Page 107 of Against the Clock

I glare at the phone. “Why would I have tux, Cameron?”

“I don’t know! I don’t know what you and that stupid quarterback are into!”

“He’s not stupid,” I grit out, then shake my head in confusion. “What the hell happened between you and Jacob, anyway?”

The line goes silent.

“I never told you his name.”

“I’m an investigative reporter, Cameron.”

“You need to focus,” she snaps. “You need a dress, or I’m picking your naked ass up and we can tell everyone nudity is the new black.”

“I honestly don’t know what to say to that.”

“I’m calling your boyfriend.”

“What?”

The line beeps and I stare at my phone in shock. “Cameron? How did you get his number?”

“He gave it to me a couple weeks ago when he was trying to take you out the first time. He was calling the office, got me instead. He told me to give it to you.”

“You never told me that,” I say, stiff with surprise. Then I melt. It’s so cute. I had no idea.

“Yeah, well, I thought we were both on team no-dating-football-players.”

“Hello?” Daniel’s voice comes through the speaker, and I sigh happily.

“Daniel, it’s Cameron. Kelsey’s friend.”

“Where is Kelsey? Is she okay? What hospital—”

“Calm the fuck down, cowboy. Kelsey’s fine. Tell him, Kelsey. Proof of life,” Cameron barks.

“Hey, Daniel. I’m fine. Cameron is being dramatic.”

“Kelsey is going to show up nude unless you can find her a new dress in less than an hour. Kels, do you have your makeup and hair done yet?”

“Nope,” I say, popping the p. “I’m screwed.”

“I’m on it,” Daniel says smoothly.

“Good,” Cameron starts, then pauses midsentence. “Did he hang up?”

I fold back to the floor, fighting to get the dress off. Panting, I lie back, my strapless bra digging into my shoulders, and wriggle my toes.

“He hung up. Good man. He’s going to take care of you.”

“He’s amazing.” I shimmy my butt, trying to ease the death trap of a dress down.

“You seem really happy.”

I pull at the fabric, and it finally gives. “I love him.”

I sit up, forgetting the dress cutting off my circulation for a minute. “I love him?”

Cameron squeals. “KELSEY COLE!”

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