Page 22 of Faking the Book Boyfriend

I let out a loud laugh. “I wish. That’s the dream of almost every author but the reality for very few.”

“Dream big, Gemma. That’s why I’m here. Nothing will stand in the way of me getting the woman I want.”

I swallow. “I’m sensing you have a particular woman in mind.”

He smiles. “I suppose you’re right.”

“What’s her name?”

For the first time, he looks a little flustered. Maybe he doesn’t want me to know.

“Umm…Jenna.”

“Okay. Tell me about Jenna.”

He has a dreamy look on his face. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. The second I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her to be mine. I can’t explain it. Her laugh. Her smile. She’s…she’s extraordinary. There’s something about her that immediately struck a chord in me. I’ve never felt that way about a woman before.”

“In the romance world, we call that insta-love.”

“Like love at first sight?”

“Yes. It’s another trope. Tell me about your interactions with her.”

“I’ve only spoken to her once, but Ireallylike what I’ve seen.”

“Why only once?”

“I don’t want to mess it up. I also only recently met her.”

“Does she know how you feel?”

He shakes his head. “No. I don’t want to scare her off.”

I slowly nod. “I guess it would be a risk. Some women might be into insta-love, but some might be frightened off by you coming on that strong.”

“That’s what I was thinking. I need to be careful so I don’t screw it up.”

“What does she know about you?”

“Pretty much everything I’ve told you.”

“What do you know about her?”

He bites back a smile. He’s clearly besotted with this lucky woman. I have a pang of jealousy over her.

“Besides being stunning, she’s funny, super smart, and kind of…uptown.”

“Do you have any clue as to what she’s looking for in a man?”

“I’m learning. Tell me some more things that romance readers likeyouwant in a book boyfriend. Better yet, tell me things you don’t. That could be helpful in getting to…generally know women’s wants and needs.”

I twist my lips for a moment. “I think many women are attracted to book boyfriends who only have eyes for them. All others be damned. Men who love the female lead character and don’t care who knows it.”

“Like a public display of affection?”

“It’s more than that. It’s about unashamedly loving them. My ex didn’t like to kiss in public. He said it was because of my red lipstick. For some reason, that always bothered me. If a man loves you, why would he care about a little lipstick on his face?Shouldn’t he value kissing you over any small embarrassment that might cause?”

Trey nods as he stares at my lips. “I’d wear it proudly.”

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