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“I mean it,” he continues. “You seem…energized. More confident than usual. It’s great to see.” He gestures vaguely at me. “And you look nice today. Big Friday plans?”

I nearly swallow my tongue.

“Oh—just, you know…” I wave a hand vaguely. “Plans.”

“Date?” he asks casually.

My whole body tries to shut down.

“NO,” I say too fast, too loud, too aggressively. “Nope. Not at all. Just…a hang. With…someone.”

Kill me. Kill me now.

Greg laughs. “Sounds fun either way. Enjoy your night.”

“I will,” I squeak.

He gives me a thumbs-up and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him.

As soon as he’s gone, I lean back in my chair and stare at my office.

My nice, clean, professional office.

I’m thinking about my desk, specifically. It’s a good desk, sturdy and wide.

Exactly the kind of desk one could theoretically…

“Nope,” I mutter. “NOPE. Absolutely not. Zero making out. Zero touching. Zero romance.”

I spin my chair in a slow circle. I’m not going there.

“It’s not a date. It’s ahang. A logistical exchange.”

My eyes drift to the window, catching my reflection.

I look…good, fresh and excited. Plus alive in a way I haven’t in maybe two years.

“Oh God,” I whisper at my reflection, “it’s a date.”

I bury my face in my hands, then force myself upright.

“No. No it’s not. I’m paying. I used the wordhang.There will be no making out on this desk or any other furniture in this city.”

I really need to stop talking to myself.

Luckily my phone buzzes.

I check and it’s a message from Colt.

My stomach flips so hard I nearly lose consciousness.

I grab it before my brain can start narrating the moment.

COLT: Just wanted to make sure last night didn’t stress you out too much.

Hope your Friday’s treating you good.

It’s just a harmless text, innocent and friendly.