Page 112 of Betting on the Boy Next Door
“Sami set us up?” my dad asks, clearly surprised.
“She surely did,” Gramps confirms, grinning. “With my help.”
My dad shakes his head, but he’s smiling. “Was a new division her idea too?”
I start to shake my head, but then I pause. “Now that I think about it, I think my sneaky girlfriend may have planted a few seeds on that one.”
“Now I really like her,” he says. “We’re going to head home now, but you and Sami better be over for Sunday family dinner tomorrow.”
I grin. “Yes, sir.”
His gaze goes to Sami, who’s only visible by her Doc Martens in the middle of a group hug from her band. “You seemed lost for so long. We only ever wanted you to find your way.”
I follow his gaze to my girlfriend’s combat boots. “I have, Dad.” For maybe the first time ever, I know exactly what I want.WhoI want. Now all I have to do is tell her where I stand.
Chapter Thirty
Sami
“Bestiebrunchinten!”I call from the foot of the stairs so everyone can hear me. “Well, besties and Josh!”
I’ve made waffles and bacon, homemade whipped cream, sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and strong coffee. I text Josh to come over. I’d spent all day with him at Southwest Fest, checking out different acts. Then he’d come back to the pool house with us and laid out the terms of each label deal. We’d all talked it through, deferring to Josh’s research and Luther’s experience before making a choice.
“What are we celebrating again?” Ava asks, coming in. “I know there’s a million things to choose from, just wondering if it’s anything specific.”
“I’ll tell you when everyone is here.”
Ruby is next, followed by Josh hopping the low fence to come through the patio door. Ava has to go up and nag Madi, who eventually shambles into the kitchen, eye makeup smeared but not looking too grumpy as she sniffs the bacon.
When everyone has served themselves waffles and settled into the patio chairs, I stand at the head of the table. “I have an announcement,” I say.
“Could you stand up?” Madi asks, and everyone laughs as I throw a napkin at her.
“That joke gets as tired as a ninety-two-year-old on Sunnyside movie night,” I say, my tone as dry as unbuttered toast. “Now settle down.” I wait until they do. “I have called you together to announce that you are looking at the newest artist on the Bat Bridge label.”
Josh grins while the girls cheer and holler their congrats. I laugh and answer all their questions. Yes, we’ll be going on tour but not until summer, and I’ll keep working until then. We picked them because we like the creative control. Yes, Josh is an absolute shark in negotiations.
“Don’t worry,” he tells the girls. “I’ve still got a few things to pin down so Pixie Luna gets the best end of the deal.”
“That’s my man,” I say, grinning. “Now eat up, because they might not admit it, but I make the best bacon in the house.”
Josh plucks a piece from his plate and takes a bite and sighs. “Perfect crunch. I freaking love you.”
The table goes silent. Josh freezes. My mouth makes anObut no sound comes out.
“What did you just say?” Ruby asks, her eyes gleaming.
Josh puts his bacon down and swallows. Then he gets up and walks to where I’m sitting. Leaning down, he says softly in my ear, “I’m madly in love with you, Sami Webster.”
I turn to meet his eyes. His big, blue eyes, with those lusciously thick lashes. “You’ve put me in a very difficult position,” I say in a stage whisper. He gives me a questioning look. “If I say it back, I lose a bet to Ruby, and she gets my parking space.”
He crouches beside me, resting his elbow on my chair arm, his chin in his hand. He looks from a grinning Ruby to me. “Tough one,” he says, his voice sympathetic. “Do what you have to do.”
“I’ll be right back,” I say. Then I disappear into the condo for a second and return with my keys. “I love you, Josh Brower,” I say as Ruby whoops and Ava and Madi clap. “And now I have to go move my car.”
Josh scoops me up and gives me a kiss that soon makes Madi beg for mercy. “Knock it off,” she complains. “I can’t take that much sugar in the morning.”
“That was a sucker’s bet,” Ava says as the other person with designated parking. “You’re pretty great, Josh, but not worth the permit.”
