Cherished (Adam & Ella) (12 page)

“No, it was my fault. Are you okay?”

He spoke perfect English, but with an accent that was notable. “New York?” she asked.

“New Jersey.” He smiled, showing perfect white teeth, and held out his hand to shake hers. “Mr. Leon Wallace,” he said.

“Hello, Mr. Wallace. It’s nice to meet another American. I’m Ella Walker.”

“I thought it might be you. I missed you yesterday. My associate said you stopped by, and I wanted to speak with you briefly.”

“How do you know me?” Ella asked, seeing
Nico visible behind Mr. Wallace, observing the entire interaction.

“He pointed you out just now. It seems he checked out your blog and read the teaser on your book. It’s difficult to say at this early stage, but we’d be interesting in seeing the manuscript.”

Ella looked past him, but didn’t immediately spot anyone she recognized. “Should I speak with him?”

“You could, but he’s off to moderate a presentation. And we are just the initial contact. One of our editors happens to be here in Rio with us, and he’d like to meet with you.”

“I’m free right now,” Ella said, probably more enthusiastically than she should have. It would be better to stay reserved. But, just the idea that an editor wanted to take a closer look at her book was inspiring.

“Oh, not now.
All this noise is a distraction.”

“At your office?”

“Well, our firm is in New York, and we are just here for the festival. In fact, after tomorrow we are going home. But Graham Allen, the editor, has reserved a conference room at the hotel to meet with prospective authors. We could arrange an appointment for tomorrow afternoon, say two o’clock?”

Ella thought surely she was dreaming. Although she’d hoped for interest in her book, she didn’t consider how that would take shape. Having a private meeting with the editor must be good. “Of course, where shall I come?”

He handed her a business card. “Villan Mays Publishing” with a New York address was imprinted on the front. “Leon Wallace,” the name of the hotel, and a phone number were written on the back. “That’s my cell phone. If you have a change in plans, please give me a call. And do call me directly. We have a large staff, and I am in charge of booking appointments for Mr. Allen.”

“Certainly.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Walker,” he said with a slight bow. “I’ll look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.” The man turned and walked away, leaving Ella stunned.

Ella was too excited to stay at the book festival. Her head was spinning, and she asked Nico to take her home. On the way, she told him briefly about the conversation with Leon Wallace, and he nodded, not saying much. Standing only a few feet away, he’d witnessed the conversation, although was unable to hear what was being said.

As soon as she was home, Ella went to the computer and looked up
Villan Mays Publishing. The website verified the company’s main office was in New York. Clicking around the site, she learned a bit more about them. It would pay to be knowledgeable about the publisher she hoped would agree to market her romance. Many publishers from around the world attended the Brazilian Bookfest, and she was so glad Villan Mays was one of them.

Adam was taking her to dinner, and she texted him to see if he could arrive earlier for drinks. She couldn’t wait to tell him the news. He was wrapping up a meeting, and would meet her at Bar
Urca. She changed out of the suit, and put on her one-shoulder lavender mesh dress. It wrapped around at the bodice and hips, stopping mid-thigh. A strip of the mesh across the ribs and belly was translucent, a sensual touch. She was hooked on the nightlife in Rio, and had accumulated dresses to wear to clubs.

Adding a silver pendant necklace and clipping her hair on one side, dressed up the outfit. Ella intensified her makeup, making it more dramatic for the dark lights of the bar. Slipping on her silver heels, she was ready.
Nico had the car door open when she walked out to the garage. On the way, she tossed around different ideas about how to deal with the publisher.

It would be wise to hire an attorney to go over the contract. It was possible they’d want her to make some changes to the book; she’d read that was common. Ella was looking forward to talking with the editor to see what he’d liked about the story well enough to want to read the manuscript. She hoped to get a better idea of how they would market it.

Arriving before Adam, she chose a table by the window and looked out at the ocean view. The mid-afternoon sun gleamed across the glassy water, dotted with several boats of varying types and sizes. In the far distance she saw mountains, and nearer was tree-covered Urca Mountain. It was a beautiful day in Rio and her spirits soared. The prospect of her book in the hands of readers, and selling well, was within her grasp.

