“I thought we weren’t inviting family to this since we’re flying out tomorrow?” he asked quietly.
“We’re not.” I turned to face him, saw a few people enter the ballroom, and got my answer. “I wanted to make sure they were invited.”
He turned, and his mouth stretched into a smile as we watched Emory and Talia cross toward us, holding hands. Nathan was a few steps behind them.
“I thought they wanted to remain anonymous?”
I nodded, “They do, in respect of what they do behind closed doors. They’re here as friends tonight.”
“Thanks for inviting us,” Emory greeted as he slipped an arm behind my back and kissed my cheek. Talia elbowed him out of the way and hugged me while Nathan shook Evan’s hand.
“You know I’ll never turn down a party,” Talia smiled before she turned to Evan and hugged him as well.
“It’s kind of refreshing to go to one where everyone keeps their clothes on,” Nathan said quietly as he scanned the room.
Adrian’s eyes went wide as the pieces connected in his head. Luckily, Isobel whispered something in his ear before he said something inappropriate.
“I’m so glad you all could make it. It’ll be nice having some friendly faces in the crowd tonight,” I told our friends. They’d helped us get here, and they deserved to enjoy their part in it as well.
The room had started filling in, and I recognized quite a few prominent people in the local press and blogging communities.
“I’ll need to steal these two for a little while,” Isobel told our three friends as she nodded at Evan and me.
“No problem. I’m sure we can entertain ourselves while they’re on duty,” Emory assured her.
“I can always entertain myself with an open bar,” Talia said, eyeing the well-stocked bar at the back of the room.
“I think I’ll manage,” Nathan nodded, staring toward a group of female bloggers who’d congregated near the bar.
“You two ready?” Isobel asked as the other three headed off.
“I don’t have to speak, right?” Evan confirmed.
“No,” she laughed as she nodded toward the stage. “I’ll take care of it, but Di might ask you to once you’re in a smaller venue.”
“You’re fine. Just take a deep breath and pretend I’m in my underwear,” I whispered in his ear as we turned to follow Is to the stage.
He laughed and tugged me toward him, leaning down to whisper back. “I don’t think you want me to give the room a show.”
I giggled as he took my hand and helped me up the stairs. As he reached the top, he ran his hand down my back and casually grazed my ass.
“Hey, behave.” I shook my head at him, and he returned it with a nervous smile.
I tried to pay attention to Isobel as she spoke, but I had to admit I was a little nervous too. I hated the first days after a release where you’re waiting for the critics and reviewers to respond.
“And thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate two of my favorite authors who have created something really special.” Isobel finished speaking, and Adrian stepped in front of the mic.
“Let’s give them a round of applause.” He’d surprisingly kept his bad jokes to himself. It probably didn’t hurt that Is was hovering next to the microphone like an overprotective parent.
Evan plastered on an almost believable smile and reached over to interlock his fingers with mine. I had difficulty taking my eyes off him to face the crowd.
“They’ll be here all night,” Isobel smiled over at the two of us. “Enjoy the spread, and we hope you enjoy the book if you haven’t read it yet. Hopefully, you won’t be too hungover to read it tomorrow.”
Is ushered us off the stage and made straight for some of the execs from the publishing house. They did the usual patting themselves on the back for associating themselves with ‘such quality talent’. Evan was quiet but respectful. He commented, smiled, and nodded when needed, but I could tell he was distracted.
“You okay?” I asked as we stepped to the side and took a moment to ourselves.
“I’m a little out of it. I forgot how overstimulated you could get at these.” His eyes nervously scanned the crowd as I held his clammy hand.