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Uh-oh. I realized she planned to hang out and make conversation until I was free, and while that was incredibly considerate, it wasn’t her obligation. “You don’t have to wait with me. I fully release you to enjoy your Saturday night. They’ll be here soon.”

The woman surveyed the empty hallway, hesitating. “But if they drop the ball or forget, you have no recourse. I’m obligated, as a citizen, to see this through.” She tilted her head, which caused her ponytail to cascade downward, half of it brushing her shoulder. I wanted to rewind the video. “Your day?”

“Well, just know that I appreciate the neighborly gesture. And my day was going amazingly well until the door ate my shirt. I attended the conference downstairs. Learned a lot. Now I’m here.”

She looked thoughtful. “Something hospitality related, right? I saw the sign.”

“Exactly.” A pause hit that I decided to fill with more detail. Why not? We had a moment or two. “I’m opening up an Airbnb. My first.” Just hearing the words sent a heady hit of exhilaration. I just loved a good project.

“Oh, yeah? Here in Charleston?”

“No. I’m from a little town along the water. Couple hours from here. Dreamer’s Bay. Heard of it?”

“I have not, but with a name like that one, I now feel driven to look it up.”

“Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.” I grinned proudly. “That’s somewhat of a saying we locals apply to our town. I’ll have you know that we were on the Travel Channel.” I offered her a wide-eyed look. “That’s right.” I sat back and waited, as if I’d dropped the most impressive bomb ever.

She laughed, picking up on my attempt at humor. It was captivating, and I couldn’t look away. This just got better and better.She did. “Well, now I’m sold on a visit someday. You should have led with the Travel Channel.”

“I’ll know for next time.”

We stared at each other for an extended moment I didn’t want to end. A welcome tingle slithered its way up my spine.Oh, hello. When was the last time that had happened? A physical reaction. Maybe I didn’t want to be rescued from the clutches of this door after all. Unfortunately, the elevator dinged a few yards away and my hopes and dreams came falling down like rain on prom night.

“Someone called for assistance?” a younger man in a blue dress shirt asked, jogging over.

No, thank you, I said, in my imagination.

Upon seeing me, he attempted to smother his smile, which meant they’d likely been taking bets about whether this had been a prank call. I couldn’t blame them.

“I’m afraid I’ve imprisoned myself unintentionally,” I told him with a wince. The embarrassment towered over me, but there was no escaping this moment. I needed this kid and his key card if I wanted to live a free life again.

He slid the key into the electronic lock and my new sexy friend from across the hall smiled supportively. I met her gaze. “He’s here now. You’ve done your good deed for the day. I release you from noble duty.”

She straightened and eyed me. “Only if you’re sure.”

“As can be.” The lock clicked, the door opened, and I was able to move freely. I’d never take it for granted again. “And this is what I look like when able to move as I wish.” I tossed my arms around fluidly like a marionette, which in hindsight was a ridiculous thing to do. And why would I even say that? I shrugged off the shame. Luckily, my hallmate seemed to find me amusing, which I latched onto like a wayward log in a dicey current.

“Who knew an upgrade was even possible?” she asked. “Enjoy your night.”

You could have knocked me over with a feather. Had she really just said that out loud? If I’d had any doubt, the expression on the guest services agent dispelled it. His eyebrows rose to his hairline, and he passed me a congratulatory smirk.

“You heard that, too, right?” I whispered once the woman disappeared around the corner.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. He nodded several times. We were bros now. “And I saw her check you out.”

“You did?” I asked in a squeak. “There was checking?” I rolled around in the concept, luxuriating, basking like the queen of Egypt regaled by all.

“I thought you two were together at first.”

“You’re my favorite person now.” Then a thought descended. I turned to him, now realizing the missed opportunity. Panic quickly replaced my excitement. “I don’t even know her name and now she’s gone. That seems like a mistake now.” That woman, beyond her picture-perfect appearance, seemed smart, funny, and kind. Three of the four on the quadfecta. That combination was hard to come by. I wanted to peel her like an orange and write a memoir about it later. Sadly, that would likely never happen.

The young man lifted one shoulder. “Well, you know where she’s staying. At least for tonight.” I could tell he wanted to wink but refrained. Work decorum and all. We were still bros.

“I know she’s that direction on this hallway,” I offered weakly. But the truth was I wouldn’t be acting on that information. I didn’t have the kind of blind ambition required to hunt down a ridiculously hot woman to see if she wanted to hang out. Jonathan was right. I needed to sharpen the tools in my flirtatious toolbox so I’d be prepped and ready for scenarios like this one. “But I think, on second thought, that I’m going to enjoy the moment for what it was.”

“Totally your call,” my wingman said. “But I’m telling you, you got a shot.”

I let myself enjoy that knowledge. “Thank you for saying that. Bless your extended family.” I pointed at the door that ate me. “And I appreciate your assistance.”