“Can Jax sign it too?”
So much for that assumption.
“I guess if he wants to,” I replied, meeting her eyes. “What’s your name?”
“Brittany.”
“Normal spelling?”
“Yes.”
After I was done, I passed it over to Jax.
“You don’t mind?” he whispered into my ear, stirring tingles to course down my neck.
Leaning away from him, I hoped he didn’t notice the sensations he ignited, but I still appreciated that he’d asked. “You’re good.”
For the next three hours this was what we did. Readers stood in line to meet us, and I loved every second of it. I took pictures, signed books and swag while also receiving the best gifts they could bring me. The amount of time they'd put into their thoughtful presents wasn’t lost on me. I cherished every moment of it, and this would definitely go down as one of my favorite memories.
Once the signing was completed, I grabbed a glass of wine from the hotel bar, chugging it down in one long swig. Ordering two more, I drank those down as well before I made my way onto the stage for the live Q&A.
I was incredibly nervous. I wasn’t fond of being the center of attention, let alone answering questions about my personal life. Considering that our marriage was one big lie, I didn’t want to mess anything up by offering the wrong response.
Autumn had spent the last three days coaching me on what to say if they asked about Jax and me. Based on the signing alone, it was obvious the questions were going to be geared toward our relationship. They were fascinated with our relationship, and Jax didn’t miss a beat in giving my readers everything they wanted to see and hear.
He was being extra attentive with me, paying attention to what I needed or wanted. Whether it was food, a drink, or having to use the restroom, he made sure I was comfortable at all times.
Not only was he playing the role of the perfect husband, but he was also soaking up the affection. Kissing me every chance he could get. Holding my hand. Rubbing my leg under the table.
A few times he got close to my upper inner thigh, just grazing the skin by my panty line. I messed up a couple of readers’ names because he was so damn distracting. Of course he noticed, squeezing my leg to prove that his touch still had a huge effect on me.
To be honest, I was surprised he’d cleared his schedule for this event. The season was in full swing. Two months in and so far they were undefeated. His calendar was jampacked with football, so knowing he purposely took the day for me meant more than I’d admit to him. Having Jax there with me was my security blanket, despite everything we’d gone through. He still felt like my comfort zone.
The press was finally giving Jax all the notoriety he didn’t feel like he was getting playing for Miami. For the most part, my dad and him were on great terms. Although, I did overhear my dad threatening Jax when we’d invited him over for dinner a few weeks ago. Just thinking about that evening brought a smile to my face.
I was walking toward the backyard, stopping dead in my tracks when I heard Dad warn, “You’re my first-string quarterback, and for that, we’re family and a team, but don’t think for one second I won’t have your balls if you hurt my daughter.”
“I won’t hurt Sophie again. You have my word.”
“I don’t want to know what happened with you guys back then. All I care about is how you treat her now. You want her and my grandson in your life, you’re going to have to prove yourself to them and to me. Do you understand me?”
Jax agreed, “Absolutely, Coach.”
“Great,” Dad replied, adding, “You can start by showing me the man I know you can be.”
“Sophie,” my publisher called out, tearing me away from my thoughts. “You ready?”
I nodded, thanking God for alcohol. It calmed my overly anxious nerves as I sat in the chair on the stage. Jax was sitting in the first row along with my team and publisher. There were about five hundred people in the banquet hall, every last one of them there for me.
Taking another sip of my wine, I waited for the announcer to start the Q&A. Minutes later, she picked the first reader from the audience to ask their question.
“How does it feel to be a bestselling author? Did you ever think you’d be as successful as you are?”
I brought the microphone up to my mouth. “I think success is different for everyone, but for me, all I wanted was to write books. I’ve always been an avid reader, and one day I grabbed my laptop and started writing my first romance novel. I didn’t think it would top the charts like it did. I’m very lucky to do what I love because of everyone in this room. I truly can’t thank you all enough for making my dreams come true.”
Jax beamed, feeling proud of my response.
The presenter chose the next reader who asked, “If you could go back and do anything different in your life, what would it be and why?”