Chapter 39
The signing was crazy. Insane. So many new readers, some because of the movie being made, some because of Luke. Two hours in, it was going great. Leona smiled, and chatted, and refused any personal details, other than the fact she was very happy with Luke.
She finished signing a book and took a picture with a reader, then wished them well. As Leona sat down, the next woman scowled at her. “You’re what Luke is into?”
Leona’s brow arched. “I’m sorry, I’m not discussing anything personal. Are you interested in a book?”
“You write shit. I just had to see you for myself. You’re nothing special. You’ll ruin a talented actor.”
“Sorry you feel that way.” Leona managed a smile. “Now, if you’re not interested in a book, or discussing one of my series, I need to ask you to move along.” She glanced behind her at her readers.
“Nope, these people aren’t here for you. They’re just here because you’re riding the coattails of Luke Chance.”
Mona stood up. “You need to leave. Now.”
The woman crossed her arms over her chest. “Make me!”
Tanner, one of the models, a big man, who had always been very nice and genuine walked over. “Is there a problem? Should I grab the security?”
Leona rubbed at her arm. “Look, I appreciate your opinion, but you really do need to leave. It would be better if you do it of your own accord.”
“You’re a money grubbing slut,” she screeched.
The model waved down the security guards. Two even bigger men walked over, and Leona was thankful there were some. She couldn’t remember ever seeing any at a book event.
Leona smiled at the two guards. “Thank you. Would you please escort her out before she makes things ugly?”
“Of course. Come on, please,” one stated.
The woman shoved her table, knocking down one of the displays, and spat in Leona’s direction, but she managed to dodge in time.
The security men each grabbed an arm and hauled her to the door.
Tanner helped Mona set things back up. “You okay? What was that about?”
Leona shook shrugged. “Apparently, she doesn’t like me with the man I’m with.”
“Why?” he asked.
“Jealousy?” Leona looked around at everyone staring and fought off the shudder. “I don’t know. Look, it’s over, she’s out. I don’t have to worry about her. And thank you.” She straightened some of the books before sitting down.
He gave her a warm smile. “You’re welcome. I’ll be around if you have another issue.”
She smiled. “Thanks, but I hope that’s not necessary.”
“Me too,” Mona muttered. “I wanted to beat her ass.”
“Please don’t. Really,” Leona whispered.
“Yeah, yeah, I behaved.”
The next woman shook her head. “Have to deal with that often?”
“Haven’t yet, but I’m sure it won’t be the last time. Can’t please everyone.”
“You have a positive attitude at least. Now, I need your new book.”
Nodding, she pulled one off the stack. “Who am I signing it to?”
* * * *
Luke stood next to Ryan, wishing the premier was over, but they were still on the red carpet. He had too much energy, none of which he could expel. He thought about calling Leona, but she was probably still sitting at her table, talking to all kinds of adoring readers.
The tenth reporter asked the same question he’d gotten all afternoon. “Where is Leona Shay? Have you two broken up?”
He smiled. “She’s at a book signing in Atlanta, or she would be here with me. And if I weren’t here, I’d be there with her. We’re doing amazing, and I can’t wait to see her late tonight when she flies in.”
“You’re both promoting new projects, correct? The rumor is the new book is based on your relationship with her.”
He shook his head. “Her new book is a product of her imagination. She prefers to keep her private life private. Like any artist, her life experiences may inspire her, but it’s safe to say none of her work mimics real life.”
The questions went on and on, and he answered everything at least three other times in the last hour. He’d never been so exhausted by the process before, but he was starting to understand her misgivings for being known as his girlfriend, instead of an independent author who happened to be brilliant.
Finally, the cast was ushered inside with the guests. Ryan tipped his head to him. “That was so much worse than normal.”
“Yeah. Why does her not being here equal us breaking up? Every damned one of them asked about it.”
“Yeah, and that’s exactly why it’s better to appear single. No one asks me who I’m with because I’m not with anyone.”
“Too late now. Besides, it’s not like you can keep something like that under wraps forever.”
“You may be surprised.”
Luke did a double take. “You hiding someone?”
“Not lately.” Ryan chuckled. “Shh, maybe one day I’ll tell you.”
His brow arched. “Right, sure.”
Ryan shook his head. “Not as easy as you would hope. Trust me on that.”
“Can’t imagine it would be.”
Ryan nudged him. “You still coming out tonight?”
“She’s insisting I go. I’ll probably leave in time to pick her up at the airport. I don’t plan on drinking. Hell, maybe I’ll leave early and wait at the airport.”
“Damn, Luke, you got it bad.”
“Was there any doubt?” Luke asked.
“Nope. It’s good to see, in all honestly.”
* * * *
Leona was restless at the after party. She had a few more minutes before it was time to leave.
Tanner sank down in a seat beside Leona. “So, Luke Chance, as in the movie star, is your man?”
“Yeah.”
“And crazy chick was his fan?”
“Apparently.” Leona blew out a breath. “Thanks for helping.”
He chuckled. “What happened to your husband?”
“Divorced. Before I ever met Luke.”
“Did you meet because of the movie deal?”
“Sort of, not exactly. They haven’t cast anyone yet either.”
“You’re not offering details, are you?”
“Nope. Sorry.”
“I respect that. Mona says you’re leaving early to hop a plane to see him. I’m happy for you.”
Leona smirked. “Why so chatty?” This was the longest she had talked to him.
“Because you’re happy with someone. And it’s nice to be around someone in a similar situation. I’m waiting to go back to my woman, but I’m leaving in the morning to see her. I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
A genuine smile spread across her face. “That’s exciting. Good luck.”
“Do you think you’d say yes if he asked?”
Her mouth popped open. “Sorry, shock. It’s been a few months. Great months, but I don’t know. I mean, he’s on the young side. I doubt he’s ready for that yet.”
“You never know. You write some stories that move faster.”
Her head tipped. “You a fan?”
“I’ve read a few and loved every single one.”
“Thank you.” And maybe she would use Tanner on a cover. He was an attractive man.
Mona dropped into the seat beside her. “We should go.”
She turned to Tanner. “Good luck with your girl. It was a pleasure talking with you.”
He dipped his head as she slipped out of her seat and followed Mona to the lobby. “His girl?”
“He’s going to propose to his girlfriend.”
“Wow, but not surprising he’s taken. That man is drool worthy.”
She lifted a shoulder. “Yup. But Luke is hotter.”
Mona laughed. “Yeah, I’ll give you that.” Sighing, she grinned. “So, have any idea when you’re coming back to New York?”
“Nope. Not yet. I’ll figure that out sooner or later.”
“Miss having you around as much. I have to drive forever to get to you when you are there.”
“Not forever,” Leona teased. “And maybe we should both move out to LA. I mean, think of all the hot clients you could have there? As a personal trainer, you could help the stars get in shape.”
“Been thinking about it.”
Leona smiled. “Maybe we should. I’ll probably do some searching, if you want to get a place together.”
“Please, like you’ll stay anywhere but with Luke.”
“Maybe not. But when he’s not home, we could stay together.”
“Like you wouldn’t travel with him now.”
“Yeah, I may. We’ll see.”