5
Bianca
I’ve spentmost of the week staring at a blank computer screen.The words I need so badly aren’t coming, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to think about anything except my very hot and often partially clothed neighbor.
I’ve tried every yoga pose in the book and running on the treadmill until my body is exhausted, but nothing gets my mind off the muscle-clad green-eyed man who’s just a few feet away.
He’s been quiet since he moved in.Something I told him I wanted and needed, but it didn’t help keep me focused.Even hours upon hours ofScandalous Reignhave been useless in helping my naughty creativity.
“How’s your manuscript coming?”Susan, my agent, asks after she calls me out of the clear blue.
“Fantastic,” I lie because I don’t want her to go berserk.I’m putting enough pressure on myself; I don’t need to add her panic on top of mine.
“The deadline to the publisher is in five weeks,” she reminds me, as if I could’ve forgotten.
“I know.I know.”
“Foreign publishers are already interested.This could be the biggest one yet, Bianca.”
No pressure there or anything.
“That’s great.”There’s no enthusiasm in my voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, Susan.Everything’s just great.”
“Why don’t you send me what you’ve written so far, and I’ll read over it and send you some notes.”
I stare at the three dresses I have draped across my bed, debating how sexy would be appropriate for tonight’s party.“I’d rather wait until I’m finished.I don’t want anything messing with my mojo.”
“I understand,” she says, but she has no idea there’s actually nothing to send her.“I’d like to see some of the new chapters by next week.”
“I have to go.I’m running late.”
I’ve always hit my deadlines, but rarely am I early.I thought swearing off men would help me write, but I was completely wrong, and I’m paying for it now.
“Where are you going?”I can hear the surprise in her voice.She knows my schedule better than I do, especially since my life has become predictably boring.
“A party with a friend.”
“A male friend?”she asks because she’s always been nosy as fuck.
I pick up the red dress and hold it against my body as I stare into the full-length mirror next to my closet.“He needed a plus one for a work party.”
“Work parties are the worst,” she groans.
“Thanks for keeping the excitement alive, Susan.You always know how to lift my spirits.”
She laughs.“Maybe you’ll find some inspiration.”
“Uh, yeah.”
She doesn’t realize how much inspiration I need to find to finish this damn book.Vinnie hasn’t been inspirational so far.I do find myself daydreaming about his naked chest and those damn gray sweat pants, but they never lead to words on the page.
“Okay.Go get ready.Keep me posted on your progress.I’ll call again in a week if I don’t hear from you.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
