Page 46 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Yes. She’s great. I really liked her. She’s a bridesmaid for you, right?”

“Yes. So you will be seeing even more of her. But that’s not the big news… I’d told her about your bookstore a few weeks ago, and she said she had an idea that might be great for Love Ever After.She didn’t tell me much about it at the time, but she called a little while ago to fill me in.”

“What is it?” She had me perking up with excitement.

“I told you that Brinkley’s sister, Georgia, is in the publishing business, and she was so excited to hear that you were opening a bookstore. Well, Brinkley and Georgia decided to call their cousin to see if she could come here on the Saturday after your opening to have a book signing. You’ll never guess who their cousin is.”

“What? Who is their cousin?” My heart raced with anticipation.

“Ashlan freaking Thomas. Only one of the most popular romance authors out there right now.”

I was on my feet, running around the counter, my hands flying through the air. “Ashlan Thomas is coming to my bookstore for a book signing?”

We clasped our hands together and jumped up and down.

“Yep. She’ll be here next weekend. She’s going to have the books shipped directly here to your store in time for the signing. We need to start making sure everyone in town knows about it.”

“I’ll post it on all of my social media, and I can make a bunch of flyers tonight to hand out to all the businesses downtown, as well as make sure everyone who attends the opening knows she’ll be coming. I can’t believe this. Thank you so much.”

“Of course. I would do anything for you.”

“I know, but you’ve got the wedding coming up and your own business to run. I know how busy you are.”

She put a hand on each of my shoulders. “And you’ve been there for me since the day you moved back to town. I appreciate you so much, and I want this bookstore to be successful. You deserve all the best things, Saylor.”

My eyes watered, and I shook my head. Demi and I had grown so close, and I was honored that I’d be standing up for her on her special day. She, Peyton, and Ruby had become my best friends, and now I didn’t know how I ever existed without them.

“Thank you so much.”

“Okay. No time for tears. I’ve got to get to the gym, but I’ll text you later and see what you want me to do. I can make a flyer for you tonight, and you can work on the social media posts. I know Ruby and Peyton are working on some fun surprises for you for the grand opening. We’ve got this.” She gave me a quick hug and waved goodbye before heading out the door.

I walked around the counter and heard my phone vibrate.

King

The opening is just a few days away. I’ve been swamped at work, but I stopped by on my way to the jobsite earlier. I found a book on your shelves that seemed like the right one to hide something for you, so see if you can figure it out. Use your detective skills, and you’ll find it. And then… close your eyes and make a wish.

When were you here?

I hadn’t seen Kingston since Easter Sunday. We’d both been busy this week, and we hadn’t texted, which was very out of character.

I’d been avoiding him because I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened in the bathroom.

The way I’d liked the sound of my name on his lips when he’d groaned his pleasure.

That I’d found my own pleasure replaying the sound of his voice every single night since.

But why is he avoiding me?

He didn’t know I’d heard him.

Very stealthy. I’m looking now. But I should tell you… Demi just told me that Ashlan Thomas is coming here next weekend to do a book signing. She’s Brinkley Reynolds’s cousin, and she’s a famous romance author. So, it’ll be hard for me to wish for more than that at the moment.

King

That’s pretty damn cool. After you find your surprise and you close your eyes, are you supposed to see Ashlan Thomas? Is that how your system works?

I laughed as my eyes scanned the bookshelves. He said it seemed like the right book for him to choose. My gaze stopped on the forbidden romance section. I moved closer, taking in the gold-foiled spine that readForbidden King.

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