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“It’s hot,” William warns a second too late before he picks up his mug and blows on the liquid.

Mesmerized, I stare at that because his lips are the perfect shape, and look pillow soft. Kissing him must be a dream. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to have those lips pressing against my inner thigh.

“Opal?”

I shake my head because I’m reasonably sure he’s about to ask why I was staring at him. All I can hope at this point is that I wasn’t drooling.

“Yes?” I ask in as lighthearted of a tone as I can muster.

“When exactly does Turquoise Crown open, and what does a guy need to do to secure a place in line so he doesn’t miss out on all the opening night fun?”

I look into his eyes. “Are you the guy in that question?”

He stares at me before taking a hard swallow. “I’m the guy.”

“You’re in luck.” I smile. “I’m in charge of the invites for the soft launch next week, so I can add you to the guest list.”

“The soft launch?” His brows perk. “That sounds exclusive.”

“It is.” I laugh and then ask a question I may regret, “Will you be coming alone, or should I put you down with a plus one?”

His eyes leave mine to focus back on the mug in front of him. “Make it for two.”

Disappointment sweeps over me, but it’s gone before I can truly feel its grip. This city is bursting with good-looking, single men looking for some no-strings-attached fun. Mourning a lost chance with one man is a waste of time.

I open the notes app on my phone, type in William’s name, and add ‘date’ to the end of it. “You’re good to go. Tell whoever is working the door next Friday night that you’re on the list.”

“I’ll do that, Opal.”

As I’m about to place my phone down, it chimes in my hand. I glance at it to see a text message from Malvie. Apparently, she’s standing outside Turquoise Crown with another snack sample for me to try.

If it’s anything like Dicey Dip, it’s too early in the day for me to stomach the smell.

“I have to go,” I say with a hint of regret in my tone. “I wanted to ask about your jacket. I’d still like to cover the cost of dry cleaning, or if that wasn’t possible, I can replace it for you.”

He studies me carefully. “It’s taken care of, Opal. Don’t give it another thought.”

I won’t because every thought I’ll have for the next week and a half will be about Turquoise Crown’s soft launch. “I’ll see you at the launch?”

“Absolutely,” he answers before he exhales audibly. “Before you leave, I want to apologize for yesterday. I’m the one who got in your way, so technically, the spilled Dicey Dip was my fault. I’m sorry I bumped into you.”

Is he being serious right now? I was clearly the one who bulldozed right into his path. “William, I…”

My voice trails when my phone starts ringing. I glance down to see the contractor’s name lighting up the screen. “Oh, shoot. This is the contractor. I really do need to get back.”

“Not a problem.” He’s on his feet before I am, tugging on the back of my chair like a true gentleman. “You’re on the brink of opening up what will be the best bar the city has ever seen. I get it.”

“From your lips to the ears of the board game aficionados of this city.” I laugh. “I’ll see you next week.”

“You will,” he promises. “Until then.”

8

William

“The soft launchof a bar where you play board games?” My brother stares at me. “Where was my invitation to that fancy-ass gala you went to the other night?”

I laugh that off. “When’s the last time you put on a tux?”