Page 6 of Billionaire Book Boyfriend

I set my glass down and force a casual smile. “Yeah, I’ve heard of it. It’s pretty popular, right?”

Drake’s smile deepens. “Yeah, seems like everyone’s reading it. Including me.” He leans back in his chair, arms crossing over his chest. “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it to be so interesting. I thoughtit’d be another cliché romance, but it actually pulled me in. The characters felt real, and the plot twists? Though I figured most of them out ahead of time were impressive.” He tilts his head slightly, studying my reaction. “Who knew a book with a title likeFlirty Dirty Secretscould stir up so many emotions?”

My heart pounds in my chest, but I have to keep my cool.

His casual mention of the book sends a wave of warmth through me, but I quickly mask my surprise. “I’m glad you found it interesting. It’s always great to hear that a story resonates with someone, especially when it’s not your typical romance.” I force a smile while running my finger around the rim of my glass.

What would he think if he knew I’m the one who crafted those hotter-than-hot scenes and those sexy characters inFlirty Dirty Secrets? These aren’t your run-of-the-mill romance characters. They’re the type who know exactly how to get what they want, both in and out of bed. I shift in my seat, that thought lingering in the back of my mind, and try to steer the conversation in a safer direction before things get too close for comfort.

“Seems like it’s made quite the impact,” I say, praying my voice doesn’t betray me.

“You could say that,” Drake muses with a bright smile, his fingers drumming lightly against the table as he thoughtfully looks like he’s revisiting the story, traveling back to his favorite moments. “There’s something about the way the story pulls you in. Makes you feel things you didn’t expect to feel.”

I swallow hard. My mind is screaming:He’s talking about my book, and he has no idea I’m the author.The feeling is unreal.

As the conversation continues, Drake leans back in his chair, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “You know, the character development really caught me off guard. The way the author crafted the tension between the two leads is something else. It felt so real.”

I swallow again, my mind racing. “It’s important for characters to be relatable, so it’s awesome when authors give them flaws and strengths. It keeps readers invested.”

“Definitely. It’s like I knew who they were and could feel their connection, their struggles. It made me reflect on my own life a bit.” He chuckles, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “Who knew a romance novel could get a guy thinking like that?”

I offer a nervous laugh, desperate to steer the conversation away from my book. “As much as guys try not to show it, they are a bundle of complex emotions looking for an outlet. Sometimes we all just need a little escape, right?”

Drake nods, his gaze piercing. “True, but I feel like there’s more to the story than just fantasy. It almost seems like the author is writing from experience or some experiences that she truly desires to have.”

I don’t know why it feels like he’s getting close to cracking a code that will tell him Eva Steele is me and my cover will be blown, but my palms get sweaty, causing me to rub them together. “Either that, or she has one heck of an imagination, based on all the fanfare she’s been getting for the book,” I offer.

Drake nods, a knowing glint in his eyes as he finishes off his glass of wine. “Yeah, I’d say she’s got something special,” he agrees,his voice smooth and steady. Then, he stands up and offers me his hand. “Ready to head out?”

I take it, feeling the warmth of his touch and wishing I could shake off the tightness in my chest. “Yeah, let’s go,” I reply, even though I don’t want the date to end.

We step outside, the cool night air refreshing against my skin. We hand our tickets to the valet to bring our cars around. When Drake’s car arrives, my eyes zone in on a copy ofFlirty Dirty Secretssitting on the back seat.

Drake leans into the car and picks up the book. He steps closer to me, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “This is the book. I had to buy my own copy because I wanted to re-read it this week; the original one I had was my maids’. Would you like to borrow it and see how you like it?”

My sweaty palms return instantly. “Uh, aren’t you re-reading it?”

“Yeah, I had to dive back in. It’s kind of addictive. But I’m willing to part with it for a while. I signed up to notifications on the author’s blog, so I read her updates and that gives me my fix.”

My heart races as I process the irony of the situation. Here I am, standing next to the very man who holds a piece of my heart between his fingers, and he’s following my daily posts on my blog. The reality of it feels both exhilarating and terrifying.

Drake holds the book up between us, the cover catching the light. “You know,” he says, his voice low and teasing, “you should really check this out. The author nailed the perfect mix of eroticaand real-life dating issues. "It’s like she was in my head, knowing exactly what I’ve been through and just what makes the blood run hot in my veins."

I swallow hard, feeling my cheeks heat up under his intense gaze. “I’ll definitely have to read it, then. I’m sure there’s a benefit of having hot blood running through your veins.”

Ignoring my veiled attempt at humor, he steps closer, closing the gap between us until I can feel the warmth radiating from him. His voice drops even lower, his eyes locking with mine. “Trust me, it’ll make you think about a lot of things—especially what it means to really connect with someone on a deeper level.”

My breath catches as our eyes lock, and in the deep pools of his dark brown eyes, I see something simmering. Maybe it’s desire, maybe curiosity, or maybe even a challenge. It’s like he’s daring me to let my guard down and give in to whatever is happening between us. The hum of the city, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze all vanishes, leaving just the two of us suspended in this moment.

“What if…” Drake starts, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze flickering down to my lips. “What if you read it, and we discuss it on our next date?”

“I’ll get my own copy of the book,” I reply softly, my pulse quickening as I lean in slightly, caught in the electricity of the moment.

“Take mine,” Drake insists, his breath mingling with mine.

“Okay,” I say, accepting the book. We’re just a breath apart now, and I can feel the tension building, a magnetic pull drawing us closer. I'm acutely aware of the way he studies me, his expression filled with a mix of desire and uncertainty.

Before I can overthink it, Drake closes the distance, our lips almost brushing. The world around us blurs as we teeter on the edge of something new and thrilling. I feel the warmth of his breath. The anticipation of his lips touching mine hangs heavy in the air, promising everything and offering nothing all at once.

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