Page 137 of The Nicest Thing
"Okay, got it."
Her shoulders went up and down in a shrug."I can't blame them for not trying an unknown's books."
I scoffed."You're not unknown."
"Compared to many of these authors, I am."
"Then they should be curious about you and your writing."
"Eh, my books don't have enough hype."
I shot her a look."So, you're saying 'influencer' just means 'book snob.'"
She chuckled."I didn't say that, Finn."
"Okay, then I will.They're a bunch of snobs.What ever happened to rooting for the underdog?I love discovering new authors.I love your books—and you, obviously."
Rose whistled under her breath.
"What?"
"I think your little show of anger is drawing attention," she mumbled.
I looked around, noticing several more eyes on me.
"It was pretty hot, Finn."
"I was just telling the truth," I muttered."I hate their attention."
"Do you really?"
"Yes.The only eyes I want on me are yours."
She shook her head, the smile on her face more genuine now.
"But if it helps sell your books, I'll keep scowling and ranting like an asshole."
"Thanks," Rose said, tilting her head."It also could've been the way that shirt hugs your chest and arms."
I lifted a brow.
"You look good."
"Do I?"
"You know you do."
"I like it when you say it though."
"Then I'll keep telling you."
Before I could answer, Rose met her first readers.There were three of them, all women who stopped by her table in a group.That was followed by a very slow trickle.Two people made purchases.Pre-orders were picked up, which I helped with while Rose spoke to readers.Despite her nerves, when she got to talking about books, her eyes lit up like Christmas.She looked so beautiful in her element like this.A few women stopped to talk to me too.They mentioned our reels—our couple status was well-known, and I loved it when they asked about my ring.
The feeling increased 10 times over when someone asked Rose about hers.
Her gaze collided with mine, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Um yeah," she said with a blush, "Finn got this for me."
