Page 40 of SapphicLover69
“But I can’t claim it for myself alone. For twenty-two years, I’ve had the most amazing woman in the world at my side. I’d be nowhere without my wife, Beth. So, honey.” With a glow of appreciation, Tammy raised the trophy over her head and declared, “This is for you!”
I clapped with every other person in the room, then pushed back my chair to stand. Winter followed, then Elaine, the rest of our table, and soon everyone other than the dignitaries at the head table were on their feet cheering. When Catherine stood, the others followed, and it was unanimous. I could tell by bodyguard Cary’s expression she wasn’t overjoyed.She probably thought it should have gone to her heartthrob, Valery.Winter wiped a tear from her eye. It was a special moment indeed.
With Tammy back in her seat—and tears streaming down her face—Erin moved on to the Romance categories: Erotic Romance, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, and Romantic Thriller.
My stomach lurched into my throat with a fresh onset of nerves, and, once again, Winter laced her fingers through mine and beamed at me admiringly. I held my breath with the confidence of knowing, if I passed out, Winter would be here to revive me.
“For Erotic Romance, in third place …” Erin called a name and book title I’d only seen in the list of finalists. I didn’t have time to read everything, and I didn’t know many of the authors. New ones sprang up overnight, it seemed. “In second place forShady Seductions,Aspen Wolfe.”
So close, I thought, but was still happy with a second.
Winter squeezed my hand and beamed at me. “Congratulations!” she cheered in an intimate hush. “That’s wonderful.”
“And the Laurel goes to Willa Stephenson forLove’s Raw Conquest.”
I clapped for Willa, knowing her reputation, and we had done several cross-promotions, although I hadn’t met her in person before this weekend.
I could relax during Romantic Comedy, but my nerves were back for Contemporary Romance. Through our joined hands, I detected Winter’s pulse and sensed she was as tense with anticipation as I was.Maybe tonight,I thought.OK, so she’s a virgin, but she’s not a child. I know she’s attracted to me, that she likes me. I like her too, and it’s been so long. Even if we don’t see each other again …My musing stopped short. The idea of not seeing Winter again pierced my chest like an arrow.
“In third place.” Erin rattled off the names and the books while everyone offered polite applause. With only first place remaining, my hopes dimmed. “And the Laurel goes to R.B. Taylor forSometimes When We Touch.”
My heart sank.At least Shady Seductions got a second place. That’ll boost sales.
“It’s all right, Aspen,” Winter assured me. “There’s one more to go.”
“Your category is coming up,” Tammy said, leaning in from my other side. “Just wait and see.”
The moment of truth had arrived. If I was going home with a trophy—and a thousand dollars—this would be it. I glanced at Selina. She wiggled in her seat, beaming like she’d already won. An odd thought popped into my befuddled head.If I could just take Winter home.I shook the absurd notion away.
Once again, Erin read a name I was only vaguely familiar with. “And in second place, Selina Fowlerton forThe Serpent’s Seduction.People clapped, Selina looked shocked, and a buzz of excitement like ten thousand bees hummed through my entire body. Every extremity went numb, and a euphoria of hope made me dizzy.
“The Laurel for Romantic Thriller goes to Aspen Wolfe forQuick.”
Tammy slapped me on the back. “I knew it!”
“Aspen, that’s awesome!” Winter effervesced with elation as I felt every cell in her body radiate pride.
“Well, go get it, silly woman!” Tammy prompted.
I won. I beat Selina.It felt surreal, but I obeyed Tammy’s urging, rose, and headed toward the platform.What will I say? I didn’t prepare a speech. I have to recognize Tammy.My mind was a Grand Central Station of thoughts as I passed the head table.
As if from nowhere, a vicious growl sounded, footsteps thundered, and it felt like I was struck by a bull before crashing to the floor with a painful thud. “Fraud! Fuckin’ fake! You don’t deserve to win!” A substantial weight pinned me to the thin carpet and a powerful punch wrenched my gut. The shock surpassed having my name called, and even that of finding myself locked in a blazing room. A woman Tammy’s age glared at me with fiery hatred after knocking me to the floor in front of everyone.
Chapter 21
Delusions
“Cary?” I eked out in shock.
Too many things were happening at once. Cary was spitting out curses of rage and punching me, and then she was gone. Chancing a glance up, I witnessed Tammy and firefighter Jeri wrestling back my attacker. Everyone in the hall was on their feet, most straining to see what was happening.
“Call security!” Catherine yelled.
Despite the restraining hold Tammy and Jeri had on Cary, I watched, stunned, as Winter marched up, cocked a fist, and punched her in the jaw. The next moment, she knelt at my side, smoothing the hair out of my face. “Aspen, are you hurt?” Her heat-burned skin was pale with anxiety as she cradled my head and stroked my jawline.
“I don’t think so,” I answered, ignoring the shooting pain in my hip and scattered aches where Cary’s fists landed.
Valery marched up to Cary on stiletto heels, her face a mask of fury, and demanded, “What is the meaning of this?”
