‘That’s the way.’The sound of our feet against the cement is all that can be heard.I scan our surroundings, aware that it’s getting later, and yet, I don’t want the day to end so soon.‘Why the sudden motivation to start dating?’
‘A few things, I guess.’
‘Which are?’I press.
She sighs noisily.‘I suppose you’re curious about that card you saw.’
‘In fact, I am,’ I agree.
She hesitates, biting her lip as she glances down at the footpath.She takes a small breath, her shoulders stiffening, looking like she is weighing up whether she should say what she is about to say.
‘I’m an author,’ she says.‘I write anonymously.So basically my books are well known, but not my identity.’
‘Okay … I have to admit that is actually badass.So you’re intelligent, talented and mysterious.You’re full of surprises.’
‘Yeah?’she asks, smiling up at me, a hint of surprise on her face, as though she might have thought that I wouldn’t think much of it.
‘Yeah!That’s awesome.May I ask why you’ve stayed anonymous?’
‘Releasing a book can be a very personal thing.I also write mature scenes and it would be super awkward if people I know in real life read them.I guess I just don’t like being vulnerable.There are some very nasty people out there, and it just seemed safer at the time to remain hidden.’
‘You have to own your shit, Nora.You should be proud of your hard work and be known for it.’
‘Iamproud … but exposing myself to the world?Easier said than done.’
‘Wait,’ I say, stopping and turning to face her, a smirk curving my lips.‘When you say mature … do you mean like sex scenes?’
Pressing her lips together, her blush deepens as she nods.‘Yes.’
‘That’s hot.’
She breathes a laugh and we fall back into step together once more.‘Well, apparently not.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘My editor doesn’t think they’re detailed enough.Which is valid, since I don’t have much real-life experience to back them up.I somehow winged it the first time around.’
Once more, I stop walking.I turn, staring at her.‘Wait, what?’
She chews her lip, looking ahead.‘You heard me.’
‘I find that hard to believe.’
‘You do?’she asks a little flatly, disbelief clear in her tone.The corners of her mouth pinch and I can tell this is a sensitive subject for her.
‘Yeah.You’re gorgeous, smart, obviously talented.I don’t know how you’re single, let alone inexperienced in that department.’
Ducking her chin, her cheeks redden even further.‘Thanks, Zayden.’
‘I mean it.’I say, my eyes piercing into hers when she finally lifts her gaze to meet mine after what feels an eternity.‘Also, Valiant Vixen.Is that the name you go by?’
‘Don’t you dare look me up.’
I offer her a grin.‘That’s just even more reason to do so.’
‘No!’she shrieks, covering her face.‘Please don’t.’
‘Why not?’
