Without A Trace: Inside The Lines Part 19

I think about it a moment. "We both stink at cleaning our apartment."

He laughs, a deep, resonant sound that I want to lean into. "I daresay that won't be an issue when you make it big. You can hire someone to do that."

"I have it on my list as the first thing to do when we can afford it."

When we're finished, we both are slow to leave, so we set a relaxing pace back to his apartment.

"Where would you live if you could live anywhere?"

"Austin, Texas," I say without hesitation.

He glances down at me. "I'm betting that's home for you both? That accent is definitely not from the East Coast.

"Born and raised."

"Why didn't you go home after college? Why stay here?"

I can't tell him my real reason, so I come up with the next best answer, which is also largely true. "Noah wanted to stay," I say simply. "There was no way he could afford it on his own, and we had the idea for Elementary, so it made sense at the time."

He nods, but the way his gaze meets mine as we near his building, he seems to know that's not the whole answer. "Well, I'm glad you did. It looks like my birthday party is going to be amazing."

"It will be. No one's seen this mystery yet, so you're the very first one. And it's the best one I've written yet." All the actors told me when they read it that I'd outdone myself, and secretly, I agreed.

At his door, he glances from the entrance to me. "Would you like to come in for coffee?"

I can't get to my watch between my sweater, coat, and gloves, but I know it's getting late. "I should probably be getting back."

He nods, looking away. Then he meets my eyes with a charming grin. "I just got a new coffee maker from my aunt in Italy. I'm told it's one of the best in the world. You might regret missing out on experiencing a cup."

A shy laugh escapes me, and I hear myself say, "I wouldn't want that."

"Neither would I," he agrees and holds the door.

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Acknowledgements.

Things happen for a reason, and while I had no plan for this book as I looked out at my writing career, now that it's finished, I'm quite in love with it. It's the product of an unexpected and thankfully short-lived collaboration, but the result of which reminds me why I write: you never know what will come of it.

As every author owes their success to those that came before them, I can only stand in the shadows of the many authors who've shaped my writing over the years. There's too many to name, too many t.i.tles that are lost from memory...but those words affected who I am as an artist, and I'm forever grateful.

This story came about because of my determination to write it, but it's in your hands because of the unflappable Patricia D. Eddy, author and editor, who helped me polish this book baby until she shone. Audrey Maddox, my fearless and incredibly supportive friend, proofread this book so I could rest a.s.sured that we'd caught as many typos as possible-no book is ever perfect. But we certainly tried.

Jane, my first reader: you rock, lady. Thank you for threatening to smack people around for me. You are truly a kicka.s.s woman.

Shari Ryan has been my constant companion in learning the finer elements of Photoshop, and while I designed this cover, she cheered me on.

To my early readers, thanks so much for reminding me that I have a gift. You are the best Sooper Sekrit readers ever!

And to my friends whose words long to see the light: hang in there. Your time will come.

My beauteous partner-in-crime and life, William D. Prystauk, thanks for your faith in me. You're the best.

Ally Bishop, Author.

When you do something effortlessly and people commend you continuously, you have found your gift.

That's what I tell people all the time. And it's true.

I get story. I always have. I started writing when I was 8 on a Smith Corona (the electronic kind - I'm not THAT old). I wrote stories in every spiral notebook I had. Eventually, I graduated to a Mac (yes, I'm one of THOSE people). I imagined new worlds, emotional conflicts, and HEAs while I waited at stoplights or wandered the grocery store. But here's the thing: I didn't just dream it up and write it down - I critiqued what I read. I knew when ideas were good, and when they stunk. I ran writing groups, judged creative contests, and eventually got two graduate degrees in writing. That's right: I love it that much.

So here I am, years later, writing kicka.s.s heroines and devastating good guys, along with some mystery and vampires thrown in (I promise: THEY'RE COMING). And what's really cool? I do what I love. Wanna write a success story for your life: I promise you, that's it. Do what you love. And hopefully, you can make a living at it too. That's the golden ticket, Charlie.

And chocolate doesn't hurt, either...

Find me at www.allybishop.com, on Twitter (@allyabishop), and Facebook (Ally Bishop, Writer), and feel free to email me via my website (look for the "Contact" tab!) Thank you so much for reading Inside the Lines! If you have a moment, please leave a review on your favorite book websites.

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