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A Smile in a Whisper

Page 163

by Jacquelyn Middleton

Sunita kissed her on the cheek. “Why don’t you fly down with Nico next month? We could catch a musical, hit up some bookshops while he films his Dalston cameo. Maybe you could even arrange a signing or two.”

“Maybe, yeah.”

“Think about it and let me know.” Sunita withdrew from their embrace.

“See you tomorrow, Eves.” Fiona waved. “Bye bye, Balfour bros!” Joining Sunita, she ushered Poppy toward the spinning teacups.

“This one needs some food.” Tarquin adjusted Luke in his arms. “Text later, bro?”

“Sure. Say hi to Leia for us.” Holding Evie’s hand, Nick led her around a pack of meandering teens glued to their phones.

“It was great seeing everyone,” said Evie. “Weather cleared, too.”

“You know the best part?” asked Nick.

“My candy floss gift?” She smirked and dropped the empty cone into a trash can.

“We can love our nieces and nephew, spoil ’em rotten then go home—to our dogs!”

She swerved closer, planting a kiss on his clean-shaven cheek. “I wouldn’t trade our life for anything.”

“It’s the best,” smiled Nick. “I love our home. I love Pretzel and Popcorn. I love watching you write…”

“Really? Why?”

“I love that cute thing you do, pulling up the hood on your hoodie when you’re on a roll.”

She chuckled. “How else will I trap in all my creative ideas?”

“Like I said—too cute!” His gaze didn’t waver as they walked. “How about something that’ll make today even sweeter?”

Evie balked. “Ooh, no we shouldn’t. Remember, Mum made cupcakes!”

“No, this is even better.”

“Coming from the cupcake connoisseur himself? Then this must be good.”

Nick licked his lips. “My production company is optioning your novels for streaming.”

Evie swore her heart stopped. Her feet definitely did. “What the—?” Their hands still tethered, her sudden halt snapped Nick back. Her jaw dropped. “But my agent hasn’t—”

“I asked her not to. I begged her to let me share the news. I had to see your face when you heard.” He brushed her bangs away from her widening eyes.

With the sting of tears rising, Evie clasped his arm tightly. “My god! Nick! I never dreamed my books would—” She laughed and hunched forward, giddy.

“Well, they are! The first three episodes of Tomlinson have netted huge ratings and the streaming services are falling all over themselves, desperate for the next big historical romance, and your books are it, babe. My partner will handle the financial negotiations, so expect a call soon.”

“Wow. This is just…” Evie covered her mouth with her hand.

“The cherry on top?”

She nodded, lost for words.

Nick grinned smugly. “I told ya it was sweet.”

Evie cradled his face in her hands. “Thank you!” She leaned in, kissing him tenderly on the lips. “For doing this for me.”

“Hey, I did nothing. This is all you, Tigs. Your novels are so well researched and written they sold themselves.”