Page 20 of Wrong Car, Wright Guy
“The new show is already bringing in new advertising money. Which reminds me, Karen should have sent you a calendar update, but in case her ineptitude didn’t get it to you, you and I have a dinner meeting tonight. Some home-loan company wanting to be big station sponsors.”
“Is that something we do?”
“From time to time.”
“OK. I’ll have to shop for something to wear. I don’t really have a corporate sponsor impressing wardrobe.” I pull at the pale blue shirt I borrowed from Theo earlier in the week since I don’t have any corporate wear, and Tanner insisted I dress in a way that was more fitting to be his assistant. Wearing any sort of business wear in radio feels kind of odd. I’m used to wearing old T-shirts and torn jeans—radio isn’t normally the most formal profession.
“Don’t bother. It’s already been taken care of. We leave right after tonight’s show.”
“What do you mean, you took care of it? You don’t even know my size.” He laughs at that.
“I could shock you with the things I pick up on, Ruby,” he says, his voice sounding a little rough around the edges. I’d be lying if I said my nipples weren’t pushing against my bra right now.
“Like what?” I blurt, thoroughly freaked outandturned on. This is wild.
“You leave your jackets lying around all over the place, and you take your shoes off while you work. That’s how I know your size.” I open my mouth, but I end up just nodding. I didn’t realize he was so perceptive. “Now, if you canpleaseget the hell out of my office so I can have some peace, I have a shit ton of work to do before this evening’s show. And Ruby, if you can get here an hour early? I need your help prepping for the pre-show meeting. This show is yours now, too. I want you involved with every step.”
“Wow. OK.” Nerves burst like confetti filling my stomach. I’m going to be a co-host. My voice will be heard by millions on a daily basis.
My life is definitely about to change, and it’s all because I drew a dick on Tanner Wright’s car. This is so not what I was expecting to come of that night.
And now I have so many questions. Like, how do we pick our conversation topics? Do I get a say or, does he have absolute control over the material? Do I get my own office or are we going to keep sharing? What happens if the listeners decide they hate me? Do I get thrown off the air? Do I go back to being a board operator or do I go back to being a PA? Or worse, do I get fired?
Looking up from the contract, I take a breath to ask for some clarification, but let it go when I see a set of headphones on his ears.Seems I’ve been dismissed yet again.Something I’m coming to learn is classic Tanner Wright.
Nine
Ruby
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you hated me,” Tanner says as we walk back toward our office after the show. It takes time to launch a new show officially. So, today, I just sat in with him as a guest co-host, much like I did the first time, while we debated Healthcare reforms. The whole time we argued, I could see a twinkle in his eyes. He loved goading me, loved it when I snapped and told him what I really thought of him and his rich man’s viewpoint. I have to admit that our dynamic makes for great radio. The boards lit up with callers, and the producer was positively beaming by the end of it. Everyoneknewwe were onto a winning formula and can’t wait until we launch ‘Beauty and the Bigot’ officially.
“That comment would insinuate I feel something for you—which I don't,” I scoff as he opens the door for me and stands aside so I can go in first. His new PA, Karen, trots in after us, Tanner’s tea and lozenges in hand. He tells her she’s late, then takes them without a thank you before he shoos her away. I shake my head at him. “You are such a jackass.”
“Thought you didn’t feel anything for me,” he says with a chuckle, setting his tea down on his desk before he starts unbuttoning his shirt.
“Whoa. Wait. What are you doing?” I demand, torn between wanting to see if he’s as buff beneath that shirt as I think he is and looking away.
“Getting ready for dinner.” He pauses at the center button, giving me a tiny peek of the curved muscle at his pecs. He’s definitely a regular at the gym. “Something you should also be doing…”
“Ummm.” I try to look away, try to keep my eyes on his, but this invisible string keeps tearing my gaze down until I’m staring at that button,willinghim to keep going and show me more. Never has man cleavage looked more alluring and intoxicating. And Ireallywant to see some abs. Call me nuts, call me whatever you like. But when faced with the opportunity to stare at some hot-guy muscles, my brain doesn’t give a damn who they’re attached to. Just because our personalities clash doesn’t mean I can’t admire his body, right?
“It’s dinner, Ruby. Not a show,” he states, cutting into my thoughts and snapping my eyes back to his face. “Eyes back up here.” He points to his face, but I don’t miss the laughter attempting to break free from his expression.
“I wasn’t,” I say immediately, my cheeks flaming.
“Sure.” He grins. “Your clothes are in the bathroom, by the way.”
“Uh-huh.” I’m still staring. Then he laughs and swiftly undoes the rest of his buttons and pulls the shirt off his body.
Holy mother of god.
My knees go so weak, I almost fall to the floor. It’s also possible I make some sort ofAhhhhnoise as my entire body joins the cheer squad my ovaries lead. Tanner Wright is s.c.u.l.p.t.e.d. He has abs that are so perfectly defined my tongue is begging me to let it lick, and that V—don’t even get me started on that V.
“OK. Definitely not hate,” he says with a chuckle, reaching for the clean shirt that’s hanging with a suit on the shelf behind his desk.
“I…” I bluster, shaking my head while my cheeks heat to the point where I think they might boil water.Why do I have to embarrass myself like this where he’s concerned?He quite literally steals my ability to think at times.
“And you’re still staring.” He’s also still chuckling.
