Page 23 of Hollywood Humbug (The Naughty List)

I smiled when I heard a muffled snicker. “Just keep supplying me with orgasms, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to worry about that.”

Laughing, I scooped her into my arms as I shot up from my barstool. “Well then, I better start this day off right.”

Scarlett giggled all the way to the bedroom, but an hour later, she was screaming my name as I made her come for the third time.

“Figured I’d put a couple in the bank,” I told her as I curled myself around her body, feeling happier and more content than I’d ever thought possible.

* * *

“You look unbelievable, baby,”I whispered as I came up behind Scarlett and put my hands on her hips. We were headed to the studio for the big New Year’s Eve bash.

She beamed at me in the mirror as she finished putting in an earring. Her dress was made of dark purple satin, and it hugged her every curve. The neckline dipped just low enough to show off some cleavage, and I knew I’d be drooling over her all damn night. It didn’t help that her hair hung in soft waves down her back because I kept picturing holding a fistful as I bent her over and shoved her skirt up so I could fuck her from behind.

“You’re looking pretty hot yourself.” She winked at me and my hands clenched. Her expression turned admonishing, and she flipped around to glare at me. “Don’t even think about it. I’m not going to this party looking freshly fucked.”

I laughed and forced myself to take a step back, then swept my gaze down and up her body once more. “Hmmm. Your outfit is missing something.”

Scarlett’s brow rose as she looked down at herself. “No. Well, I mean, I haven’t put my shoes on, but—”

“No,” I interrupted as I guided her around to face the mirror again, then reached into my pocket for the item I wanted her to wear. “You’re definitely missing something.”

She frowned at me and started to speak, then froze when I curled my arms around her and lifted her left hand to slide a ring onto the third finger.

“There,” I said smugly. “Now, you’re ready to go.”

Scarlett sucked in a breath and raised her hand in front of her face, staring at the seven-carat diamond ring sparkling on her hand.

“Is this…? Are you…?”

I chuckled as I released her, then moved to stand in front of her. I dropped to one knee and stared up at the best thing that had ever happened to me. “Scarlett Cassidy, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she screamed, and as soon as I stood up, she flung herself into my arms.

I brought my lips down on hers in a deep, soul binding kiss.

When we finally arrived at the party later, she didn’t seem to mind that she looked freshly fucked.

Epilogue

SCARLET

The Avalon Club was the perfect venue for our New Year’s Eve wrap party. The venue was ultra-modern, with a sleek black lacquered bar centered in the expansive, black and white chevron-floored room. Walls covered in glittering gold letters led to a raw oak slat ceiling, and the flickering lights of the metallic curtains made the bottles of champagne sparkle. The brick walls were adorned with the artwork of Lucas Moretto, a talented artist who’d designed spaces for several A List celebrities.

A live band was playing laid back jazz and blues music on a small stage at the back of the room, providing the perfect ambiance as the guests talked and laughed and enjoyed the extensive selection of finger foods beautifully laid out on the table running the length of one wall.

The place was buzzing as I sipped my champagne and scanned the room with satisfaction, taking in the merry scene before me.Damn, I’m good.

Santa better watch out, or I might be stealing his job.

Christmas had been my favorite time of year for as long as I could remember, and spreading cheer was one of my favorite parts. If I could sprinkle a little love in there, I was all the merrier.

When I wroteThe Naughty List, I did it with a very specific cast and crew in mind. I’d worked with everyone at one time or another. This group of Hollywood humbuggers were all people I’d come to care about, and I wanted them to truly experience the joy of the season.

And yes, I might have rubbed my hands together in anticipation of a little matchmaking…

Maybe it was because I’d also recently found love. My festive matchmaking had resulted in a completely unexpected but wonderful union with the woman of my dreams–and she’d been only too eager to help me with my scheming. I might have picked the perfect cast and crew in the hope of Christmas love-match miracles, but my beautiful soulmate had gifted me with a happily ever after of my own.

As if my thoughts had summoned her, Julianna sidled up next to me. “You’re looking awfully proud of yourself, Mr. Saint,” she teased.

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