Page 90 of The Nicest Thing
Unable to stop myself, I closed the gap between us, placed my finger under her chin and lifted until her eyes met mine.
"Talk to me."
"I got a text," she said haltingly."I thought it was a wrong number until I saw the message."
She paused.
"It's from Romance or Die.They…I got an invite.Finn, I got in."
I smiled."That's a good thing.Right?"
"It's incredible, but I think it's a mistake."
"Because?"
"I told you," she said."I missed the deadline, didn't even submit the application.They must've meant to message some other author named Liv—though that doesn't explain why they texted me.Maybe it was a wrong number?Or a cruel joke?The most crazy coincidence ever?I don't—"
"Rose," I interrupted, "I applied for you."
Her surprised gaze locked on me."What?" she whispered.
"It's not a mistake or any of those other things.I knew how much you wanted this.Knew it was at the top of your author dream list."
"Finn…"
"Don't ask me to apologize," I said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face."I'm not sorry.I knew you'd get in."
She shook her head, but I nodded.
"They want you."
And they're not the only one.
I swallowed as I stared at her, gazing into those warm honey brown eyes that I loved so much, preparing to tell hereverything.Sending up a prayer, I squared my shoulders.If she didn't feel the same, it would kill me.But if I never told her, if I never at least tried to be with her, I'd feel like dying anyway.
"Rose, I—"
"Me and you," she said.
"What?"
"They invited both of us."
"That's not possible," I said.
"Look at the text."
She held up her screen, and sure enough, there it was in black and white.
Good Evening Liv,
You are cordially invited to attendRomance or Die, the ultra-private, super-swoony, over-the-top extravaganza celebrating romance authors and book lovers.Two weeks from today in Atlanta, GA, we'll be celebrating all the swoon, spice, and sweetness book life has to offer.We limit the number of attendees in order to provide the best experience for our readers.This invitation is for:
Liv aka Rose & Finn.
More details about the event will be emailed to you shortly.Please accept within the next 48 hours.If you choose to miss out on this chance, it may never be offered again.Every writer knows romance is a matter of life and death.We hope to see you soon!
Sincerely yours,
