Page 54 of Mother Clucker

“Sit. Both of you. Clay, pull up another chair.”

The big brooding dark-haired SEAL stood and moved to a nearby table with an empty stool. He asked permission to take it and then carried it back to us.

Meanwhile Zach, younger but no less big or handsome than Clay, had stood and swung the one empty stool at their high top around to my side. “Here you go. I’m Zach by the way. This is Gabby.”

I swear my cheeks got hot. “I know. I worked on the promo for your wedding. Congratulations. It was just beautiful.”

Gabby smiled. “Thank you.”

The waitress I’d seen ordering at the bar arrived with a tray filled with drinks. Lucy and I both ordered a glass of pink Moscato from her, Nick asked for a beer, and then it was time to get to business.

When we were finally all seated and the introductions done, Nick said, “Dani will be along shortly. She asked me to send her apologies for being late. She’s having trouble getting away from the set.”

I sent a glance in Lucy’s direction. Not trouble in paradise after all. I had a feeling Lucy was a little disappointed by that because Nick, the youngest man there, was gorgeous, just like the two other SEALs at the table.

“Understandable.” I nodded.

“Oh, yeah. We know how crazy things are over there at the beach house,” Lucy agreed.

Nick let out a laugh. “Yeah. You could say that.”

Cold Feet was already a hit and the season hadn’t even aired yet. The network had been teasing it on TV relentlessly. When they released an extended version of the sizzle reel online, the views were insane. But it was the corresponding app that had the younger viewers especially going nuts. That’s what had made the cast members famous.

It was marketing genius, building momentum before the season started. I only wished I’d come up with the idea. We’d copied it from the hit UK version of a similar show. It was a winning formula. The proof was in the numbers.

Now, I was hoping I could capitalize on those numbers and get some attention for the shelter’s adopt-a-thon. And by proxy, also for the adopt-a-thon’s sponsor, Strickland.

“So, thank you all for agreeing to meet us. I know it’s completely last minute but I was hoping to get at least one or two of you to come out to the Hermosa Beach Animal Shelter adopt-a-thon in Hermosa Beach this weekend. It’s kind of a clear the shelters initiative to not only find forever homes for the shelter animals but to also raise awareness for their low cost spay and neuter program.”

“This is what you’d emailed me about?” Tasha asked.

“It’s related. I’d initially reached out about a possible collaboration between you and the shelter. I’d had in mind that you and Clay and your rescue dog Shellie could possibly shoot like a fifteen-second spot promoting adoption. You know, an adopt don’t shop type thing. But then this adopt-a-thon event came up . . .”

“When is this event?” Gabby asked.

“Saturday.” I cringed at how little time I’d given these very busy people. “And again, I’m so sorry this is so last minute.”

“Last minute is better actually. I can’t plan my life more than a few days ahead.” Zach reached out and squeezed Gabby’s hand.

She nodded agreement and mumbled, “Mmm, hmm.”

I glanced at the others at the table.

“Well, I can definitely do it and so can Clay,” Tasha said.

Clay’s dark brows formed a low line over his eyes. “Oh, can I?” There was amusement in his voice, otherwise the man might have been a little scary.

Tasha wasn’t intimidated. “You know you can. You’re not like Zach or Nick. You’re retired and that means you have plenty of time for this. And we’re between seasons for the show so we’re both totally available.” She glared right back at him as she made that statement.

And this was why the show had been a hit. Tasha and Clay had sparks between them. I felt like I’d stepped through my TV screen and landed in the middle of their show.

It was amazing. I saw Lucy next to me was as riveted as I was by the live action in front of us.

“He’ll be there,” Tasha reiterated.

Clay grunted. “I’ll be there.”

He was a softy when it came to dogs so I really hadn’t been worried he’d say no. Well, maybe a little bit worried.

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