Page 113 of Betting on the Bad Boy

“Yeah, that’s all she does. Eat, sleep, poop, repeat. Seems like I never have time for much else anymore.”

“Babies are hard work.”

Maria rummaged through the diaper bag. “I’ve started this one book four times now. As soon as I really get into it, it’s time to change a diaper or make up another bottle.” She laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mother. I just don’t have time for anything else.”

“I’m sure it will get easier as she gets a little older,” I said, gazing down at the baby.

“Have you ever read this author?” Maria asked, pulling out the book.

“Who is it?”

“Chastity Austen. If you like romance novels, you’ll love her.”

I blushed. I’d been planning on going public at the event anyway, may as well practice. “Um, I actually wrote that.”

“I thought you said your name was Faith?”

“Chastity Austen is my pen name.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No. I haven’t really told anybody about it yet but I’m going to an event this weekend so the cat’s kind of out of the bag now.”

“Oh my gosh, you’re the only reason I still have a husband.”

“Really?” Where was she going with this?

“Yeah. It’s not easy finding the energy to be romantic with my hubby now that we’ve got a baby. Your books... I’ll just say they’re inspiring. After I finished the first one, my husband bought me the rest for my birthday.”

I laughed. “Hey, if you want to come to the book signing tomorrow, feel free to stop by. It’s at the convention center downtown.”

“I can’t wait to tell my sister. Would you sign my book?”

“Um, sure.”

She dug through her purse for a pen, and I scrawled my signature across the front page while I propped the bottle under my chin. First time for everything. I’d better get used to the attention if everything was going to go according to plan.

Turning the conversation back to the baby, I asked, “What’s her name?”

Maria spent the rest of the flight opening up and bragging about little Maddie. By the time the flight attendant made the announcement to prepare for arrival, I’d learned more about motherhood than I’d ever cared to know.

After the plane landed, we said our goodbyes. Maria promised to stop by the next day and bring her sister and friends along. It would be nice to see a familiar face in the crowd, even if we had just met.

Inspired by my run-in with my first fan, I wrapped my fingers around the handle of my rolling bag and made my way down the jetway and out to the curb. I was ready to claim my alter ego.

CHAPTER 55

Dante

I easedto a stop by the curb and looked up at the new sign for the Sashay Salon. One more meeting with Tameka, and then she'd be on her own. I got out of the car and stepped through the door.

“Hey, Dante. Thanks for coming by.” Tameka stood behind her new sales counter, one of the suggestions my team and I had made for her interior remodel.

“Hi, Tameka. How’s business?”

She came around the counter and pointed at my bag. “You probably know better than me. Tell me, how am I doing?”

I smiled. “Want to talk in the back?”