Page 23 of Loved Out Loud
“Good to know I have your approval,” I reply dryly.
I know they have good intentions, but I hate that they're tiptoeing around me like this. I’m not going to go off the rails if I see one bad review.
“What are you planning on doing today?” Darren asks.
“Take a shower. Relax in peace. Both of which you two have interrupted. Should we paint each other’s toenails and talk about our dreams and aspirations?”
Darren presses his lips into a flat line at my sarcasm. “We’re just trying to support you.”
“I don’t need babysitters.”
They share a look and then Darren stands. “I need to go check in with Xander.”
Jade waits until the door behind him closes. “I’m going to go with Hazel to her signing tonight because her agent won’t be able to make it to this one.”
My ears perk up. “Do you think she’d be okay with me tagging along? I’ll stay out of sight, so I don’t draw attention away from her.”
“I’ll ask. From what I’ve learned about her over the past couple days, she won’t care. I don’t think she’s a fan of attention to begin with.”
My lips twitch because that’s my impression, too. But another part of me wants to know everything Jade knows about her. I want to hoard knowledge about Hazel Archer like a dragon hoards riches.
Nine
HAZEL
Turningsideways for what feels like the hundredth time I re-check my reflection in the mirror. The wrap dress I’m wearing skims my curves in the most flattering way. It's just the color that’s throwing me off. I rarely venture out of dark colors, but Sierra convinced me to try this light dusty blue dress on because it matches the vibe of my book’s cover.
I thought my usual red lip might look out of place with the color of the dress, so I went dramatic with my eye makeup and neutral on my lips. It’s odd to see myself look so much softer. Tearing myself from the mirror, I walk over to my bag and decide the nude-colored pumps are the best choice for this dress.
I’m glad Jade offered to join me when I heard from Sierra that she has the flu and wouldn’t be able to fly out. As much as it makes me feel ridiculous, having someone I know with me is comforting. Just as I finish slipping my shoes on, I hear a knock at the door.
“You look gorgeous,” Jade says as her gaze sweeps my body when I open the door. “That color is perfect with your eyes.”
“Thank you.” I run a hand down my body. “I’m not used to wearing something so colorful and light.”
“Well, it’s stunning. You might need to add some of this to your wardrobe. The car is waiting for us downstairs.”
“Perfect.” I swing my bag over my shoulder and close the door behind me. “Thank you so much for coming with me. I was just thinking about how much it helps ease my mind to have a familiar face with me.”
“Of course, I’m so excited to see you in your element.”
We step onto the waiting elevator and hit the button for the lobby.
“This actually is so far from my element. I’m more of a corner coffee shop with headphones on type of girl. Sitting on stage and answering questions is such a surreal experience.”
“You earned it, babe. Make sure to enjoy your success.”
The elevator doors open, and we walk through the lobby to the waiting blacked out SUV. It’s much bigger than the two of us need. As soon as the driver opens the door, I see why. Tucked back in the third row is Stone with a dark baseball cap pulled low over his forehead.
“I hope you don’t mind if I join you,” he says once Jade and I are both seated. “There was nothing on my agenda tonight, and I wanted to see what a book signing was all about.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all.” Lies. I completely mind. How am I supposed to focus knowing there’s a sexy as sin rock star watching me?
Adam turns from the front seat and gives me a wink. “We’ll stay out of sight, so the focus is on you.”
“I’m not worried about that at all,” I say with a wave of my hand. “I just hope it isn’t boring for you two.”
“Adam is actually a huge bookworm,” Stone says. “If he’s not watching my back, his head is stuck in a book.”
