Epilogue
I’m standing behind a table stacked with copies of my debut romcom, “One Night Stand-Off,” a title that winks at how Adam and I first crossed paths.
It’s my first book as Carlie Foxx, but the crowd here knows me better as Zoey Cummings, the steamy romance writer.
The big reveal was a gamble—like playing poker with your grandma and she’s surprisingly good at bluffing.True story.
A fan, clutching her new book, beams at me. “I couldn’t believe it when Zoey Cummings announced she’s actually Carlie Foxx! And you’re hilarious! This book had me laughingandswooning. I don’t know how you do it.”
I chuckle, signing her book. “Thanks. I thought it was time to show the world that I can write about more than just steamy scenes—though there’s plenty of that, too. Just with a side of laughter.”
After the last book is signed, my friends from the Dirty B’s converge around me.
Tasia, with her usual cool composure, gives me a firm nod. “You’ve outdone yourself, Carlie.One Night Stand-Off’is brilliant. Just look at how many people want to get a copy. It’s incredible.”
I beam back at her. “Hopefully, it’s helped pull a few more people into Dirty Books, too.”
“Oh, it definitely has,” Tasia says with a chuckle.
Lily, ever the enthusiast, wraps me in a bear hug. “I knew you had it in you. It’s like you’ve found yourtruevoice.”
Vivian chimes in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Speaking of voices, did anyone hear Quinn talking with the cute guy in the corner? I think there just might be a love connection happening over there.” She wiggles her eyes suggestively.
Lily bends closer. “Don’t tell Quinn, but London had a little something to do with that connection.”
My eyes widen and I clap my hands. “Oh, that’s so exciting. Quinn deserves some awesomeness in his life.”
“That he does,” Lily nods in agreement. “And lots of mind-blowing sex, too.”
We all burst into laughter, the kind that comes from years of shared secrets and mishaps.
As we’re laughing and chatting, I notice Vivian’s gaze drifting over to Anna, who’s discreetly—or maybenotso discreetly—peeking at her phone. I mean, it’s not entirely unlike her, but the flush of her cheeks is.
“Anna, you’re missing all the fun here,” I tease, but Anna just hums noncommittally, her eyes still fixed on her screen.
Vivian leans closer to Anna, peeking over her shoulder. “Is that a Joel Price video you’re watching? I thought you hated that guy,” she says, a teasing lilt in her voice.
Anna’s cheeks turn a shade pinker as she quickly locks her phone.
“Yeah, he’s an ass,” she mumbles, but the hint of a smile on her lips tells a different story.
Lily quirks an eyebrow and exchanges a knowing glance with me.
Anna rolls her eyes, trying to deflect with her usual nonchalance. “Anyway, Carlie, your book is going to be a massive hit. You’re a natural at romcom.”
“Thanks, Anna. That means a lot.” I laugh, letting the topic of Anna and her love-hate relationship with Joel slide for now.
Adam watches us with an affectionate smile from a few bookshelves over, his eyes meeting mine with that familiar warmth that still makes my heart flutter.
There are some days when I can’t even fathom how lucky I am.
A couple of stragglers come up to my table wanting signatures. So, I spend a few minutes with each, talking about books and my process as an author.
As the bookstore clears out, Adam wraps an arm around my waist, his eyes shining with love and pride. “You ready to head out, Mrs. Foxx?”
I nod, feeling a rush of happiness. “Absolutely, Mr. Foxx. Thank you for being here.”
“Of course, I’ll be here. Supporting my sexy author wife is my number one priority,” he says, his voice lowering into a seductive whisper.
