Paradise Valley (Virgin River #7)(111)

“Just about done,” she said, smiling.

“Just about?”

“I’ll have to travel some when it’s out, do some promo. And there will be events—Cannes, the Oscars, Golden Globes, that sort of thing.” She grinned. “I’ll have to get manicures and pedicures and special gowns. And you’ll have to let me dress you up for that stuff.”

“Aw, I don’t know…”

“You really wouldn’t argue about this, would you? I want you with me for things like that. I want you right beside me, and we’re leaving the pitchfork at home.”

“That would be kind of coming out to the world, wouldn’t it?”

“It would,” she affirmed.

“Spoil your chances of getting it on with your personal trainer, you know.”

“My personal trainer is named Helga, and most of the time I hate her!” He laughed at her, tilting his head back. “At least you don’t have to fly to Montana every couple of weeks. You should be thankful.”

“I might miss Montana,” he said. “Good things happened with us in Montana. Full weekends of good things.”

It was her turn to laugh. “I can make sure you don’t miss Montana too much.”

He grew serious. “I’m so damn glad you’re back. I can see you every day.”

She stepped toward him, leaving her suitcase behind. She put her hands on his shoulders and he put his on her waist.

“I need to fatten you up a little,” he teased. “You’ve lost weight.”

“Weight I could stand to lose, too. Just being with you seems to plump me up.”

“Are you worn out, honey?” he asked.

“I’m tired,” she admitted. “I’m so looking forward to lying in your arms tonight for a good long sleep. Do we have obligations?”

He shook his head. “I told Vanni you were coming home this afternoon and that I would be indisposed for at least twenty-four hours. We’ll catch up with all of them on the weekend.”

He pulled her closer and swept the hat off her head, pressing his lips to her forehead. Just as he did that, there was a click-whir click-whir click. They both turned their heads toward the sound, startled. “Are you kidding me?” he said.

“Jesus, that makes no sense,” she said, spying a photographer with a powerful camera sneaking up on them from behind a parked car. “Me? Why would anyone want a shot of me?”

“Maybe it’s who you’re spending time with that’s the news,” Walt said with a shrug. He pulled her closer against him. “Let’s make sure there isn’t any doubt about that.” And he swept over her mouth with powerful intentions and, just as he had secretly hoped, the clicking went on and on and on. When he let the kiss run its course, he pulled back just a little and laughed. “That ought to do it.”

“That was very unlike you,” she said. “You don’t normally like that sort of thing.”

“Muriel, honey, I’m dead in love with you and it suits me just fine for the whole world to know it.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “So, you’ll let me dress you up for the production events?”

“I might.”

“I’m dead in love with you, too, darling. And so damn glad to be home. Where I hope to stay for a good long time. And, you’re going to wear whatever I say.”

“I will,” he said. “It’s my aim to make you happy.”

She patted his cheek and smiled. “We’re going to do just fine, you and I. Let’s get out of here and be alone a while. I need some peace and quiet.”

“In Virgin River?” he said with a hearty laugh. “Girl, this little town can fill up with more drama than your movie set.”