Page 89 of Blackstone's Heart
"That's all I want too Ethan. I don't need flowers, a fancy dress, hell I don't even need a wedding."
Ethan suddenly knew what needed to be done. He started the truck and all but peeled out of the parking lot. After a few minutes, Krista recognized where they were headed. When she did, her face broke out in the most beautiful smile Ethan had ever seen.
"Wait! Before we go where you're wanting to go, we have one stop to make first." Krista said.
"Yes ma'am." Ethan laughed as he swung the truck around and headed back to his house first.
Oh he knew their moms were going to be pissed when they found out about this, but Krista’s mega-watt smile made facing Ruby and Debbie’s wrath all worth it.
Chapter 25
Krista pushed the sunglasses onto the top of her head as she walked into the room where her book reveal would take place the next day. She felt both nervous and relieved. Finally, she could stop having to play dual roles and just be herself. Not that her persona of Kris James wasn't her, it was just one facet of her and now she could share with her friends and fans all sides of her.
"Excuse me, can I help you?"
Krista turned and found Stacey walking toward her. Stacey was about five foot five, with a killer figure. Her auburn locks swept up in a French twist at the moment. The sexy black pencil skirt and violet blouse hugged her curves. Krista had always teased Stacey whenever they went out in New York, that Stacey could have any man she wanted with those kicking curves.
"Hello Stacey." Krista grinned.
Stacey studied her with a frown. After a few moments Stacey's eyes widened as the voice registered. "Kris?"
Krista laughed. "Yeah, it’s me."
Stacey dropped into one of the nearby chairs. "So, this is really you huh?"
"Yep. My real name is Krista Jameson." Krista nodded, sitting next to her publisher. "I will not only be revealing my book but also my real identity tomorrow."
"You're going to what? Kris...I mean Krista...hell, that's going to be a bit weird."
"You can still call me Kris; it was a nickname for me for a long time."
"Kris, are you sure that's smart? What if this guy is here tomorrow?"
Krista let out a slow breath. She had thought of that, so had Ethan and the guys. However, after nearly eight years as an author she just felt the timing was right to do this. Even before her stalker made contact she and Jerry had discussed it numerous times. He too had believed that maybe it was time to come out of the shadows and let the real Krista Jameson come out.
"I've thought of that. He already knows who I really am anyway. He started writing my dad several weeks ago. That's why Blackout Security was brought in. My dad didn't know where else to go. Yet we still can't figure out why, if this guy knows who I am, he continued to write to me as Kris James. We, me and the guys of Blackout I mean, are kind of hoping that by revealing myself it will cause him to make a mistake and we can end this once and for all." Krista explained.
"Okay, I can see that. So, what's the plan here?" Stacey replied, cupping her chin in her hand.
Before Krista could speak, the doors opened again and in walked Ethan, Gage, Cain and Jimmy. She bit back a giggle as Stacey took in the four men. All four were large, handsome men. Course Krista only had eyes for Ethan. Jimmy and Cain were dressed in t-shirts and jeans instead of their usual suits they wore while on the job. Gage was dressed similar to Ethan. Black tactical pants, boots except his t-shirt was blue while Ethan's was his trademark drab green.
"You're drooling Stace."
"Oh bite me. Damn, you get to be around all of that? Hell, I'll take a stalker if I have bodyguards like them."
Krista lost it then and nearly fell out of her chair from laughing so hard. She looked up when Ethan stepped up to her chair. He gave her a panty melting smirk before leaning down and kissing her. Behind her, Krista heard the guys laughing and to her left she heard the breathy sigh from Stacey.
"Hi." Ethan said.
"Hi yourself." Krista smiled brightly. "Ethan, Gage, Jimmy, Cain, meet my publisher Stacey Carlin. Stace, this is Ethan Blackstone and Gage Carson from Blackout Security. Then there's Jimmy Fortner and Cain Harker from the FBI."
"Nice to meet you guys." Stacey greeted, giving Gage what Krista called her flirty smile.
"Same here ma'am." Gage nodded.
"Has Krista told you the setup for tomorrow?" Ethan questioned, jumping right in.
"I was just about to when you four walked in." Krista answered. She faced Stacey again as the guys sat down at the table. "So, I'll arrive at the event dressed as Kris James. I was thinking of telling my VIP fans first, but I changed my mind and figured I'd just reveal myself to everyone all at once."
