“No. Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Have you sold the rights? I didn’t see your name anywhere.”
“No, I didn’t. My pen name is on the cover.”
I look at the book cover.
“What name?”
“Hope Evans. I’m the writer.”
“No.”
“Yes. I’m surprised you didn’t recognize the Lost Girl story. You inspired me.”
“Oh, my God. I can’t believe it. So... the name...”
“Hope Evans was my mom’s maiden name.”
“Jaden...” I murmur, suddenly grappling with emotion. “They are beautiful,” I say in a trembling voice. “Shit. Why am I getting so emotional?”
His lips curve into a knowing smile.
“You probably need to get laid... more?”
I ball up a napkin and throw it at him as we both start laughing.
15
SENNA
“No sex toys, pornographic materials... Right?”
“Jaden,” I say, admonishing him while flashing a smile to the catering people who pass by, holding trays of food above their heads.
The sunlight pours into Jaden’s eyes. Parting his lips, he gives me a playful smile.
“I just want to make sure...”
“You want to know for yourself. That’s what this is,” I say, pushing back a smile while shifting my eyes back to my tablet.
“No, it’s not,” he says, amused.
“The house is clean and children-friendly.”
“So there were some compromising materials,” he says.
“Shut up,” I say, chuckling.
Grinning, he holds his hands up and walks away.
He stops next to the food tables and coordinates the catering crew.
Occasionally, I glance up from my tablet and look at him.
He inspects the food, the playground, and the decorations.