Treasured Submission Read Free

concerned about disappointing this Sam person. "Certainly, Miss Pierce. I'm always interested in increasing one's sphere of experience. Oh, that is, assuming that you are new to this genre?" It absolutely amazed him that though she had been blushing since the moment she realized she had brought the wrong book, her face turned an even deeper shade of red. His interest grew when she took another deep breath and met his eyes, her determination not to make the scene even more embarrassing evident in the depths of her startling emerald colored eyes.
    "I never turn down a chance for education, Mr. Koonig, no matter if I have any prior knowledge of the subject or not," Abby said, with a bravado that she hoped no one would be able to see through—especially not the man who seemed able to freeze her in place with just his eyes.
    Dean gave her a nod. "That's admirable. May I see your invitation again?" Her eyes showed her confusion at his request but she once again produced the card. Flipping it over and plucking a pen from his shirt pocket, Dean extended it to her. "You'll need to read and sign the card if you wish to remain." Her look told him that she'd never heard of any such requirement, but she took the pen. As she started to scrawl her signature, he stopped her. "No, you need to actually read what you are signing, Miss Pierce. It is a legal document, after all."
    Lifting her eyes from the card, she saw the seriousness in his. Glancing around the room again, she saw that everyone still had their attention focused on what was happening. Hating having the spotlight turned on her, Abby picked up the card and began to read the small print. By the time she had finished, she was even more confused. "This is a non-disclosure agreement?" At his nod, she continued. "Wow, you must really think your book is special if you need an NDA. Does it hold that many secrets that you fear common book lovers will be rushing out to attempt to sell your ideas?" Though she was teasing, in an attempt to disguise her unease, she immediately wished she could take the words back at the look in his eyes.
    "Miss Pierce, the card protects not only my work and the personal lives of my volunteers, but also serves as protection to Keith as the owner of this bookstore. Since you are a friend of his, I'm sure you don't wish to put him into an uncomfortable position." He paused as he watched the feigned amusement slide from her face, a blush taking its place. Gentling his tone, he continued. "It also serves to protect your identity as well. Perhaps you'd like to reconsider staying?"
    Abigail felt shame course through her. He was obviously very serious and she felt like an inconsiderate jerk. Not only had she been late, she had been totally unprepared and disrespectful of a man who she had assumed was one of Keith's employees. A man who obviously took his work seriously, and was even now keeping the others waiting while he made sure she would be comfortable staying. Quickly rereading the card, she signed her name on the bottom, passing both it and his pen back to him.
    "Thank you. If you become uncomfortable at any point, I will understand if you decide to leave. You may ask Keith to unlock the door." He was rewarded with her nod even as her lips compressed, as if to say she wouldn't leave if a dozen scary zombies wielding paddles and hairbrushes suddenly appeared from nowhere. Turning away, he grinned. It would indeed be very interesting to see how long the feisty woman was able to maintain her outward appearance of unconcern. His smile widened as he thought about the difference between his work and that of Dean Koontz—she might like horror stories, but could she handle what he instinctively knew she would discover to be a somewhat scary reality practiced by a great deal of people?
    Abigail listened for the next hour as Dean discussed his book, her heart pounding as he described the role of a man and a woman in a traditional relationship and how it was the man's