. How would you like for me to make it up to you?"

"Kiss me."

"Where?"

---