“Regretting the trip yet?” she asked, way too much sincerity creeping into the jest for his liking.
“No. I was just thinking how brave you are.”
Annie snorted in amused disbelief and stepped back to tug at her heavy coat.
“It’s either hot as hell in here or my nerves are trying to boil me alive from the inside out.”
CJ shrugged his bag higher on his shoulder and reached out to help her out of the thigh-length black wool.
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. Every time you go to a book signing you’re conquering your fears so your dreams can come true. How is that not brave?”
“My fears are stupid.”
“Everyone has fears. Yours could cripple you, but you don’t let them. In my world, it would be like if I were afraid of bugs, bears, or trees for God’s sake.”
“I hope you’re a little afraid of bears,” Annie said holding her fingers a half an inch apart.
“I have a very healthy respect for bears,” he said, rolling his eyes at her deflection. She really was a master at it.
The elevator doors opened. Annie didn’t move. CJ reached over her shoulder and put a hand between them when they started to slide shut.
“I can’t promise you that everything will be fine, but I’m here. I’ll do anything I can,” he said softly.
Annie nodded and pushed up for a kiss.
“You have to come out of the elevator, Annie.”
A pretty blonde in a pantsuit stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips.
Annie’s forehead fell against his chest. “What is it with people not wanting us to kiss?”
“I don’t know. Jealousy maybe?”
“If you had any idea how many times these same people have told me that I needed to get laid, you’d understand my confusion,” Annie grumbled.
The blonde laughed and waved her hand to get them to depart the elevator.
“You must be CJ Barrett. It’s nice to meet you. Beautiful flowers. I’m Cami. I’m—”
“A sadistic harpy,” Annie said in a stage whisper.
“Annie’s publicist,” Cami said as if she hadn’t even been interrupted.
“Same thing.”
He let out a sigh at the return of Annie’s sarcastic wit. Snarky was much better than scared.
Shifting Annie’s coat to his other arm, he shook hands with the publicist.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Whoa!” the woman protested, throwing up her hands. “I’m twenty-nine, not sixty-nine. Don’t ma’am me.”
“He’s from Wyoming. They have manners there. Get over it,” Annie snapped. “Nice numeral innuendo and how many years are you planning on being twenty-nine.”
“As many as I can get away with.”
Not sure what to say to any of that, CJ silently trailed the ladies into the banquet hall. His gut twisted. Fancy. Nearly thirty stories up, they had a fantastic view of the city. Round tables covered with white or pale teal tablecloths filled the room. Candles in shallow dishes of sand and shells sat in the center, and small sample boxes of Mackinac fudge graced each setting. Another table held an artful display of the new book, flanked by gift bags with a cursive script AB initial logo. He stopped suddenly and looked closer at the book covers. The tension in his shoulders ratcheted up another notch. Her full name was beautiful, elegant, but to him, she’d always be his Annie.
“They went all out,” Annie muttered, hooking a finger in the top of one of the bags to take a peek. “Serious swag. Canvas tote, beach towel, water bottle, SPF lip balm, travel mug, Starbucks gift card—is there anything they can’t put cover art or a logo on?”
“You,” CJ suggested, putting a hand on her back.
“Cami tried to talk me into getting the logo tattooed on me, but I’m afraid of needles.”
He laughed and a moment later, Annie joined him. It was good to hear her laughter again.
“I needed that,” she whispered, stepping close to press against his side. “This is just…it’s a lot.”
They both looked around. He nodded.
“They obviously have a lot of confidence in you.”
“Hope. They have a lot of hope in Mackinac Monday. Not necessarily in me. I’m just the eccentric author that has to be pried out of my pajamas to be paraded about a couple of times a year. Every piece of grown-up clothing I own is on my closet floor right now because I couldn’t decide what to wear to this thing,” Annie said, tugging on the hem of her charcoal military style jacket.
Both wearing black jeans and boots with jackets they could’ve coordinated their attire. At least he wasn’t going to embarrass her with his clothing. Everything else was still up in the air. The dark gray jacket with its shiny buttons was flattering on Annie. Of course, he thought she looked good in anything. He’d happily pry her out of the mentioned pajamas, or cuddle with her in them. The scarf looped around her neck and tucked into the top of the jacket drew his eye. He leaned closer to read the printing on the fabric. The words Dream, Create, and Inspire were scrawled in black cursive with the occasional word in red to give a touch of color.
“You look beautiful. I love the scarf.”
She tilted her chin down to look at it, fingers caressing the thin material.
“It’s one of my favorites. When I was having my fashion meltdown, Finn called. She suggested I dress the way I’m comfortable and pray the confidence bleeds over into the rest of the night.”
“Sounds like good advice. It’s your party after all.”
“I know. I know. It’s just that I’m not very good at being the show pony. I’m used to staying behind the curtain.”
“Welcome to the twenty-first century,” Cami said walking up and throwing her arms wide. “Television and the internet have made mysterious hermit scribes a thing of the past. The world wants to know who is behind their favorite characters. And let’s not forget you were the one who decided to use your own name.”
