Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
I reach for his arm, squeeze it. “I like working with you too. This is all on me. I’m the one breaking the rules.”
He mimes zipping his lips, then says, “I won’t say a word about what happened. You know that, right? I’d protect you to the end.”
My heart thumps painfully harder. “Thank you.” Then I lean in, brush my lips over his, and take a kiss for the road. It lasts several delicious seconds as we murmur against each other’s lips.
Then, I let go.
I doubt Zane Archer will ever be out of my system, but for now, I have to go. I have a plane to catch, other clients to tend to.
I smile at him, then hold on to that smile as best I can as I leave.
At least the gym session was more effective than a gardening podcast.
16
HERE AND THERE
Maddox
For the next several days, my hometown keeps me busy. I zoom around Los Angeles, meet with clients, brands, teams. I have lunch with Ellie one afternoon since she’s in town for the week.
“Tell me the latest about your new show,” I say over salad at one of our favorite cafes near my office.
Her big brown eyes flicker with excitement. “Everything is starting to come together. I’ll be moving here in a few weeks as you know,” she says. “Thank you again for finding me that cute little home near you.”
“You’re going to love it,” I say.
“And I swear I am taking a break from bad boys when I move. Turning over a new leaf,” she says, lifting a hand like she’s taking an oath.
I arch a brow. “That’s a change,” I say, then tease, “But can you stick to it?”
She laughs. “The jury’s still out…So, let’s talk about you. I want all the details.”
I sigh, then shake my head. “Another time.”
“Why?” She pouts.
“Because I don’t want to get all caught up,” I say, speaking plainly, giving her the full truth.
She smiles sympathetically. “I get that.”
Later that night, in the dim light of my living room, I work on my client wish list. The one sure thing in this business is turnover, so I always want to have new clients to woo should the opportunity arise.
And I still need to court Priyam. We chat on the phone about ideas for Zane. The deal feels close, so damn close, but still far away.
“Will I see you next week in New York?” he asks one morning on the phone. I pace in front of my office window, staring at the throngs of Los Angelenos crisscrossing the courtyard as I clench and unclench my stress ball.
“I’ll be there,” I say.
“We’ll have to do that dinner. I owe you and Zane,” he says.
My face flushes at the mere mention of the man. Thank fuck I’m alone in my office. “That’ll be great,” I say. But it’s time to push, so I don’t end the conversation on dinner plans. “What do you say we finalize this deal before dinner? What do you need from us to make that happen?”
Priyam laughs warmly. “Let me show the term sheet to my daughter. She’s my VP now. Someday, I’ll retire, and I want her to be ready to handle the marketing. I promise we’ll get it done soon.”
I just hope we sign it before he retires.
He says goodbye, and my shoulders slump. But I need to tell Zane something. I owe it to him. I fire off a text.
Maddox: Just talked to Priyam. It’s looking good. He’s reviewing the deal points with his daughter. Save the date next week in New York for dinner.
Then I add the time and the day. A few minutes later, he responds.
Zane: And I didn’t feel any pressure to write back and say fuck yes!
Maddox: Hopefully we’ll know more next week.
Zane: Exciting! I can’t wait to tell him how my coaching gig with my niece’s team went.
Right. He had that last weekend. I forgot to ask.
I draft a reply—How did it go? Future career for you?—but I don’t send it. Zane worries about his future. I don’t want to say anything that’ll set off his fears of him not having a future in baseball. I hit erase and start over.
Maddox: I bet you were the most enthusiastic first-base coach ever.
Zane: Pretty much. I had a blast. What a way to spend a day off. Sunshine, family, softball…
My heart aches. I wish I could go there with him and watch him coach his niece. Go to meet his brother, get to know the people Zane loves. I’d do my research, pick a restaurant in Sacramento after the game—a cool and trendy but still kid-friendly place—then take them all out to eat. It’s a small thing to pay the bill, but I love picking up the tab and making my clients feel like kings and queens.