Page 144 of Bookworm

"See that guy up there? That's my boyfriend."

At that exact moment, Hayden spoke into the microphone, his voice carrying around the room.

"Hey Chariot," he said, grinning at the crowd. "Sorry for thewait. We had some technical difficulties, butwe're good now."

The crowd cheered.

"You ready for us?"

The cheers grew.

"Glad to hear it.We are HERS."

"This is a good-looking crowd," the superstar guitarist put in, and someone yelled, "We love you, Santino!"

"Love you, too," he said with a wink.

Hayden just laughed. "Just so you know, he says that to everyone."

"I do," came the solemn reply, but it was ruined when he added, "but Hayden's just jealous 'cause I have so much love to give."

After the crowd quieted again, Hayden said, "So, this first song goes out to the girl in the elevator, Magnolia Wilhelmina Mills, the best girl in the world."

Beside me, I heard Magnolia sigh.

"I've asked him not to do that," she said, though her smile belied her words.

"She's here somewhere probably blushing like crazy. Or wishing I'd shut up. Hope you like this one, Chariot."

She shook her head as they started the song.

"That's so romantic," I said.

"That's Hayden," she said back with a smile. "So, where's yours?"

I looked to her in confusion.

"Your boyfriend," she said. "Didn't Mrs. Lee say you're dating her grandson?"

"Oh yeah." I flushed then pointed to Bo. "That's him over there, thebig grumpy one with the frown."

Maggie nodded. "He seems…nice?"

I released a laugh. "Oh, he is, total marshmallow."

"Cool."

As if he'd heard, Bo turned our way, locking gazes with me.His lips tipped up, and I felt my heart trip over itself in reaction.

"Very nice," she said again. "I can feel the connection between you from here."

"You can?"

"Definitely."

Maybe it was because she sounded so sure. Maybe it was because she was a stranger. But I needed some guidance, and Maggie was there, so I said, "Can I ask you a strange question?"

Magnolia shrugged. "Sure."

---