“We do,” Jules says, nodding sharply. “You and my baby nephew need rest.”
“We’re fine, Jules,” I say, giving her a small smile. I love how she’s already settled into the protective aunt role.
“Oh, that isn’t coming from me.” She tucks her brown, beach-wavy hair behind her ear. “That’s coming from my overprotective, love-obsessed brother.”
I blush at the thought of Holt telling Julianna to keep an eye on me.
“Of course, he would task you with making sure I’m not overdoing it.” I smirk. “He’s only messaged me about three times, making sure I’m staying hydrated and eating enough.”
“He loves you,” London coos, resting her head on my shoulder. “He’s thousands of miles away. I’m sure it’s eating him up that you’re so far. It’s sweet how obsessed he is with you.”
Julianna fakes a gag, causing the four of us to break out in laughter.
Once we reach the end of the block before the hotel, Charleigh and Julianna point to a bar they spot around the corner. London reluctantly agrees to join them, but only after she insists on walking me back to my room.
I don’t bother arguing with her, knowing she just wants to make sure I get there safely.
My phone pings in my purse. Before London and I break from the group, I pull it out, assuming it’s a message from Holt. But my hand is flying to my mouth when I see an unread email notification waiting for me instead.
“What is it?” London asks.
With a shaking hand, I pull it away from my face and nervously click on the email, opening it. I frantically read the first few lines before swinging to my three best friends.
“They loved it!” I manage to choke out.
“Who loved what?” Charleigh asks.
“My book,” I breathe. “I have an agent.”
“Oh, shit!” Julianna shrieks.
London and Charleigh join in on the screaming when they start jumping up and down in a circle around me. Onlookers and passersby stare at us with confusion before continuing on their way.
“Congratulations, Sis.” London wraps her arms around me, sobbing happy tears into my shoulder. The other girls join in.
When they pull away, I realize I’m crying as well. I smile at my best friends through watery eyes. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe this.” I sniff and read the email again just to make sure I read it correctly.
“We can.” Charleigh squeezes my hand.
“Thank you.” I melt, knowing I couldn’t have gotten to this point without their support.
“Holt’s going to freak when you tell him, you know that, right?” Julianna asks, her smile unwavering.
“He is.” I laugh.
After the reality of what this means subsides, London walks me to the door of our shared hotel room before she heads back out to join Charleigh and Julianna. Honestly, I’m thankful I don’t have to go, even after declining their invitation again after receiving the email from my new agency. My lower back is killing me, and I could use the sleep. Once I was out of the first trimester, my constant, chronic nausea transformed into constant fatigue. I swear, all I want to do is sleep.
But I’m anxiously awaiting Holt’s reply to my text or a phone call. I’m staring at my phone when I enter my dark hotel room.
The air is stolen from my lungs when two arms wrap around me, spinning me until my back hits the wall.
Even in the darkness of my hotel room, I recognize his familiar brown hair hanging above his brow and those bright blue eyes staring straight at me.
“Hello, Wallflower.” His voice is as smooth as velvet, hitting me in all the right places.
“Holt?” I’m still trying to catch my breath. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“Sorry.” He drags his finger along the side of my face. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
