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Because I've had a crush on you for approximately half my life. Because being around you makes me forget words and trip over my own feet. Because you're Charlie and I'm me and this feels like a recipe for heartbreak.

"Because I'm dealing with a potential career implosion," I say instead. "The timing is just not great."

Something shifts in his expression—determination replacing casual interest. "What if I could help with that?"

"With my career?" I can't keep the skepticism from my voice.

"I know people at Seattle Symphony. Their board chairman is a golf buddy of my dad's." He leans in closer. "Go to these four weddings with me, and I'll get you an audition for their cello section."

I stare at him, waiting for the punchline. It doesn't come.

"You can't be serious."

"Dead serious." His blue eyes hold mine without wavering.

"And getting a date for these weddings matters that much?" The question comes out sharper than intended.

"Finding the perfect date is difficult," he says quietly. "So…what do you say, Tess? Deal?"

The practical part of my brain reminds me that Seattle Symphony would solve all my problems. The romantic part whispers that four dates with Charlie Astor might be worth the risk.

"I'll think about it," I say, which is not a no, and from the slow smile spreading across his face, he knows he’s won.

"I'll take that as a promising start," he says, raising his glass to mine.

Chapter 4

Charlie

My proposal was the ultimate mic-drop moment—Tess’s eyes went wide with disbelief, her shock almost tangible.

Before I started the conversation with her, I hadn’t planned to bring up the subject of all four weddings until she agreed to attend at least one, but I decided to just go for it.

I could almost see the resistance in her expression, the silent protest against the idea, but I hoped she’d eventually warm to it.

When I threw in the stroke of brilliance about helping her get a new job, I knew she was a goner. She was just going to have to give in now.

I almost feel bad for a moment until considering what I’m asking her to do: put on a fancy dress, drink a bunch of expensive alcohol, and eat some amazing food. Most women would jump all over the opportunity.

But, of course, Tess is not most women.

“So, you could really do that?” Her tone drips with incredulity.

A confident smile tugs at my lips as I reply, “Of course I can.”

Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure if I can pull it off. I do have powerful connections at the symphony, and that willcertainly help, but I have no idea if I can land Tess a job. I figure the odds are about fifty-fifty. But I keep that uncertainty locked up tight.

She fixes her gaze on my face, studying me intently as though she might be able to detect a bluff. Little does she know that I am a master of deception—like the countless poker nights with my buddies, where I’d perfected my unflinching poker face.

I sense victory when her tone shifts, and she speaks again, this time with a playful resignation, “You’ve presented me with an offer I simply can’t refuse.”

I chuckle softly. “I’m glad I could sway you. And just for playing along, I’m throwing in a bonus offer.” I pause for dramatic effect before adding, “Free Emerald City coffee for an entire year.”

She shakes her head in amusement. “That’s a generous offer, but I’ll have to decline—I don’t drink coffee.”

My eyebrow arches in exaggerated surprise. “You’re kidding, right? How can you not drink coffee? Did someone drop you on your head as a baby? Honestly, coffee is the nectar of the gods.”

Her laugh rings out, light and teasing. “It’s so bitter. I’ve never understood why people love it so much.”