Page 53 of Exclusive

She closed her eyes and held it. “So hard. And then your personality and talent lived up, and I was in trouble. Still am.”

“Good,” I said, leaning in for a slow kiss and luxuriating in its unravel. “Let’s stay in trouble. Say yes. We do trouble real well.”

She nodded. “For someone who plays it safe, that says a lot.” Shescooped up my dog and peppered his head with kisses while he wagged his whole body in adoration. He knew he got tons of attention when Carrie was around and was clearly milking it. I was beginning to feel he liked her more than me, which was outlandish given our bond.

“Stop the lovefest. I’m standing right here.” A pause as I reflected on her statement. “I don’t think I would have guessed that you played it safe before meeting you.”

“I’m working on my reckless side, but it’s slow going.” She winked at me and placed Micky in the extra dog bed she’d picked up for when he came over. It looked expensive and chic, and he seemed to know it, sitting there proudly likely a newly crowned Prince of the Mutts.

“Give me the speech.” I folded my arms and grinned.

Her brows dipped. “No.”

“Yes. I want to hear it. Stand on the counter.”

“Absolutely not.”

“I’ll ply you with moonshine until your inhibitions take their leave.”

“You sound like you’re onLittle House on the Prairie.”

“What?”

She sighed. “I forget how young you are. It’s a show. Look it up one day for family-friendly viewing.”

“Say the speech.”

She sighed. “I guess it couldn’t hurt to practice.”

I rubbed my hands together. “Now we’re talkin’. I’m getting a speech.”

Carrie gave her hair the most subtle of tosses. I’d seen her do that very action seconds before her broadcasts went live and swallowed a smile at its appearance now. Cute. Her gaze settled on me and then imaginary people to my right and left. “Good morning, everyone, and thank you for having me.”

“Let’s not get crazy. Define have. I’vehadyou, but havethey? All of them. Really?”

She paused. “Stop harassing the speaker. It’s a formality. Shall I go on?”

I gestured to give her the floor. “Please.”

“The road to the anchor chair is not an easy one, but it does come with some magnificent sightseeing along the way.”

“I can agree with that.” I slipped off my shoes, hopped on the counter, and crisscrossed my legs.

Carrie smiled with serenity. “I was twenty-two when I was offered my first reporting job in Bossier City, Louisiana. I packed up everything I owned from my college apartment and got on the road to what I just knew would be the most exciting, glamorous job anyone could ever hope for.” I grinned, enjoying the show. “It’s safe to say that I was more than a little bit green.”

“You’re also very pretty.”

“Thank you, random woman in the audience.”

“You’re welcome, speech lady. Please go on.”

She settled back in. “I learned a lot in that first year and had more than a few rude awakenings. Some I plan to tell you about this morning.”

“I can hardly wait.”

“Excuse me, ma’am. Are you planning to heckle me from a countertop throughout this whole presentation?”

“I’m just so riveted.”

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