Ashley takes my phone and scrolls through the post, reading it. “Where do you think this one will be?”
“No idea. Maybe somewhere outdoors. He hasn’t done a moonlight set for a while.”
Ashley’s brows shoot up as my phone rings.
“Is it Dad?” Worry seeps into my pores, making my stomach tighten.
“No.” A sly smile spreads on Ashley’s face and she turns the screen in my direction. “It’s Mr. Billionaire.”
“Let me answer it,” I say, reaching out. Sullivan won’t like being kept waiting.
“You should play hard to get,” Ashley muses, holding the phone out of my reach.
I stare at her in shock. “He’s hired me. This isn’t some dating thing.” I make a grab for my phone again but miss as Ashley curves me. She winks and answers the call.
“Tate’s phone,” she sings.
I widen my eyes.What are you doing?I mouth.
“Oh, she can’t speak right now, she’s helping out a customer. Oh, hold on… he’s asking for her number. I think she’ll be a while. Can I take a message?”
Ashley presses her lips together like she’s trying not to laugh. Her eyes light up with glee. “Mm-hm, I’ll tell her.”
She hands the phone back to me.
“What did he want?”
“You. Tonight after your shift.”
“Did he say where? Does he want me to go next door or…?” I swallow the sourness on my tongue at the thought of having to encounter the charming Cara again. I didn’t know Sullivan would require me tonight. The only spare clothes I’ve got are some old joggers and a T-shirt I left here after helping Ashley decorate for Valentine’s Day one late night. I can already feel Cara’s disapproving glare if I show up at the Beaufort offices in that.
“He said he’ll pick you up.”
“Okay.”
Ashley studies me as if she’s waiting for a reaction.
“Anything else?” I ask.
She shakes her head, a small smile lifting her lips. “Is he always so terse when he speaks? Or was it because I had him picturing you being hit on when he called?”
I snort. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s how he always sounds.”
She shrugs. “If you say so.” She turns with a bright smile to greet a customer who’s walked in.
I shove my phone into my apron pocket and get back to work.
His ruthless, assessing gaze rakes over my Linkin Park T-shirt as I slide into the cool interior of his car.
“Hi, Molly.” I grin, greeting her first before nodding at Sullivan.
“We need to make a stop on the way. And I have a call to make,” he grumbles, frowning at my outfit.
“Sure, okay.”
I give all my attention to Molly, strapped into her car seat between us as Sullivan inclines his head toward his window and barks the name ‘Fairfax’ into his phone.
“You had a good day, Molly?” I ask.
