Page 87 of The Opposite of Romance
“That was sweet of you.”
He shoots me a smile and starts the car. “So, tell me what to expect when we get there. This is my first writing award ceremony, after all.”
“Oh, you know. There will be a bunch of people in fancy clothes, most of them snobby assholes who still look down on romance authors.”
He huffs, widening his eyes at me. “Really?”
“Yup. But the others are pretty cool. And the champagne is amazing.”
Again, he chuckles. “That’s comforting. So, you’re not really a fan of these things?”
I think for a second. “Yes, and no. It’s not my favorite thing about being an author, but it’s not the worst thing to be recognized, either.”
He dips his head in understanding.
The ride to Seattle, where the ceremony’s being held, passes in a blink. The venue is a part of a fancy hotel, so the valet takes Logan’s keys as soon as he gets out of the car. Logan opens the door for me, putting out an elbow for me to wrap my hand around.
The royal blue dress I’m wearing is neither too long nor too tight, but with the heels, I appreciate the support.
As soon as we walk in, I’m met with familiar faces. Some of them elicit a warm feeling in my stomach, while some of them force me to suppress a growl. The latter is, of course, the first one approaching us.
“Todd,” I grit out with a sneer.
“Oh, Sadie. So glad to see you dipping out of the family genepool for a date.” He looks between the two of us. “Maybe I shouldn’t have assumed. Cousin?” He points a finger at Logan, who’s not far from growling.
“Logan.” He puts his hand out. As soon as their hands touch, color drains from Todd’s face. “Not a cousin,” Logan bites out, not showing any sign of exertion from the obvious attempt to break Todd’s hand.
“My hands are my livelihood,” Todds says in a high-pitched voice.
Logan finally releases him, brushing off lint from his tux while Todd flexes his fingers to restore circulation.
“I haven’t read your books, but if this interaction is any sign, I think the world wouldn’t miss them one bit.”
Todd’s mouth parts in shock. He’s convinced his books are a God’s gift to humanity.
I press a palm to Logan’s shoulder, stifling a giggle. “I see some people I want to say hello to.”
He nods and follows along, not sparing another glance at Todd. I pick up my pace, walking in the opposite direction of Todd the Asshole. The whole way, I’m trying to keep the laugh that wants to escape hidden until we’re far enough from him.
Logan stops me. “Wait.” I turn around and notice him rubbing a hand over his face. “I’m sorry. We just got here and I’m already getting into conflicts. But I couldn’t handle the way he was talking to you. Like you’re beneath him.”
I can’t suppress my giggle any longer. It bubbles out of my mouth with a snort I’m hoping he hasn’t heard. “Are you kidding me? That was hilarious.”
He stares at me, wide-eyed, as if checking to see if this is a test. It only makes me laugh harder.
“I mean, I can throw a good verbal punch—I know that. But to see him afraid for his precious little hands, the same ones that type pretentious bullshit as if it’s the best thing anyone’ll ever read? That’s a sight that I won’t be forgetting.”
He releases a breath before his face transforms into a smile. “Well, I’m glad I didn’t embarrass you.”
“No way,” I say and grab us two glasses of champagne. “Oh, if you’re hungry, grab what you can now. It’s a long time before dinner.”
We greet more of my colleagues—the good ones this time—finish our drinks and a couple of appetizers, then head to our seats before the official part of the night starts.
One after one, the nominees are called out and winners are announced. I clap and cheer, not expecting to be the one climbing that stage.
When my category is up, and the host reads my name, my ears barely register it. It’s not until Logan’s loud, “Yes!” as he turns to me, planting a kiss on my shocked lips, do I realize I won.
This isn’t the first award of my career. It probably won’t be the last. But as Logan cheers and whistles while I make my way to the stage to receive an award for a book that was very special and vulnerable to me, I have a feeling this will be my favorite award ever.
