Page 8 of Keeping Happily Ever After

Steph watched Bella look around the table. Her eyes landed on her in question, but it was Nicole who said, “We were just wondering about this new movie and—”

“You told them I got the part?”

“No! I didn’t—”

“You got it?”

“No way!”

“Oh my God!”

Everyone spoke at once and jumped up from their seats to pull Bella into hugs. There was so much cheering and excitement that it took a moment for Steph to see clearly through the group to her friend. Bella looked shell-shocked by the unexpected attention, certainly. But she also looked happy. Happy and excited and more than anything, that made Steph happy.

It was a big deal to get your first movie role. Let alone your first role in a major blockbuster production. Sheshouldbe ecstatic.

As soon as the women settled down, took their seats, and ordered a round of drinks to celebrate, Steph caught Bella’s eye. “I didn’t say anything.”

Bella shrugged. “It’s okay. It’s not going to be a secret for too much longer. It’s just…” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I didn’t have a chance to tell Jeremy yet.”

“Jer doesn’t know?”

Bella looked at Faith, who’d asked the question. She confirmed that no, she hadn’t had a chance to tell him yet.

“I get it now,” Faith said apologetically. “I’m sorry I pushed. I can be like that sometimes. A little too pushy for my own good.”

Steph tried not to laugh when Sarah agreed with an emphatic nod.

Faith ignored her and kept talking. “Okay, we won’t say anything. Right, girls?” She waited until Nicole and Sarah both nodded in agreement. “You need to be the one to tell him. It’s pretty major news and it’s your news to tell.”

“That’s right,” Sarah agreed. “Your secret is safe with us.”

Bella looked noticeably relieved and thanked them all as a round of drinks showed up. Steph led them in a toast, and they drank to Bella’s success.

When the toast was over, Faith put her drink down on the table in front of her and very seriously steepled her fingers together as she looked at Bella. “Now, I think everyone is waiting for some details about a certain sexy firefighter, Bella. What exactly is going on between the two of you?”

“Yes,” Sarah joined in. “We wantallthe details.”

She wiggled her eyebrows as Bella groaned and the group dissolved into giggles.

ChapterFour

If there wassomething better than a fresh out of the oven cinnamon bun from Sweetie Pies, Bella didn’t know what it was. She closed her eyes as she bit into the flaky pastry and let the burst of cinnamon and sugar fill her mouth. It may not be the healthiest choice for breakfast, but it was certainly the most delicious and she planned to enjoy every single moment of her treat.

Particularly because now that she was supposed to be playing the part of a sex symbol inBombshell, she would definitely not be able to eat like this for a while. Steph had filled Bella in on all the restricted diets her nutritionists and trainers put her on for various roles over the years. The one thing they all had in common was that they absolutely did not include freshly baked cinnamon buns.

“Mmmm.” Bella took another bite and took her time savoring it.

“Wow. I wish I could make you that happy.”

Bella’s eyes flew open at the sound of Jeremy’s voice. She let out a little squeal of happiness and, cinnamon bun forgotten, she jumped up and threw herself in his arms. She pressed a kiss to his lips. “You make me even happier than a pastry ever could. Although…this one comes pretty close.”

“Yum.” He touched a finger to his mouth. “Your kisses are always pretty sweet, but that was next level.”

Bella swatted him playfully and sat again, pulling her plate closer. “I would share, but…”

“It’s a Sweetie Pies cinnamon bun.” His face shifted into a mask of seriousness. “And everyone knows, you don’t share a Sweetie Pies cinnamon bun.” He cracked into a smile. “Give me a second, I’ll be right back. Do you want anything?”

She shook her head and watched as Jeremy went to the counter to order his breakfast.

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