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“What? I practically live in the lab these days and it wasn't my story to tell.”
“This is insane.” Serena pours herself more wine with shaking hands. “When did this start?”
“About a week ago,” I admit. “Dad started really actingup, and Bennett and I took him to dinner to try to calm things down. We kind of got…close from there.”
“Wow. I mean, I'm surprised it took that long considering the tension between you two at the festival and then the bar. But, wow.”
“You should have seen them during meetings,” Audrey said. “The entire office has been speculating from the start.”
“I heard.” I wrinkle my nose. “I really thought we were being discreet for a while there.”
“Oh, honey.” Serena shakes her head, grinning. “You two are not subtle. The way you look at each other? The whole world could see you were an implosion waiting to happen.”
“I know that now.” I take a fortifying sip of wine. “It's been... intense.”
“I'll bet. So… where is Prince Hostile Takeover tonight?”
“Corporate emergency. Someone's trying to sabotage one of his deals.” I check my phone—no updates. “He'll probably be at the office all night.”
“That sucks. But hey, silver-lining, that means you get to hang with your girls and tell us what it's like dating an actual billionaire.”
“I really wouldn't call what we're doing right now dating. It’s more…figuring things out. But maybe Audrey can be the one to answer the question—she and Logan Whitman seem to be getting pretty close.”
Serena's eyes go wide. “Who the hell is Logan Whitman?”
Audrey goes stock-still, wineglass frozen halfway to her lips. A flush creeps up her neck. “We're just collaboratingon work,” she says, but her voice comes out higher than usual.
Serena's jaw drops. “What is going on? First Layla's secretly hooking up with Mr. Billionaire, now you're getting cozy with some mystery man? Did everyone get a memo about office romance except me?”
“Logan's not a mystery man,” Audrey protests, but she's practically glowing. “He's Bennett's tech guy. Very smart. Very... focused.”
“Focused on what exactly?” Serena grins wickedly. “Your neural pathways?”
I nearly choke on my wine. “Oh my god, Serena.”
“What? I'm just saying, if a guy's going to talk dirty to Audrey, it better involve scientific terminology.” She turns back to our blushing friend. “So? Details. Is he cute? Does he make you laugh? Can he keep up with that big brain of yours?”
“He's...” Audrey fidgets with her napkin. “He actually listened when I explained the prototype. For three hours. Without his eyes glazing over.”
“Three hours?” I lean forward. “Audrey, that's practically foreplay for you.”
“It is not!” But she's smiling now. “Although he did say my algorithm was 'elegantly beautiful,' which...” She trails off, face heating.
“Which got your motor running,” Serena finishes with satisfaction. “I knew it. You've got that same dopey look Layla has.”
“I do not have a dopey look,” I protest.
“You absolutely do. It's like someone replaced your resting worry face with a screensaver of hearts andrainbows.” Serena refills our glasses. “So what's the deal? Are you guys going to coordinate your double dates now?”
“We're not—” Audrey starts.
“It's not like that—” I say at the same time.
Serena holds up a hand. “Ladies, please. You're both glowing like nuclear reactors. Just admit you're happy and let me live vicariously through your romantic chaos.”
“Fine,” I concede. “I'm happy. Terrified, but happy.”
“I'm confused,” Audrey adds. “Logan asked if I wanted to grab coffee tomorrow to 'discuss optimization strategies.' We’ve had coffee before. So I have no idea if that's a date or actual work.”