Page 9 of Between the Paragraphs

Though Mason interrupted my sleep last night, my work life is going great. That’s what matters. Sure, I had fun with Mason, but he’ll be out of my life in a few days. If I get this win with Miles for my publishing house, it will bring me joy for years to come. I need to remember this when Mason enters my mind again.

My morning flies by and is filled with meetings with authors. This is one of my favorite parts of the job, though it can drag at times. I love meeting and connecting with people, but it can be hard to sludge through a meeting when I know it’s not a good fit. I’m on my third cup of coffee, though, and feeling great. I arrive early at the restaurant and settle down at the table to wait for Miles. I’m confident in my abilities as an editor and in getting the sell. Miles might be one of the hottest authors right now, but I’m certainly the best editor and my publishing house has a lot to offer.

I sip on a soda, counting down the hours until I can have an alcoholic drink guilt free. I have to keep my wits with me for now, though. I’m a lightweight when it comes to drinking, so I have to be careful at work events.

When I notice heads turning I look up, and now it’s my turn to have my jaw dropping. What in the heck is Mason doing here? I knew I’d see him again at the conference, but I don’t have time for this right now. He stops at my table.

“I don’t have time for this, Mason. I have a meeting,” I tell him, letting him hear the irritation in my voice.

The man laughs as he holds out his hand. “Miles Bennett. I see you’ve met my twin brother.”

I don’t hide my surprise as my jaw drops open for the second time in the last few minutes. I’m normally composed, but how does someone prepare for a reality like this? I knew I should’ve looked into Miles before this meeting. I don’t like to do that, though. I like to form my own opinion, not read the opinion of others. I have a good feel for people and don’t want my mind muddied by outside influences.

I compose myself quickly as I stand and take Miles’s hand. Now that I know he’s not Mason, the differences are more evident. Miles has much less stubble growing around his face, and a bit more grey flecks through his hair. While Miles and Mason have similar builds, he looks a bit softer than the hard muscle that Mason seems to be made of. “Yes, I apparently met your brother. He didn’t mention he had a twin, and certainly didn’t mention it was you when I told him I was hoping to speak with you.”

“Yep. That sounds like my brother. He’s always full of surprises.”

He holds out my chair which impresses me, and I take a seat. I’m a bit thrown off, which I don’t like. Miles sits, and the waitress quickly approaches. We place our drink and appetizer order. We’re both busy and have one event to run to after another so these meetings have to be quick and to the point while also not seeming rushed. It’s a balance that’s hard to keep, though I’ve learned to perfect it over the years.

“I’m glad you have time to meet. Sorry about that introduction,” I tell him.

He laughs. “If you met my brother, I’m a bit shocked I didn’t get a slap in the face,” he tells me.

I can’t help but laugh at this. “I can see some women wanting to slap him,” I admit.

“They either want to slap him or . . .” He leaves the rest of this sentence to the imagination. With the way I woke up, I have no doubt what the majority of women want to do with Mason. I wonder how two identical twins can be so different from each other, because while they’re both very similar in many ways, Miles and Mason’s eyes tell completely different stories from each other.

Miles is more settled with a happy sparkle in his expression where Mason’s eyes have humor, confidence, and a glint that says he has a secret he might just share with you if you impress him enough.

“Mason might put on a good show, and he’s certainly a character. He likes to have adventures, and doesn’t take life too seriously when he’s having fun, but he also has an incredible work ethic. He doesn’t like to admit it to the world, but he also has one hell of a good heart,” Miles says.

“He certainly made an impression last night,” I tell him. I need to get this back on work, but I can’t seem to help talking about Mason. The man’s messing with my work, something that doesn’t ever happen when it comes to men.

“I’m sure he did. I saw him approach you last night, and to tell the truth, I thought you’d eat him up and spit him out,” he says. It pleases me that Miles knows of my reputation. I’m tough because I’m so damn good.

If I would’ve just made my way to Miles’s corner of the bar, I wouldn’t have gotten such a shock this afternoon. Dang it. I need to get off the subject of Mason right now. Our time’s ticking away.

“I do tend to eat men alive. But enough of this. I know you’re a very busy man, and you know I contacted you because my publishing house wants to do a book with you. What will it take for us to win you over?”

“I like a person willing to get to the point and not play games,” Miles says. He leans back and thinks on this for a moment. “As you might know, I’ve met the woman of my dreams who for some strange and beautiful reason, has agreed to be my wife. It’s made me a bit of a romantic and all mushy. It’s affected my writing. I’ve been thinking about doing a collaboration, and there’s one author I want to work with. She’s hard to get though. If you can make this happen, then I think we can make a deal.”

“I’ll find her, tie her down, and force her to sign the deal,” I say as seriously as I can manage.

“That might be the subject of our book,” he tells me with a laugh. “She does have a tendency to write some steamy stuff.”

“Who is this mystery author?” I ask.

“Ruth Cardello.”

I let out a whistle. “That’s a tall order, but I’ll make it happen.”

“Well then I think we have the beginning of a beautiful relationship,” Miles tells me.

“Cardello’s work is amazing, but what makes you want this collaboration?” I question.

“Emily,” Miles answers with a sappy grin. “She’s been on a Ruth Cardello kick, and lately all of my publishing and writing choices are based around what will make Emily smile.”

“A real life Romeo over here,” I tease.

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