Page 76 of Seven Lost Summers
The sound of her voice does something to me. It’s as if the air has become dense.
“What’s up, superstar?” he says, grinning. “Got a job for you, if you’re not too busy shooting moody black-and-white photos of sad trees or abandoned shoes or whatever the hell it is you do these days.”
There’s a pause, and then Quinn’s voice cuts through. “Funny. I was just editing a close-up of your ego.”
Theo barks out a laugh. “Still savage. I respect that.”
I grin, that firecracker mouth hitting me square in the chest. God, I miss this—the way Quinn fires back without blinking, quick as hell. I’d forgotten how good it feels.
Ace crosses his arms and raises a brow. “I like her already,” he mutters. “She can stay.”
Even Xander lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head.
“So…” Theo says, drawing it out. “You got anything on over the next—” He pauses, eyes flicking to Kit, brows raised, waiting for the cue.
Kit sighs, rubbing her temple. “Two weeks.”
Theo nods, as if that’s exactly what he was about to say. “Right. Two weeks. You busy?”
Silence follows.
Then Quinn laughs. “Two weeks… Theo, that’s not a job. That’s a hostage situation?”
Theo grins. “A sexy one. With benefits.”
Kit groans. “I regret everything.”
Xander mutters, “I regret knowing him,” shaking his head, even though he’s grinning now.
Even Ace, who hasn’t cracked a smile since 2015, lets out a grunt that might actually be a laugh.
Before anyone can fire back, Theo shoves the phone toward Kit. “Here. Talk to her.”
Kit eyes the phone like he’s just handed her a live grenade. “If this is some girl you banged in a dressing room and only remembered now, I swear to God—”
“Relax,” Theo says, grinning all innocent. “Her name’s Quinn. Just take the call.”
Kit sighs, snatches the phone, and covers the mic with her hand. “If she asks for child support, I’m hanging up.” Then she turns away, pressing it to her ear. “Hey, Quinn. Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll give you the sane version.”
We watch as Kit starts pacing slow circles near the beat-up couch, phone pressed tight. She’s explaining everything properly now, walking Quinn through the details instead of Theo’s bullshit sales pitch.
Kit hangs up, strides back over, and drops the phone into Theo’s hand.
“She’s sending me her portfolio tonight. I’ll take a look and decide from there.” She narrows her eyes at him. “If this is some elaborate plan to get laid, Theo, do us all a favor and download a dating app.”
Theo flashes that cocky grin. “What, and miss out on you micromanaging my sex life? Where’s the fun in that?”
Kit groans.
Ace mutters something about needing earplugs for the whole tour.
I laugh, already knowing this is gonna be one hell of a ride.
Chapter 14
Quinn
Mynerveshavebeenshot for the last forty-eight hours. Ever since I hit send on those photos, I’ve been stuck in this endless loop—second-guessing every frame, every angle, wondering if what I gave Kit was enough. Wondering if I’m enough.
