Page 236 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

Her mother stood there in a long, plum-colored gown with her arms stretched wide. "You did great, baby. Real good. You've done good onallof your movies. I know I never tell you that anymore, but I've been there. I hope you’ve been getting my bouquets. I've been showing my support the only way I can while keeping a safe distance."

"Yes," Ellie said with a nod, an image of the purple roses coming to her mind. "I've gotten them, Mom. I’ve gotten every one. And I knew they had to be from you." Ellie had made a point to snap a picture of the bouquets, then post it on her social media story, thanking the generous person who seemed to welcome her onto each new set.

"I'm glad you liked them." Only her mother’s voice came out sounding raspy and deep.

Suddenly, her mom began to transform, morphing from a woman on two legs into an animal on all fours. It tipped its head back and called out a mighty cry. The action made the light fade and the earth around her turn black, lit only by the pale, full moon hanging low in the distance.

Fear surged through her as the Wolf locked its hungry, yellow eyes on her and licked its lips. Before Ellie could even think to run, the silver wolf charged.

CHAPTER 17

Nash paced the kitchen floor with the phone in his hand, eyeing the screen with Wyatt's name on it.

Just last week, Nash had moved out of Wild Buck’s lodge since his volunteer hours had been met, and he’d officially moved into the bunkhouse with Rem for the season. But soon, in another week’s time, he’d fly out to Dallas with Ellie.

And while he’d spendsomeof his time with her, he’d have a hefty chunk of free days on his hands, too, as strenuous as filming could be. Ellie had done her best to explain what those periods might look like. She’d spend nights between her trailer and a nearby hotel, depending on how late filming went. She planned to share accommodations with him, saying the suite had three full bedrooms, three bathrooms, and access to a private rooftop area, too.

Still, Ellie thought Nash may want to stay at Wyatt’s from time to time since she’d be gone so often. If he were honest, Nash sensed an ulterior motive where his brother was concerned, as if her real purpose was to bring him and Wyatt closer.

Nash had already gotten the okay from dad and the rest of the ranch crew, but now he needed to ask Wyatt about comingto visit and possibly spending some time together during Ellie’s long hours.

"You going to use that thing or stand there and stare at it all day?" Rem asked as he sauntered into the kitchen.

Nash pulled his eyes off the screen and looked at him. "It's Wyatt," he explained, figuring that might be enough. "I’m working myself up to calling."

Rem nodded. "Well then, good luck with that." He poured himself a cup of coffee, left it black, and shuffled onto the porch patio with a stretch.

"Nice talking to you,” Nash mumbled.

Unwilling to let Rem rattle him with some surly comment from the back patio, Nash made his way to the front of the house and stood on the porch. He tapped the call button and felt his heart race as it let out a ring.

It was Saturday, so Nash hoped that meant that Wyatt wasn't at work.

"Well, would you look at what the coyote dragged in," Wyatt answered. "Long time no talk, brother. How are you?"

It was a friendlier greeting then Nash was used to. "I can’t complain," he said.

"I hear you've got yourself a mystery girlfriend. Aunt Jackie told me as much, but she said she'd leave it to you to give me the details."

Whoa, way to jump right into it.

Adrenaline pushed through him as he considered delivering the news. News he'd have been a lot happier to deliverbeforethe whole contract came into play. "Yeah, she's remained a mystery until recently,” he said, “but we’re kind of going public now so…"

"Sounds serious. And by going public, do you mean you've already got all the tongues in town wagging about it?”

Nash considered what going public could really look like. He had no idea what Ellie's PR team had in mind. TV interviews onthe set with questions about her new cowboy boyfriend? Leaked details of their whereabouts with photos of them having an evening out?

"Well, I’m dating somebody who’s in the public eye. It's an actress, actually. Ellie Blaire."

A loud noise came from the speaker, and it sounded a lot like someone spitting their coffee across the room. "Are you freaking kidding me? Tell me you're kidding me right now."

A grin made its way over Nash's face. "Dude, I kid you not. She was sent out here to Wild Buck's Ranch. That's how we met."

"What were you doing at Wild Buck’s?” Wyatt asked. “Or did you meet someplace else?"

Nash recalled Rem’s prodding question at the bar when his time with the Riding Free program came up.‘Doyou plan on telling Wyattwhyyou signed up to help at the ranch?"

Nash had been dreading this question, but since it was small potatoes compared to the contract, he went ahead and spilled the beans. He told him all about the tabloid Grandma C showed him, the red tape he'd cut through to become a volunteer, and how his connection to Tucker ultimately got him through the door.