“What do you think you need to thank me for, Calliope?”
His deep voice lures my gaze back up to meet his. “For having faith in my idea. Delora told me today that you’re interested in hearing more about the subscription model proposal.”
His hand jumps to rub his jaw. “I think there’s potential there. I’m interested in seeing more details. I don’t want you to have false hope, though. We won’t run with this until I’m sure it’ll make us a hell of a lot of money.”
“It will,” I say with confidence.
His eyes search my face. “I know you said you’re taking me out for dinner on Friday, but what about tonight? Do you have plans?”
“I do.”
He shifts on the car’s seat, so he’s facing me directly. I know he wants to ask about my plans, but something is holding him back.
I answer the question I know is sitting on the tip of his tongue. “I’m working at Tin Anchor tonight and tomorrow night. Gage, my boss, asked if I could cover two shifts. I need the extra money, so I couldn’t turn it down.”
“You make me want to give you a raise.” His lips curve into a grin.
“I don’t want that,” I say quickly. “I wasn’t hinting at that. I hope you know that, Sean.”
His gaze trails over my face. “I do know that.”
“Good.” I look out the window to my left before turning back to him. “I’m looking forward to Friday night.”
Something has shifted in his expression as he looks deeply into my eyes. “I am too. I’m counting the hours.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Sean
I strucka nerve with Champ in the car on the way home from work.
My innocent quip about her not-so-subtle way to gain a raise drew a look to her face I hadn’t seen before.
Something tells me it has to do with her ex-fiancé.
I couldn’t figure anything out about him by sitting at home on my couch, mulling over the very limited clues she’s given me about her failed relationship.
That’s why I’m back at Harry’s place.
It’s the distraction I need.
I invited Graham and Kavan to join us for dinner, but Graham tapped out to paint a stencil on the nursery wall.
Kavan is all in, though.
I knock on the door to Harry’s townhouse the same way I always do.
This time the response isn’t a series of knocks. Instead, the door flies open to reveal Kavan Bane standing behind it.
The man’s appearance matches his name.
The ends of his black hair drift over the collar of his suit jacket. His intense blue eyes lock on my face. There’s no grin in sight. Instead, he just stares.
“Hey, Bane.” I move to embrace him. “It looks like you’re in a hell of a good mood tonight.”
“I am,” he says, tapping the center of my back. “Wedding planning is in full force, Sean.”
A few months ago, I would have bet every penny I have on the fact that I’d never hear those words coming out of his mouth.