Page 21 of Just Another Silly Love Song

I crossed my arms. “I was just about to say the exact same thing.”

Chapter Five

BEN

A nightmare was unfolding right before my eyes. It was bad enough the radio station thought I needed a sidekick to get the ratings back up, but the last person in the world I would’ve chosen was the one sitting in front of me.

Lori Martin.

The queen of silly love songs.

What were the chances that she was the same woman I had bought a mocha for? I would have poured a bucket of ice water over anyone’s head if they had told me it was destiny.

It was a nightmare.

I snapped out of my temporary coma and looked her square in the eyes. “No offense, but this isn’t happening.”

Lori stood up and took a step toward me, confident, crossing her arms. “No offense, but I agree with you.Nothappening. And don’t think that I didn’t hear you call me a dog on the radio this morning.”

“I’m flattered you listen to my show, but I didn’t call you a dog.”

“First of all, it’s my grandmother who listens to you, certainly not me. I walked into the room and unfortunately was subjected to the Dr. Testosterone show that was oozing out of her speakers. And yes, you called me a dog.”

I shook my head. “I said I gave the dog a bone. It’s not literal—it’s an expression. Like I gave you a treat. Was it not a treat? Don’t tell me you didn’t appreciate the mocha gesture.”

She hesitated. “I would have . . . if I hadn’t spilled it in the studio.”

I nodded. “Not a surprise with your bad luck lately, especially with your boyfriend dumping you on the air.”

“Don’t remind me.” Lori’s left eye twitched. “I’m flattered that you listened tomyshow.”

I threw my hands up. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. People around the station were talking about it. Let the record show that I don’tdosilly love songs and never will. And while we’re on the topic, no offense, but your sugar-coated advice is not my cup of tea, either.”

“Believe me, I know. You prefer beating them over the head with it.”

“Better than beating around the bush.”

Lori narrowed her eyes at me. “Are you sure you’re not a caveman?”

“Are you sure you’re not a nun?”

“I’ve hit the jackpot!” Kyle laughed and pumped his fist in the air. “This is going to be ratings gold! I called it!” He rubbed his hands together and went back over to the other side of his desk, taking a seat. “Okay, okay, this is even better than I could’ve imagined. Please, both of you, sit down.”

Lori and I had only one thing in common.

We both stared at Kyle like he was crazy.

“And how did you know my name at Peet’s?” Lori asked.

“It wasn’t that difficult to read your custom license plate. Lori-thirty-nine. What’s the thirty-nine stand for? The number of times you play Celine Dion in a day?”

Lori placed her hands on her hips. “No—the number of times I’ve thought about bopping you over the head since you walked into this office.”

“I’m a genius!” Kyle gestured to the two chairs in front of his desk. “Come on, sit down. You can’t see what’s happening, but I can. I envisioned you two together and my gut was right. Mark my words, you will have the number one show in the market in less than a month.”

Lori sighed and remained standing. “Look, Kyle, Ireallyappreciate you offering me the job, but I think the only thing that Ben and I will ever agree upon is that this has disaster written all over it.”

I nodded. “She’s right.”