We’reinDallas—stopnumberfive on this whirlwind book tour that I thought I wouldn’t survive at the beginning—and I can’t stop kissing Evan.
Literally. My lips are basically on sabbatical from everything except his. Vanilla lattes? Don’t need them. Oxygen? I prefer his air. Evan Michaels? Absolutely, intoxicatingly addictive.
I’m hooked.
I’m preparing for our Dallas forum, my nerves vibrating within me as if a dozen caffeinated squirrels, or raccoons, or possums are doing Zumba in my ribcage, but even I must admit when I look in my hotel bathroom mirror that my face is glowing.
Kissing must be good for the skin. I wonder if people know that because kissing seems like a much better alternative to chemical peels and Botox. It’s natural, fun, and even plumps your lips. No injections needed.
I still have all my social media apps deleted off my phone, but I know that Evan and I are everywhere. Mal, Emma, and even my sister have made sure that I stay informed via a flood of texts, screenshots, and squealing audio clips.
There’s one of us making out in a Starbucks. Another where we’re holding hands in the airport. Another where Evan is rollingboth our suitcases while one of his arms is slipped around my waist. And of course, the now-infamous Nashville kiss caught from at least three different angles, one in slo-mo.
I should be embarrassed. I mean, Ishould. But I’m not. At all. I’ve never been kissed like that. Like I’m the only girl in the room, or the airport, or the internet. I could be annoyed that people were filming that moment, but instead, I find myself replaying the clips with the same slightly dazed smile I had in real time, like my world had just collided with a shooting star.
And I don’t say this to brag, but…We lookgoodmaking out. Like a Hallmark movie that forgot to be G-rated.
Mal and Emma texting me about it is normal.
But Suzanne texting me? That’s new.
Suz and I are only three years apart, but it's always felt more like thirty. We lived in the same house but on different planets. But now that I’m swapping spit, and happy to do so, with a bestselling author…she suddenly wants to enter my orbit?
I tug at my new dress, making sure it’s not bunching in the wrong places, although Evan told me I have no wrong places yesterday when he bought me this dress. It’s a deep violet and a little more form-fitting than I normally prefer, but the way he looked at me when I put it on made me feel like no one else’s opinions mattered.
My phone buzzes on the counter. I look down at it and see Suz’s name…again.
Suz
Rachel! So, is this serious or just a thing to make Andrew jealous?
Are. You. Kidding. Me.
Rachel
Oh, sure. I started dating a bestselling author just to make Andrew jealous.
Suz
Well, it does seem like something you would do to make him feel bad.
Rachel
Andrew and I haven’t been a thing in SIX years, Suz. SIX years.
Suz
You kissed three years ago.
Rachel
Does it look like we’re exactly kissing now?
Suz
He misses you. He’s been waiting for you. You can’t just leave him heartbroken.
Rachel
