Page 3 of Write on Time

“If you’re sure?” There’s a question in his soft murmur and I smile into the phone.

“I assure you. I’ve never been more sure of anything. I’ve been looking forward to this since I got her letter.”

“You do know that she might be a lot different than she appears in her books and letters.”

“I’m sure. We’re all different in person. But I’m really looking forward to this.” A hand presses against my forehead. “Unless you think that she doesn’t want to stay here? I mean, if she wants to stay someplace nicer with room service or something, I’m sure the bed and breakfast in town would be happy to have her. I just don’t want Lily to be uncomfortable….”

“I’m sure it will be alright if it’s alright with you. Uh, Lily isn’t really that worried about amenities. She just prefers to fly under the radar when she travels.”

“Of course! Has she ever done a book signing? I looked around online and couldn’t find one.”

“Actually…no. This will be the first one.”

“I’m sure that she’ll have some wonderful surprises for her fans.”

“You have no idea,” he mutters.

“Is there anything else I can take care of for Lily?”

“No, that’s alright. She’s…well, she’s really excited to meet you in person.”

I can’t hold in the huge smile that feels like it’s about to crack my face. “Same here.”

“We’ll be there next Tuesday. Lily wants to get a chance to spend some time with you before the signing. And the activities around town for Valentine’s Day too!”

“Oh, I wasn’t sure that she was interested in participating in our little town’s festivities?”

He chuckles and it makes goosebumps skitter across my arms. “She’s very interested. Sounds pretty funny. Sometimes the best things are the little things that are particular to an area. Traditions are a big thing for her.”

“Terrific! I look forward to hearing her do karaoke! I bet she’ll pick the theme from The Love Boat!”

He chokes on a laugh. “I think you’ll lose that bet.” He gets quiet. “I should go. I’ve got a lot of things to take care of before I…we leave.”

“Of course.” For some reason disappointment fills me. I’ve never talked to a man who makes me feel so comfortable. “I look forward to meeting y’all in person.”

He sighs. “I certainly hope that you’re not disappointed. We’ll see you soon.”

Then he hangs up and I stare at the phone, confused. Why on earth would I be disappointed? This is the most exciting thing to happen to me in…well ever!

The next few days are gonna feel like a lifetime of hours. But I can do this. Because I’m about to meet the most important person in my life!

CHAPTER 3

Drake

Idon’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my life! Not even when I self-published my first novel.

I look up at the storefront that I saw online last week. It’s just as cute in person. My eyes lift up and I breathe in the fresh, clean air. My heart settles and I feel a calm settle over me. Like I’ve finally come home.

This place, this tiny town surrounded by mountains and full of people that can’t seem to stop smiling is just…well, it’s stunning.

But the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen is the woman that’s standing behind the counter in the little bookstore. Her blond curls are piled up on top of her head. Her green eyes are sparkling behind the cat’s eye glasses from her picture. She’s laughing at something the woman in front of her is saying. But there’s something a little shy and sweet about her that I’ve never seen on any woman before. She looks a little uncomfortable in her own skin and it’s somehow charming to watch.

I sigh. I hope I’m not making a mistake. But as soon as I saw her, I knew that there was no way that I couldn’t come meet her. She’s the kind of woman that I’ve always dreamt about. I roll my eyes. I’m starting to sound exactly like the men in my romances.

Big, sappy idiots!

But for a woman like her? I think most men could turn into sappy idiots for a woman with so much going for her. She’s a real woman. Nothing fake about her. I can tell from here she’s not wearing a drop of makeup. She’s naturally beautiful.

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