Page 29 of The Book Signing

I pause, because of the way he says it, with such seriousness as if almost scared to admit it, that I can’t help but laugh at the comment.

“Just kidding. I don’t do attachments or get any type of anxiety. But it’s good to seeyou retract the claws,” he recovers with a grin and a gesture implying I’m an angry cat.

Well, if he’s waiting for a counter retort, he won’t get one because whilst most people would call out his bullshit, I choose not to. I recognize the expression of someone being freaked out, and I know that if I say anything else, it will become another battle, and I’m exhausted. Being cranky is the last thing anyone wants to see, and if he pushes my buttons, I will claw him.

Instead, I take in the steam coming from the water and how there isn’t anyone else inside. I notice the tiled steps for people to sit on, so I make myself comfortable and plant my butt down. On the opposite side of him, of course. We need our distance.

For a moment, we sit in perfect silence. Our bodies adapt to the hot temperature and enjoying the opportunity to relax until someone walks through the gate.

“Sorry, but do you mind if I join?” A woman who looks like she is in her mid-thirties smiles and gestures towards the spa.

Jaxon looks at me, and I try not to laugh when I see his face go tense. Of course, he just prefers the spa kept to just us.

I turn to her and nod. “Sure, feel free. It’s open to all.”

“Great, thanks!” she says, closing the gate behind her and enters it.

I make space in the small area, which brings me closer to Jaxon. It appears he’s also moved closer to me. It’s like we can’t stay away from each other; almost as if we’re being pulled by strings by the master puppeteer.

A few minutes in, Jaxon and I do our best to relax despite the tension radiating off us. Although based on how hot and cold we can be with each other, I can’t figure out if the tension is sexual.

“Yes, that’s where I know you from!” exclaims the woman opposite me as she clicks her fingers, looking at me with a grin. Her boisterous comment startles me and I sit up straighter. “You’re the lady here who came from America to do a talk about your book! I’m from Texas.” She grins proudly.

Ah yes, the accent is a big giveaway.

“Something like sleeping around will eventually break you. It’s better off with a monogamous relationship and stability, or whatever.” The woman goes on, nodding to herself.

I open my mouth, wanting to stop her from continuing, but no words leave me. She has it spot on. It’s just something I don’t wish to rehash infront of Jaxon. I make a quick glance at him to see his reaction, and notice him biting his lip, his crinkled eyes giving away the attempt at suppressing a laugh.

Then the woman looks over at Jaxon and smirks. “Ah yes, and this is your new beau. Gosh, your social media is pounding with notifications, ain’t it?”

Now it’s his turn to react, and instead of annoyance, I see him blush.

“You seem to know quite a lot about me,” I say in a playful tone, covering up my wariness.

She must sense how I feel, and her smirk disappears. “Oh, sorry. Gosh, ya’ll must think I am a stalker or somethin’. No, no, my sister is a big fan of yours and been goin’ on about your book for a month now. I even get added to comments about it, with her trying to get me to read it.” Her smile is genuine, and I give her the benefit of doubt.

Her eyes, though, wander back to Jaxon, and I get annoyed by it. He isn’t with me because we have only known each other for two days, but from her perspective, we are together. So why is she ogling him?

I give her a smile. Of course, it’s fake because the green bitch is showing her talons. “You should. I hear it helps people when they struggle withadmitting their vaginas are done with opening for every Tom, Dick and Harry.” Then I slide myself over to Jaxon and put my hand on his thigh.

Two things happen. Her eyes widen, and she glances at where my hand now sits. The other is the tingle I get from the touch. Jaxon’s gaze lands on mine, and then he curves the side of his mouth and moves his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him.

The side of my boob hits his chest and the water splashes at his movement, wetting my bright bun.

“Honey, now’s not the time to talk about the book. Remember, you wanted to focus on your personal life, not business, until the book signing?” His tone is saccharine, but I can hear the sarcasm behind it at the same time.

Thanks for the save, though.

I plant a smitten smile on my face as I squeeze his leg. “You’re right.” I look over at the woman, who now appears a little uncomfortable, and add, “Sorry, it’s harder to step away from work when you’re single. Ever since I started dating this hot banana, it’s been a smoother ride.”

My peripheral vision deserves a high five as I see a quick smirk from Jaxon, clearly not liking the statement. First, he doesn’t ‘date’ so likely has noidea what the concept is, and second, I gave him a nickname that irks him. And. I. Love. It.

“Oh, that’s very sweet. I’ll check out your book like you suggested. Though I heard there was someone else here promoting their book about the opposite.”

My playfulness goes to a pause at her words.

“Oh, really? That’s news to me. I appreciate you letting me know. Looks like someone has image issues,” I say, adding a smirk and then chuck in a giggle for extra oomph. But on the inside, I’m a little nervous. Not that I am the only person to write about my past sex life and become best sellers. We all have competition, but it’s just a better idea to be prepared for this. Then again, I did skim through a lot of authors who didn’t sit in the same category as me and focused on the ones I love.

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