“Well, if he was already calling you the most gorgeous woman he’s ever seen yesterday, I’m sure he’ll love the way you look today. I gotta tell you, Alina, I love this for you. I’m so glad to see you vibing like this after the way Vance treated you. You deserve it, girl.”

“Aww, thanks, Juliana,” I say, spinning around to throw my arm over her shoulder. “It’s all so surreal, and you know I only have you to thank for this. You got us those tickets, and if you hadn’t, I never would’ve met Nathan to begin with.”

“Well, you’re welcome,” she says with an exaggerated smile. “Now, tell me what your plans are for tonight. Are you thinking about trying to get lucky with Mr. BDSM himself?”

“Oh, my god, I can’t even think about that,” I say as I leave the mirror and head into the living room. Juliana follows me and we sit down on my couch to wait for Nathan to arrive.

“You better be thinking about it,” Juliana exclaims. “I know you’re in love with his books, but don’t forget that this guy is practically a celebrity. He probably travels a lot, and he already admitted he’s been single since his last book came out. He’s busy, which means he probably isn’t trying to settle down, and if he doesn’t wanna settle down, that means he wants to fuck.”

I twist my lips together as the memory of the meet and greet comes back to me. “Well, he did say we should talk after I told him his books made me feel like I was supposed to be into BDSM.”

“Exactly. Once he knew you were down to get kinky, he asked you out. So, maybe you need to ask yourself what you’re willing to get into if he tries to take it there.”

“Damn, you might be right.”

“Of course I am.”

“What would you do if you were me?”

“Me? Oh, I’m definitely fucking,” Juliana answers, and both of us laugh. “I’m serious. That man is beautiful, and after a breakup, it’s okay to have some fun. Get yours, girl. Plus, if those books are any indication, he’s just the guy you need to scratch that kinky itch of yours.”

“Well, you’re right about that,” I say, leaning back on the couch. “I’d be crazy to think something serious will come of this. I know his life has to be hectic, and even though he only lives twenty minutes outside of Dover in Smyrna, he’s probably never at home for long anyway. So, if he wants to introduce me to all the kink that’s out there, I’m willing to check it out. He can be my real life book boyfriend if he wants to.”