Lipstick Apology (34 page)

“Oh, come on, Em.” He stopped walking and looked me in the eyes. His own were dark and shiny. “You know how I feel about you,” he muttered.

“I do?”

He stepped closer and whispered, “When you're around, music plays in my head.”

My eyes welled. “Music,” I repeated softly.

“Well, you know.” He grinned. “It's the
Jaws
theme. Da dum. Da dum.” He jabbed me in the stomach.

I laughed.

He grabbed the zipper of my jacket and pulled me toward him.

Then he kissed me.

THIS BOOK
marks a new journey for me, one that would not have been possible without my wonderful agent, Tricia Davey. Thank you for picking my book out of the slush and giving it a chance. Thank you for your friendship and commitment to finding me the perfect home at Razorbill. Thank you to my extraordinary editor, Lexa Hillyer. Without your insight and talent, this story would have lacked so much heart. Thanks for your direction, your dedication, and your patience. Thank you to Carol and Abby Crawford, the earliest readers. Your feedback was instrumental in getting me to the next step.

The foundation of this story is about family, and I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a close-knit family and circle of friends. To my parents, Tom and MaryAnn Lovelidge: thanks, Dad, for teaching me to dream big and want more. Thanks, Mom, for teaching me to work hard, set goals, and manage both career and family. Thanks to both of you for encouraging me to pursue this dream. Thank you to my in-laws, Ron and Kay Jabaley: thank you for your enthusiasm, pride, and constant help with the kids. Thanks to my brother, T.J., for your interest and input. To my very best friends and sisters, Jackie and Kristen: life without you guys is simply unimaginable. Thanks for always listening and offering your words of wisdom. Thanks for supporting this book as well as everything in my life.

But mostly, I thank Chris. Thanks for believing in me all the way. My journey started the day you handed me a laptop and said,
I know you can do it.