Nerdy (Unexpected Lovers, #2) - J.B. Heller Page 0,3
glances back down to what I’m pretty sure is her list of questions. “Where did the inspiration for Drown with Me come from?”
“Everywhere, I guess. So many things inspire me: my sister’s relationship with her fiancé, a scene in a TV show, a couple holding hands on the subway. It’s everything and nothing,” I attempt to explain.
Emory nods. “I’ve heard that before. I’m endlessly fascinated by the things that cause that spark of creativity to flare to life. I couldn’t write a book to save myself, but my love of words has always been a living, breathing part of me. Becoming a blogger and professional reviewer is something I pursued relentlessly until it was my reality. Is writing the same for you? When Drown with Me becomes a New York Times bestseller, will you quit your day job and devote your life to the written word?”
I don’t even have to think about my answer. “No.”
Her big blue eyes widen. “No?”
“No,” I confirm. “I love my day job. I don’t foresee anything making me want to give it up.”
“Okay then, that brings me to my next question. What is your current job?”
I’m not sure I want to tell her. It will lead to more questions that I definitely don’t want to answer. Picking up my coffee, I sip it, buying myself a little time.
Emory does the same, placing her pen in her open notebook and watching me as we drink in silence.
Eventually, I say, “I’m a caregiver.”
Understanding washes over her features. “That must be very demanding. No wonder you feel as though you need something for yourself.”
I nod. “It is, but very satisfying and fulfilling.”
She smiles at me then, and I’m struck by just how beautiful she is. Her porcelain skin, rosy cheeks, bright-blue eyes, full pouty lips, and wild red hair make a stunning combination. I have no doubt I could sit here with her all day, but I have places to be.
Forcing my gaze away from her to the clock on the wall, I sigh. “I have to get going. I’m sure you must have more questions, judging by that list.” I gesture to her notebook with my chin. “Maybe text or email them to me. I’ll get back to you when I can. I’m pretty busy through the day, but I’ll reply when I get a few minutes here and there.”
“Okay,” she says as I stand.
After sliding my laptop into my satchel, I down the dregs of my coffee. “I look forward to hearing from you, Emory,” I say as I extend my hand to her.
“I look forward to hearing your responses,” she replies, smiling and accepting my offered hand and giving it a firm shake.
“That’s some grip you got there.” I chuckle as we release our hold.
She blushes and licks her lips. “Yeah, only girl in the family with four older brothers.”
“Wow, that would have been intense. You can tell me about it sometime,” I say, walking backwards, not quite ready to take my eye off her just yet.
“Maybe,” she calls. “If you’re lucky.”
Then her eyes widen. My ankle catches on a chair leg. I stumble. She laughs her ass off, and I groan. Damn it.
“Goodbye, Emory,” I say, shaking my head at myself.
Smooth, Sebastian. So freaking smooth.
I’m smiling like a mad thing as Sebastian leaves the café. Maybe he’s not as much of an asshole as I’d originally thought. I mean, he’s a caregiver, for goodness’ sake. How much of an asshole could he possibly be?
It’s tempting to pack up my stuff and head home so I can crawl back in bed, but since I’m already up and wide awake, I should probably try to get some work done.
My eyes focus on my notes, and I home in on one in particular. I set out to create something solely for me that I could be proud of and call my own. How many times have I thought that exact sentiment? It’s why I started my blog in the first place.
I needed something for me that was just mine. I love my family, but I didn’t want to be just another spoke in the wheelhouse of the family business. I needed to carve my own path.
Moss Publications, Inc. is one of the largest publishing houses in the country. Words are in my blood. And even though I love everything to do with the industry, I didn’t want to be a part of that particular aspect of the fiction game. So, I set out to make my own