Sipping a cool beer, she waited, anxious to tell Adam everything. As soon as she saw him enter the dining room, she held up her hand so he’d see her. The greeter escorted him to the table. He wore trim slacks and a light brown polo shirt, fitted over his muscled chest, the sleeves accenting his strong biceps. Golden, and deliciously messy, his thick hair was seductive. Imagining fisting her hands in it and kissing his perfect lips, she smiled.

Suits were not in his wardrobe, no matter who he met with. Ella had only seen him dressed up once, and that was at the formal affair where he wore the super-sexy tuxedo. He’d explained to her that since he was the tech guy, he could get away with casual dress, leaving the suit-and-tie look to his managers. Good thing, because he’d probably show up dressed comfortably anyway. That was just Adam.

“Amore
mia,” he said, leaning over and placing his palm on her cheek. Tipping her head up, he kissed her lips, and a wonderful sensation radiated through her. Adam always had that effect on her.

Sitting across from her, he asked, “What are you drinking?”

“This is Belgian beer; I saw it on the menu. I had it once when I was with Kaiyla and Steve. He’d recommended it and I remembered it was good.”

“I’ll have the same,” Adam said, pointing toward her beer, and the waiter nodded. “You look gorgeous. That dress is something else. Don’t stand up, or you’ll have the whole place staring at you.”

The natural light from the window was flattering, and Adam looked like he’d just come in from the beach, sun-kissed and heart-wrenchingly handsome. He reached across and took her hand in his. “So, how did it go today?”

“Better than I could have expected.
I’m so excited!”

“Yes? Someone is interested in your book?”

“Yes, a publisher in New York, Villan Mays. It might really happen, Adam. After all the query letters I’ve sent to no avail, I might have found a publisher.”

“You have sent a lot of letters to publishers.” Adam smiled. “That is very good news. I’ve heard of
Villan Mays. They are very large, and publish a lot of romance novels, don’t they?”

“They do. I looked up their website, and was impressed. I don’t know for sure that they’d take me. But just the idea that they are looking is encouraging. After the rejection letters I’ve been receiving lately, I was beginning to think that I’d never see the book published. But now, it looks like it might be.”

“Tell me everything.”

“Well, I had just arrived this morning when I was approached by Leon Wallace.”

“He approached you?” Adam furrowed his brow.

“Yes, he did, but I’d been by the day before. They have an exhibitor booth. You know I was leaving my card everywhere. I hardly kept track of all the people I met. Anyway, he saw me at another table, and when I turned, there he was.”

“Hmm, interesting.”

“Well, my card was passed along I guess, and when the editor, Graham Allen, checked out my book description, he liked it enough to ask for the full manuscript.”

“You spoke to Mr. Allen?”

“Oh, no.
Not yet. But I have an appointment, tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yes, they are only here for another day, I guess. I’d meet at their office if we were in New York. But Mr. Wallace said they’ve arranged a temporary conference room at their hotel to meet privately with authors. My appointment is tomorrow morning.”

“Where?”

“The International.”

“Downtown?”

“Yes. Nico knows and he will drive me.”

“I should go with you,” Adam said.

Ella squeezed his hand. “I knew you’d be happy for me. But you can’t go.”

“Why not?”

“I’m meeting the editor. As the author, I’ll be discussing the novel and hope to work out a business deal. If my boyfriend were sitting next to me, it would just be weird.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

Adam looked at her, his expression conveying concern.

“I’ll be fine. I know you’ve made many business deals, and I have zero experience. But I have to start somewhere. This is my career. You can’t babysit me.”

“Oh, that’s why.” Adam grinned.

“Yes, that’s why,” Ella said. “I’ll call you the second I get out. Promise.”

“Okay, but on one condition.”

“What?”

“That if you need me while you are in negotiations that you step out and call me. I’ll be available, so don’t hesitate.”

“I will. But, the editor may have to read my manuscript first, so we may not get as far as negotiating a contract. However, if I get stuck, I’ll take a break and call you. Satisfied?”

“For now,” Adam said.

Ella enjoyed the evening with Adam. The fish croquettes were delicious. And after dinner, he took her dancing at a local club. The mesh dress seduced Adam, and he could hardly keep his hands off her. Loving his touch and amorous looks, she felt so lucky to have him. His attention almost made her forget about the meeting the next morning. Almost.

*****

Even after the late night, Ella woke energetic and ready to start the day. The meeting might be the start of her career, if things went well. Dressing in a pale cream suit and powder-blue blouse, she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Excitement mixed with nerves made her stomach flutter, so she skipped breakfast, opting for coffee only. One final look in the mirror met with her approval.

