Choosing how to love.

A real author!

MADDY

"Ready?" Craig held Maddy's hand as they got out of the car. "No." "Tough. You got this." He winked, then kissed her lips softly before leading her to the front of the building where Holton was waiting.

"Craig, Madilyn. Are you ready to make all your dreams come true?" Holton smiled at her and she tried to smile, but her stomach was doing somersaults.

"She's nervous." Craig laughed as he let her hand go and Maddy walked into Holton's arms for a hug. And she was thankful for it because it was just what she needed.

"Just be you, they will love you." "I hope they do." "They will." His warmth gave her strength and she quickly moved away and straightened her dress, trying to ignore what she felt. Then she took Craig's hand back, and he squeezed. She was not going to look back up at Holton though, because she knew those dark eyes were staring at her. She felt it.

"Let's go before I throw up or run." She smiled, finally looking at Holton, and sure enough, he was watching her, but with a soft caring smile. "No need for either, you will be fine. Now, go." Holton pulled open the doors, and Craig ushered her through.

And as she walked through the large glass doors at Red Spine Publishing, she was amazed that she really was here, and this might just happen.

HOLTON

"Holton, nice to see you again." The receptionist blushed. "Ms. Blair." Holton winked at her and she giggled. "Mr. Schultz will meet you in the conference room. Please follow me." She stood and brushed her hand against Holton's before looking away shyly. Another day sweetheart, he thought.

Holton held out his hand and let Madilyn go next, followed by Craig and then he walked through, making sure to give Lisa a wink on this way in. After offering them coffee and water, Lisa left them at the large table and closed the door.

Holton could sense Madilyn's unease, and it made him stand and pace. He could not sit and comfort her, because he needed to be clear headed and make sure no one took advantage of her. He glanced at her and she was whispering something to Craig, then looked up, meeting his eyes and gave him the sweetest smile. The one that made his knees go weak.

Just then the doors opened, causing her to look away, and he almost growled loudly. "Nick, Linda." Holton walked over and shook their hands, ignoring the warmth in his chest from that smile.

"Holton, good to see you." Nick nodded and Linda gave him a bright smile. "Nick Schultz, this is Madilyn Snyder and you remember Craig." "Craig Miller. Wow, it's been what 15 years?" Nick shook Craig's hand. "It has." They chatted for a minute and Holton watched as Madilyn waited patiently. She held her head up high and did not fidget. She had this.

"Ms. Snyder, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Nick held out his hand to her. "And you as well Mr. Schultz." "Please, call me Nick. Now, why don't we see what we can do for each other." Nick asked everyone to sit and Linda laid down a packet of paper in front of Madilyn.

"Ms. Snyder, I have already had the pleasure of seeing your work, and it is impressive." "Please, call me Maddy, and thank you." Holton noticed her give him a sideways glance and he smiled back at her, hoping she was no longer mad at him.

"Besides your impressive writing and illustrations, Holton has also told us quite a bit about you." "He has?" She looked at Nick, then at Holton again, and he realized he was a little embarrassed.

"No need to go through all that." Holton cleared his throat, and this time Craig shot him a look. "If I wasn't already sold on your work, I was sold on the speech he gave us Saturday." Nick laughed and again, she gave Holton another look, and this time, he shrugged.