Page 154 of Sins & Secrets

“It is wonderful to see you in person, thank you so much for meeting me here,” I say as I make my way to the front of the shop, making sure not to spill the hot drink in my hand.

“Finally meeting my maybe new agent,” he says with both an asymmetric smile and pride.

“I’m so happy you’re thinking of signing with us,” I answer sweetly.

“The rain this fall is ridiculous,” Jacob states as he runs his hand over his hair and then wipes it off on his worn jeans.

His white Chuck Taylor sneakers squeak on the floor as he takes a step closer to me. His expression is comical. With both hands full, one of chai and the other with the muffin top, I gesture to the table where I already have my laptop set up. “Right over here,” I tell him and put both the chai and the pastry to the left side of my computer before turning around to face him.

I have to crane my neck. “You’re so much taller in person,” I tell him and hold out a hand for a handshake. His right hand engulfs mine and his shake is firm.

The grin on his face grows to a wide smile and his perfect teeth flash back at me.

He’s damn good looking and the fact that his face isn’t anywhere on his profiles or brand is a mistake. I watch him as I take my seat, keeping the smile where it belongs on my expression.

“You are too good looking for every one of your readers not to see your face. I know this is a meeting to see if you’re interested in coming on board and if our goals align, but the way I like to approach things is to treat you like a client from the start so you know what you’re getting. There’s so much we have to offer at the agency and I’m sure you’ll appreciate not wasting time.”

“I like to know what I’m getting; let’s dive in. What do you want from me, Katerina?” Jacob asks me and for a split second, a thought enters my mind.

It’s only a fraction of a second. A glimpse of his mouth on mine, his hands on my body. Pushing me against the wall like Evan did only a few nights ago.

Thankfully, it vanishes before I can show any admission of what I was thinking.

With a deep inhale, I shake off the unwanted thought and I focus on the plan I have laid out for him as I rotate the computer around on the table.

“We’re going to start with your strengths. Obviously. your writing is one of them. Let’s also work our way into other aspects of marketing and social media that I think you’re ignoring. We can come up with a solid plan that you’re comfortable with, but more importantly, one that will work to give you momentum before this upcoming release.”

The words come out of my mouth smoothly even though my mind’s racing.

It’s been a while since I’ve looked at a man and thought the things running through my head. I tell myself it’s because I’m looking for comfort. Searching for someone to desire me like Evan does.

So I don’t feel trapped and alone.

“Lead the way, Miss Thompson.”

I shake my head, ready to correct him, ready to tell him it’sMrs.Thompson. Instead I bite my tongue. In fact, I find myself hiding my left hand behind the computer.

It’s only because the attention is nice.

A distraction, a sweet voice whispers in the back of my head as I smile at Jacob and hit the right arrow on the keyboard to move to the first point I want to make.

I leave my hand where it’s hidden and when he tells me goodbye, again referring to me as “Miss,” I still don’t correct him.

EVAN

She makes my blood heat,

My breathing tense and ragged.

Love’s not a straight line,

It’s reckless and it’s jagged.

Beyond the lust, beyond desire,

There’s something in its wake.

It’s jealousy that makes me weak,

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