“People can be such assholes.” Lexi frowns until Ryder bends down and kisses her temple. Only then does a smile stretch across her features. “I don’t blame you for wanting anonymity.”
Indie sighs. “The annoying thing is that my agent and I were discussing the possibility of doing an identity reveal before this next book comes out. I was finally feeling ready for it.”
My chest expands and I stand a little straighter when she says that, because I can’t help feeling like maybe, at least in part, she was ready to make that decision because of our relationship and my support. At least, I hope that’s the case.
“Well, I’m sorry this ruined your talks and plans, but we’re here for you. However we can help, we will.”
“Thanks, Lexi. That means a lot to me.”
“We got your back, Quinny,” Griffin says over his shoulder as he flips burgers.
“That’ll take some getting used to,” Indie says under her breath.
“What? The nickname?” I ask softly.
“People knowing.”
“Oh. Can I bring all of my books for you to sign the next time I see you?” Griffin asks excitedly. “Because I have everything you’ve written.”
Indie blinks at Griffin a few times, her mouth parted. “You really do?”
“Griffin is a huge romance reader,” Mira says. “And you really are one of his favorites. So, yeah, he has all of your books.Unless there’s a second pen name and more secret books we don’t know about?”
Indie’s cheeks flame scarlet, and she looks at her feet for a second before shaking her head. “No second pen names.” She raises her voice to be sure Griffin can hear her. “And of course, I’ll sign your books.”
“Sweet,” Griffin says, pumping the large metal grill spatula in the air a few times like he’s celebrating with a hockey stick.
Indie laughs, and for the first time since she got the news that her identity had been discovered, she looks relaxed. Stress isn’t furrowing her brow or tightening the line of her lips. She’s enjoying herself and not worried about what tomorrow will bring.
This is why I hope she’ll agree to stay forever. Because I’d hate to leave these guys behind to stay close to Indie. They’re family. The best kind.
But she’s everything.
“Okay, who wants cheese on their burgers?” Griffin calls out.
Indie nestles into my side as things devolve into our normal chaos, and everything feels right in the world. Sure, I wasn’t expecting to wake up to all of this today, but we’ll get through it together, the way the Rogues get through everything. And just like the guys have accepted and embraced every single one of the women here without condition, they’ve accepted Indie. And Lola. Our circle keeps growing, and I’ve never been more thankful for the added chaos.
The more people standing in Indie’s corner with me, the better. “Do you have pepper jack? Because if so, I’ll take two slices.”
“Come on, Bashy-cakes. You know I do. Now, Indie, what can you tell us about the book you’re writing right now? I want to know everything.”
forty-two
INDIGO
The days leadingup to the finals are pure chaos. How can they not be? Between the guys practicing and getting ready to battle it out for the Cup and my secret identity reveal, it’s been nonstop—and often unwanted—publicity.
We haven’t confirmed that I’m Violet Quinn yet, but most of my die-hard fans are convinced. While the shot the photographer got didn’t include anything like a title or my pen name, the people who’ve read all of my books are familiar enough with my writing style and voice that they’re just waiting for me to come out and own it.
Which I won’t do until the outcome of the Cup is decided, because I don’t want to take the focus away from Bash and the guys. They’ve worked so hard to get to this point.
I did tell my mom, who was a little hurt I’d kept the level of my success from her, but she understood my motivation. My dad hasn’t reached out, but I’m sure he will soon, since his project is wrapping.
Sebastian and I have spent every possible waking moment together. I was feeling guilty about ditching Lola until she toldme she and Megan had been taking advantage of the empty rental. They’ve really hit it off, and it’s not only sex between them. Lola is falling, and it sounds like Megan is too. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see the day, but I’m insanely happy for my bestie.
If things keep going the way they are, maybe we’ll end up extending our stay for a lot longer than the next month or two.
But I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
