Page 17 of Brodie

“There is no one else I’d want to go with. And if you don’tgo with me, I’m going alone.”

“I…”

“I’ll make sure you have your own room, and we can explorethe city after my shoot on Saturday afternoon.”

“Your shoot?”

“I have to do a photo shoot for this new sports drink that’sabout to hit the market.”

“Is it any good?”

“I haven’t tried it. They sent me a case, but it’s stillsitting next to the front door in my apartment.”

“So, you’re going to advertise something that might tastelike dirty bath water?” The look he gives me makes me laugh. “You at least needto try it, Brodie.”

“After we get done with dinner and take Jeb to the beach,we’ll taste-test it.”

“We can do that.”

“So, will you go with me?”

I don’t know if it’s the hope-filled look in his eyes or myaunt’s voice in the back of my head telling me I should live a little, but Isay, “Yes.” It comes out before my brain can really catch up. Darn, did Ireally just agree to go with him to New York? His smile says I did, and myheart flutters once again.

“I’ll take care ofeverything. Just let me know your schedule for Friday, and I’ll have myassistant book our flights so we can be together.”

“It will probably be late by the time I get off work.”

“That’s okay. I’ll wait for you.”

I nod. “Do I need a fancy dress for this fundraiser?”

“Yes, it’s blacktie.”

“Fun,” I lie, and he laughs.

“Just let me know when you find your dress and I’ll give youthe money for it.”

“We’ll figure that out later,” I mutter, knowing there is noway I’m letting him pay for my dress. That feels way too intimate. Plus, myaunt has a closet full of designer dresses, some that she's never even worn.I’m sure I’ll be able to find something.

“It will be fun,” he murmurs softly as the waitress comesover with our food. Normally, I’d say he’s lying. Getting dressed up is one ofmy least favorite things to do, but I enjoy spending time with him, so I’mactually looking forward to it.

Chapter 8

Brodie

With my hands full, I walk across my living room and back tothe kitchen, where I left Reese filling a glass with ice for us and Jeb waitingto see if she accidentally drops some so he can eat it. The dog loves eatingice, maybe even more than the treats he begs for regularly. When I step aroundthe corner, her eyes meet mine, and all I can think about is how pretty she iswith her hair still windblown from us walking on the beach with Jeb afterdinner and her nose slightly red from the sun before it set while we watched.

“Those are sports drinks?” She frowns at the plainblack-labeled bottles I place on the island.

“Yeah. They haven’t shared the packaging yet and don’t wantanyone snapping a picture and posting it online before they go public. Plus,one of the flavors is only supposed to be available for a limited time.”

“So, this is a big deal.”

“I guess in the world of sports drinks, it is.”

“Cool.” She hops up onto the counter to sit. “Which onefirst?”

I tip the bottle over and see the color of the liquid insidethrough the clear bottom. “How about red?”

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