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“Youfriend-zonedme. I didn’t think there was a chance,” she whispers incredulously, her voice barely above a whisper.
“There always was.” My tone is steady. “I did what LadyLux had suggested and didn’t rush shit.”
“Did it work?” She tilts her head.
“It did,” I admit.
Suddenly, the quartet begins to play, their strings and slow tempo filling the air. People dance around us as we stand inches apart.
“We should dance,” she says, her eyes sparkling with something I can’t quite place.
The glow of fluffy clouds casts a warm light around us. I place my hands around her waist, feeling something between us shift. She runs her fingers through the strands of hair above my collar. It’s a small, intimate gesture that sends my heart racing.
She glances around as countless onlookers cast curious glances our way.
“They’re wondering who you are,” I reply, my gaze locked on to hers. I pull her closer so there is no doubt that we’re together.
“Who am I?” she mutters in my ear, a sultry edge to her words that sends a shiver down my spine.
“Mine,” I say, feeling the magnetic pull between us intensify.
Our lips gravitate toward each other, and the world around us fades into nothingness. She’s the light at the end of my tunnel, the one that’s been guiding me forward all year long. I need to kiss her.
“Carlee,” I whisper, ready to spill too many truths, but before our lips can meet, Easton interrupts.
I pull away reluctantly, knowing the opportunity has alreadypassed me by. Disappointment takes over, and I feel the need to apologize to her.
Easton leans in, whispering, “Billie’s main competitor approached Banks to help them gain majority market share because some big mergers are in the works. He hasn’t decided if he’s doing it yet. Said he had a lot to think about.”
I glance at Easton. “I’m impressed it only took you five minutes to find out.”
“Because I outright asked, and he told me,” he replies, pointing his finger into my chest, firm and unwavering. “You waste too much fucking time. And I can’t believe you didn’t tell me it wasthatserious. If he does that, she’s done.”
I let go of Carlee and turn to Easton, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“We won’t let that happen. Try to enjoy your night, and we’ll figure it out before anything happens. She won’t ask for our help, but there are things we can do. Now, your pretty wife is waiting for you,” I say, nodding toward Lexi, who’s chatting with some friends across the room.
“I’m leaving in thirty minutes,” Easton says with a huff, his frustration lingering in the air.
I glance at Carlee. “Excuse us,” I say, pulling Easton out of view.
“When we go back, switch with me. I need to know if Carlee can tell us apart yet,” I say to him.
“Why?” Easton raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face.
“I need confirmation of something.” The words hang in the air, heavy with meaning.
He sighs but doesn’t say no. “You’re playing games.”
“It’s how I knew Lexi had fallen for you.” My voice is steady.
“Really?” he asks curiously.
“Yes,” I say.
“You owe me,” he states. He cracks his neck and literally transforms into me, cocky-as-fuck smirk and all.
“You’re so good,” I say.