Page 90 of Never To Be Mine

“I’ll be waiting.”

The moment I was in my car, I called Micah. He was the first one I wanted to tell. My success had a lot to do with him.

He answered immediately. “Tell me you’re looking at the view count right now.”

“I am. Over a million. More importantly, we already hit our sales goal. Young at Heart will help me scale up production so we can meet all these orders.”

“I told you it would be huge.” I could hear the satisfaction in his voice. “Jack Montana’s star power doesn’t hurt.”

“Speaking of which, I owe you big time for making that happen.”

“You can thank me by letting me direct your next commercial. Which, based on these numbers, should be happening very soon.”

I laughed, pulled out of the parking garage, and headed toward the freeway. “Actually, that’s why I’m calling. Dan Young just offered me another partnership.”

“Another one? Damn, Hollis. You’re on fire.”

“The plant-based burger.”

“No shit?”

“Yeah. Dan thinks Young at Heart can solve the cost issue. We’re meeting with their development team next week.”

Micah let out a low whistle. “That’s great, man. If you can crack the plant-based burger market with a product that actually tastes good, you’ll own that space.”

“I know. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, but this could be massive.”

“And let me guess. Juno will be working on it with you?”

“Yep.”

He laughed. “I’m happy for you, bro. For both the business and the girl.”

“Thanks, Micah. Seriously. For everything. The commercial, the advice, all of it.”

“That’s what brothers are for. Congrats.”

The drive home took longer than usual thanks to traffic, but I didn’t mind. I spent the time thinking about everything that had happened today and what the night held in store.

I got home and immediately started cleaning. Not that my place was a disaster, but Juno was coming over and I wanted everything to be perfect. I straightened the pillows on the couch, wiped down the kitchen counters, and made sure there were fresh towels in the bathroom.

And then I ordered dinner for two.

29

JUNO

Ichecked my reflection in the mirror and judged the sundress I’d chosen. It was cute enough for whatever Hollis had planned, but not so fancy that I’d look ridiculous if we ended up somewhere low key. The problem with surprise dates was never knowing if you’d dressed appropriately.

He told me to wear whatever. Easy for him to say considering he could show up in sweats, which honestly, please do, and he’d look gorgeous.

My phone buzzed with a text. I’m here.

I still got butterflies. Three weeks of officially dating Hollis Blackwell, and I still got all giddy when I knew I’d get to see him. It was embarrassing and wonderful at the same time.

I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs, spotting his car idling at the curb. He was leaning against the driver’s side door, looking unfairly good in jeans and a simple white T-shirt that showed off his tan and the muscles he’d earned through all that running and yoga.

Glad I kept it casual.