“Do it,” Ellie said, gesturing to Vivi’s cell. “It’s not going to get any easier.
With a sigh, Vivi picked up her phone, called Owen, and left a message, turning down the residency offer.
Then, knowing he’d call back screaming, she shut her phone off, pulled a pint of ice cream from the freezer, and shared the treat with her best friend.
* * *
Landon and Jason sat at the gym, where Tanner was fighting in the ring. Ever since Tanner had hooked up with Scarlett Davis, an assistant district attorney, and since Victor Clark had gone back to jail, Tanner’s anger issues seemed well under control. Where he used to fight at the gym to channel his aggression, lately it seemed he took more enjoyment in the sport.
They still showed up to support Tanner, and in truth, old habits died hard. They wanted to be here if something triggered their friend’s anger, although Landon didn’t see that as an issue any longer. Which meant they could focus on something other than watching Tanner kick someone’s ass in the ring.
“So how’d the visit with the viral girl go?” Jason asked, one eye on Tanner.
Landon felt the beginnings of a stupid grin on his face, and clearly Jason caught it, too, because he burst out laughing.
“I knew it would happen sooner or later. Tanner did, too.” Jason grinned.
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” Because hedging was better than admitting that Landon had taken one look at Vivienne … he preferred Vivi because it suited her … and he’d fallen ass over teakettle, as his grandmother used to say. He’d thought it was as stupid an expression as Jason falling for Faith in a few short days and Tanner for Scarlett just as quickly. Now he understood. He wanted to get to know this woman.
“But it went well. I know her agent is completely on board, and though she tried to play it cool, she’s interested.” In more than just the summer residency, he thought.
And that feeling was completely mutual.
He’d been sitting in that office listening to the asshole agent try and blow smoke up his ass about how much money his client was worth when she’d come rushing inside. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, that lush body encased in Spandex, and he’d had a good look at breasts made to fit in his hand and nipples that had puckered under his gaze.
His dick had hardened at the sight.
And then he’d had his first glimpse of her beautiful face, up close and personal. Gorgeous brown eyes the color of hot chocolate framed by porcelain skin, a sprinkling of freckles on the bridge of her nose, and dimples on either side of sexy lips made for kissing.
He’d been blindsided by not just her beauty but her strength of character. She’d stood up to her agent, letting him know the details of the contract were up to her. She didn’t seem to go for the money grab the man clearly had on his mind. More than a point in her favor.
“And you’re into her,” Jason said. “Because I’ve been talking for the last few minutes and you haven’t heard one word I’ve said. I brought her up and you got lost.” He chuckled to himself.
Landon rolled his eyes but he couldn’t deny his friend was right. His cell rang and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. Vivi’s agent. His pulse picked up speed as he envisioned having her within touching distance all summer long.
He hit the accept button. “Bennett.”
“Mr. Bennett, it’s Owen Rhimes. I’m afraid I have bad news for you. Vivienne asked me to turn down your offer.”
“What? Why?” He had to admit he was floored. From the chemistry between them, which had been undeniable, to the generosity of the offer … he hadn’t expected her to reject him outright. Negotiate? Yeah, that he’d anticipated.
Jason glanced at him, brows furrowed.
Landon shook his head.
“I have to admit I’m taken off guard myself. She’d been clear about wanting to stay in town. I even had a list of wants for her. But she wouldn’t let me negotiate. Just gave me a firm no.” The man sounded frustrated, too.
“Thank you.” Frowning, he disconnected the call.
“What’s up?” Jason asked.
Landon shifted in the metal chair he’d been sitting on for too long. “She turned down the summer residency offer.” Dammit.
“What are you going to do about it? We can meet up and brainstorm someone else,” Jason said as Tanner stepped out of the ring along with his sparring partner, who stomped away, pissed he’d lost.
Landon clearly recalled the interested look in her eyes when she’d first seen him and the flicker of excitement at the mention of the summer residency. Oh, she’d tried to hide it and act professional, to not tip her hand so she’d have leverage to negotiate, because she’d acted like she could take it or leave it … but he’d seen and sensed how badly she’d wanted the gig.