Page 105 of Player For Hire

She stood in the middle of the room, sniffling at the bay window with the stained-glass panels. The desk I’d gotten for her sat right in front of the window. It was a smaller room, but it was definitely more than enough space for her office. Not to mention the built-in bookcases made for her.

I came up behind her and cupped her shoulders. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re too good to be true.”

I laughed and kissed the top of her head. “I saw this room and knew it was yours.”

She stepped forward and trailed her fingers over the desk.

“If you don’t like the desk, we can find you something else.”

“No. It’s perfect. Everything is perfect.” She spun around and rushed into my arms. “I love you so much.”

“So I guess you’re going to live with me then?”

She chuckled against my shirt and peered up at me. “You’d have to drag me out of here. Because it is legit the perfect thing for an author.”

It was the first time she’d actually called herself an author instead of a writer. My girl was coming into her own, and I was so glad I was on this ride with her.

“Perfect for an author.”

She licked her lips. “Darlene sold my book.”

“What?” I picked her up and spun her around. “You didn’t lead with that?”

“I figured I was going to cook you dinner first and then tell you. But this is even better.”

“That’s amazing.” I set her on her feet.

She dashed away the tears that were falling. “I can’t believe it, Colder. There was actually a bidding war for my book.”

My jaw dropped.

“Exactly. She Facetimed me two hours ago. I was in the freaking shower, but of course, I answered it.”

I laughed. “Bet your agent wasn’t expecting that.”

“Pretty sure that woman is unflappable, but that’s why I love her. It was between three publishers, Colder. Three!”

“I knew you’d sell it.”

She gripped my shoulders. “I didn’t. Not really. I hoped, but I never really believed it would happen so fast. I figured I’d be querying for months.”

“They know it’s good.”

“Darlene makes me sound like a rockstar.”

“Because you are. You wrote the shit out of that book.”

Naomi flushed and ducked her head. “You’re only saying that because you might love me a little.”

“I love you a lot. More every day, babe.”

She stuck her hand in her pocket and came out with a check-sized piece of paper. “I finally get to pay you for your excellent services, Colder Banks.”

I opened it and choked on my own spit. “No way.”

“Yes way. And that’s just your fee.”

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