Page 215 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“So, tell me about this role you have coming up,” he said. “That is, assuming you can.“

“I can give yousomedetails. The movie’s calledHow Our Story Ends.I’m playing the role of Melody, an aspiring country music star from a small town in Texas.”

“So… a cowgirl?” Heat stirred in his lower belly at the thought.

“Yep, and she’s headed to Nashville for a whirlwind of ups, downs, and a romance that takes her by storm and puts her dream on hold.”

He didn’t want to think about the lucky guy playing opposite her. “Hmm, sounds interesting.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I guess it’s just one more lifestyle I’ll get to live out vicariously. I mean, if I don’t lose the role entirely. I sort of…messed things up when I got sent here to get my life in order, but if the caseworker okays things, I’ll fly out to Texas in less than a month to film it.”

This went back to the tabloid article Nash claimed he never saw. He’d have to tread lightly. “That’s too bad,” he said. “I hope they okay it.”

“You do?” Was that sarcasm he sensed in her tone?

“Don’t you? I mean, all of us make mistakes.”

“True. But what if I told you that my biggest mistake was agreeing to stay in the business after I turned eighteen?”

Nash’s eyes widened in surprise. He could barely believe how open she was being. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but think her current state of mind had more to do with some type of rebellion. Chances were, after having some time away, she’d start to crave the life she was used to. Still, he could at least give her some encouragement.

“I don’t know what Icansay except that if you want something badly enough, you find a way to get it.” His face reddened as he realized that that’s just whathe’ddone when he found out Ellie might be at Wild Buck’s.

“You’re right,” she said thoughtfully.

They were near the clearing now, which meant there was a stunning view up ahead. Nash had only seen this side of Feather Lake in the morning hours during their rides last week; it was beautiful then, but now that the sun was starting to set, it was sure to be spectacular.

It remained quiet as they approached the bend, Nash musing on the conversation while Ellie likely did the same. He hadn’t yet told her that he was a fan of her work, but the truth was, she probably heard that everywhere she went.

Beyond that, Ellie wasn't in Hollywood right now or on the set of some movie. She was here, in a place meant to be safe from the demands and expectations she was used to. Nash felt it was best to simply meet her where she was, especially now that he saw her forwhoshe was—a woman with surprising vulnerability and a list of unmet dreams that didn’t look anything like the life she’d built herself. They might even look like the very life he could offer.

The thought gave him more hope than a man like Nash should have, where a woman like Ellie was concerned, but he always was a dreamer, and he wasn’t about to stop dreaming now.

CHAPTER 7

Ellie wasn't exactly sure how to dissect the strange yearning rushing through her at the speed of light. All she knew was that something new and exciting had taken her by storm.

It was better than any role she had played. Better than any scenario she could have imagined.

Since she and Nash parted ways yesterday, Nash had been a constant on her mind, like an addictive crush that she couldn't stop thinking about, smiling about, and dreaming about.Yes, she’d dreamed of him. In fact, she’d dreamed of kissing him, and it, too, had been better than anything she'd known.

It was funny, considering that she’d kissed quite a few Hollywood hunks over the years, but those usually felt as forced and scripted as they were. Directors standing close, cameras zooming in even closer, and the constant directions like, ‘more tongue, speed things up, back off and, her least favorite, let’s try that again.’

The time she’d spent with Nash yesterday was anything but scripted. There’d been no plan to meet up, go out, or get to know each other. It was spontaneous and fun, bumping into a real-lifehandsome cowboy with a heart for horses and a smirk that made Ellie’s heart take flight.

Today was like a gift—a compilation of every opportunity she’d missed out on, wrapped into one beautiful cowboy beau.

For once in her life, Ellie was letting herself get lost in a real-life romance. Swept away like the silly characters who fell head over heels for a man just hours after they met him. It didn't matter what would come—Ellie finally realized that now. She understood why fools rushed in. And call her a fool if you would, but she couldn't wait to join the team.

Buttercup’s massive form rocked and swayed with each step along the trail. Ellie had been so distracted by her thoughts and, of course, by her desire to remain upright on the horse that she’d kept her gaze solely on the trail ahead. Yet just as they cleared the bend and stepped into a golden, sunlit clearing, a splendid view unfolded before her. It was a lake. A gorgeous, dream-like lake with glistening sunlight and a shimmering reflection that no photograph or painting could capture.

She gasped and put a hand over her heart. "You didn't tell me there would be a lake."

Pepper and Nash came to a stop beside her. "I wanted it to be a surprise. Do you like it?"

She turned her gaze to Nash. With the halo-like glow shining over him, the rugged hat slightly hooding his hypnotizing gaze, Nash was nearly as beautiful as the scenery. "I love it."

"Would you like to stay a while?" he asked in that deep, sexy voice.