Page 42 of Score Her Heart

Brad raised an eyebrow. “Okay...I think this is your imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head again.”

I frowned and took another sip of my coffee. He might have been onto something. I had inked a three-book deal with my publisher, and they were so far happy with my results. Book two had hit lists, not great, but it did okay, but I was so worried that this last book was going to tank. Or that everyone was going to hate it.

“Fi, turn in the book. It’s a first draft; stop holding on to it,” Brad urged.

“I’m not ready!” I whined.

“You’ll never be ready!” he exclaimed. “Again, it’s a first draft.”

I pouted and crossed my arms. “Okay, fine, but I need to proofread it before turning it in.”

I saw my phone light up with a notification, and I couldn’t help the smile from spreading across my face when I saw it was a text from Riley.

RILEY: Get off Twitter, and finish your book!

Brad nudged me with his foot. “Okay, what is that face? Who just texted you?”

My face fell in horror. “What? Nothing, no one!”

Brad’s face had a grin so mischievous that I wanted to slap it off of him.

“Oh my God, is it your husband? I need to meet this guy because your boring ex never made you smile like that!”

I sipped at my coffee and pretended not to hear that last part. It didn’t stop me from texting Riley under the table while Brad and I talked about my plans for stories after this trilogy was done. I had a few ideas but couldn’t really settle on one.

ME: Don’t tell me what to do!

RILEY: Just words of encouragement, sweetheart.

ME: Gah, I think it sucks real bad.

RILEY: I can’t wait to get home so I can read it.

ME: You want to read it?

RILEY: I NEED to know what happens next.

ME: You read the second book?

RILEY: Yes!!! Gimme the next one!

ME: Ugh, don’t you have some pre-game rituals you need to do?

RILEY: Yeah, I was wondering where you were. I just got home, about to take my pre-game nap.

ME: Work thing. I’ll see you later.

I looked up from my phone when I realized Brad had stopped talking and I hadn’t been paying attention. He glared at me and threw a napkin at my head. “You’re texting him, aren’t you?”

“No…”

Brad grinned again. “Okay, you’re so in love.”

“What?” I balked.

I bit my nails and thought. Could I be? With Riley? Could you fall in love with someone that quickly? Was that even possible? I definitely had been lying in his bed alone the past couple nights with a sense of yearning. Jury was still out on if that yearning came from my heart or from between my legs. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the answer yet.

I directed my attention back to my agent and shook my head vigorously. “I don’t know about that.”