Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
“What? Why haven’t I heard about this?”
“No one knows about it.” She’s the first person I’ve told. “I fucking hate being in the limelight, so I decided to write under a pen name.” Plus, I’m not sure how easy it will be to sell romantic suspense written by a man.
“Really?” She claps her hands together. “That’s so exciting. Can I read your book?”
“Absolutely.” As the words leave my mouth, anxiety about someone reading my work hits me for the first time. “I’ll get you a copy.”
“I can’t wait.” She smiles at me before turning back to her bacon cheeseburger.
I search my mind for anything to ask. “Are you a friend of Shelby’s?”
“I’m actually really good friends with her sister, Ireland.” She laughs. “And I’m sure you’ve met some of our other friends.”
“If you’re talking about the girls stealing my bandmembers’ hearts, I have.” Have I ever. I didn’t realize how jealous I was of my friends until I actually found my girl. She’s the part of my soul I’ve been missing forever. I’ve been so lost in my discontent, I haven’t taken the time to get to know any of them, but I’m sure that will change since I plan to tie Brielle to me, and soon.
Brielle circles her straw around in her glass for a few moments before staring into my eyes and asking, “Are you concerned about how fast their relationships have developed?”
“Not at all.” I reach across the table and take her soft hand in mine. “I’ve made a fortune singing love songs my entire life. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t believe in love at first sight.”
“That is true.” She smiles shyly. “I was a little shocked when I found out about Chastity and Xander, but you have to see them together for like two minutes and you can tell they are hopelessly in love.”
I’ve been so caught up in my own shit, I haven’t noticed, but I’m going to make a point of paying more attention to my friends and their new soulmates.
Chapter 4
Brielle
After our lunch date, Asher insists on walking me back to my hotel room, even though it’s one floor below his. My apartment is all the way across town, and I didn’t want to spend hours on the subway getting home after visiting with my friends, so Shelby was nice enough to get me one of the bands’ extra rooms for a price that fits my budget. Free.
After I unlock the door, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me until I forget what day it is or my name or what planet I’m on. Basically, he turns my mind to mush. “I hate leaving you here.” He lays his forehead against mine and sighs against my lips. “But I can’t miss this practice.”
“I’ll see you after practice,” I remind him. We’ve already made plans to spend the evening together. When he invited me to attend the rehearsal, I declined, knowing I’d need a few hours alone to prepare myself for tonight.
“I can’t fucking wait. Lock your door behind me.” He gives me one more quick kiss before turning to walk away.
After making sure the door is locked, I drop across the bed and lie back to stare at the ceiling. This day has taken the craziest turn, and I’m scared I’ll wake up and find it’s all a dream.
My phone vibrates, letting me know I have a message, so I pull it out and look down to see it’s from Ireland.
Ireland
Are you okay? Shelby said there was a little situation.
Me
I’m so freaking great! You won’t believe this, but I had lunch with ASHER FORBES!
Ireland
Woah. Not you, too?
Me
???
Ireland
You guys are dropping like flies. First Chastity, Resa, and Dani, and now you! I’m feeling left out.
Me
Wait until Chicago. I’m betting Mr. Right will be there waiting for you.
Ireland
Don’t hold your breath. I have to go, but I’ll see you soon. Please let my sister know you survived the “issue” unscathed.
I send her a thumbs-up and drop my phone back on the bed next to me. Shelby must be telling everyone about my effort to “rescue” Asher because I end up getting texts from all the other girls wanting to make sure I’m alright.
Once I reassure my friends, I spend the rest of the evening getting ready for my date with Asher. After showering, I change clothes four times, regretting that I packed light to save myself from dragging a heavy suitcase on the subway. I don’t want to travel for over an hour to go back to my apartment to find another outfit. So here I am making do with what I brought.
I finally decide to wear my little black dress and red high heels. At least the heels will bring my five-foot-nothing a little closer to Asher’s giant height.
When Asher texts me to let me know he’s on his way back to the hotel, my heart pounds away in my chest as I wonder if this is really happening. Am I truly about to spend the evening having dinner with Asher Forbes? I’m tempted to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming, but I’d hate to wake up if I am.