Ky’s face was laced with shock. “Well, shit.” He stood and closed the distance between us. “I guess there’s only one thing left to say, then.” He extended his hand to me. “Welcome to the family, Finn.”
I didn’t think that he would have said no, but hearing him give his permission and welcoming me to the family had me floored. It took me a moment to connect the dots and stand to slap him on the back in an embrace.
“How are you planning to do it?” Ryan asked, breaking Ky and me from our hug.
I filled them in on my plan. Kyler’s eyes went wide as I explained the measures I had gone to to put this into play and how I would need his assistance.
“Holy shit, Finn. My sister is going to lose her shit. You know that, right?”
I smirked and nodded. “As long as Lauren says yes, that’s all that matters.”
The drive to Jersey didn’t take long at all. As we passed more signs, confusion filled Lauren’s expression.
“You brought me to a bookstore?” Lauren furrows her brows as we approach the storefront. “I mean, don’t we have these back home?”
I chuckle. “Just wait. Patience.” I press a kiss to the top of her head as I usher her in the store. As soon as we are inside the store, Lauren freezes, noticing the sign up front. “Welcome, Belle Willis.”
“Oh my God!” She begins to hyperventilate.
With my hands on her shoulders, I press my front to her back. “Come on, baby, let’s not keep her waiting.” She lunges into my arms so fast that I almost don’t catch her. She places gentle kisses all over my face as she thanks me. With one last kiss on my lips, she hops down and claps her hands with excitement.
We walk—or, well, Lauren sashays over to the line. The line moves quickly, and the closer we get to the table, the more anxious I get—for her and me. Lauren stops in her place with a jolt and turns to me in panic. “Ahh! I didn’t bring any of her books to sign.”
“Don’t worry. Belle has copies of her latest book up there that we can buy.”
This is quite a setup here. I thought book signings were simple affairs, but this is pretty extravagant in my mind. Of course, I’ve never actually been to one of these. There is a central table that I can only assume is Belle sitting at with stacks of books surrounding her and even a yellow lab at her feet chewing on a stuffed yeti toy. Behind her are giant cutouts of men, some of whom I recognize to be famous hockey players. One woman messes with a cutout while the other scolds her, laughing.
Seeing not only the look of shock on her face but the amount of joy was worth the hoops I went through to make this happen. I just hope that when she realizes this isn’t the only surprise I have planned for today, she still feels the same way.
Holy shit! I am about to meet my favorite author. I am in the same room as Belle Willis. Finn arranged the whole thing. I don’t know whether to cry or shout from the rooftops how much I love this man.
A strawberry blonde female from behind the table waves us over. I have seen her photos on Belle’s Instagram before. Okay, that sounds a little stalkerish. My heart is racing.
“Hi, what’s your name?” Belle smiles, blonde hair framing her face, and the makeup around her icy blue eyes really make them pop. This woman is not only a creative genius, but holy crap she is gorgeous. I’ve never felt so self-conscious in my life. If I had known that I was going to be here, then I would’ve picked something better to wear that this sundress or did my hair and makeup. I look like a slob compared to her.
What’s my name? Oh my God, why can’t I remember my name?
“Babe, she asked what your name is.” I continue to stare at her while I try to form words. My brain and my mouth seem to have some sort of dysfunction happening.
Finn steps up to my side and wraps his arm around my waist. “This is my girlfriend, Lauren. She’s your biggest fan. Like seriously, the biggest.” How is he so calm around her? He’s acting as though he’s known her for years. Come on, Lauren, get yourself together.
Belle’s smile widens. “It’s so nice to meet you, Lauren.”
“Hi.” I finally find words and shake the shock off. “Oh my God, I’m sorry, I’m just so excited to meet you. I had no idea this was happening today. This trip was all a surprise from my boyfriend, Finn. I don’t even have any of my books for you to sign.” My cheeks flush in embarrassment that here I am, meeting Belle Willis without any of the books on my shelf.
“Oh that’s okay, we have some here. Jordan, can you pass me one?”
A woman with a striking resemblance to Belle that I recognize to be Jordan Donovan, who is in charge of Belle’s PR, passes her a book from the pile with a huge smile on her face. Wow, people in Jersey are so cheerful.
She quickly signs it, closing the cover and sliding it over to me.
I run a finger over the six-pack abs on the cover. Belle Willis always crushes it with her cover models.
“They’re lickable, aren’t they?” My gaze snaps up to meet a smirking Jordan, only just realizing that it’s her husband whose abs I was just admiring. “Hey, no judgment.” She shrugs off what I can only assume is a guilty expression on my face. “I totally licked them this morning.”
“And that is why we are best friends.” Belle reaches out a fist for her to bump before she turns back to me. I’m clutching the book to my chest as if it were my lifeline.
“It was great to meet you, Lauren. I sure hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” She smiles and sends me a wink.