Page 109 of Love Without Control

“Okay,” I laughed, pushing the device back about a foot. “Looks like a romance book.”

“It is,” Eden said, a smile taking up her entire face. “She let me read some of it the night before I was taken. She’s so talented.”

I squinted at the screen. “What’s an ARC reader?”

“That’s someone who receives an advanced copy of the book to help promote it before and during the release.”

“Do you have to meet face-to-face with the author or anything?”

Eden shook her head. “No, you either get a digital copy or a hard copy mailed to you. Then you read it and review it.”

I thought through it for a minute before saying, “You should do that. Join her ARC team.”

Her eyes shone with tears. “You think that would be okay? I’d love to help promote her, even if she doesn’t know it’s me.”

The idea seemed to bring her so much joy, how could I deny her? “As long as you don’t have to meet her in person, I think it would be fine. If she’s going to mail you a book, there are mailbox services we could use. To the outside world, your address would be a mailbox in… I don’t know… Kansas or something, and then they forward it to you. That might be overkill since she won’t know it’s you, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Can we check with Robert on the ARC thing just to make sure before you do it?”

“Of course. That’s probably a good idea.”

“We’ll talk to him tonight. Now you need to go get ready or you’re going to be late for your big day.”

I was pretty sure my heart was about to burst right out of my chest as I watched my wife walk across the stage and receive her college degree. My throat was clogged with emotion so I couldn’t even yell, but it was okay. There was a whole slew of people who’d come to watch her graduate, and they were loud as fuck.

Charlisse and Mimsy were the most vocal, and they both held up handmade signs when Eden’s name was called as Charles and Cooper clapped. Maz, the veterinarian from the Turtle Hospital, was also seated with us, as were about a dozen other people who also worked there with Eden. Robert and Jamie had even made the trip down from Jacksonville.

“It’s a good day, boss,” Kevin said from behind me where he was sitting beside Barry and Maria from the bakery. He patted my shoulder. “I know you’re proud of her.”

Eden had worked her ass off and graduated early with honors. Proud didn’t even begin to cover it.

“I am,” I said, waving at Eden when she looked up at our section and held her arms up in victory. Our crew cheered even louder, and the announcer had to pause for our noise to die down before he could call the next name.

My wife was fucking radiant, and everyone who knew her loved her.

But none more than me.

Chapter 36

Amonthaftersigningup for the ARC team, I received a package from “Juli Mack,” Juliette’s pen name. I’d done the wholererouting through an out-of-state mailboxthing, just for safety’s sake. It was almost impossible anyone would know it was me, but Robert said being extra cautious was best since the FBI kept tabs on anyone who had been close to me, including my friends. So an extra degree of separation from where I actually lived wouldn’t be a bad idea.

I skipped into the house and waved the red and black bubble mailer in the air. “It’s here!” I announced to Dane, who was sitting on the couch. My voice was brimming with excitement. Flopping down beside him, I tore open the package and held my best friend’s paperback book in my hand for the first time.

“Slow and Low?” Dane asked, peering at the title of the book.

“Yes, the main dude in this book is a pitmaster who owns his own barbecue restaurant. Slow and low refers to the proper way to cook brisket. Slow and on low temperature so it’s nice and tender.” I ran my fingertips over the smoky cover, knowing my friend had also touched it, and I loved the connection this book gave us.

Dane kissed my temple. “I’ll get started on dinner so you can start reading. Potato soup okay?”

“Sounds good,” I said, opening the book and almost tearing up at Juli’s loopy signature. Then I gasped when I saw my name on the dedication page.

“What?” Dane asked, crowding close as we both read. I could practically hear Juliette’s sweet drawl in every word.

To my real life Evie. You believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. I stopped writing for a while after you disappeared, but then I kept hearing you nag me, and I knew you’d be pissed if I didn’t finish.

So, here we are. I did it. And you’re not here with me. I miss you more than you could ever know, Evie, and wherever you are, I hope you’re safe. I love you, bestie from the nestie.

A fat tear plopped onto the page, and I swiftly swiped it away with the heel of my hand. Dane wrapped a long arm around me and pulled my face into his neck.

“I’m sorry, Eden. You miss her don’t you?” I nodded, and he kissed the top of my head. “You want to tell me about her?”

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