Hayden (A Next Generation Carter Brother #4) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,19
is one of awe, but it’s the love shining in her eyes for Jaxon that really moves me. It’s the same strength of love I see in Jaxon’s as he gazes down at Lily, her hands in his.
It’s breath taking.
A lump forms in the back of my throat at the sight. I want love—who doesn’t? But I’ve never gone out of my way to find it. I won’t force the next guy I’m with to be my ‘one’. It’s either there or it isn’t. I won’t rush it. In fact, it’s not something I’ve been overly ecstatic to find.
But seeing it captured in one frame… It makes me wonder if I’ll ever get it. If I’ll ever feel that level of emotion these two clearly share with one another. If I’ll ever have what my parents have.
Holy fuck!
Would I find someone who would put up with my dad’s crazy? Would I want someone who couldn’t handle my dad’s crazy?
The terrifying thought has me nearly tripping up a step. Gathering myself, I push open the door to Faith’s old room and answer the phone when it begins to ring again.
“If someone doesn’t answer, it usually means they’re busy or asleep,” I greet, my tone snappish.
His laugh is loud and unrestrained. “Do you always answer your phone so rudely?”
“Only to those I deem annoying.”
“Maybe if you answered the phone, I wouldn’t have had to keep ringing.”
I sigh, exasperated. “Is there a reason you called so urgently?”
“Yes, a couple of reasons. I’ve got your new contract to sign.”
“And I told you, I’m not signing it. There is nothing wrong with what I wear. Unless I turn up in my underwear, you can’t tell me to change my appearance.”
I wait for him to clear his throat. “We’ll discuss it before next weekend.”
“Why next weekend?”
“Because we’re setting up your online dating account.”
I groan, angry. “I told you, I want to keep my anonymity. If my family find me on that dating site, they will kill me. You’ve not met my dad, and trust me, you don’t want the first time to be on bad terms. He will eat you for breakfast.”
“We’re using the name Hayley, so it shouldn’t be a problem. All potential dates will be screened. It’s an exclusive site. It’s not like other dating sites where every Tom, Dick and Harry are on there just to get laid.”
“I don’t care if you’re using the name Hayley. I could still be recognised. My family will find out, and then they’ll find out it’s for my job because they know there is no way on earth I’d ever choose to use one.”
“This company is relying on you to come through, Hayden. We need this exposure.”
“Date Night can kiss my arse.”
“Hayden,” he calls sternly.
An idea forms in my mind. “I’ll do it on one condition.”
“What is that?”
“You let me run a story on the recent break-ins. I’ve noticed a pattern—”
“I’m going to stop you right there. We aren’t a newspaper. We’re a podcast/radio station. And I’m not having you look into something that is becoming dangerous.”
“Dangerous,” I snort. “So, you’re telling me you aren’t allowing me to run the story because I’m a girl, but you’re happy to let me go online dating with men I don’t know and could attack me?”
“This is getting out of control. You’re twisting my words. I’ll see you Wednesday to get you an outfit.”
Hearing that, I perk up. “Do I get to choose?”
“See you Wednesday, Hayden,” he answers curtly.
I pull my phone away, cursing under my breath when I see he’s ended the call. “Prick!”
“Even after hearing that, I still can’t figure out what you do for a living,” Reid announces, causing a small scream to escape my lips.
I turn around, finding him in the doorway. “Are you fucking crazy? I could have taken you out.”
“What with, your phone?”
“How much did you hear?” I ask, knowing I divulged more than I have to my family during that phone call.
“Enough to know you were talking to your boss but not enough to know what you do,” he replies, grinning at me.
I roll my eyes. “You do know it’s rude to listen in on people’s conversations.”
He shrugs, not bothered. “I was coming out of the loo and heard you. Thought I’d come say hi.”
It’s my turn to grin. “You mean, to see if you could get in my knickers. Which is never going to happen. You had your chance.”
“You wish. You look like you could do with a good fucking though.”