Page 125 of The Nicest Thing
"I know you are," she said softly.
Again, I got the sense that I was missing something, but Rose said we were alright, so I took that as the truth.The woman at registration smiled when she saw us approach.
"Hi," she said, "name?"
"Liv Lamoreaux," Rose said, "and there should also be a badge for Finn, my assistant."
Her eyes sparkled."Ah yes, the happy couple."
She reached into the box at her side, producing two lanyards with badges attached as well as a black folder with Romance or Die's logo on the cover.
"Thank you," Rose said."We're so excited to be here."
"Oh, no thanks needed," she said."After we had a popular author and influencer duo cancel on us at the last minute, a spot opened up.Isla was very taken with you and your husband.You fit the bill perfectly."
"Sorry, what do you mean by that?"
"Rain and her husband Ransom are darlings of the romance world," she added with a smile."I'm sure you've heard of their love affair.Everyone knows them.Everyone loves them.We needed a couple with that same swoony pull.Isla read and loved a couple of your books.You're currently blowing up on socials, so yeah.Isla said we had to have you two."
"Ah, I see," Rose said faintly.
"We've got hors d'oeuvres and drinks in the main ballroom for your guys, all themed, of course.Welcome to Romance or Die," she finished then moved on to help someone else.
I walked with Rose to the other side of the hall, but she didn't look up from her badge.
"Rose, you okay?" I asked.
"Not really."
She shook her head.
"They only wanted me if you came too," she said quietly."I can't believe I thought…never mind."
"No, tell me."
Rose looked at me with a half-embarrassed expression."Keely was right.I'm a small indie romance author.There are tons of those, Finn.I just feel stupid for not seeing it before.They wanted us—not me."
I shook my head."That's not true.She said Isla loved your books.That's good.Isn't it?"
"Yeah, but I feel like I lied my way here.I don't feel awesome about that.You know?"
"I do.But I also know how amazing your stories are."
"Guess I'm good at telling stories in real life too," she mumbled then scoffed."Maybe I really don't belong here."
Going on instinct, I lifted her hand to my lips and placed a lingering kiss there.
Rose's breath caught, and her eyes shot to mine, giving me her full attention just like I'd hoped.
"You're brilliant, beautiful, a goddess among mortals," I said.
"Finn," she said self-consciously.
"I mean it, Rose.You just have to know it too."
"You see me differently than I see myself."
"I see you.Period."
