Page 128 of Foreplay on Words

“He was gay?” Evan asked with a surprised smile.

“He kept making excuses to restyle your hair and called you handsome about forty times. Pretty sure,” I nodded.

“Please stay with me.” His other hand gripped mine and interlaced our fingers.

“I’ll try.” I nodded. “But Is wants us both to work the room and talk to the press. The buzz is already starting to grow about the book. And remember, this isn’t your first book launch. You were also rusty at other things and look at you now. You’ve got this.”

“I don’t want to talk to the press by myself. What if I say something embarrassing?” Evan was falling into his old habits of expecting himself to fail. I wanted to find the person who made him doubt himself and punch them square in the face.

“You’ll be great. Just stick to the information Adrian and Diana gave you. Do that whole quiet, mysterious thing, and they’ll eat it up.”

“Are you sure we can’t go hide in the room?” I could hear him swallow hard as his body tensed behind me.

“Baby, it’ll be okay. Everything after this will be busy but low-key. I’ll be by your side for everything else if we can make it through tonight.”

I could feel his chest press against my back as he took several deep breaths. His heart was still racing, but I knew he could do this.

The elevator pinged as we reached our destination, and I stepped forward with my hand outstretched behind me. Evan sighed loudly and took my hand as I led him out the doors and down the hallway.

Soft music floated out the partially open doors as we approached, and I hoped the room hadn’t filled up yet. Evan could use a few minutes to ease himself into it before the hordes descended.

“I’m fine. Let’s go.” He walked around me and held the door open wide, motioning for me to proceed.

“I’m really proud of you,” I whispered as I passed him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “I know this is out of your comfort zone, but you’re doing it anyway.”

“Let’s hope you’re still proud after tonight.” His hand found the bare skin on my back, and he guided me to the other side of the room where Is and Adrian were stationed by a small stage with a raised podium.

“Right on time!” Isobel smiled as she hugged me and then briefly squeezed Evan’s arm.

“At least you two don’t look like you’ve been screwing in the supply closet,” Adrian laughed.

“Oh my God, Adrian. Just don’t talk anymore,” Isobel scowled in his direction.

“It was a joke. It was supposed to be funny.”

“No. Just no.” I shook my head as I pinned him with a scathing look.

“You put your foot in it again, Dickhead?” Kristine laughed as she joined us, seeing everyone scowling at a contrite Adrian.

“Sounds like he put his whole body in it.” Sam was right behind her, looking at his boss with amusement.

“Hey, I thought you were supposed to be on my side. Traitor!” Adrian scowled at his intern.

“What sides?” Kristine asked. “Seems like only one person is making an ass out of themselves right now.”

“I was trying to be funny. How come that one can make remarks, and I get jumped on?” Adrian asked while he pointed at Kristine.

I cringed as I saw her face completely change to a blank stare.

“When you get your dog to quit peeing on the floor, let me know where you want me for the night,” Kristine said to Isobel, completely ignoring Adrian’s presence. She walked off toward a table where there was a poster stand with the book cover on it.

The table was stacked with promotional materials and copies of the book. Most of the press invited had been mailed advanced copies, but it wasn’t uncommon to provide them to anyone who might post positive reviews online.

“I’m gonna...” Sam pointed over his shoulder before he followed Kristine. It was probably a good thing Adrian wouldn’t be with us for the next few weeks. His brain-to-mouth filter had degraded considerably.

“So, anyway. I will be giving a brief introduction in about fifteen minutes, and then we’ll start the party,” Isobel told us. “All the invited press was notified that this is a social function and that they are welcome to attend any of the events when you return to Boston to ask questions.”

“Did you get a response from the people I asked you to invite?” Evan looked at me with confusion as I put the question to Isobel.

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