“Thanks for reminding me.”
“You are welcome. That was before my time. Now, we have a table set up right over here when it’s time for the signing. I put your gorgeous calla lilies on the table, along with the usual collection of pens, Sharpies, bottled water and swag. Each of the books already has one of the new charm bookmarks in it. The microphone has been double checked and there’s a barstool for the reading, with a back, so we don’t have a repeat of Naples.”
“It was a hundred degrees in there with no air-conditioning. I got a little lightheaded,” Annie said, irritation and embarrassment creeping into her tone.
“You wouldn’t think I loved you if I didn’t give you a hard time. Besides, your new boyfriend is here. Telling embarrassing stories is the equivalent of pulling out the naked baby pictures.”
“Be nice. I’d like for him to want to stay around.”
“Point taken. My apologies. Don’t take me too seriously, CJ. I’ve found that just the right combination of humor and bullying works best with Annie. It helps distract her,” Cami said, her smile and wink friendly.
“No apologies necessary. Annie’s sense of humor is one of the things I love about her.”
“She’s a lucky girl.”
“Who is still right here,” Annie said, rolling her eyes at both of them.
“Don’t worry. I only have eyes for you. I know exactly where you are,” CJ promised.
Annie’s fingers twined with his.
“Speaking of the media, it is time for interviews. Fox just walked in and I believe that’s TV8 behind them,” Cami said, her pretty face slipping into a more practiced smile.
The tightening grip on his hand threatened circulation.
“How many?” Annie whispered.
“I invited all the Michigan stations and papers, along with a couple of national. So, we’ll see. Having those two show up is a great sign. Mackinac’s Town Crier will definitely be here. We’re going all out. Reviews have been stellar and the autographed presales are beyond expec
tation. You probably still have hand cramps from signing all those.”
CJ watched Annie’s throat bob. Her lips were pressed into a grim clamp like when he’d dropped her off at the airport. She looked like she was going to be sick. Using her grip on him, he pulled her into his arms.
“I’m right here.”
She hid her face against his chest.
“I can’t do this.”
“You can. I have faith in you.”
“I’d rather face one of those territorial black bears we were joking about.”
He smiled into her hair.
“I know, babe. But this could be the pinnacle of everything that you’ve dreamed about since you were a little girl. You can’t let fear stop you now.”
“Do you know that I never dreamed of being famous? I just wanted to write, live, and make my parents proud.”
“I didn’t know your parents, but I promise you that they’re looking down on you tonight and they’re so proud. They’re proud of you every day. You’re an amazing woman, Annie Brand.”
“There’s our word,” she whispered with a weak laugh. “I don’t feel very amazing at the moment. It’s taking everything I have not to get sick. Thank God I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday.”
“That’s not healthy. I’m getting you something to eat as soon as I can,” he said firmly.
“Better make it a smoothie. Solid food isn’t going to work right now.”
He frowned, not sure what she wanted. A look at Cami earned a reluctant nod even though she was eyeing the journalists. She waved someone else over and issued orders.
“This is going to sound crazy,” Annie whispered and then gave a slightly demented giggle. “How many times have I said that to you already?”
“I need a little crazy in my life,” he said, stroking her hair.
“Can you just be where I can see you while I talk to them?” Her voice cracked. “My dad used to do that for me when I was nervous at gymnastics meets. It sounds silly, but it helped.”
“Anything for you, beautiful.”
“Annie, we need to do this,” Cami said quietly. “Time to play author.”
Annie drew back from him and he watched her attempt to pull the mask in place she’d used when her aunt ripped into her. It hurt his heart to see her hide.
“Show them the real you,” he blurted, reaching out to cup her face as she looked up in surprise. “We’re not the only ones that like real people. Annie Brand is witty, funny, a little sarcastic, and passionate about storytelling. Show them that.”
Her eyes darted uncertainly between his and Cami.
“Whatever works,” Cami said. “But we need to do it now. Come on, you used to run around in front of thousands of people in your underwear. I know you can do this.”
“It was a leotard. I was a teenager, and I’d kill myself if I had to do that now,” Annie muttered between gritted teeth, but her shoulders squared and she let Cami lead her toward the media.
Not letting go of her hand, like he had a choice, CJ stayed close beside her.
“Stand here behind the cameras and she’ll be able to look right at you,” Cami whispered.
Stopping, he leaned down to kiss Annie.
“I’m here.”
She nodded and raised their joined hands to her lips. Kissing his knuckles, she slowly released her grip.
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you,” he repeated.
Smoothing her jacket and wiping her palms over her denim clad hips, she stepped into the spotlight.
Avoiding the cameramen, he made sure to stay where she could see him. If it helped her nerves than at least one of them would be calm. More people were starting to arrive. Sports coats, shirts and ties, pantsuits and dresses. He felt underdressed compared to most, but at least he matched up with Annie. She was the only reason he was here. Catering staff filled tables with appetizers and finger foods. Some of it looked good, but like Annie, he was beginning to think food would be a bad idea.
