Page 54 of After You

Kyle stared at his best friend. “You’re a Michael Kadefan?”

“Well, yeah,” Derek said as if it was a really stupid question. “And he’s setting this bookhere.”

“Here? In Sapphire Falls?” Kyle asked.

“Yep. He’s calling it Aquamarine Ridge though,” Derek said with agrin.

Kyle grimaced. “That’s horrible.”

“I know.” Derek’s grin grew. “It’s this funny, tongue-in-cheek, serial killer thriller.”

“A serial killer thriller that’s funny?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t know he did funny,” Kyle said. The guy didn’t even look that interesting, not to mention funny.

“He doesn’t,” Derek said. “This book is something new for him. And it’s awesome.”

“I can help you get Hannah alone for a bit.” Yet another voice joined the conversation.

Kyle looked over to see Levi Spencer coming through the door from the kitchen. Bryan was right behind him. Bryan went to Tess, wrapping an arm around her and kissing the top of her head as Levi came around the end of the bar. Levi was helping finance some of the remodel, and it looked like they’d had a meeting of key people tonight.

“Yeah?” Kyle asked.

“I want to talk to Mr. Kade about this book. From what I hear, the loveable, eccentric millionaire zombie has yet to be introduced,” Levi said. “And I don’t mind interrupting them at all.” He gave Kyle a grin, and Kyle knew that he meant it. Levi was one of those guys who got away with stuff most people couldn’t. Yes, his money helped, but the man pretty much dripped charm. Even the guys around here were suckers forit.

“Excellent,” Kyle said, sliding off his stool. “Lead theway.”

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