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“‘Enjoying’ is an understatement. I’m only here for the night or else I’d be back tomorrow. For now, I’m full. Can I get the check when you’re ready?”

“Of course.” Her mouth curls into a flirtatious grin before she bites her bottom lip. “Do you come to LA often?” Her voice lowers and she runs a finger across the placemat near my hand. “I finish in thirty minutes. I’d be happy to show you around.”

I quirk my lips and open my mouth to respond until my stomach knots.Motherfucker.I bet she’d be happy to fuck me too, and yet…

Jesus.Am I about to turn her down?

My phone buzzes across the rustic wood of the table, and silence falls as I glance down. I don’t register who texted but I shrug apologetically. “I’ve gotta—”

“Yes. Of course. I’ll get your check.” She rushes off and I internally groan. I am.I fucking am. I’m turning down a sure thing. A smoking-hot sure thing who doesn’t seem to know who I am.

For a ghost.

Well, not exactly a ghost because Blair’s still very much alive. But she made it clear that what we had was dead, and I’m probably supposed to accept that.

Too bad I don’t. And my dick sure as hell doesn’t.Unfortunately.

Just to be sure, I check out my server’s ass in her sculpted leggings, marveling at the way her cheeks bounce when she moves. But what do you know, not even a twitch.

Like the damn thing’s broken.

What a fucked-up predicament to be in.

Grabbing my phone, I check my message and chuckle incredulously.

At least I have an ally.

JENNA: You failed on the mountain, but I’m giving you another chance. Blair’s going to the Paisley Hotel tonight. She wants to drown her sorrows. I offered to go but she shut me down. Maybe you should be there

I scratch my head as I smile. This girl’s crazier than I am.

ZANE: Not a good idea

JENNA: Giving up already?

ZANE: Nope. I’m just smarter than that

JENNA: How so?

ZANE: You may not know this about Blair, but she can be ridiculously headstrong when she wants to be. And God, can she hold a grudge. I wouldn’t push her too far

JENNA: So…don’t tell her I sent you. Easy

I bark out a laugh, picturing Jenna’s nonchalant shrug. But it’s not easy at all.

ZANE: I’d have to. I’m not going to lie

JENNA: Good answer, Z-man. I will fall on my sword for you

Wow, this girl. She’s really something.

ZANE: Okay, Shakespeare. You do you

JENNA: Thank you, I will. Blair needs you. Be there

I’m smiling to myself as my server comes back, my check secured tightly in her palm, but when I reach out to grab it, she shakes her head. “Uh-uh. You got an answer for me yet?”

“Ido.” I speak slowly, ready to deliver the blow. To her and myself.