Page 77 of Sunshine

I nod. “Yes way.”

She straightens in her chair folding her hands in front of her. “Okay. We’ll discuss the pig later, I’ve got a client coming in twenty minutes. Why the early call?”

“We don’t need twenty. Check your email.”

She looks down and clicks her mouse. “Oh!” She looks up and all trace of our previous conversation is gone. “Please say this is what I think it is?”

I nod and her face lights up even more. “We need to celebrate!”

“Wait. There’s more. Paige, I’m back. I’m really back! Because that’s not the only book I’ve written while I’ve been here.”

“Oh, my, god, seriously? This is fantastic news! Send it, I’ll start shopping it around.”

“Hang on. Don’t get too excited because the other book is never leaving my hard drive. It was just a fun little project for me. A contemporary erotic romance that will never see the light of day.”

She gasps, her eyes narrowing. “You had better damn well be emailing that to me. And what the hell do you mean you’re not publishing it?” A small smile curves her lips. “Is the reason a tall, broad-shouldered ginger?”

I huff, rolling my eyes. “The point wasn’t the book, Paige, it’s that I’ve broken through the writer’s block.”

“Uh-uh, proof or it never happened.” She falls back in her chair waving her hands.

“What are we, thirteen?”

“Yes, and I need to read it.” She sets her jaw.

I look away, covering my face. “Nope.” I make the mistake of peeking back at my best friend who’s suddenly making sad eyes at me. Fuck.

“I’ve been so sad, Tess, give me something to read that will take my mind off my horrid love life.”

“Read my other book,” I state, but I’m already weakening.

“I need the spice, Tessie, and contemporary. You know I love contemporary. Please.” Her please is long and drawn out and breaks my remaining resolve.

I sigh, but before I can say anything she bounces in her seat.

“Yes!”

I shoot her a stern look. “Only if you promise you won’t try to convince me to publish it. I know you, Paige. And this book is kinky and too full of very vivid sex scenes.”

“Why the hell would I agree to that? I’ve been telling you for years to add some more spice to your books. It’s not as taboo as you think it is. And if you’re really worried, we’ll use a pen name.” She leans forward, resting her chin on her fist. “How kinky is it?”

“Paige, no. If it slipped out that I wrote it, it would ruin me. You’ll see whyifyou agree not to push the subject of publishing because then, and only then, will you be allowed to read it.”

“Fine.” She groans, sounding like a sullen teen. “Send it.”

I click send after checking the email address at least fifteen times. The thought of the naughty manuscript ending up in a stranger’s inbox makes me sweat.

Blowing out, Paige slumps back in her seat. “You’re just as stubborn as my other authors, Tess Harlow, the only difference is that Iloveyou. I only tolerate them.”

I hear the ding of her email notification through the phone and breathe a sigh of relief.

“Got it.”

“Remember what I said, Paige. No pressure.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She waves her hand as if brushing away my nagging. “Anyway, let me read. I’m dreading my meeting, and I need the distraction.”

“Love you, Paige.”