My nervous system hates him because it's also right.
“Let me think,” I say.
“Please do,” he says. “Because we need something. And fast.”
I end the call before he can sayorganicagain and toss my phone onto the passenger seat.
Then I take a long, slow breath.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
I stare at the other phone like it might bite.
I flip it over.
A text from Raina pops up.
RAINA:Are the numbers… bad? ??
Of course.
She knows.
They always know.
I type back quickly.
ME:They’re not bad. They’re just… shy. Give it time.
A lie.
But a kind one.
Then another text comes in, this one from my assistant.
KIM:FYI the Outlaws are promoting that Valentine’s charity dating thing HARD. It’s everywhere.
I stare at the screen.
My stomach does a slow, annoyed roll.
Because I can already picture it.
Bright lights.
A crowd chanting.
A line of hockey players on a stage.
And me, Sloane Carter, standing there in heels, trying not to commit a felony.
I let my head fall back against the seat.
