Once Upon a Sure Thing (Heartbreakers #2)(42)

I take a deep breath, count to three, clear my mind, and then return to the final chapter, giving my all to the character as she comes to terms with being a girl who loves sports radio in love with a boy who wants nothing to do with a ball, a field, or a racket.

With laser focus, I nail the ending.

It’s two hours later than I expected though, which knocks me off schedule for starting the undead tale. Plus, Miller’s going to be here any minute, and we’re supposed to rehearse.

I check my phone for any change in plans, and an email message blinks at me.



Extra pickups needed for the Casey Stern book. Sorry! But we want to wrap it up before the holiday break.



It’s Angie at Butler Press, and I call her back. “Hey, I’m at my regular studio. Can I do them here?”

She pauses before answering, and that’s a clear no. “Well, if there’s any chance you can just scoot up here, we’d prefer it. We really want the same sound environment.”

What the client wants, the client gets. “I’m on my way. See you in thirty.”

I wave goodbye to Kristy, call a Lyft, and ring Miller on my way down the stairs.

“What’s a five-letter word for where I plan to spend the rest of the night?” he says as he answers.

A laugh bursts from my chest. “I have no idea. Couch?”

“Nope. Inside you.”

I count off. “Miller,” I say, deadpan. “That’s nine letters plus a space.”

“Oh, excuse me. I meant p-u-s-s-y.”

My jaw drops. “You’re filthy.”

In an ever-so-innocent voice, he says, “I spelled it out.”

“Oh, well, then you’re a cupcake.”

“I’d like to eat you like a cupcake.”

I laugh, since I don’t think I’m going to be able to call up the serious side of my friend right now. “I have to head to Butler Press for an hour. I’m going to be late for rehearsal.”

“Then I’ll hang out longer with Campbell. We’re having lunch.”

A kernel of worry digs into me. “Are you talking this way in front of him?”

“He’s in the little boys’ room. Don’t worry. I’d never say words like I want to fuck you till you come hard, scream my name, and beg me for another in front of him.” Miller pauses. “Oh, hey, Cam.”

I blush at his antics. “Miller,” I chide. “Does he know you’re talking to me?”

“Hi, Ally,” I hear Campbell say.

I sigh, then whisper, “Does he know?”

“That I always talk to you like this? Yes.”

Since I’m not going to get a straight answer out of a most-festive Miller, I switch gears. “I won’t be back at the studio to rehearse for another hour, hour and a half. Can we push our rehearsal back? I checked, and the studio is open.” But before he can answer, an idea hits me. “Unless you want to go start with Campbell? Rehearse it with him till I get there, and do any final fine-tuning?”

“Brains, beauty, and a plan. If I’m ever trapped on a desert island, I want it to be with you.”

“Let’s hope we’re only trapped for a day or two, because I’m terrible at fishing.”

“Me too. I’m excellent, however, at using UberEats.”

As the car slogs uptown, something occurs to me. Tonight’s a desert-island kind of night, and I want Miller to know how much I want to be stuck with him on that island.

Since I’m quite skilled at using UberEats too, I order him a surprise at the studio.





Chapter 25





Miller



When I hang up with Ally, Campbell shoots me a look across the table at Willy G’s, his favorite diner. “So you need me to save the day?”

“Yes. Can you ride in on your white horse, please?”

“But of course. I save my loyal steed for occasions like this.”

“Seriously though. You want to help me for an hour or so? Unless you have a lesson.”

He shakes his head. “My schedule is your schedule.” He glances around to make sure no one is listening. “Don’t repeat what I’m about to say.”

I press a finger to my lips. “Your secret will be safe with me.”

He whispers conspiratorially, “I don’t hate playing with you.”

I toss a french fry at him. “Thank you. Thank you very much for the not-hate.”

“You’re welcome. And the truth is, it’s the opposite of not-hate.”

“Thanks. I not-hate playing with you too.”

He grabs his Diet Coke and downs some, then clears his throat. “Also, what’s the deal with you and Ally?”

I do my best confused look. “What do you mean?”

“Gee, I wonder?”

“Spit it out, bro.”

He scratches his jaw. “Call me crazy, but I picked up on this vibe from the two of you at my house, and from the way you were just talking to her. Is there anything more?”

I take a breath and debate whether to tell him, but in my hesitation, he finds the answer.

He smacks a palm on the Formica. “I always knew the two of you could be something. Glad to see it took me for it to happen.”