“They expect you to read an excerpt from your book. They expect you to signbooks. They expect you to answer questions pertaining toyour books.” He closed his eyes as he breathed in slowly through his nose. When he opened them, there was a hint of sadness shining back. “You’ve sold millions of copies of your books, Ash. Who did you think was buying them?”
“Yes, but—” Floundering, he waved his hand toward the line again. “—why are they allhere?”
“It’s your first public appearance since you began your career. People are eager to meet you.”
“The media—”
“Are mostly local, and they all know that questions about your past are strictly off-limits.”
No longer able to use the shield of indignation, Asher subsided, slightly embarrassed for having reacted so absurdly. He’d panicked and jumped to the worst possible conclusion. He wasn’t proud of it, but he also imagined it wouldn’t be the last time it happened.
“Why are they here so early?”
“They’re excited?” Cameron shrugged. “It’s not so unheard of, right? I mean, people lined up earlier than this for books about a certain boy wizard.”
“I know. I was one of them.” But this was different, and they both knew it.
Cameron’s eyes widened, and his lips parted in a wide grin. “I freaking love that I know that about you.” Reaching across the bench seat, he took Asher’s hand in both of his and squeezed. “Movie marathon tomorrow?”
Cameron had taken the entire week off from work in the lead up to Thanksgiving. Since that time included family obligations, however, Asher was only supposed to spend the night, then head back to his place in the city the following morning. Given the opportunity, he’d muchrather spend the day cuddled on the sofa and binge-watching movies about magic.
“Fine, but I get to pick the snacks.”
“Not a chance,” Cameron scoffed. “I will pick up Reese’s Pieces, though. Deal?”
He would have agreed, regardless. Throwing in his favorite candy was just a bonus. “Deal.”
~
“Watching her turn thecorner, her golden hair fanning out behind her, he felt sure they’d meet again one day.” Asher paused, mainly for dramatic effect, then closed his copy ofInjusticeand lowered it to the podium.
The room erupted into applause as hundreds of people jumped to their feet. He even heard a few catcalls from the back…and at least one proposal of marriage. Asher beamed. There was still nothing on the planet better than sex and good bourbon, but he might have just found a close third.
“Thank you!” he called, waving to the crowd like he’d just announced his bid for presidency. “Thank you!”
“Yes, wonderful.” Sidling up to the podium, Linda Picklesimer nudged him out of the way and stepped toward the microphone. “Asher Dare, everyone!” she said, indicating him with a wave of her hand.
As the audience burst into a fresh round of cheers, Asher couldn’t even remember why he’d been so afraid inthe first place. He couldn’t believe he’d spent over a decade shying away from public appearances, refusing to attend workshops and conferences. Being in a room packed with likeminded people who had come just to see him was a goddamn rush like he’d never experienced.
Even the constant clicking of cameras from the group of reporters at the edge of the stage couldn’t spoil his good mood. So far, they’d been pretty quiet, refraining from shouting out questions or accusations. It probably wouldn’t last, but he didn’t care. He was ready for them.
“That was great,” Cameron said as he slid up beside Asher at the edge of the stage. “Nicely done.” He stood so close his hand brushed against Asher’s, but he snatched it away quickly and inched sideways to put distance between them.
Asher frowned.
“What are you doing?”
Instead of answering him, Cameron grinned and nodded at Asher’s chest. “I really like that shirt, by the way. It brings out the gold in your eyes.”
It was the same thing he’d said when he’d convinced him to change into the emerald button-down in the library’s conference room. Asher had been skeptical, to say the least, worrying that the shirt was too flashy for his first public appearance. Eventually, he’d given in, and he had to admit Cameron was right. Everything from the color to the cut of the material looked damn good on him.
“Okay, okay.” A hint of laughter tinted Linda’s voice as it boomed through the speakers. “Everyone quiet down.” It took a couple more minutes and a good scolding to finally get the crowd back in their seats. “Good, that’s better. Now, Mr. Dare has kindly agreed to take some questions from the audience. If you have something to ask, just raise your hand.” Her tone turned stern, and she actually wagged a finger at them. “Be respectful, or I’ll toss you out on your ear. Are we clear?”
Laughter echoed into the rafters, and when it looked as though no one seemed inclined to argue with her, she motioned Asher back to the podium. Catching Cameron’s hand, he held it tightly as he crossed the short distance, dragging the guy along with him. Cameron sputtered, mumbling low protests the entire way, but Asher hadn’t done it to get a reaction. He hadn’t taken Cameron’s hand to make some sort of statement.
He’d done it because he wanted Cameron by his side, and if anyone else didn’t like it, they could fuck right off.
As it turned out, Cameron’s worry proved to be unfounded. By the time they’d reached the podium, the audience had started a fresh round of applause, and Asher even heard a few appreciative coos from the front row. After the shit that had gone down with his publisher, their easy acceptance humbled him.
