Page 104 of Damaged Protector

“Sounds right up my alley.”

“This is the start of a new series, but she has two other complete series before this one. Her books make me laugh so hard, and… let’s just say my hubby loves when I read her books and get inspired.” She bobbed her eyebrows up and down, and I laughed.

“She sounds like a hoot. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Lisa’s lips twisted into a sad smile. “I’m so damn jealous. Shark offered me a ticket to this event, but I told him I would work the office today. That was before I knew my favorite author was going to be there.”

“Got ya covered. I’ll ask her to write you a personal message in there.”

Lisa grinned. “That would be awesome. I hope she’s as personable as she seems online. I follow her on all her social media accounts. She’s got a great rack too,” she said ruefully, staring down at her own small chest.

“Well, now I’m intimidated,” I said with a laugh, though I really wasn’t. Hawk had complimented my tits profusely last night while he had his big cock between them, and I was feeling quite confident this morning.

“Don’t be. You look amazing today,” Lisa said, giving me a once-over. “That outfit is hot.”

I’d decided on a bright-pink fitted V-neck top with Book Girlies Do It Better imprinted across the chest in white glitter. My look was completed by a white skirt and white lace-up boots with a flat heel since I anticipated walking so much today.

“Thanks. It’s not too much, is it?” I asked, smoothing down the skirt. “This is shorter than what I’d normally wear to work, but since I’m not actually on duty today, I thought it would be okay. I mean, besides picking up these papers Shark asked me to bring.”

“Not at all. You’re so petite, you can pull it off. Also, I need to know how to get leg muscles like yours.”

I laughed. “Basically, two decades of dance training.” Tucking the folder and Lisa’s book into my backpack, I said, “I need to scoot before Shark gets pissed.”

“Bye, Mal, and thanks for getting my book signed.”

After swinging by to get Megan, who I’d found out was also a romance reader, I drove to the convention center. “I can’t believe you brought a cart,” I said, getting out of the car in the parking garage. “I feel woefully unprepared.”

Megan opened the back door and pulled out her foldable cart. “No big deal. Not everyone brings one. I just tend to buy a lot at these things.” She had it assembled in about five seconds and pulled up the handle so she could wheel it toward the elevator.

“You go to book signings a lot?”

“Every chance I get, as long as they’re within driving distance. I tried to get tickets to this one, but by the time I heard about it, they were sold out. Thank you so much for inviting me.”

“I’m glad you were able to come. What kind of books do you read?” I had her pegged as a small-town romance reader.

“I like the dark shit.”

“Really?” I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

“Yep. Mafia. Dom/sub. Reverse harem. Sometimes shifters if the mood strikes me. The filthier the better.” She winked at me behind her thick glasses. “What were you expecting me to say? Small-town romance?”

I couldn’t help my laugh. “Yes, actually.”

“That’s why they say don’t judge a book by its cover,” she teased. “I like to say nerdy likes it dirty.”

As soon as we walked into the enormous event room, my jaw dropped to the floor. Long tables lined the walls and were arranged in straight rows across the floor. Large banners beside the tables announced the author’s name and logo.

And the people… oh my god, so many people. Many of them were dragging carts behind them like Megan and others had bags and backpacks laden with books. The crowd consisted of mostly women, but there were a few men milling about too.

“This is amazing,” I breathed, taking in the stacks of books on all the tables. “It’s like book heaven.” I inhaled the alluring scent of paper and ink.

“There’s another event near here that takes place during our Christmas break. It’s much smaller and more intimate, but they serve wine. You’re welcome to come with me.”

“That sounds awesome. I might take you up on it if I haven’t already left to go home for the holidays.” My eyes scanned the crowd and finally spotted Shark’s brown hair as he wound his way through the tables. “There’s my boss. I need to get some papers to him.”

Megan’s gaze followed mine. “Damn, I’d let him boss me around any day.”

I laughed and patted her arm. “He’s very married.”

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