“I love you too, sweetheart.”
“I need to get ready for the mixer, but I’ll text you tomorrow, okay?”
“Sounds good. Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks. Night, Dad.”
He waves as I shut off the video call.
Leaning back against the headboard, I close my eyes for a moment.
This is crazy. I know it’s crazy. But I’m a little terrified because I don’t care. It feels… it feels like it did when I decided to take the leap and self-publish my first book. Utterly terrifying, but I knew it was right. I have no idea where this will lead me, but I’m not afraid to find out. I think I might be excited.
Wear the black dress tonight.
My eyes snap open again.
It might be too formal, but I don’t care. I’m going to wear it and look hot as fuck.
The door between my room and Zoey and Trish’s grabs my attention. But first it’s time to invite my besties to a wedding.
After I knock, Zoey quickly calls for me to come in.
As soon as I’m through the door, they both stare at me.
“What happened?” Zoey asks.
I open my mouth to tell them, but all that comes out is a laugh.
They’re looking at me like I’m nuts, but hey, if the shoe fits… or in my case, the wedding dress.
“Will you go shopping with me tomorrow morning? I need help. Picking a wedding dress.”
“I still can’t believeyou’re marrying him in less than forty-eight hours,” Trish whisper-squeaks in my ear as we walk into the hotel bar and lounge for the event mixer. It’s only for the authors, narrators, cover models, vendors, assistants, and event staff.
Justin is standing at the bar, talking to one of the event organizers.
Thankfully, they acted fast and the creepy guy who touched my ass was removed from the event and was asked to leave the hotel this morning. Was it seriously just last night that it happened? The last twenty-four hours have been insane.
The second Justin sees me, he excuses himself from the conversation and swaggers across the room toward us.
“Damn, he’s got his cover model face on,” Zoey whispers. “And those sexy blue bedroom eyes are only for you.”
“Hey, darlin’.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Ladies.”
Zoey and Trish both say hello, then they lock eyes and Trish smiles. “Zo and I are going to get drinks. You two have fun.”
My cheeks heat a little, but I take a deep breath as Justin glances in their direction.
“I guess that means you’re mine tonight,” he rumbles, looking back at me.
Okay, seriously… did I write him into existence? Becausehowis he actually this swoony and sultry and just… book boyfriend ish?
“I could do worse.” I keep my tone playful because playful is easy. And it keeps me from thinking too hard about the not-so-playful feelings growing in my gut for him.
He laughs and rests his hand on my low back as we walk toward the bar.
That simple touch has a fire burning inside me.
