Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 664

+25 BONUS

"Male models? What's going on with you lately? First, you're trying to buy a bar, and now you're planning some kind of male model show?" Ron sounded equal parts floored and suspicious after I pitched my idea.

"I'm just having fun. Can't you tell?" I replied, laughing to brush it off.

But Ron wasn't buying it. He squinted at me, his detective mode fully activated.

Whatever. I rolled my eyes and launched into my pitch. "Okay, so our company's doing that light and music festival soon, right? Why not go big with a live human light show? Imagine male greeters or models wearing LED-lit outfits-total showstopper vibes." Ron raised a brow. "A human light show? That's... bold. I'll give you points for creativity."

I grinned. "Exactly! So, you think it'll work? Cool. Start building a team to make it happen."

He gave me that are-you-kidding-me look. "Ms. Kay, you think this is, what, grabbing clothes off a store rack? This would need custom designs, production, and oh yeah we're already on a time crunch."

I gave him my best pretty please face. "I know, Ron. That's why I need you. You're the genius who can pull it off."

"Your pretty face's not gonna cut it," he shot back, shutting me down before throwing in a casual, soul-crushing zinger. "Unless Hayden were here-maybe he'd make it happen."

Oof. That hit harder than I expected.

my competitive streak kicking in. Before Ron could

called after me, but

Apparently, Ron caught on, too, because next thing I

he said, his tone way softer now. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought Hayden into it, okay? We'll go with your human light show idea. If anyone's

***

my desk, I tried diving into work,

serious textbook syndrome-you're fine until the second you try to focus, and bam, instant

and honestly, I wasn't about to fight it. I ditched my desk,

I was

Kay, wake up. I need your help with something," Ron's voice cut through the fog in

blinked, heart pounding from the suddenness, still feeling half-dead. Without moving, I

project. Big deal. Their flight lands at 4:30. You've

11

feeling like sleep had actually drained me instead

"Why don't you

set a record for

+25 BONUS

guilt all over his face. "She just called, and I

me up, but