Page 90 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

She shrugs. “Yeah, but I have to do it in front of the biggest names, who sometimes happen to be the biggest assholes. You’re holding the book conference for kids.”

“Trust me when I say kids can be the biggest critics. Wish me luck?”

She cheers. “Always. You’ll kill this, sis. I know they will love you!”

Hearing it from the person who has become my support system in the past few weeks feels good, but the nerves remain as I sit in my little corner of the library to start the conference. I’m astonished to find a sizeable crowd of kids already there waiting for me, but the shock and nervousness fade away as soon as I talk to the first kid, Dean.

“Your book is so neat! I really like Newt.”

I smile. “What do you like about him?”

“I like that he’s adventurous. I like that he’s brave.” The little boy leans forward to whisper. “I like that he’s scared of the dark. I’m scared of the dark, too, so we’re alike.”

My heart warms. “It makes you feel less alone, doesn’t it?”

“It does!”

Kid after kid, Newt becomes the main star, which is just how I intended it to be. When I’m done signing the books they present to me and answering questions, including those of the parents, we all settle down and I tell them all about my plans for Newt’s next adventures. Cheers go around at the announcement of it possibly becoming a series, and I can’t help feeling proud when I see their faces lighting up.

But again, I don’t want it to be all about me, so I wait until the noise dies down before I clear my throat.

“We might meet Newt’s new friend in the next book, but I’m going to keep her a secret for now. Just like Newt’s new adventure.” I wink. “Anyway, I’m curious if you guys also have story ideas. Do you?”

A chorus of yes flies around. I grin.

“That’s awesome! Does anyone care to share their story idea?”

Several hands shoot up, so I point to the smallest blonde girl who looks a bit shy. With lots of encouragement, I rally the other kids to cheer her on until she can tell us her story idea, which goes on for quite a while. It ends with a character flying to the moon, which riles up the crowd as they now talk about flying to other places.

“An island! With beaches and pigs!”

“A planet! It’ll be a purple one with lots of strange-looking aliens!”

“Flying cows!”

“Okay, I think that’s enough flying for now.” I laugh. “Let’s talk about other story ideas. Does anyone else want to share?”

“I want to share my story idea.”

The familiar male voice sends a shiver down my spine before instinct kicks in and I go still. My smile falters while I stare at the figure hovering at the back of the crowd, his tall frame leaning against a bookshelf. I’m immediately hit with a sense of comfort but also…dismay because why does Christian look so good?

And why in heaven is he here?

He steps forward. The action brings him to light, and I can’t help but take in the way the jeans just fit him so well, along with the shirt that emphasizes those broad shoulders. Longing hits me hard, my core clenching with it before I become aware that tiny pairs of eyes are looking at him, too…then at me.

“Can I share my story idea?” His tone is soft. Unreadable. “But only if it’s okay with everyone.”

What am I supposed to say to that?

It takes everything inside me to tamp down my shock and confusion and appear as nonchalant as possible. It also takes everything to try not to make a scene. Somehow, I manage it and nod.

“Sure. What’s your story idea?”

“It’s about this guy named Charles and this girl named Rae. They’re very good friends and they do everything together. They have a lot of fun, but they also support each other’s dreams. Do you guys have a friend like that?”

Random names are thrown out by the kids, but his green eyes stay on mine. He waits until the voices die down before continuing.

“Well, one day, something happened.”

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