My cheek muscles are getting a workout from smiling at her so damn much. “Looking forward to it.”
She’s skeptical but pulls out her phone.
The call connects, and suddenly, two women appear on a split screen—one in a hospital bed, and one in what looks like a coffee shop.
“Clover,” they both scream.
“Hi, guys.” Joy radiates from Clover like sunshine.
“Oh my God, you’re in the tank,” Savvy says. “Grey told me all about that thing. At least we know you’re safe in it. Clover! You did it. You’reona road trip.”
“I told you I was.”
“We sort of didn’t think you’d do it,” Madi adds. “No offense, but you once had a panic attack because your mailbox was temporarily moved two houses down.”
“That was one time,” Clover mutters as her shoulders curl in.
Friends or not, I hate them for causing Clover to shrink when she’s just finding her courage.
“Where’s Valen?” Savvy leans closer, and Clover angles the phone so I’m fully in frame.
“Hello,” I say, dividing attention between them and the road. I lift a brow when they both gape at me.
“He’s got the brooding billionaire bit down,” Savvy murmurs.
“And muscles.” Madi giggles. “He’s hot. Did you tell Savvy he was hot, Clove?”
“I mentioned it,” Clover whispers, and my entire head snaps her way.
She thinks I’m hot. It’s possible I tighten my grip on the steering wheel just a tiny bit to flex my biceps.
“Can we not do this when he’s right here?” Clover hisses.
Chief howls with laughter while wiping sleep from his eyes.
“Eight out of ten,” Savvy declares.
“Solid nine. The sexy glare gives him an edge.” Madi chuckles.
“Valen, are you taking care of our girl?” Savvy narrows her eyes.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Clove, blink twice if you need a rescue,” Madi whispers.
Clover doesn’t blink. “I’m fine. I’m great. Wait—what are you guys doing?”
I glance at Clover’s phone, but both women appear to be holding theirs an inch from their faces.
“You sang karaoke?” Madi bounces and bobbles her phone.
Clover tugs her sweater tight, cheeks flaming. “Maybe.”
“And you kissed him!” I can’t tell if Savvy’s impressed or annoyed.
Clover whirls around. “Chief! You ratted me out?”
“Shared with friends.” He chuckles, holding up his own phone.
