15. Avery #3
“Set against the tempestuous backdrop of 1880s Westhaven, Oregon, this captivating romance novel tells the story of Eliza Matheson, a young woman whose world is turned upside down when she receives a letter bearing the heart-wrenching news of her father’s critical condition.
Racing against time and the relentless storm, Eliza’s journey home is fraught with danger and unexpected encounters. Amidst the chaos, Eliza meets Wyatt…”
Okay, so I changed the names.
“…a mysterious and ruggedly handsome stranger whose enigmatic presence both challenges and entices her. As their paths intertwine, their chemistry ignites, leading to a passionate and forbidden love that defies the societal norms of their time.
Through vividly drawn characters and evocative prose, ‘Seduced by the Storm’ captures the essence of the Wild West, blending heart-pounding action with steamy romance. Eliza and Wyatt’s story is one of resilience, desire, and the unyielding pursuit of love, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
Join Eliza and Wyatt as they navigate a world where danger lurks around every corner, and love is the only beacon in the storm. This novel is a testament to the power of love and the indomitable spirit of two souls destined to be together.”
The audience claps again, and as my eyes scan the crowd, I spot two familiar figures mingling in the back.
Dad. And Jake.
I swallow hard, emotion hitting me unexpectedly.
More applause fills the air as I finally stand, a smile breaking across my face.
Flashbulbs go off, cameras capturing the moment.
Holy fuck. This is it. This is really happening.
Picking up a copy I turn straight to the middle of Chapter Nine.
I take a slow breath, my fingers gripping the book a little too tight. But as I start reading, my voice steadies.
“The forest floor was slick with mud, making every step treacherous. Branches clawed at her dress, tearing at the fabric, but she pressed on, fueled by the image of Wyatt’s face when she’d last seen him. He was in danger, and it was all her fault.
Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, shattering the silence of the night. Eliza’s heart lurched, and she skidded to a halt, her eyes widening in horror. The sound had come from up ahead, near the old mill. Desperation clutched at her as she sprinted towards the source, praying that she wasn’t too late.
As she burst into the clearing, the sight that met her eyes was both devastating and enraging. Wyatt stood with his back to her, facing a group of armed men. His hands were raised in surrender, but his expression was anything but defeated. His eyes were steely, his jaw set with defiance.
‘Eliza, no!’ he shouted as he saw her, his voice tinged with panic.
The men turned, their eyes narrowing as they spotted her. Eliza’s pulse quickened, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had to. She needed to. She couldn’t let them see her fear...”
When I finish, silence hangs in the air for a beat. Then, the crowd erupts into applause.
Okay. That went… way better than expected.
The floor opens for questions, and hands shoot up immediately.
A woman in the front row grins at me. “How did you come up with Wyatt’s character?”
Oh. That’s easy. I just glance to the side, where Gray stands with his arms crossed, watching me with that unreadable look of his.
“I took a lot of inspiration from real life.” I clear my throat, pushing that thought aside before I start blushing like an idiot. “Some things are based on experience, some are things I wish would happen to me, and some I just completely made up.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd.
Another person calls out, “What was the hardest part about writing this book?”
“Getting out of my own head,” I admit. “I second-guessed myself constantly, but once I let go of the idea of perfection, the words just flowed.”
The reporters jot things down and cameras flash every now and then. More questions come, and I answer them all, feeling more and more at ease, actually enjoying this.
Then, with the Q&A wrapped up, the signing starts.
One by one, fans step forward, some clutching their books like they’re holding the Holy Grail.
This is my moment. I’m in my element now, chatting with each person, signing their books with little personalized notes. Some share how much they love the story and others tell me they’ve always wanted to write. A few even ask for advice.
Then Gray’s voice comes. “I have a question.”
I turn around—
OH. MY. GOD. He’s on one knee. HERE? NOW?
There’s a ring. A stunning, absolutely insane ring. The entire bookstore goes silent.
Gray’s voice is steady and firm but there’s something in his eyes—something vulnerable. “Avery Bennett.” His lips twitch into the smallest smile. “Please, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Uh—? My heart does a backflip forgetting how to function for a solid three seconds. That’s how long my brain takes to reboot. Then, the grin breaks across my face. “Absolutely, Mr. Hayes. Absolutely.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, Gray is on his feet and slipping the ring onto my finger before pulling me into his arms and kissing me.
And then—Nothing. Absolute, stunned, pin-drop silence.
No one moves. No one breathes.
Even I am frozen, trying to process the fact that Gray just proposed. To me. Here. In the middle of a damn bookstore.
Then, like a wave crashing over the shore, realization sweeps through the crowd—and the place erupts. Cheers. Applause. Gasps. Someone might have fainted—I don’t know, I can’t focus on anything except the fact that I just agreed to marry the man I have been in love with for so long.
He grins down at me, smug and stupidly handsome, and before I can say anything, I hear it. A tiny voice shrieks, “YES! YES! YES!” And then—impact.
Maddie slams into us at full speed, wrapping her little arms around both of us, bouncing on her toes like she just won the lottery. “You’re getting married!” she squeals. “I knew it!”
Peggy is laughing behind her, dabbing at her eyes, while my gaze darts around the store.
Dad and Jake are just standing there—completely frozen, jaws practically on the floor.
Around us, the bookstore buzzes with energy—gasps, cheers, and a few excited whispers of, “Did that really just happen?”.
I turn back to Gray, my heart still doing cartwheels, and lean in, dropping my voice so only he can hear.
“Thanks for the inspiration, Gray,” I whisper, letting my fingers trail over his tie. “This is definitely the kind of thing that might end up in my next novel.”
His lips curve against mine. “Just make sure he gets a happy ending.”
Oh, he will.
He definitely will.
The end? No… just the beginning!