“That was all him, but it’s nice to meet you,” Ollie replied, shaking her hand. “Though I’m still getting used to the idea that Finn has a whole secret life I knew nothing about.”
The gentle ribbing in Ollie’s tone made Finn’s chest warm with gratitude. They’d spent hours unwinding the complicated tangle of fear and protection and secrecy that had kept Finn silent forso long. The hurt hadn’t disappeared overnight, but they were moving forward together, each day a little steadier than the last.
“Well, the secret’s out now,” Meredith said with a conspiratorial grin. “And not a moment too soon. Come on, there are people dying to meet you, Finn.”
She led them deeper into the ballroom, where clusters of people stood chatting, champagne flutes in hand. Finn felt Ollie tense slightly beside him and reached for his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“You okay?” he asked quietly.
Ollie nodded, though his smile was slightly strained. “Just realizing I’m severely underdressed for this crowd. Everyone looks like they stepped out of a magazine.”
“You look perfect,” Finn said, meaning it. Ollie had agonized over what to wear, finally settling on a charcoal suit that hugged his lean frame perfectly, paired with a burgundy tie that brought out the warmth in his eyes. “Besides, you’re with the mysterious recluse who’s been hiding behind a pen name. Trust me, all eyes are going to be on me, not my incredibly handsome partner.”
The compliment had its intended effect—Ollie’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and his smile turned more genuine. “Partner,” he repeated. “That sounds serious.”
Finn’s heart skipped a beat. He’d used the word a few times since the romance showcase at Shelf Care Central, but tonight it held more weight. Mingling with publishing industry contacts with Ollie beside him felt like a statement. He was telling the publishing world that not only was he a talented author, but he was living the life he wrote about. “As it should.”
Meredith guided them toward a small group that included the publisher of Finn’s latest series. “Thomas, Sandra, this is Finn O’Riley, otherwise known as Rhett Wilder.”
The introductions were a blur of handshakes and pleasantries. Finn kept Ollie close, his hand resting lightly at the small of his back, the warmth soaking through the fabric of his suit a silent reminder that they were in this together.
“And this is Ollie Jennings, my partner,” Finn said, the words coming easier each time. “He owns the best bookstore in Maple Hill and has probably hand-sold more of my books than anyone else in the country.”
“Without even knowing they were yours,” Ollie added with a laugh that drew smiles from the group. “Talk about a plot twist.”
“That’s quite a story,” Thomas said, his eyes lighting with interest. “How did you finally find out?”
Ollie glanced at Finn, a silent question in his eyes. Finn nodded slightly—it was okay to share.
“He told me when I was in crisis mode after losing our headliner for a romance showcase,” Ollie explained. “He stepped in and saved the day, despite being terrified of public appearances.”
“The showcase was a huge success,” Finn added, unable to keep the pride from his voice. “Sold out of every copy of my books in the store.”
“I’ve seen the social media buzz,” Sandra said, nodding approvingly. “The mysterious Rhett Wilder finally revealed—it’s generated exactly the kind of excitement we hoped for. Your sales numbers have jumped significantly in the past week.”
Finn felt a flicker of surprise. “Really?”
“Really,” Meredith confirmed with a satisfied smile. “Turns out readers love connecting a face to the name, especially when that face is attached to someone as genuinely passionate about the genre as you are.”
The conversation flowed more easily after that, shifting to industry talk and upcoming releases. Finn relaxed incrementally, bolstered by Ollie’s steady presence and quick wit. Whenever the attention shifted too heavily to him, Ollie would seamlessly redirect with a question or observation that gave Finn a moment to breathe.
As they moved through the room, meeting more of Finn’s peers and industry professionals, Finn watched Ollie gradually find his footing. His initial discomfort gave way to genuine engagement, especially when talking about books and the readers who loved them. This was Ollie’s element, after all—connecting people with stories that moved them. It hadn’t escaped his notice that more than a few people had slipped Ollie their business cards as he explained everything his family was trying to do to revive Shelf Care Central.
“You’re a natural at this,” Finn murmured during a brief moment alone, as they waited at the bar for fresh drinks.
“At what? Making small talk with strangers about books? That’s easy.” Ollie’s smile was teasing, but there was a hint of vulnerability beneath it.
“At being exactly who you are, no matter the setting,” Finn said, his voice softening. “I’ve spent years afraid of being seen, and you just shine, wherever you go.”
Ollie’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’m just talking about the thing I love most.” His eyes met Finn’s, warm and certain. “And the man who writes them.”
The simple honesty in his voice made Finn’s breath catch. Before he could respond, Meredith appeared at his elbow.
“They’re about to start the ceremony,” she said, her voice tight with anticipation. “Your category is early in the program.”
The reminder sent a fresh wave of nerves through Finn’s stomach. He’d prepared a brief speech, just in case, but the possibility of actually winning felt distant and unreal.
They found their seats at a table near the front, Ollie on one side of him and Meredith on the other. As the lights dimmed and the master of ceremonies took the stage, Ollie’s hand found Finn’s under the table.
