Page 29 of Exclusive

She smiled softly. “I would love that.”

“Good. Great.” I was feeling brave. “What time are you off?” I said it half in jest.

“Ten forty-five tonight. You free?”

“Yeah,” I said automatically, shocked. “Let’s get that drink.” Iloved adrenaline and the way it allowed me to act on every whimsical thought.

“Meet me at Jack’s across the street? It’s quiet enough. We can unwind.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Bye, Skyler. Stop running into things.”

“No promises.” Yes, I turned and watched her walk down the hall, taking in the subtle movements of her hips and trying my damnedest to smother my grin. I’d seen Jack’s before and colleagues from the station going in and out. It was an unofficial hangout, and I was excited to experience it. But honestly, I’d have driven to Texas with her if Carrie’d asked.

“Oh, you got it bad, bad, bad. Look at your hound dog face.”

I turned to see Ty watching me watch Carrie.

I smacked him in the stomach. “You don’t know that. Maybe I was working through the story.”

“Sure, buddy.” He walked away again. “Do you always drool over robberies?”

“Maybe.”

* * *

There was nothing more exhilarating than sliding a story in under the wire, just in time for broadcast. Devante had watched the Seth package twice before tapping his pencil to his chin and requesting two minor changes that had Ty editing like a bat outta hell. When Kristin approved the final version, Ty and I stood and fell into each other in a celebratory hug before happy dancing through the editing bay. Conga line was next.

“I see you two are already quite the duo.” Kristin wasn’t wrong. I missed my old camera guy Greg and our steady partnership, but working with Ty was fun and energizing in a whole new sense. He kept me grounded and calm when I took things too seriously and reminded me that sometimes you had to take time for a damned lime Slurpee and dance session.

Ty shrugged. “She’s all right. A little eager for my taste.”

“He’s okay, too. A little dopey for mine.”

We nodded in agreement and hip bumped.

“Yeah. Okay. Just as I thought.” Kristin shook her head and left for the control room. She’d be on headset for the broadcast.

“Go watch,” Ty said. “You know you want to.”

I hesitated. “No.” Then, “I think I’m gonna.” Giddy. I scrunched my shoulders.

Who would have thought that the very story I’d gotten stuck with on my first day at the station would lead to a larger package? One I was immensely proud of. I rolled my shoulders, standing in the back of the cold studio midbroadcast, watching as Carrie teed up my story. I gave myself a little squeeze. The daily reporting I did was great, but when a story of my very own hit air, a different kind of pride hit like a drug.

“A string of botched robberies has police on their toes, chasing a suspect that just can’t seem to get his act together. Skyler Ruiz has more.” I watched the monitor as my face appeared and the package played, a series of clips from witnesses, and my voice under the surveillance footage of Seth.

“Know anyone named Seth?” Rory asked as the broadcast shifted back to the news desk.

“Thankfully, no,” Carrie said with a laugh. “Let’s just hope the police get to know him shortly. Don, I hear there’s reasons for Padres fans to rejoice.”

I was smiling, marinating in the satisfaction that I’d done my job and excited to come to work and do it all over again. For now, I had a drink to look forward to. With a quick hair fluff and lipstick application in the station restroom, I was on my way.

Jack’s was actually a really cozy bar, dark woods, dim lighting, and a menu full of cocktails I wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with. I was first by design and took a moment to catch my breath before the outside door opened and Carrie appeared. She made it approximately 2.3 steps before a couple exchanged glances and paused their exit. She’d been recognized. I watched as she smiled and nodded and posed for a selfie with the couple. As they exited, I watched her anchor smile dim. She exhaled, now the woman once again, and scanned the room. I smiled and lifted a hand when her gaze landed on mine. She approached and slid into the booth across from me. “Now that was a day.”

“Wasn’t it?” I exhaled. “I didn’t order yet. I wanted to wait for you.”

“Oh, that was thoughtful. But you didn’t have to do that.”

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