Imagine That by Kristin Wallace

diminished due to the real fear she might try her own special brand of rehabilitation again.
    â€œHello,” Emily said, pinning a bright smile on her face.
    A knowing grin appeared and Addison held up her hands. “I promise, you’ll get no lectures from me tonight. Julia spent the entire lunch berating me for pouncing on you. I’m sorry. I’d forgotten I didn’t always take kindly to unwanted advice when I was wallowing in my own misfortunes.”
    Tension seeped from her shoulders, and Emily smiled for real. “It’s all right.” She directed her attention to the gorgeous man standing at Addison’s side. He had wheat-colored hair, startling green eyes, and a smile that made women sit up straighter and bat their eyelashes.
    â€œEthan Thomas, the man who currently puts up with me,” Addison said, looping her arm through his. “The kid playing hide and seek in the bookshelves is my stepson, and these lovely young ladies are Ethan’s nieces.”
    Emily took his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ethan.”
    â€œMy nieces have been raving about your book signing for days,” he said.
    â€œThey’re sweet.”
    Addison glanced over her shoulder. “We’re holding up the line. I’ll talk to you later.”
    â€œOkay.”
    Emily watched the couple retreat and then turned back to greet her next customer. Her gaze landed on a faded brown T-shirt, molded over sigh worthy male pecs. She dragged her eyes up, past the sharp chin and angular nose to the gray pools of mist. She couldn’t stop the quick indrawn breath of feminine appreciation.
    â€œNate…”
    She’d known he was here. Shoot, Emily had almost tripped over her feet when she’d seen him standing at the back of the room. She’d been hyper aware of him all night, but once the book signing started, she’d lost track of him. Now here he stood in front of her.
    He cleared his throat and then held out a copy of Kingdom of Dreams .
    â€œYou’re actually buying my book?” she asked in surprise.
    â€œI wanted to know what my brother is talking about. Besides, I’m curious to find out why everyone thinks this warrior fairy princess of yours is so great.”
    Emily took the book.
    Here ’ s hoping you fall under the spell of Grisela. E.J.
    She handed the copy back. He glanced down, and his brows pulled together as he sorted out the words. She knew the moment he did because his chest expanded as if he’d gotten a shock. His gaze flew up then drifted along her bare shoulders and — briefly — down. Her stomach clenched, and she wondered for a startled moment if she might combust right here in the bookstore.
    â€œI think I’m more interested in Grisela’s creator—” He stopped himself, puffed out his cheeks, and then let out a gust of air. He shook his head, as if to clear all romantic urges, and coughed into his hand. “You must be proud. Having so many people come out.”
    So, they were going to play like nothing had happened. Like they weren’t both singed. Fine. “Yes, it’s an ego boost, but lots of pressure, especially now that this—” She pointed a finger to her head, put-em-up style. “Refuses to cooperate.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    So was she, but short of getting a new brain like Scarecrow, she didn’t see a way out of her predicament. “Yeah.”
    Someone jostled Nate from behind, and he stepped aside. “Your public waits. See you around.”
    A little bit of color left with him, and Emily fought back irrational disappointment. Stupid really, the urge to chase after him. Very stupid.
    Finally, the long line diminished, and Emily signed the last book. She flexed her wrist, trying to ease the cramping.
    â€œOccupational hazard?” Julia Richardson asked, regarding her with an expression of sympathy and amusement.
    Emily grimaced as she stretched each finger one