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“I want you to know that I want you there. I’m not assuming anything,” Alexis said.

“Oh. Did other women assume they’d spend the night?” CeCe asked.

“No.” Alexis shook her head. “I haven’t invited anyone to stay the night with me.”

“What?” CeCe asked, surprised.

Alexis sighed. “I told you that I don’t date.”

“I know, but no one has spent the night? You know, after a little fun?”

Alexis smiled. “Nope.”

“But you’re asking me?” CeCe narrowed her gaze.

“I am.”

“You don’t date, but now you’re dating me,” CeCe said.

Alexis nodded.

“You don’t have women spend the night at your home, but you’re asking me?”

“That’s correct.”

“You made this night special for us because it was supposed to be our first date,” CeCe said.

“I hope it’s special.”

“Oh, Lex, it’s special. I’m not sure what to make of all this.”

“We’re not a fling. We don’t just meet in your back room or hide out at Lovers Landing,” Alexis stated. “You’re an incredible woman who I hope is my girlfriend. And I want you to spend the night with me.” Alexis sighed nervously. “I sound like an idiot.”

“No you don’t!” CeCe exclaimed. “A lot is happening all at once.”

“It is?”

CeCe tilted her head. “Yes! You’ve whisked us to a rooftop for an incredibly romantic evening, you’ve asked me to go to a party with your colleagues, and you want me to spend the night.”

“CeCe, what about this is surprising? You knew we were going out tonight and it had to be special. Of course I want you to stay the night. I can’t get last weekend out of my head. I roll over in the night and think of you. Oh wait—” An alarmed look grew on Alexis's face. “You don’t feel the same way.” Alexis dropped her hands and stepped back.

“No, no, no!” CeCe said, reaching for Alexis. “I do feel the same. I want to stay with you tonight.”

Alexis sighed in relief. “My God, you scared me to death.”

CeCe began to laugh and Alexis joined her.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” CeCe said. “This”—she held out her arms—“is the most romantic date I’ve ever been on. I tend to mask my nervousness with senseless teasing or flirting. I was fine until you asked me to go to the party with you.”

“We don’t have to go!” Alexis exclaimed.

“It’s not that, baby. I want to go. I’m just nervous because these are your people.”

“CeCe,” Alexis exhaled in frustration. “You are my people! You are the person I want to be with.”

CeCe smiled. “Okay, okay. You may have to remind me of that from time to time, but I believe you.”

A big smile grew on Alexis's face. “I asked you to spend the night because it’s a big deal for me, CeCe.”