Page 66 of The Book Signing

“Well, I decided that being Tiffany’s client is a conflict of interest. She agreed, so no hard feelings.” My tone is wary. I don’t want to hurt Abigail and make her feel it’s her fault Tiffany lost a client. Not that much had happened yet, anyway. Her face contorts into a confused expression, but I step in before she does, deflecting the topic. “Anyway, so how are you? I’m guessing Tiffany told you I was going to be here.” I cock my eyebrow and give her an amused grin.

She chuckles, the sound lively, and I want to hear more of it. We had so much fun laughing and bantering before that I realize I’ve missed her cheerful expressions. Plus, the joyful sounds like the one she’s making now. Not the disappointed expressions, sour comments and snapping at each other.

My mouth curves, and I laugh at her quirkiness. “Actually, no, she didn’t, but I’m glad you came.”

Fuck, now I have the image in my head of exactly how she came.

I quickly grab the glass of water and take a long gulp, trying to shoo away the memories. This is not the time or the place.

Abigail’s cheeks turn a shade of pink as she nods, then turns around to take in the new surroundings. “So, this is nice.”

“Yeah, apparently, it’s new. So, what made you decide to come here?”

She turns her head and looks at me, giving me a glimpse of guilt in those mesmerizing eyes. Abigail clears her throat and says, “Umm, I wanted to tell you something. I didn’t have it in me last time, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said. I know you apologized for not explaining your background, which I appreciate… but I also owe you an apology.”

Shocked to hear the words leave her mouth, my mouth falls agape.

“What? Didn’t think I’d have it in me to say sorry?” she adds with a wry smile.

I shake my head and laugh. “I just didn’t think you had anything to apologize for. What are you sorry for, though? You were open with me, told me the truth about yourself, your book… everything.”

Her smile dims as she frowns. “I’ve been a hypocrite, Jaxon. I was so angry at you I forgot I was in your shoes for a while myself. Not that I listened to you, although that was an annoying coincidence, but that I didn’t give a crap what others thought. I was young and caught up in myown unhealthy world. The only difference between you and me is that we ended up getting out of it with different views. Same experiences, but different outcomes. You enjoyed your time and were happy to continue, whilst I couldn’t emotionally handle it.” Abigail sighs, and her shoulders shrug. “The point is, you have every right to do whatever you want, write whatever you want to write about, and people should accept you just as you are. Unlike what I did, criticizing everything about you. Your actions are your own prerogative, and I’m sorry for judging you horribly. Even if I don’t condone it, it’s your business.”

A silence lingers between us, and I surrender to my need of Abigail as I lean in and cradle her chin. My lips caress hers and fuck, I missed it.

Once our lips meet, I can’t stop. Her hands grab a hold of my shoulders, holding me in place. Abigail moves and shifts to get a better angle as I indulge in her warm and pouty lips. Her accepting mouth.

I don’t devour her as I would love to since we are in a public place, instead I just indulge in the kiss, and by the sounds of her groans, she feels the same.

Suddenly, someone clears their throat beside us. We stop our passionate kisses and slowly look up at the waiter.

A young guy, emanating awkwardness, stares at us. Poor guy has flushed cheeks, and I can see he doesn’t know how to approach us. I see the notebook and realize he was going to offer anything else to order.

We move away from each other, needing some space after the surprising kiss. I turn to the waiter, who looks young enough to be eighteen, and say, “We’ll keep it G rated.”

He lifts his notebook and asks, “Uh… did you want to order anything else?”

“Nothing for me.” I look over at Abigail, who also shakes her head.

“Nothing for me either, thank you.” She says sweetly.

The waiter awkwardly nods and disappears quickly, leaving us both chuckling.

Abigail’s repressed giggles leave her chest as she covers her face, her own cheeks flushed. “Shit, poor guy!” she exclaims.

An embarrassed Abigail is a new side to her. A very cute one at that.

“Eh,” I wave, “he’ll have a fun story to tell his mates after his shift is over.”

She barks out a laugh and covers her face with her hands, shaking her head. I can’t help but grin at the sight and the way it makes my heartbeat fast, mouth hurt from smiling like a cheshire cat, and the urge to grab her and kiss her senselessly.

I missed this, sitting at a table and having fun banter without holding back.

I missed us.

I missed her.

Chapter Thirty-Six

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