Page 49 of Going Viral for Christmas
What does that even mean? Am I a Christmas card now? Did my vocabulary flee the scene of that kiss like a coward?
“Clearly.” Rae laughs. “Soren, you definitely know how to put on a show.”
Oh my God, I need a do-over, a teleprompter. How I managed to getanywords out after Soren’s tongue did illegal, yet delicious, things inside my mouth, I honestly cannot say.
Speaking of the man with the incredible tongue, he’s grinning as though he slayed a dragon, signed another seven-figure book deal, and dropped a scented candle line calledVictory & Vanilla.
“Icouldsay I believe in committing to a story arc.” Soren lounges back on his heels like the arrogant bastard he is. “But that makes it sound like I’m following a script.” Eyes glinting, he glances sideways at me.
What is he doing? Is he about to reveal to the world that Ava Bell asked him to fake date her in exchange for better reviews and algorithmic sympathy? Right here, right now, in front of Rae and the ShelfSpace community?
It would be the ultimate roast video for him.
My stomach drops straight into my boots. I frantically scan the crowd for Renata.
“Trust me,” Soren continues, “nothing about us is scripted. We are as real as it gets.”
I gape at him, forgetting basic human functions—swallowing, blinking. Words are hard.
Soren seems totally unfazed by the puddle I’m rapidly becoming. “So, am I putting on a show? Maybe a little.” He winks because that’s what he does. “Can you blame me? I’ve got Ava Bell on my arm. She’s not exactly background noise. And okay, full truth, I’m marking my territory a bit.”
His smirk deepens as my mouth parts uselessly. No words come out.
Watching me intently, Soren brushes a stray hair from my face and whispers, “You’re doing great.”
A hand shoots up from the press pool. “How long have you two been…romantic?”
Renata gives me a thumbs-up from the back of the crowd.Go with it.
“We’ve been talking for a while now. Things escalated in the DM’s around late summer.” Soren pauses.
I’m searching for words, but I’ve completely lost them. Along with all the ones Renata stuffed into my brain. Just gone. Then I blurt, “There was a connection.”
Everyone stares.
“Yes,” Soren cuts in, recognizing my mental breakdown. “One of those lightning-strike moments you don’t plan for.”
“Any plans to collaborate on a book?” Rae asks.
“Not unless it’s about a woman murdering her co-author,” I mutter under my breath, finally able to speak somewhat coherently.
Soren replies, easy and cocky enough to charm the front row. Let’s be honest, every row. “It’s still very early. We’re asking for a little space to enjoy the sparks. No pressure, or labels. We want to see where this goes.”
Says the guy who just kissed me like he was trying to win a trophy, ruin my panties, and claim my soul all in one go.
Mission fucking accomplished.
See where this goes?God, he’s so good at faking it. He sounds like he actually means it.
A traitorous, warm flutter kicks me down below. My body gets the memo before my brain can object, and I cross my legs tighter, trying to appear composed while my pulse sprints a victory lap.
While the crowd eats it up, a burning sensation settles in the pit of my stomach, accompanied by guilt and frustration. This is a game to him. I’m not good at games. Especially when I can’t tell what’s pretend and what isn’t. This story feels like it’s taken control and is now writing itself.
Rae begins talking with the audience.
Soren whispers in my ear again. “You rattled, Bells? Still thinkingabout our kiss? Or is your mind stuck on what happened at the gym earlier today?”
My jaw drops open. I turn toward him. “What are you talking about?”
