Asher and I waved as we crossed the stage. Before descending the stairs and racing out the door toward the private room while things got organized for the next part, we gave the audience one last intimate moment to cling to—a sensual kiss that grew a little more intense than we’d planned. There may have been tongues involved, and Asher slid his hands down to my ass during it all, yanking me against his body. No one cared. They roared with catcalls and applause, egging us on. Our truth was protected behind the façade of Ender and Elliot.

By the time we left the stage, my ears were ringing from all the noise. In the private room, Charlotte was relaxing with a few other crew members from her team on the couches.

“How’d it go?” she asked, jumping up to greet us when we barreled into the room, Sergio, Blondie, and Jay on our tails.

“The crowd loved them,” Jay answered. “And the exit kiss was priceless.”

Charlotte beamed and hugged us both tight. “I knew they would. I’m so glad I found you two.”

“Once we get word, we’ll shuffle you into the meet and greet area. There is a white screen set up where we’ll have the pictures taken. We’ll do all we can to keep it moving along so you don’t get overrun or exhausted.”

Asher still gripped my hand, standing close. “We’re ready when you guys are.”

The thrill and excitement had my blood pumping. Adrenaline flowed through my veins. It was a heady feeling being the center of attention like this. Asher was feeling it too if the smile and shimmer in his eyes said anything.

Fifteen minutes passed before Sergio and Blondie escorted us to another room for the meet and greet. There was a line weaving from one end to the other and straight out the double doors at the rear of the space. My eyes popped.

There were squeals when we entered, but we didn’t get mobbed since the eager readers were being held back by line markers and about eight men in black. Security had everything contained and organized. Asher and I stood by the white background and met people one at a time or in small groups of friends. We shook hands, distributed hugs, and took many pictures.

The fans were ushered through at a rapid rate. No one was allowed to linger long.

As we grew more comfortable, we hammed it up for the camera, getting into character, being lovey-dovey like Ender and Elliot would, or fulfilling people’s strange requests. One lady wanted Asher to toss me over his shoulder and pretend to carry me off while she held my hand, acting like she was trying to get me to stay. It was all very dramatic, but tons of fun.