Page 79 of Driven Daddy

I even used her as inspiration for one of my books since I couldn’t help but notice her daily.

Times Square could get old for people who lived in the city. We were normally annoyed with the touristy insanity, but I loved watching the different people interacting with the street artists and musicians. The wonder on their faces as they saw the iconic billboards for the first time.

Not to mention the reality of how dirty and chaotic it really was.

I loved the dichotomy and used the people watching to feed my overactive imagination. I put together wild relationships with the varied people who came to visit and was often amusedby the stoic Manhattanites who never looked up from their phones.

Me?

I actually left my big window unadorned and was strangely soothed by the pulsing lights that never went out. Oddly comforted that I wasn’t actually as alone as I often felt.

Interestingly, I slept like a rock at the lake. I’d thought the silence would get to me, but the sound of the water lapping against the dock had a similar effect.

“Miss?”

I blinked out of the past. “Yes?”

“If you could move over to the seating area? We have to move some furniture.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Of course.”

I might as well get the meeting part over with. I wish I didn’t have to deal with Penn.

My phone buzzed in my purse again. I had a specific haptic set up in my phone for my agent. Melissa was a damn pit bull. I pulled the phone out and checked the message that was coming through the voicemail. There was too much commotion and noise for me to concentrate and read. I simply tucked my phone back in my bag.

I’d make nice and call her back before she drove here from the damn city.

I wouldn’t put it past her.

“You actually bought them?” Penn’s delighted voice drifted my way as I got closer. He waggled his black notebook. “Working on the next one as we speak.”

“Of course, gotta support our local talents. I already have it on preorder.” Bridget Sheppard’s voice was throaty and this side of sinful.

“Don’t get a swelled head.” The other man elbowed Penn.

“Too late,” I said. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but it flew out of my mouth.

Penn’s eyes darkened, and his lips thinned.

I lowered my sunglasses to the end of my nose. “You’re lucky it hasn’t knocked over the lighting setup in here.”

“Didn’t have a problem with my head the other day, Duchess.”

My stomach flipped in memory of just how thorough he’d been in the storeroom and my bedroom.

The taller man, who was stunningly attractive, smiled at me, clearing his throat. “Bridget Sheppard, I’d like to introduce you to Rita Savage. She’s the incredible author ofDate with Disaster. You must’ve seen all the press it got last year?”

Bridget seemed to have a hard time looking away from Penn’s brother. Hmm, history there? “Um, sure. Sure. Ms. Savage, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I actually have the book in my bag, I’m looking forward to reading it.”

“Call me Rita, please.” The quick jolt of pleasure had me fumbling. “Oh, you don’t need to read it.”

“I actually had it on my wishlist already. Scrolling social media is a given with the long wait during photoshoots.” Her eyes were kind, and for once, I believed the woman wasn’t actually blowing smoke. “Glad I could help with the recasting of the cover. Especially since this charity is near and dear to me.”

“I was shocked when my agent told me you agreed to do it. The other cover model was pretty enough, but she ruined her career, and I didn’t know what we’d do for a reshoot.” I could feel my face heating. “Since the cover scene was specific and requires a level of chemistry not common for strangers.”

“Honestly, it’s my pleasure.”

I ignored the seething Penn. Served him right for being an ass. “And you’re Travis? I’ve heard you’re the charming one, unlike your brother.”

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