Page 104 of Lucky Night

I’ve read both your books. I think they’re phenomenal.

But did he? No. In fact, he went the opposite direction, implying that her work was valuable only as a tool for his sexual gratification.

He bangs his forehead lightly against the glass. Once. Twice.

You. Are.

An. Asshole.

He turns from the window.

Jenny?

She’s flipping through the channels again. Hmm?

I’ve read them.

Seventeen

She stops flipping. What?

I’ve read your books. Don’t—please don’t smile like that. I’m serious.

She watches him closely, still not comprehending.

I bought the first one the day it came out, he says. I pretended it was for Jill, but it was really for me. I read it a week later. The second book I preordered and read as soon as it arrived.

Does he have to tell her he’s read them both twice?

Hell no. Let’s not go overboard here.

I don’t believe you, she says.

Okay, well, how can I prove—

What’s Sophie’s father’s name?

Sophie’s father? he says. His name is James.

What does her mother do for a living?

Sophie’s mother, he says, getting the hang of this little game, restores historic buildings.

How did Julian die?

How did he…? Shit. He has no idea. What could it be? Smallpox? Consumption?

Wait. She’s trying to trick him!

We don’t know how he died, he says. He doesn’t remember.

Holy shit, she whispers. You read my books.

Do we find out how Julian died? Is that in the third book?

Yes, she says. So you didn’t buy them just to jerk off to my photo?

No. I mean, I do that, too. But I have read what’s inside.

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