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“Kinda like you with acting,” said Evie. “It’s freeing being someone else, right? Being reborn with zero baggage.”
“That’s true.”
Evie looked thoughtful. “Cordelia is sexy and well-traveled, loves sea bass and steak. She can wear jeans without them pinching and doesn’t worry how exhausted she’ll be after a night out on the razz.” She signed a swirly Cordelia Ross in two more books.
“How’d you come up with the name?”
“I wanted something beautiful but meaningful: Cordelia was the role I played in King Lear when I was fifteen, and I think you know who Ross was.” Her voice cracked.
My dog. She loved him like her own.
Taking a minute, she cleared her throat and autographed three more books. “As Cordelia, I can write and fly under the radar. I’m not as good with being recognized as you are.” She closed the cover on the last book.
Nick promptly scooped it up and smiled at the clerk. “I’ll buy this.”
“Nick.” Putting away her marker, Evie shook her head. “You don’t have to.”
“I want to. You never used to let me read what you wrote.”
“You read the third one. You narrated it, silly.”
“And it was fantastic. I’m sure this one is even better.” He tapped his card on the payment terminal.
“Ah, the pressure!”
With a nod of thanks, Nick collected the bag containing Evie’s signed book from Peggy and they departed the shop.
“That was really sweet of you.” Evie grinned as he held open the door. “Thanks.”
“Hey, it’s like a prophecy come true.” Nick smiled back. “You always said I’d ask for your autograph one day.”
* * *
After errands to the pharmacy and post office where Evie mailed off signed copies of her latest romance to contest winners, they strolled to Marwick’s. Nothing monumental was discussed. Instead Nick and Evie’s conversation stuck to the fringes, sidestepping anything hostile or quarrelsome. Orkney’s (continued) lack of a bowling alley came up, as well as anecdotes about Tarquin and Rupert, and how much Evie was looking forward to filming around Hoy.
She stopped in front of her shop. “Well done, you! Not a single yawn.”
“What can I say? You’re still the only person I know who makes a trip to the pharmacy fun.”
She impishly smacked his arm. “You’re only saying that ’cause you didn’t wanna buy me lunch!”
“No, I would—I will!”
“I’m kidding!” Evie patted her belly. “I’m thirty-one and still haven’t learned that eating half a packet of Snowballs isn’t the smartest idea.”
“Jeez, sorry about that.”
Her eyes popped wide. “Don’t be. I enjoyed every second.”
A flush of happiness roused his smile. “Me too.” Nick licked his lips. I don’t want this to end. His pulse quickened as he wound the handles of his shopping bags around his fingers, dying to spill his truth.
But a buzz sounded inside Evie’s tote and the moment was lost. “Oh, that’s probably…” She unearthed her phone and grinned. “Yep. Fi ordering my ass inside NOW!” She rubbernecked through the shop’s window.
“Rain check for lunch?”
As she looked back, Nick swore Evie bounced lightly on the spot. “Sure.” She flicked her head, tossing her bangs from her eyes. “Where you headed now?”
He lifted his bookshop bag. “Back to the hotel. If this is anything like your third novel, I know I’m in for some epic sexy times.”
