Chapter Nine

“Come on. The signing’s in the Romance Reception Room.”

“The Romance Reception Room?” she echoed.

He chuckled. “Amy thought that sounded better than ‘the big room on the garden side’.”

Celina followed Jamie into the largest room on the first floor. An antique dining room table and three chairs were at the far end of the room, where the three authors were happily chatting with the customers. Amy was with them, having just brought more copies of their books from the back to sign. The afternoon had been a banner one for all involved.

Amy smiled at him as he entered, but her expression changed when she saw Celina coming in right behind him.  He saw the question in her eyes, and answered with a smile – the only answer he could provide in such a public setting.

He set the tray down in front of the ladies, then made his way toward the back for more books. Unsurprisingly, Amy was right behind him.

“I’m so sorry, Jamie,” she began the moment she closed the door behind them. “I forgot to mention she said she might stop by. Are you okay?”

He could tell her he was, but he opted for a far more convincing argument. He caged her against the wall and kissed her until both of them were panting heavily.

“I’m better than okay,” Jamie said, resting his forehead against hers. “I have you.”

“Yeah?” She looked up at him with those pretty hazel eyes, licking her lips (now looking a bit ravished).

“Yeah.” He grabbed her hips and pulled her close so she could feel what those kisses did to him (and to her, if her pebbled nipples were any indication). “Any more questions I can help you with?”

She grinned wickedly, reaching behind her to snap the lock shut.

“Just one...”

* * *

“I’m a big fan,” Lina said as she stepped up to the table during a lull in the signing line. “I absolutely love your historicals.”

Rosemary smiled warmly, reaching for the hardcover Lina held out to her. “Thank you, my dear. It’s always good to meet a woman who can appreciate a good, old-fashioned bodice-ripper. Those modern day BDSM types have nothing on rakes and rogues, in my opinion.”

At the other end of the table, Bea snorted. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”

Rosemary ignored her. “To whom should I make this out?”

“Lina, please.”

Rosemary paused, pen in hand. “Lina, did you say?”

“Yes,” Lina confirmed. “L-i-n-a.” The other two authors seated at the signing table ceased their conversation immediately and pinned their gazes on her.

“That’s an unusual name. Is it short for something?”

“Yes, Celina.”

“Ah. Yes, of course.”

Lina held her hand out for the book, but Rosemary didn’t release it. “You wouldn’t by any chance be the Celina who married the bad boy biker, would you?”

Somewhat stunned, Celina’s smile faded. “How did you know about that?”

“We’re old and nosy. We know everything, dear,” said Cora, complacently. “Is there someplace we could talk privately?”

Lina nodded uncertainly. “There’s a gazebo around back.”

“Perfect,” Cora nodded, scanning the room as she stood. “Where did the lovebirds get to?”

“The back room,” Bea smirked. “Ten minutes ago. Get the lead out, ladies. If he’s like most young studs, that gives us a few minutes.”

“What’s going on?”

“Chop chop, Lina. The clock’s ticking. Lead the way.”

Bea flipped up a sign that said “Back in 5 Minutes”, then Lina found herself shuffled out into the garden. The gazebo sat among a ring of mature arborvitae around back, away from the public areas. When Lina had been staying with Amy, it was one of her favorite places to hide away from the rest of the world.

“Perfect,” Rosemary said approvingly.

“Sit,” Cora commanded with motherly authority while Bea blocked the archway as if to discourage any thoughts Lina might have about leaving prematurely.

“You really did a number on young Jamie, dear,” Rosemary began. With a slight gasp, Lina opened her mouth, but Rosemary held her hand up before Lina could say a word. “Don’t worry, we get it. We write romance, for God’s sake. Jamie was not the one for you.”

“And you weren’t the one for him, either,” Cora added sagely. “He gets that now.”

“I don’t know how you -—” Lina began, but Bea chimed in. “Can it, and listen to what we’re telling you. We don’t have much time.” Lina blinked and snapped her lips shut.

“Jamie and Kyle are brothers,” Rosemary continued. “And it won’t do to have this hanging between them.”

Lina nodded. “I know. Kyle doesn’t like talking about it, but it bothers him. I can tell.”

Rosemary pinned her with a stern glare. “Then do something about it.”

“Like what? Kyle and Jamie are as different as night and day, but one thing they do have in common is that they are mulishly stubborn.”

“Typical males,” Cora nodded. “It’s a pride thing.”

“Which is exactly why it’s up to you and Amy to get the ball rolling,” Bea added.

“And exactly what do you suggest?”

Rosemary patted her arm. “Why subterfuge, of course. Men have their pride, but women have their cunning. Devise a plan where you all end up in the same place at the same time. Somewhere where they’re not likely to walk away or cause a scene.”

“It must be done. Otherwise, this will continue to be an issue and affect your Chi.”

Bea narrowed her eyes at Cora. “What could you possibly know about Chi?”

“Ladies, are you out here?” Amy’s voice called.

“The lad must be a quick-shooter,” Cora lamented to the others before raising her voice. “Yes, dear. We’re in the gazebo.”

Somewhat stunned by the whole odd encounter, Lina watched as they all stepped back and assumed semi-innocent expressions. Moments later, Amy peered into the shadows as she came around the corner. “What are you doing out here?”

“What we do best, dear: plotting and planning. Where’s your young man?”

“Getting more books out of the back.”

“Isn’t that what you two went to do fifteen minutes ago?” Rosemary smirked.

Even in the dusky twilight, Amy’s furious blush was visible.

Cora clapped her hands. “Right then. Let’s get back to it, shall we? Lina dear, fill Amy in while we keep Jamie busy doing our bidding. But make it quick. He’s a suspicious sort. Always thinks we’re up to no good. I can’t imagine why.”

The three ladies bustled off cheerfully, leaving Amy and Lina staring after them. “They are something else aren’t they?” Amy murmured.

“Too much,” Lina laughed. “Do you think we’ll be like that when we’re their age?”

“Probably worse,” Amy grinned. “Now please tell me what that was all about.”