Page 22 of One Night with Number Nineteen

Yeah, my warriors have their work cut out for them to get their women back.

My story has been bouncing around in my brain for months now.

Clearly, I need to step out of my fictional world for a bit.

That doesn’t stop me from checking the rearview a few more times on the drive home.

But it still doesn’t reveal anything but shadows and empty roads.

Not a fictional villain in sight.

Or at least not one I can see.

Seven

Sawyer

I don’t know why I’m here, propping up the wall at Faye’s book signing when I have a million other things I should be attending to.

Of course, that’s also a lie.

I know exactly why.

Not only did I promise Faye I’d be here to support her on her big day but I’m also…

Hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

Of Lainey.

Unfortunately, she’s not among the women sitting here, entranced by Faye and all of her sweetness, her cleverness, her kindness as she answers questions, as she signs books and talks to her readers.

For as shy as she is, Faye’s really good at making everyone feel welcome and calm.

Then again, I already know that.

I’ve seen the women of the Grizzlies do that time and again.

First Luna. Then Faye. Then Harper. And now Lain⁠—

“Sawyer?”

I glance over, see a pretty brunette smiling at me.

“I thought that was you.” She shifts closer, touches my arm. “I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Hey,” I say, trying desperately to place her.

Her face falls.

Shit.

Then her name pops into my mind. “Chloe, it’s good to see you again.”

Her smile comes back. “You remembered.”

“Of course I do. How’s the traveling going?”

She tells me about her work for a few minutes. Then says, “You should call me sometime.”