Say You're Mine - Layla Hagen Page 0,26

to this communication strategy, I was certain sales would go up. I also thought they’d reach a new audience—younger consumers who spent all their time on social media and didn’t respond well to ads.

“Oh, this is wonderful,” Sasha exclaimed. “I kept forgetting to ask you about it.”

“I thought it might be useful.”

I loved giving my clients an actionable plan, and it was easy in this case. I always preferred specific instructions over vague ones.

“You know, I was antsy when I first came up with this idea. But I’m so glad I followed that instinct.”

“I am too. It’s by far the most exciting assignment I’ve done in a while.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Want to come by the cottage on Friday afternoon once they land? You could discuss this with them. I’m sure they’d love to hear it from you.”

I hoped my poker face was on so she wouldn’t realize that I already knew of their arrival—thanks to Brayden, of course.

“Sure.”

“Perfect. And now, no more talk of the band. I asked you out here to say thanks for taking on the project. Drinks are on me.”

“Oh, that’s very generous of you. Thanks.”

We ended up ordering white wine instead of cocktails, plus a cheese platter to go with it so we wouldn’t drink on an empty stomach. I liked Sasha. She was fun and easygoing.

“We were so lucky that Brayden liked you right away. Otherwise, there would have been no convincing the others.”

“I kind of got that. They listen to him.”

“He’s always been in charge. At least for as long as I’ve been with them. Thomas is easier to deal with since he’s gotten married. He was a bit of a wild card before, but now he’s calmed down and is settling into family life. I only wish the rest of the boys would find someone, but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon.”

“Why is that?” I tried not to sound too curious.

“They’re all enjoying bachelorhood too much. And Brayden especially is wary after how his last serious relationship turned out.”

I bit my lip to keep from asking more. I didn’t want Sasha to get suspicious.

“He’s been very private ever since. I don’t even know where he lives, outside of their cottage, that is. I’ve never been to his place.”

We spoke a little about our families while devouring the cheese. She was a born and bred New Yorker, and her entire family was here. I became melancholic as I told her about Mom and Dad back in Montana.

At around nine o’clock, she kept checking her watch. I pestered her until she told me that her husband had promised to pick her up on his way home.

“Go, really. It’s no problem.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m going to stay here a while longer, enjoy the view. And finish my wine.” I was on my second glass and feeling rested.

“Okay. But we have to do this again soon.”

“Sure.”

A smile played on my lips after she left. I hoped she couldn’t tell that I’d been thrilled she was cutting our date short, because I had a phone date with a certain sexy rock star in half an hour. I’d already wondered how I could slip away from her before she told me of her plans. I hadn’t wanted to postpone the call—I longed to hear his voice.

Damn, damn, damn. I really thought we were going to get the flirting out of our system? That was going to be impossible.

***

Brayden

Late-night shows were my favorite. The hosts were looking to entertain audiences with a mix of humor and music. They rarely put us on the spot with annoying questions, and I appreciated it. A car picked us up from the studio once the show was over.

“Let’s get drinks at our usual place,” Lars suggested. It was a bar close to the hotel with a generous back room they rented to us when we were in Nashville. Usually I was all for drinks after a show, but the phone call with Isabelle was coming up in fifteen minutes, and I’d be damned if I was going to miss it.

“You all go. Drop me off at the hotel.”

Lars cocked a brow. “Are you sick?”

“Fuck off.”

He held up his hands in mock defense. “You’ve never said no to going out for drinks and picking up women.”

“I’m not interested,” I said.

Harvey tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. “Something’s definitely up with him. But what?”

Thomas smirked. “I know the signs. No desire for late-night drinks or picking up women. You’re seeing