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“I sent her some of my thoughts and I’m waiting for her reply.”

Ali shakes her head.

“Her services aren’t exactly cheap,” I say.

“You get what you pay for.”

I snigger.

“You are sick, Carter.”

“Oh, relax. I haven’t ruled it out.”

“I have no idea why you insist on procrastinating the inevitable.”

“Who says it’s inevitable?”

“Even you know you need help,” Ali returns.

I give up. I might hire Brooklyn just to shut up Ali. I might. “I told you, I’m waiting to see what she offers.”

Ali grins evilly. “You looked at her picture online, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“You did.”

“Of course, I looked at her website. Isn’t that what normal people do when they want to learn more about someone’s business.”

Ali smirks.

“What?” I challenge her.

“You think she’s attractive.”

“I don’t think she’sunattractive.”

“That’s why you emailed her.”

“Ali, I don’t write the sickly-sweet romances you spend your Saturday nights reading.”

“No. You write elf sex.”

I snort. I have written elf sex. It’s true.

Ali continues. “Which is why you need Brooklyn.”

“To help me craft Elven sex scenes?”

“If it helps you get them written on time—sure. But no. You need humans of the female variety around to remind you that you can still have sex with humans.”

“Exactly why did you suggest I hire Brooklyn Brady? To help me with my work chaos, or is it because you hope I will get laid?”

“I suggested it because you’re a mess. And because I worry about you.”

“Why?”

“You haven’t been on a date in over a year.”