‘We have the evening party. Maybe we can use that to repair some of the damage, and tomorrow, there’s your reader session… You know what I think, though? I think you need to be honest. And tell everyone why you said those things. I saw your face back in that room,’ I said, looking up at him and returning his piercing gaze. ‘You were nervous to start with. And when Davis Mulberry said what he said, you were angry and hurt. I don’t believe you’d have spent years writing romance novels that have made me swoon if you didn’t enjoy doing it.’ I took a breath, talking so fast that even I needed to pause for a moment. ‘So, why did you say those things about romance?’ I continued as Jake watched me. ‘It can’t have been just to shut Davis up or you would admit that. There is another reason. And you don’t have to tell me, but I think if you don’t share it, then Hayley might be right about you not getting another book deal. And yes, you could self-publish but you’ve turned even your biggest fans against you now so would they even want to read it? The question then is – are you willing to tell the truth?’

Jake sighed. ‘I don’t think I can, Freya.’

Disappointment made my chest sag. ‘Then I think it might all be over.’

And I knew it wouldn’t just be over for him, but for me too. Hayley wasn’t going to keep me on as her assistant after this and no one else would want me working with authors. My dream felt the furthest away it ever had done. ‘Maybe I’ll see you at the party. We might as well drown our sorrows while we’re still here…’ I left him then, walking away and feeling his eyes on my back.

I guessed my original impression of him had been right.

There wasn’t any heart underneath that cool exterior of his after all.

* * *

I sent Hayley an email when I got back to my room to say our call had had a bad connection and I was sorry that I’d failed her. I said I would try to repair things but I knew it was unlikely that was possible. All I could do was hope for a miracle before I had to fly home and face her again. She didn’t reply and I knew that was a sign that she had no faith the damage could be undone. I was in no mood to party but it would be a chance to see what the conference was saying about what happened during the panel and if I was honest, I badly needed some alcohol. So, I got ready for the evening drinks.