Page 16 of Devoured By You
“That’s a good idea,” Addison said. “Let your brain work on it subconsciously, and I bet when you open it again, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done. Work on the first few chapters so you can give your editor something to keep her occupied while you review the rest.”
Just talking to my girls made me feel brighter.
“Course…” Addison winked at Kelsey. “They say to write what you know, so maybe you should write a story about a hookup between a sex-mad author and a rich, hot guy getting it on at thirty-five thousand feet.”
“If I wrote contemporary instead of romantic suspense, I might just do that. But I need a disaster to make my books work, like a plane blowing up, or a villain out for revenge against the heroine, or…” I paused for effect. “A kidnapping.”
“All together now,” Kelsey said, waving her hands in the air.
“Because we do love a good kidnapping!” all three girls yelled at once.
I laughed. That was my signature phrase. And it was true. I did love a good kidnapping. In my books only, of course.
“Well, if you’re not planning to write Hot Guy Meet-Cute at Thirty-Five Thousand Feet?”—Addison winked again—“then it’s my duty to. Course, I’ll need all the intimate details about hot guy and his hot rod.”
I removed the umbrella from my tequila sunrise and set it on the table. “In your dreams.”
Chapter 6
Blaize
Googling is a dangerous pastime.
Nolen let go of Marlowe’s hand and pulled me into a bear hug. “It’s great to see you. Thanks for picking us up from the airport, although we could’ve easily organized a town car. I’m sure you’re maxed, what with the launch tomorrow.”
My stomach tensed, a muscle twanging low in my abdomen, but I faked a smile. “It’s not a problem.” I hugged Marlowe. “You look great. How’s my gorgeous niece?”
“Growing up too fast. She took her first step last week.”
“She did? Wow, that’s amazing.” I looked at Nolen accusingly. “You should have messaged me.”
“I messaged the family WhatsApp group,” he replied.
I grimaced. “Ah. Sorry. I’m a little preoccupied.”
“It’s fine.” He clapped me on the back. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Yeah.” I grinned. “Pay for dinner.”
I grabbed two of their suitcases and wheeled them out to my car. My driver navigated the busy airport traffic with ease, and a few minutes later, we were on the freeway headed to my house. Marlowe scrolled through her phone, showing me pictures and videos of Makenna.
Regret weighed heavy in my chest. The last time I’d seen my niece was at Nolen and Marlowe’s wedding last September, when she was only two months old. After this launch was over, and life steadied a little, I’d make more time for the family. I felt as if I was missing everything, and while work was my life, so were the people who meant the most to me. At least I’d get to spend some time with my brother on this trip. I was only sorry that Kadon couldn’t make it, but summer was his busiest time, and I couldn’t expect him to up and leave his business to help support mine.
I showed Marlowe and Nolen to the guest bedroom and left them to freshen up. Taking a seat out by the pool with a freshly made pitcher of iced tea, I scanned my emails, answering one or two while I waited. Distracted, I found myself opening Google and typing in “J. T. Rowe, Author.”
Pictures of Jill filled my screen, and below, a selection of her published novels. I traced my fingertip over her face, my mind throwing up images of her smooth, pale skin and rosy nipples. My palms prickled. Logic told me I’d never see her again, but if I did, for her, I’d break my principal rule for a second taste. Maybe even a third. Or a fourth.
Jesus Christ. Who even was I?
“Who’s that?”
Like a kid caught looking at dirty pictures, I dropped my phone screen down. “No one.”
Nolen flopped into the chair next to mine. “You’re blushing. You never blush. Come on. What gives?”
I sent a scowl in his direction. “Nothing gives.”
“What are you two cooking up?” Marlowe took the seat next to Nolen.