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Her deep-auburn hair reflects in the sunlight, and I can’t help but admire her body in the tiny pink denim shorts and NASA T-shirt she insisted we stop by her place and pick up when I told her where we were headed. “Not from this angle you haven’t.”

Taking the picture, I hand her back the phone, and she inspects the shot. “Hmm, not bad.”

I lean down until my lips brush the shell of her ear, and a rush of delight surges through me when I notice the way her skin pebbles in response. “Try fucking stunning.”

Tipping her head back, she eyes me carefully, the apple of her cheeks blushing slightly. “Thank you, but I was referring to the angle of the H-1 liquid-fuel engine.”

Fuck me, this girl. She’s all kinds of cool. Forgetting where we are for just a moment, but not giving a crap either, I lean down and place a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth. The place I’ve become obsessed with.

Still not giving a shit if I’m recognized or if photos will be taken, I grab her hand and intertwine our fingers, the feel of her tiny palm against mine mimicking the soothing feel of the warm summer sun. “Come on, Rocket. Where to next?”

We’re sitting eating lunch in the café when I feel my phone buzz in the pocket of my shorts.

Jon

Message from the wife: Bring Luna to Seattle a couple of days before the gala. We’re taking her shopping.

These two are insufferable. Luna’s busy flipping through pages of the latest program, so I quickly type out a response.

Me

Two things. One, I never confirmed she was coming. Two, shopping for what, and what’s your game plan?

Jon

Technically that’s three. Is she coming to the gala?

Me

Yes. But that’s not the point.

Jon

That's precisely the point. You asked her, and Felicity and Kate are going shopping for dresses, etc. so they want to include Luna.

That’s kind of sweet but also terrifying. I also didn’t know Kate Monroe, Felicity’s best friend and colleague, was going.

Me

I didn’t know Kate was going.

Jon

Attending as a senior staff member for Preston & Preston.

Preston & Preston are the latest corporate sponsor for Hockey Now, and both Kate and Felicity work there as lawyers. Fucking awesome lawyers. Terrifying lawyers.

Me

Is she bringing a date?

Jensen

No.

What the fuck? I check the top of the chat to see it is, in fact, a group chat involving us three.

Me