Page 71 of This Time I'm Keeping You
Cassie’s eyes widened.“Get the hell out of here!”She squealed like a child.
“You’re Poppy Sylvester!”
“She is,” Nick said.
Looking up at him, Poppy saw his dimple.He seemed pleased that Cassie was excited to meet her.
“I love your books!”Cassie did a little hop and another squeal.“I cannot believe I get to meet you.Best day ever!”She punched the air.
“It’s nice to meet you too.”Poppy found a smile.She loved meeting her fans—even Nick’s old girlfriend.
“I tried to get to your signing, but work was crazy.”
“I have a book with me, shall I sign that for you?”
“Really?”Cassie looked like a kid at Christmas.
Poppy dove back into Nick’s car and grabbed the book she’d brought with her.She always reread the last book she wrote while working on the next one.It was one of her quirks, just to make sure she didn’t double up on anything and, if Poppy used the same characters, that her descriptions were right.
“Is that your latest?”Cassie asked when she returned.
“It is.Have you read it?”
The woman nodded.“But on my e-reader.If you’re going to sign that for me, then it’s a hell yes!
“What do you want me to write on this?”
“Just to Cassie is amazing.Thank you.”
“So, Cass, you still in security?”Nick asked her while Poppy autographed the book.
“I am.Do you need some?”
“I might, but I’ll let you know.”
Poppy had a feeling she was the person Cassie would watch, but she didn’t comment.
“Here you go.”She handed over the book.
“Thanks so much, Poppy, and if you need me, Nick, just call.You have my number.Now I’m going in there.”She pointed to the coffee shop.“They do the best caramel macchiato and have huge chocolate chip cookies.”
Cassie hugged him and then Poppy, hard, and walked away.
“How long did you two date?”
“Not long.”
“Why?She looks perfect for you?”Poppy said.
He spun her to face him, and suddenly there were only inches separating them.“If she was perfect for me, then what are you?”
“Trouble,” Poppy whispered, lookinginto his whiskey-brown eyes.“Nick?—”
“I’m getting tired of this conversation, so cut it out.”He glared at her.“No more, Poppy.We’re in this together.”
She clamped her lips into a line.
“Good girl.”
