Page 56 of From Us, Forever

“I think I’ll take you up on the kiss.” His lips hovered over mine before they came crashing into a searing kiss. I couldn’t even keep count of the number of times we kissed today, but that was what people in love did all the time, right?

“Okay, now I need to focus and prepare for my meeting. I have no clue what they’re going to ask me.” I bunched up my shoulders, googling “how to prep for a meeting with a literary agent.”

“You do that. Why don’t I make you another mug before I finish the lawn?”

“Sounds amazing.” My eyes never strayed from the screen. “But wear a shirt this time.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He huffed out a laugh.

“I’ll be fine,” I reassured Jay, mustering a smile despite the nerves wrecking my bones.

“You sure?” His eyes searched mine. “I could go with you.”

“No need. It’s only a few hours away, and I’ll be fine with Tyler.”

“All right. But please keep your phone close.” He pressed a soft kiss on my forehead. “Good luck.”

“Thank you.” I hugged him tight before I slid inside the car, bidding him goodbye as Tyler sped off.

It took us well over two hours to reach downtown Seattle, and minutes later, Tyler parked the car at the curb.

“Wait for me, Ms. May,” he said through the rearview mirror before getting out. I watched as he eyed the sidewalk before he held the door open for me.

Ever since the grocery incident, I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere by myself, but I had an inkling that these precautionary measures would be a part of the rest of my life.

“Thanks, Tyler.”

He gave me a curt nod. “I’ll be waiting right here, Ms. May. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I went over all the notes as I mentally gave myself a pep talk. I faltered a bit when I entered the lobby. It was so modern, clean, and professional. Not wanting to appear like a deer caught in the headlights, I faked a brave smile as I approached the blond woman with a tight bun operating the reception desk.

A stiff smile snaked her lips when she saw me. “How can I help you?”

“Umm, I’m Evelyn May. I have a meeting with Ms. Riggs at two.”

She raised a brow. “Riggs, you say? Let me check.”

I nodded, shifting on my feet while she typed away on her computer.

It only took a minute before her eyes dashed to mine, and she jumped to her feet. “Ms. May,” she said in an overly excited voice, unlike her detached tone from earlier. “This way, please, Ms. Riggs is waiting for you. I’m Tia.” She held out her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Tia,” I replied, shaking her hand before I followed her through a huge hallway. I tried hard not to gawk at the rows and rows of gleaming books lined along the way.

“I assume your day has been going great so far.” Tia made small talk, looking over her shoulder.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Her enthusiasm faded a bit, but her megawatt smile didn’t disappear. “Through that room. Ms. Riggs is expecting you.” She gestured to the frosted door before she sashayed away.

Drawing in a deep breath, I placed my palm on the cold door, prying it open.

A tall lady with shiny red hair and pale blue eyes stood by the window, and upon my appearance, her face transformed with a bright smile.

“Ms. May. I’ve been expecting you.” My hand grasped hers in a firm shake.

“Take a seat,” she said before she padded gracefully to hers.

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