Page 34 of Paper Hearts & Plot Twists

Can you look at this manuscript? I feel like it has a lot of potential and I think this is right up your alley.

Miles hit send and placed his phone back in his pocket just in time to smile up at Emily as she returned to their table.

“Want to grab dessert and maybe help me with some brainstorming?” Miles asked as Emily took her seat.

“Of course,” Emily agreed. She accepted the menu Miles handed her. “What exactly am I helping you brainstorm?”

“I’m working on the second book in my fantasy series,” Miles said, “and I’ve been stuck on where to go for the last two weeks. I have to get this book finished in three months, but I haven’t written more than a thousand words in days.”

“Well, good thing I’m here to save the day,” Emily teased. She placed her elbows on the table and leaned her head against her hands. “Tell me what the plot is and what you have so far.”

Miles wove a web as he spoke of his life’s work, his latest fantasy, and painted the picture of his fantasy world. Emily was enthralled, staring at Miles as he spoke. Neither of them paid much attention to the chocolate cake they’d ordered, too into the discussion to care.

Once Miles reached the point of his block, Emily jumped in, offering her thoughts and suggestions. She shared where she felt the story was going based on the information, and they talked about what could change from that point to create twists and surprises for the readers.

Miles always worked solo and would’ve told anyone he preferred that method, but today it changed and he didn’t think he could go back after this experience.

The two of them stayed locked in conversation until Miles’s phone rang, breaking them from their conversation. Miles picked up his phone and his eyes widened. “Shit, I have to get this.” He jumped from the table and moved off to the side.

Emily covered her mouth as a surprised giggle escaped. She picked up her fork and took a huge bite of chocolate cake, watching Miles pace back and forth, talking to whoever called. It seemed important, but it wasn’t a long call. He was back within two minutes.

“Sorry about that,” Miles said. “That was a friend reminding me I have a signing to prepare for.”

Emily looked at the time and was shocked to realize they’d been at lunch nearly two hours. “Shoot! I only have five minutes until the afternoon tea for the Sylvia Day event.”

“Perfect timing, then,” Miles responded. He held out a hand and helped Emily from her seat, his hand lingering on hers. “Thank you for your help today, and for your company. I’ll see you this evening?”

“You know you will,” Emily responded. “Good luck at the signing.”

Emily watched as Miles moved away before she turned and headed toward The Cocoa Bean Coffee Shop where her next event took place.

The Cocoa Bean Coffee Shop was a charming haunt, decked out in dark wood that swept up the walls in wide arches. Behind the tall counter, workers busily crafted drinks at the shiny steel espresso machines. There was a large area to relax with many seating options. Emily chose an uncomfortable empty stool because it was in the least crowded section.

She started to get antsy and was thinking about bolting when the door opened, and Sylvia Day walked in. Energy bolted through Emily at the sight of one of her writing idols. Uncomfortable stool aside, this next hour would be fantastic.

Chapter 24

“Leave me waiting out in the hall, why don’t you,” Mason grumbled as Miles walked toward his room.

“You weren’t waiting that long,” Miles responded. He bumped his shoulder against his twin’s as he unlocked the door.

“I was waiting long enough for two of the people in neighboring rooms to make comments about my”—Mason held up his fingers making quotation marks—“wild sex life. Which actually sounds like an interesting story I’ll be needing details for.”

“There’s no sex life to speak of, at least here at this hotel,” Miles said with a roll of his eyes. “That’s a misunderstanding and doesn’t prove anything about your wait.”

“Honestly, it was a normal wait for you. I’ve gotten used to waiting for you over the years.”

“I never make you wait long,” Miles argued. He reached into his suitcase, grabbed an outfit, and shoved it into Mason’s arms. “Bathroom’s there,” he said, pointing to the door and shoving at Mason’s back to get him moving.

“On it,” Mason said. He put his hand to his forehead and gave a quick salute before heading to the bathroom. Shortly afterward he exited, dressed in Miles’s clothes. They were a bit baggy around the waist and stomach and a little tight around the thighs and upper arms, but a passable fit.

Mason tugged at the clothing, wrinkling his nose. “If you didn’t dress so snootily, you’d be more comfortable.”

“I’m perfectly comfortable dressing the way I do,” Miles said. “I dress very professionally for my chosen career. You have no room to talk, considering the suits and ties you wear to all of those morning talk shows.”

“Well, that’s different,” Mason explained. “When I attend those I’m on the news watched by thousands. Of course I have to dress up for that. When I do my podcasts, though, I’m as comfortable as can be. Not all stuffy in vests and button-ups.”

“You can get out of my ‘stuffy’ clothing after the signing.” He went over where Mason would need to go and what would be expected of him at this particular signing. Mason had stepped in for him at one of these events before, so Miles wasn’t overly concerned. No one had ever caught on to them in the past.

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