“I mean it,” he continues. “You seem…energized. More confident than usual. It’s great to see.” He gestures vaguely at me. “And you look nice today. Big Friday plans?”
I nearly swallow my tongue.
“Oh—just, you know…” I wave a hand vaguely. “Plans.”
“Date?” he asks casually.
My whole body tries to shut down.
“NO,” I say too fast, too loud, too aggressively. “Nope. Not at all. Just…a hang. With…someone.”
Kill me. Kill me now.
Greg laughs. “Sounds fun either way. Enjoy your night.”
“I will,” I squeak.
He gives me a thumbs-up and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him.
As soon as he’s gone, I lean back in my chair and stare at my office.
My nice, clean, professional office.
I’m thinking about my desk, specifically. It’s a good desk, sturdy and wide.
Exactly the kind of desk one could theoretically…
“Nope,” I mutter. “NOPE. Absolutely not. Zero making out. Zero touching. Zero romance.”
I spin my chair in a slow circle. I’m not going there.
“It’s not a date. It’s ahang. A logistical exchange.”
My eyes drift to the window, catching my reflection.
I look…good, fresh and excited. Plus alive in a way I haven’t in maybe two years.
“Oh God,” I whisper at my reflection, “it’s a date.”
I bury my face in my hands, then force myself upright.
“No. No it’s not. I’m paying. I used the wordhang.There will be no making out on this desk or any other furniture in this city.”
I really need to stop talking to myself.
Luckily my phone buzzes.
I check and it’s a message from Colt.
My stomach flips so hard I nearly lose consciousness.
I grab it before my brain can start narrating the moment.
COLT: Just wanted to make sure last night didn’t stress you out too much.
Hope your Friday’s treating you good.
It’s just a harmless text, innocent and friendly.
