What the heck is a “meet cute?” In the world of romance writing, it’s the first meeting of the two main characters who will eventually become a love interest. The meet cute sets up the circumstances, and usually gives the hero and heroine a chance to size each other up, whether the meet starts with intrigue, annoyance, a spike in blood pressure, or a tingle up the spine.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ll be sharing a few of the meet cute scenes in my romance novels. Here’s the meeting between Kristen and Reed in The Story Between Us. Enjoy!
The sound of clapping filled the room. The manager beamed at Kristen then unhooked the small velvet rope, signaling the event was under way.
For more than an hour, Kristen hardly put down the marker or drank any of the water the store provided. No awkward gaps appeared in the line. While she visited with the customer in front of her, movement in her periphery vision caught Kristen’s attention.
A young boy bounced in line waiting for his turn.
Kristen smiled but kept focused on the customer at the table.
“Christmas gifts.” The woman presented three copies of the new book.
Kristen mentally pinched herself. Three copies to a single customer had to be a first. “Thank you so much. I sure hope they enjoy the books.” Turning back toward the line, Kristen was surprised to find the fidgeting boy already standing at the table.
With both hands, he placed a copy of What Will You Be? on the table and shoved it forward with a lopsided grin, his bright blue eyes shining.
“Hello there,” Kristen said. “What’s your name, my friend?”
He put his chin in a hand and leaned in close.
The bill of his Rangers baseball cap pushed into Kristen’s personal space.
“Dylan.”
“Pleased to meet you, Dylan.” She flicked her glance to the man standing beside the boy, who she assumed was Dylan’s dad. Wow. No wonder the kid was such a cutie. With a tall, solid build and unruly curls, the man looked as if he’d come straight off a professional soccer field—except for the suit and marigold-yellow tie that dangled around his neck. At seven forty-five. Had he just come from work?
Beneath raised brows, his slate-blue eyes stared.
Oops. She might have lingered a bit too long with her assessment.
“Dylan wanted to get his book signed.”
His deep voice reminded Kristen why she was there, and heat rushed to her face. She grabbed for the orange pen. “Yes, of course.”
“You’re coming to my class tomorrow.” Dylan said.
“Oh, my gosh. “Mrs. Baxter is your teacher?”
Dylan bobbed his head vigorously.”
“I sure am looking forward to being there.” Her schedule included an appearance in the classroom of her longtime friend Jana Baxter the following afternoon. School visits were always a fun time. While Kristen appreciated parents bringing kids to the bookstore—and buying her books—she preferred the low-key time with the kids in a classroom setting.
Kristen glanced at the boy’s dad, surprised to see a hint of impatience in his otherwise gorgeous eyes. Apparently, he wasn’t excited about being dragged out tonight. From the looks of things, he’d only gone home long enough to pick up Dylan. Maybe he hadn’t eaten dinner and felt a little grumpy.
Turning to the inside title page of the book, she wrote, “For Dylan, a very special book buddy.” She signed her name then stood and extended a hand. “I’m Kristen. You must be Dylan’s father. Thanks so much for coming this evening.”
With a slight nod, he grasped her hand. “Good to meet you, Kristen. I’m Reed Armstrong, Dylan’s uncle.”
Ah. He must’ve promised the kid some kind of outing, thinking it’d be baseball or ice cream, not a trip to the bookstore. Kristen stifled a laugh, not sure whether to feel sorry for him or annoyed he didn’t seem to appreciate time spent in a bookstore. Pulling away her gaze, Kristen turned back to her young fan. She lifted the book and held it toward Dylan. “Have fun reading that with your mom and dad or your uncle,” she told him.
Dylan’s smile disappeared, and he looked down. “Thank you,” he mumbled.
His uncle leaned forward, clearing his throat. “I’m Dylan’s guardian.”
The Story Between Us is a sweet romance that takes place primarily in Texas. It’s available in ebook and paperback formats from most online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple.
Happy reading! And Happy Valentine’s Day to all, whether you’re celebrating with friends, a spouse or significant other!
Darlene
The Story Between Us:
Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children’s book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.
Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he’d actually become guardian of his sister’s boy. Now he is, and most days he’s not sure he’s up to the task.
When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew’s crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well. Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed, or is she using them for her own career advancement?
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-between-us-darlene-deluca/1137387092?ean=2940162985785
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-between-us/id1525107147
Feeling the summer heat? My book, Christmas at Tall Pines, will whisk you away to the snowy mountains of Utah where there’s action, adventure, a surprise encounter, and heartwarming romance. The blizzard, mountains of snow, cozy fireplace and warm cider will have you feeling the frosty air! 🙂
darlene deluca 