Page 117 of The CEO I Hate

Liam had invited his family as well, of course. They were all there with the exception of his niece, Grace, who was at home in San Francisco with a sitter. She was far too young for this kind of party, but Liam had called her earlier and overnighted some coolEnd in Fireswag to Connor’s place so she felt included in the celebration.

For the first time ever, Liam’s place actually felt crowded. And I was loving every second.

Cade appeared on screen shirtless, and Jerome and Craig cheered the loudest of everyone. “Leo! Leo! Leo!” they chanted.

Liam smirked, making his way over to me at the kitchen island. “I don’t know why I bothered to turn it up. Won’t be able to hear a word over the party.”

“Oh, we’re totally rewatching tomorrow,” I said.

“From bed. While we’re hungover,” he agreed, sipping his champagne.

“And eating a mountain of leftovers.”

“That sounds like a perfect start to the weekend.”

I grinned, doling out more champagne. There was so much alcohol flowing that it almost felt like New Year’s Eve. I glanced down at the engagement ring on my finger, thinking about all the watch parties to come.

“Shh!” Tanya called suddenly. “Everyone quiet!”

“Is it in?” Jerome asked. He latched onto Craig. “Oh my God! What’s it say?”

“The review fromThe Hollywood Reporteris up!”

There was still too much chatter to hear her properly.

“Quiet!” Sophie bellowed, her voice carrying as loudly as a clap of thunder, silencing everyone.

I rushed around the island to peer over Tanya’s shoulder. I could feel Liam at my back.

“Ah! Read it!” Kait said. “No, wait. I’m not ready.” She chewed on her fingernail.

“I’m reading it anyway,” Tanya said, scrolling through the beginning of the article. Ash had somehow wedged himself between Tanya’s chair and the TV, ears perked and tail still like even he knew this was a big moment.

I groaned, nervous as Liam wrapped his arm around my middle. I could feel his lips at the back of my head, pressed against my hair. He was holding his breath.

Tanya cleared her throat. “Okay, here it is…‘Season two of the hit show continues to deliver a gripping and emotionally charged storyline’!” she read, her voice trembling from excitement. It rose in pitch as she continued, the words flying from her mouth.

“‘With its masterful direction, sharp writing, and heart-wrenching performances, this series isn’t just about the fires they fight but about the personal battles that burn just as fiercely. Clear your schedules becauseEnd in Firecontinues to be a must watch’!”

I was jumping up and down, twisting into Liam’s arms, before Irealized what was happening. The noise in the room swelled as champagne flutes were emptied in celebration. “Did you hear that?”

He leaned down and kissed me in answer.

“Oh,Varietyis out too,” Kait said, looking at her phone as Liam and I broke apart. “Holy shit! They called us a blazing success!”

Liam’s brothers led a round of cheers.

“It says this standout season improves upon the first!” Kait continued, scanning the article.

“Ha!” Jerome said. “Don’t tell Lyle.” He flashed me a wicked grin. Lyle had been invited tonight, like the rest of the writers, but hadn’t been able to make it. I couldn’t exactly claim I missed having him around, even if we had settled into a decent working relationship by the end. He wasn’t always the easiest to work with, but all the same, I really hoped I’d have the chance to work with him again. I couldn’t wait to see what we could do with a third season.

“So, boss man, what’s the word?” Jerome called over everyone. “Are we making more hit television or what?”

I turned back to Liam. His face was flat, unreadable to most, but I could tell he was trying to suppress a smile by the way his jaw twitched. He’d been tight-lipped about the future of the show, even around me, but I was pretty sure we had our answer now.

“Press release is going out tomorrow,” Liam announced. “Season three is officially going into pre-production. I’d expect calls from your agents very soon.”

Jerome, Tanya, and Kait ended up in a group hug with a very disgruntled Paula in the middle. Ash let out a bark that perfectly timed with the cheer, then launched himself into the middle of the group hug. Paula didn’t look thrilled, but she didn’t push him out either.