"Ah, yes, the gorgeous cover model. Alec, how has your life changed since you posed for this shot? I can imagine you're in high demand. I'm sure viewers in my age bracket can't help thinking of the popular cover model Fabio," she said, clutching her chest dramatically. The audience burst into laughter again as she continued. "I have to say, you put Fabio to shame," she added as the Wicked Lovely cover appeared on a giant screen behind us. The audience hooted with glee.
Alec's eyes moved to mine as he slid his arm around me. "The biggest change in my life is I managed to get the girl. I guess you could say that cover made my dreams come true too."
Lisa practically swooned as the entire audience let out a collective "ah." Lisa regained her composure quickly, tapping the book. "So, this led to a brand-new love story?"
Alec and I both nodded. "I guess you could say it was love at first sight," I teased.
"Oh, that's a love story I'd love to read. Any plans to turn it into a book?"
"What happens under the cover … stays under the cover," Alec drawled.
Lisa laughed at the play on words. "No, that story belongs to us," I clarified, lacing my fingers through Alec's. "But I may weave certain parts of our love story into something I write in the future," I said deviously, making Alec hide a chuckle with a cough.
Lisa laughed brightly. "That's all we can ask for. So, what's up next for N.S. Blake?"
I debated her question for a minute. It was hard to pick one thing. Wicked Lonely, the next book in the series, was finished, but I couldn't mention it since we were currently in negotiations with one of the major publishers. They were excited about the series and Jillian, my new agent, suspected I would be signing a deal soon. I could mention the next series I planned to write, but that was in the beginning stages. Maybe the right answer would be to mention what was next for Alec and me since we were both here. But I wasn't sure I wanted to share any more of our story. I liked that it belonged only to us.
I laughed again. "Lots of exciting things," I finally answered, squeezing Alec's hand.
Lisa nodded, seeming satisfied. "I want to encourage everyone watching to pick up Wicked Lovely. Ladies, you'll thank me," she said, holding up the book again. "Everyone in our audience today will, of course, be taking home a copy. Alec and Nicole, thank you for joining us here on the morning wake-up show. We wish you future success on not only your written love stories, but also your unwritten love story."
"Thank you for having us," I answered.
Lisa shook our hands after the cameras went off for another commercial break. She asked me to sign the book, and I promised her an advanced copy of Wicked Lonely when it was ready.
We waited around until after the show ended to sign the copies the studio audience had received. As we left the building, Alec slid his arm around me and I snuggled into his embrace that felt so right.
I had told Lisa during the interview that I would never pen the Alec and Nicole love story, but honestly, it would probably make a pretty decent read. We had everything a good romance story needed—a rocky beginning, a slow build to a budding relationship, several hurdles to overcome, and finally, a happily ever after. So, yeah, maybe one day I would sit down and put something together. I even knew what I would call it. After seeming like we were wrong for each other, as an author, only one title felt appropriate. The Write Stuff.