Sutton’s eyes go even wider than before. “The tatted-up bad-boy that you told us about is really a veterinarian?” she asks in disbelief.
When I nod, she lets out a stunned whistle.
“So…” Kali prods uncertainly. “Did you talk about anything else while you were there? Like, say, the fashion line?”
I can tell she’s trying to word the question as carefully as possible so she doesn’t hurt my feelings. That’s very typical of the kind and compassionate Kali. She’s always so aware of how other people are feeling.
I almost gush out every glorious detail of what Cash said, but instead, I pause and inhale deeply before letting it out in a heavy sigh. I lower my gaze to stare down at my clasped hands where they rest in my lap and bite my lower lip.
“We did,” I whisper grudgingly, forcing myself to sound morose.
If they’re going to taunt me about having a crush on Cash, the least I can do is mess with their heads a little.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kali and Sutton share a concerned look. A moment later, Kali reaches out to place a consoling hand on my shoulder.
“That one business deal isn’t everything, Liv,” she assures me gently. “It’s not like we’ve never had a contract fall through. That’s part of the game. On to the next! Right, Sutton?”
“Right!” Sutton agrees cheerfully. “Besides, I bet Franco will come crawling back soon enough.”
“Actually, that won’t be necessary,” I say, lifting my head to give them a smile. “I was totally playing you guys! Cash said Franco loved the designs! He can’t wait to launch the collaboration. All that’s left to do is sign the contract.”
My two best friends stare back at me in stunned silence.
Sutton finally presses one hand over her heart and pretends to wipe away a tear with the other. “I have never been so proud of you, Liv. You really got me! I always knew there was a little actress in you.”
Kalisqueeswith joy and drags me into a tight hug that almost sends both of us tumbling off the bed. “When can we sign the paperwork?”
“He actually said to give him a call when we were ready. I wanted to tell you guys the news first,” I say excitedly.
Before I can even blink, Kali digs in my purse for my cell phone and holds it out to me.
“Call now, girl!” she pleads. “Tell him we’re ready to sign ASAP!”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Sutton chants.
I stare at both of my friends and then down at the phone. They seriously want me to call Cash right now? My throat starts going tight again and I can feel heat suffusing my face.
“If you’re not sure you can do it, I’d be happy to handle it,” Kali says gently. She smiles at me and reaches out to take the phone. “I owe you after missing that meeting anyway.”
Biting my lip, I shake my head, my hand tightening around my cell. “No, I can do this. I’ve been in contact with Cash the most, so I should be the one to call him.”
The words make sense as I’m saying them, but I’d be lying if that was the only reason why my shy self is insisting on being the one to call Cash. The truth is, I kind of want to hear his voice again. I’d never admit it out loud, but when he says my name, my whole body goes all tingly in the best way possible.
I take Cash’s business card out of my purse, then slowly dial his number. The phone rings once, then twice, and just when I think I’m about to get his voicemail, there’s a click at the other end of the line.
“Cash,” he answers, his voice gruff.
I suck in a shuddering breath. “Hey, Cash! Um, it’s Liv. I’m here with Kali and Sutton. I just wanted to let you know that we’re ready to sign the contract anytime.”
“That’s great!” I can almost see him smile on the other end of the line. “I didn’t have any patients come in after you and Chanel, so I finished writing up the contract. I could bring it to you now if you want. The vet taking the night shift just got here and I was about to head to my dad’s burger shack. He mentioned you live nearby.”
My heart is beating so hard that I can hardly even hear Cash speaking.
“Sounds great! I’ll text you the address,” I manage to respond before saying goodbye and hanging up.
I gaze at the phone in my hands, realizing only then that my entire body is trembling with excitement. I know I shouldn’t be this thrilled to see the hunky bad-boy again, but I know I’m going to be holding my breath until the doorbell rings anyway.
CHAPTER SEVEN