“I’d publish your book,” Adam said with his arms around her waist. “You are ravishing.”

“I’m not supposed to be ravishing. I’m supposed to look like a professional author.”

He leaned down to kiss her, and the urge to just stay home with him and forget the whole thing, was strong.

“Nervous?”

“A little,” Ella admitted. “I’ll be better once I get there. Looking forward to it is the worst part.”

“I imagine so. You’ll do great. Remember…”

“Yes, I know. Call if I need you.” Ella smiled and kissed Adam softly on the lips.

Putting her leather bag over her shoulder, she smiled again. “It’s going to be great, I know it.”

Yet on the way to the car, doubts loomed. She couldn’t put her finger on it. The gloom that settled in her gut was unfamiliar. Possibly it was lack of confidence. It would be ideal if
Villan Mays published for her. However, it seemed like an impossibly high goal to achieve, despite her appointment with the editor. If they turned her down, she’d be crushed. She knew it. The ugly feeling wouldn’t go, and the knot in her stomach tightened as the car pulled out of the garage.

To take her mind off worrying, Ella thought of her romance. It was a great story, very emotional, with many unexpected twists and turns. All the angst was sure to be popular with romance readers. She just hoped the editor wouldn’t want to change it too much. That would be hard. The story seemed so tightly woven. Changing parts of it might ruin the whole thing. Maybe they’d take it as-is. That would be the best.

The hotel loomed above as Nico pulled into the circular drive outside the lobby. The valet opened Ella’s door and helped her out. She felt a little better. Just being at the hotel gave her relief. It was the waiting she couldn’t handle. At least she’d arrived, and would soon be face to face with Graham Allen. She’d never met with an editor before, and wondered what he would be like. Friendly, she hoped, since she was nervous enough.

Beside her,
Nico nodded when she looked his way. He was always so stoic and unemotional. Yet, she thought she saw his eyes soften, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a half-smile. She smiled back, conveying pleasure she didn’t feel. In the elevator, her stomach clenched and she felt weak. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to boost her confidence. Unsuccessfully.

There was no denying she was timid about meeting the editor of a huge publishing firm. Feeling small and insignificant, she walked next to
Nico, a little closer than usual, down the hall to the conference room. That feeling of gloom nagged at her. She was unable to brush it aside, and dreaded facing Graham Allen, knowing she might faint and embarrass herself completely. On shaky legs, she stood in front of door, reading the room number.

“This is it,” she said, feeling like her life was over.
I’m being ridiculous
, she thought.
It’s just a meeting. That’s all. They are just people.
Ella felt only slightly better, as it didn’t seem like they were just people. They were very important people, especially Graham, who held her future in his hands. Or so it felt right then.

“I’ll go in and check it out,”
Nico said. Ella knew he meant he’d check to be sure everything was secure before leaving her alone in the room with them and waiting outside.

“Sure.” She opened the door, and was relieved to see a familiar face.

Leon Wallace stood up and walked over. “Ms. Walker. Right on time.”

Ella shook his hand, and said, “This is
Nico, my bodyguard. He is making sure everything is safe.” She shrugged it off, feeling awkward having a guard scope out the room.

“Of course,” Leon said with a bright smile. “I will be speaking with you first, if that’s all right.”

“That will be fine,” Ella said, looking over at Nico. He’d scanned the room for anything dangerous. There were no phones that could harbor bugs, and the room was pretty spare anyway, being a temporary meeting location. There was a small table in the corner with water and coffee and a few chairs. Nico nodded at them, and said, “I’ll be just outside.”

Ella turned to face Leon, and he indicated a chair. “Please, have a seat, Ms. Walker.”

“You can call me Ella.”

She sat and crossed her legs, holding her bag on her lap. The leather satchel provided some false sense of security. Besides, she didn’t want to set it on the floor—bad luck with money and all, the Brazilian superstition.

Leon sat across from her, holding a leather portfolio. In his suit and tie, he looked authoritative and the situation felt intimidating, as if Ella were there for a job interview. A job her life depended on—that was how it felt. He looked up at her, and she breathed deeply.
Okay, now it starts
, she thought. Under the bag, she crossed her fingers, a childish way to invoke luck—but in her irrational state of mind, it seemed to help.