They were asking her questions now. Where did she get her ideas and her vivid characters? Something twisted in between her fingers, but she met the journalist’s gaze confidently. Bits and pieces of her answers reached him. Everyone she met was at risk of ending up in her books, for good or bad. She’d just returned from her cousin’s wedding and events there were sure to make it into future books. Sometimes reality was more dramatic than fiction. The greatest compliment a reader had paid her was that her characters were real. She was just an average Annie. She liked real people.
Their eyes met and he grinned, giving her a wink. Her return smile was shy but reached her eyes. She laughed at something the interviewer said and nodded, gaze flickering back to CJ for a moment. The light caught what was in her hand and he recognized it as one of the bookmarks with the charms that he’d seen on the display. The shredded napkin ring flashed to mind. Nerves. She only fidgeted when she was nervous or upset about something. Other than after the Teresa drama, she’d been relaxed in their time together. That made him feel good. CJ flinched as hands clamped on his bicep.
“You’re my new secret weapon,” Cami hissed, eyes locked on her client. “She’s killing it.”
“It’s all Annie.”
“Modesty is cute and all, but I’ve seen her have a panic attack doing a phone interview. Who is this woman?”
Painted fingernails flexed on his arm as the publicist leaned forward, not wanting to miss a word. CJ was glad for the protection of his leather jacket. She whipped out her phone and typed frantically. Shoving the device back in her pocket, she leaned closer.
“Please tell me that you can make the rest of the book tour. Keep in mind if you say no I may have to drug you.”
“Uh…” He looked down, flustered by how serious Cami sounded. What in the hell was he supposed to say to that?
“Keep your eyes on the prize. She’s watching you.”
A frown furrowed Annie’s forehead when he looked back up. She tilted her head to the side in question. Shaking his head, he plastered on a smile, giving her a discreet thumbs up. They asked her a question and she turned back, apologetically asking them to repeat it.
CJ let out his breath and muttered, “We haven’t discussed it yet.”
“Start thinking about it, big man. If this book takes off the way I’m banking it will, you could be a kept man from here on out.”
The room was filling up by the time she finished with the media. Shaking hands and thanking everyone again, Annie sidestepped the camera equipment and went right into CJ’s arms.
His lips brushed her temple and then her ear as he whispered, “That was my Annie. Bright, beautiful and funny.”
“Somehow you make me feel like that.”
“It was all you, beautiful. You really sold it.”
“You even made me want to read it,” Cami chimed in.
Annie pulled her face away from CJ’s chest to shoot the publicist an exasperated look. “If you haven’t read it, you’re fired.”
“I might’ve skimmed through it once or twice,” Cami relented with a smirk. “Absolutely awesome job with the press. If I hadn’t seen it, I would never have believed it. I already told your man that from now on he has to come to all events and if I can get him to hold your hand during phone and internet interviews, that would be great.”
CJ pressed their joined hands against his chest. “Luckily, I like holding your hand.”
Annie felt the sappy grin curve her lips. Damn. He was such a sweetheart. What had she ever done to deserve such an amazing man? How she was going to keep him was a better question. Her stomach rolled at the thought.
“You did crawl out of the closet.”
The gravelly purr of Finn’s voice yanked Annie back to the here and now. Slipping her hand from CJ’s with a tinge of regret, she turned to greet her friend with a hug.
“You’re here.”
“Of course I’m here. How else was I going to kick your ass if you didn’t show up?”
> Ignoring the editor’s teasing, she hugged Finn’s handsome husband.
“Thank you for coming.”
“No problem, kiddo,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Like I always tell you, it’s less than an hour drive.”
“It was spitting sleet on my way over here.”
“Then it’s a good thing we already made a reservation or we’d be invading your guestroom.”
“As often as I enjoy your guest suite that would be long overdue, but the Plaza might be more your style.”
“Your condo is fine. It’s more about privacy. I’d hate to have Finn open your next book and find us between the pages.”
Annie laughed at the lecherous waggle of his eyebrows.
“Point taken.”
She turned to introduce CJ, but Finn was already sizing him up.
“You must be Annie’s infamous CJ.”
Color infused his cheeks, but CJ chuckled and held out his hand.
“Infamous is a first, but CJ Barrett is correct.”
“Finn, friend and editor. It’s a pleasure to meet the man that has my favorite romance author all fired up.”
“I do try.”
CJ’s baby blues were twinkling when he glanced her way. His grin was sexy. Puckering her lips, Annie blew him a kiss.
“Since the girls are just going to ogle you like a side of meat, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Finn’s husband, Hunter.”
“Nice to meet you, Hunter. Got to ask. Do you hunt?”
“Every chance I get. We live in Grand Haven right on the water so I get a lot more opportunity to fish.”
“What kind of fishing?” CJ asked.
Finn snickered as the men immediately fell into an enthusiastic conversation about scaly aquatic life, waterways, and lures.
“I hope you didn’t want to introduce him to anyone else.”
“As usual, your husband is a God send. I think CJ has had his fill of listening to me talk about myself,” Annie said.
Why not Wyoming? (Wyoming Wilds Series Book 1) Page 13