So. Long(108)

And he’s a confirmed bachelor.

Please, God, don’t let me be fertile.





TEN





Shouldering my large carry-all filled with colored permanent markers and the beautiful bookmarks I had made just for this purpose, I head inside.

Excitement bubbles in my chest, almost too much to contain. My cheeks already hurt from all the smiling I’ve done this morning. And the only person I’ve seen so far is Shay.

The bookstore manager shows me where to set up my small folding table and gives me the low-down on how things usually go. As I tie my brand new banner across the front of the table, the bubbles in my chest turn to lead weights.

What if no one wants me to sign their book? Will anyone want one of my books? What am I doing here? No one’s even going to speak to me.

The store is sparsely populated at the moment. Maybe things will get busier as lunchtime approaches.

I breathe into my palm. Okay, my breath is fresh. I check my nails; no chips. I pull the small mirror from my bag and reapply my lip gloss, smiling to make sure I don’t have spinach in my teeth.

What am I thinking? I don’t even eat spinach. Deep breaths. Relax. It’s all right.

I arrange and straighten the books and bookmarks for the fifth time before the first person comes over. If no one is interested, it’s fine. No different than if I’d have just stayed at home. Except at least then I could have gotten some laundry folded.

There she is. And she’s smiling. A reader. Someone who’s actually read my words. The petite woman saunters over, her gaze darting around the table at my books.

When she looks up at me, she says, “Do you know where the ladies’ room is?”

I slump.

“I think it’s over in the far corner.” I smile. “Have a nice day.”

Damn.

The next person who stops by the table actually picks up a book, but then lays it back down without even making eye contact.

Foot traffic does pick up not long before noon. Several people stop by, pick up the book, check the back cover copy, and lay it back down, walking away. Finally, someone who’s read my book stops by.

“Oh, I saw you on Jackson Tremaine’s show and picked up your book. It was great.”

My heart soars. “Thank you. I’m so glad you liked it. Have you caught the man of your dreams?”

“Not yet, but I’m working on it. That chapter on respecting his drive to protect his woman—that was amazing. I’d never really thought about that. But I think you’re right. I used to think men were just being knuckled-headed jealous types, but now it makes all the sense in the world.”

We chat until another reader comes up. And another. And the lead weight lifts so I can breathe again. There’s a line forming. An actual line.

Shay bumps the table with her hip, handing me her book, smiling. “I really need you to sign my copy.”

I roll my eyes. “Your copy is already signed, silly woman.”

“I know, but not at a for real book signing.”

And this is why she’s my best friend. Even though she doesn’t even believe in love, she believes in me.

I sign book after book. Apparently, a lot of people watch Jackson’s show. The excitement builds in my chest. I can’t wait to take a look at sales figures. Maybe things have finally started to take off. Maybe someday, I’ll be able to afford a place of my own. A new car. A vacation.

The line is excited. Murmurs morph into talking, which becomes more animated by the second. Their excitement is contagious, and it infuses me. Like a symbiotic relationship, they’re happy because I’m here, and I’m thrilled that they’ve all shown up to see me. My fingers cramp, but I wouldn’t give up this experience for the world.

I hand the lady in front of me her book with a smile. “Thank you so much, and best of luck on snagging your dream guy.”

I grab some more bookmarks and arrange them in front of me. A man steps up to the table. I glance up.

Jackson stands before me, book in hand. “Hello, Ms. Fitz. Please sign my copy.”

I have to suppress the instant excitement that seeing Jack generates in my chest. Not even a full twenty-four hours has passed since I last laid eyes on him. This is silly.

I lick my lips. “Sure thing. Who would you like me to sign it to?”

“Just make it out to Bull. He was really impressed with you when you two met. He hopes to see you again really soon. Like, maybe later today?”

A little spark of excitement lights in my belly. I shrug with a grin. I sign the book.

Bull,

Keep your master on a tight leash. A ton of women will try to use this book to catch him.

All the best,

Ronnie Fitz

I hand him the book with a wink. “There you go. Tell Bull I’ll catch up with him later.”