The bromance zone, p.19
The Bromance Zone,
p.19
My eyes stray to my biceps. The guns are bigger than they were a year ago. But nothing wrong that that. Lots of dudes like fit guys. “Gym equipment doesn’t break your heart.”
“But rock star writers who don’t deliver their next novel break mine,” Nathan says, clutching at his chest. “You don’t want to do that, do you? Or, say, break your contract?”
“You know what the alpha lawyer hero in The Size Principle said—Contracts are made to be broken,” I say, offering a lopsided grin, like that’ll cover up the case of my missing inspiration. “Maybe my next hero should be a detective, a cool-as-a-cucumber private eye, who’ll track down my muse.”
“Art imitates life, so if that’s what it takes . . .” Nathan stands, strides around his desk, looking all sharp in his slacks and his tailored shirt, setting a hand on my shoulder. “Listen, you’ve got a contract and a deadline. There are only so many ways I can do a song and dance for Brooks & Bailey,” he says, gentle this time.
“Yes, I know my publisher has given me three extensions already,” I say plainly, still embarrassed that he had to ask for them.
“This isn’t like you. You popped out books like you were making kettle corn at the farmer’s market back when you were the swinging stud of New York. When you were dating all over town. How hard can it be to start dating again? Especially with those arms,” he says with a wink.
“Romance and me are on a timeout,” I mutter, admitting the sad, stark truth.
He cups his ear. “What’s that? Oh, that’s the sound of the buzzer on your timeout. It’s time to get back in the game, TJ. Get on a dating app. We don’t even have to use Grindr anymore. We can do Tinder. We can do anything. Hell, you can do Boyfriend Material and level all the way up,” he says, and I cringe. “Is that such a bad idea?”
“Do you have any idea what would happen if TJ Hardman was available for any reader or listener to bang? I’d be the talk of social media. Of every gay romance reader group. No way. I can’t just put myself out there on an app.”
Nathan smiles, the nefarious grin that only a true shark of a literary agent can pull out. The man gestures grandly to himself. “Then I shall be your app. Be ready this Friday at eight o’clock for a date at the St. James Theater, home of the Sweeney Todd revival.”
Is he for real? I eye him suspiciously because, of course, that is a very suspicious statement. “You’re married to a Tony-winning actor. The lead in that show. I’m not going out with you to see your husband.”
“Happily married, I might add, and Tremaine is fabulous in Sondheim. But I also work at a talent agency that reps writers, directors and actors. That means, King TJ, you can just think of me as your dating app, since we’ve got someone for you.”
Shark? He’s more like a bionic shark descended from Neptune himself and crossbred with a fire-breathing dragon of the sea. “We’ve? Who the hell is we?”
He taps his chest. “Raphael and moi.”
“Raphael, the agent down the hall who reps actors and movie stars?”
He points at me like I’ve won a prize on a game show. “Give this man a cookie!”
I groan. “What are you and Raphael cooking up?”
The wicked glee spreads to Nathan’s irises. “Does the name Jude Fox ring a bell?”
It rings all the bells. Namely, the chimes from eight years ago when I met Jude in London.
But why the hell is Nathan is bringing up Jude? “Yes, I saw If Found Please Return at the arthouse cinema a couple months ago,” I say, since I don’t need to let on I’ve seen Jude up close and personal too.
“He was fantastic in that flick. And he’s been nommed for an award.” Nathan grins diabolically. He might as well twirl a handlebar mustache.
“All right. No more monologuing like a villain revealing how he did it. Just gimme the deets,” I say.
Nathan points at me. “You need some inspiration in the form of dating, and guess what? Jude needs something too.”
Yup. Called it. Bionic Shark with Evil Genius Brain. “Let me guess. He needs a . . .” I make a rolling gesture with my hand as I wait for Nathan to finish the connect-the-dots game he’s playing.
“Jude needs a very appropriate fake boyfriend. And his agent and I have chosen you.”
Wait a hot second. I take umbrage at one thing. “How the hell am I appropriate? That doesn’t sound like a compliment.”
“It is, TJ. You’re America’s Sweet and Hot Romance Writer. You’re the perfect antidote to his last beau. And listen, the way I see things is you can either keep not writing your book, or you can go on some dates and find some inspiration again, and write the book that everyone’s waiting for you to pen.” He takes a deep inhale, sounding wholly satisfied. “Which option sounds more appealing? Door number one or door number two?”
That’s an excellent question.
But I’m choosing door number three. “Getting my balls waxed by a first-timer at a shady clinic with one-star reviews,” I say.
Nathan doesn’t blink. “And I imagine that’s how Brooks & Bailey feels every time you don’t deliver your book.” He gestures to his phone, waving airily at it. “If you have a better suggestion, I’m all ears. If not, let me know what I should tell Raphael.”
That Jude should have shown up for our date eight years ago.
That he’s only gotten better-looking over the years.
That I have no interest in fake dating a former fling.
And yet . . . the clock doesn’t stop ticking on my deadline.
I meet Nathan’s stare head on. “Friday at eight works for me. I’ll meet him at the St. James Theater.”
Nathan grins, returns to his desk, and sits down. “Great. And I think you’ll find it more enjoyable than scrotal depilation. But hey, that’s ultimately for you to decide. And since we should probably hash out some of the details before you make your dating debut, I’ve conveniently arranged a little coffee date for you in thirty minutes time.”
Sharks have nothing on my agent.
* * *
Find out what happens next in HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC!
* * *
Interested in Grant and Declan’s romance? Their epic, passionate love story unfolds first in the forbidden romance SCORING WITH HIM, the first of three full-length novels in the Men of Summer series. Holden’s romance with Reese is available in The Virgin Game Plan.
Don’t forget! I’ll be releasing a never-seen-before MM standalone romance for free in about a week! Sign up for my MM mailing list to be the first to know when it’s available!
* * *
And now, as promised, I’m thrilled to share your bonus story for preordering this book! Here is Toby’s flirty, fun romance, Doctor Good In Bed! This will only be available till November 4!
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Lauren Blakely, The Bromance Zone
