Her brow furrowed in obvious confusion as to why I would invite a third party to our anniversary night. “Who’s…” Her sentence trailed off again when we reached the alcove and she saw who was inside.
“No.” Scarlett stopped dead in her tracks. “Asher. You didn’t.”
Relief and amusement washed away the remnants of my nerves at her stunned expression. “You’ve always wanted to meet her. I figured tonight would be a good time, especially since she just released a new book.”
Inside the alcove, a striking woman with purple-black hair paused her conversation with her partner and rose from her seat behind a small table. A pile of books was stacked neatly on its polished surface. “Hi!” Her smile dazzled. “You must be Scarlett. I’m Isabella. Are you a hugger? I’m a hugger.”
Scarlett made a strangled noise when Isabella Valencia, her favorite author, came around the table to greet her with a big hug.
“Asher tells me it’s your six-month anniversary.” Isabella pulled back, her eyes sparkling. “Congratulations. It’s a big milestone.”
“I—well, I mean, yes.” Scarlett finally found her voice. “Hi. I’m a big fan. I loved your latest book.”
“Oh, I’m glad! Thank you so much.” Isabella’s smile widened with genuine warmth. “Before we get to the signing, I want you to meet Kai, my fiancé.”
She winked at her partner, who stood next to the table with a wry smile.
He and Scarlett exchanged greetings before Scarlett’s gaze coasted to the stack of books on the table. “Wait. Signing?”
I took over explaining. “Isabella hasn’t done a UK tour yet, but I figured a personal meet and greet would be more fun than standing in line for hours anyway.” I gestured at the books. “I had special editions made of all her titles so she could sign them for you in person.”
I’d found a printer who could bind personal copies in hardcover with all the bells and whistles—foiling, fancy formatting, and a bunch of other features that went over my head but that the printer insisted Scarlett would love.
Judging by the glossy sheen that brightened Scarlett’s eyes, he’d been right. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“When Asher emailed me about doing this, it was a no-brainer,” Isabella said, rescuing Scarlett from her speechlessness. “I didn’t care that I had to fly here from New York. His idea was the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
Behind her, Kai frowned, looking insulted.
“Come.” Isabella hooked her arm through Scarlett’s and led her to the table. “Let’s get these books signed for you so you can enjoy the rest of your anniversary night with Asher. Which story is your favorite so far?”
While the women chatted, I went and stood next to Kai. We’d never interacted before, but I recognized him from various news stories as Kai Young, the CEO of a major media conglomerate. They owned dozens of news outlets in the UK, including Match and Sports UK.
“It’s great of you to accompany Isabella here,” I said in an attempt to make conversation. “My team would’ve taken good care of her, but I think it’s lovely that you took the time to come with her.”
Not a lot of billionaire chief executives would take time away from work to join their fiancée for a personal book signing. Most of them wouldn’t do that for a full book tour.
I’d offered to pay for Isabella’s entire trip to London, but she insisted that wasn’t necessary since Kai owned a house in the city anyway.
“Yes, well, she’s my fiancée.” His tone was polite, but he placed an oddly aggressive emphasis on the last word. “I’m always happy to support her.”
My other attempts to start a nice chat also failed, so I eventually fell into silence and contented myself with watching Scarlett.
My mouth tipped up at her excitement as she talked to Isabella. She’d lost her earlier shyness and was gushing about a plot twist in one of the author’s earlier works, her face bright with animation.
When the signing finished and Isabella hugged her again, I thought Scarlett would dissolve into a cloud of sparkles and smiles.
It made my fucking heart sing. We hadn’t officially exchanged gifts yet (though the special edition books were my anniversary presents to her), but she didn’t even need to give me anything. Seeing her that happy had already made my night.
“I know this is going to sound tacky, but before we leave, do you mind if I get a photo and a few autographs?” Isabella asked me, her tone apologetic. “My friends and I are big fans, and they’d kill me if I came back without your signature.”
Kai’s frown deepened.
“Of course. It’s the least I could do,” I said easily.
“Great! Kai, can you take the pictures?” She shoved her phone at her fiancé. “I’d love one with Scarlett too.”
I signed a few pages in her notebook for her, and we took turns grouping up for the photos—me with Isabella, then Scarlett with Isabella, followed by one of the three of us together. Isabella also insisted on taking photos of me and Scarlett to “document our night.”
Kai did the honors. I heard he was quite nice and gentlemanly compared to other CEOs, but he didn’t look very nice and gentlemanly to me. He looked like he wanted to roast me alive, especially during my photo with Isabella—the one she’d asked for.
Jesus. What had I ever done to him?
Fortunately, I made it through the photo session intact, and Isabella and Kai left after wishing us happy anniversary again. The library doors closed, and Scarlett and I were alone once more.
“I can’t believe you set up a private signing with Isabella Valencia.” Scarlett still looked dazed from the encounter. “How long did it take you to plan this?”
“About two and a half months. I didn’t have to work too hard to convince her. Like she said, she was happy to do it.”
“Lucky she’s your fan,” Scarlett teased. “Though I don’t think I can say the same for Kai. He kept glaring at you for some reason.”
“Maybe he’s not a Blackcastle supporter.” I shrugged. “Though apparently, I don’t poll well amongst engaged or married men between the ages of twenty-five and fifty. I’m not sure why.”
“Their loss.” She twined her arms around my neck. “I think you’re pretty great.”
“Pretty great?”
“Exceptionally great,” she amended. “Better?”
