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Viper winked. “Surprised?”
“I, uh, think I’m still trying to process it all.” I reached out to shake Viper’s hand, but they were both full: one with Halo’s ass, the other with a drink.
That seemed to sum him up pretty well.
“Just so we’re clear, whatever numbers Trent sold, I want double,” Viper said.
I couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle. Rock stars didn’t ask for much at all, did they?
“I’ve read some of the books you’ve worked on,” Halo said. “I think you’re the right guy for the job.”
“I appreciate that—” I started, but Viper cut in.
“If you say you read Trent’s shit, I’m gonna set it on fire.”
Halo lifted one shoulder, not seeming bothered in the least. “You’d have to find it first.”
“Angel…” Viper growled, nipping at the spot beneath Halo’s ear.
Smiling to himself as Viper wrapped his arms around his waist from behind, Halo said, “Can we get you a drink or anything?”
“No,” Viper said, dropping his chin on Halo’s shoulder. I thought he was about to give me hell about ordering a club soda, but he shocked me by saying, “There’s another surprise for you in the garden.”
“The…what?”
How many drinks had he already thrown back?
Viper nodded at the back door. “Through there—make a left and walk until you see it.”
“Until I see what?”
“Have fun,” he said, dragging Halo off into the crowd. “Talk soon.”
What the hell was all that? A surprise? For me? In the garden?
Wasn’t the surprise who landed the deal?
Unless…
Where was Drew?
I moved quickly, darting out the back door and following in the direction Viper had instructed me. The further I walked, the darker night fell, and for a moment doubt crept in. I wondered if this was some sort of prank or initiation, like the one Viper had written about. But as I ventured deeper into the lush gardens, the dense foliage finally parted, revealing an elevated octagonal gazebo draped in sheer white curtains and fairy lights.
It would’ve been a stunning sight already, but it was the man standing in the center that made it the most spectacular thing I’d ever seen.
My breath caught in my throat as Drew smiled and gave a subtle tilt of his head, beckoning me to join him.
It took a moment for my feet to catch up with my brain, but as I started toward him, everything moved in slow motion. I heard the waves crashing against the cliffs below, the sound of crickets and tree frogs harmonizing with the bass beat from the party. The heavy, racing rhythm of my heart.
But more than that, I could see my future ahead, clear as day and waiting for me.
And that was more exciting than any publishing deal or bet could ever be.
With each step I climbed up to the gazebo’s landing, Drew’s smile widened, both dimples making a grand appearance even in the soft, dim glow. I memorized everything about him as I walked toward him. His dark, tousled hair blowing in the breeze, the perfect fit of the outfit he’d chosen, one that showed off his athletic body.
Mostly, though, I noticed the way he was looking at me, and it wasn’t like someone who didn’t see his future looking back at him too.
“Hi,” I finally managed, pausing a few feet away from him.
