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We all laugh.

And for one brief moment, I remember sitting on the subway after getting fired.

Crying.

Convinced my career was over.

“I’m sorry I got you fired, Nick. That wasn’t my intention. At the time, I was convinced nobody would hire me again.”

“An ass like that couldn't stop you,” Brielle says, opening her arms for a hug. “Not with talent like yours.”

“She is definitely too talented for that,” Less says proudly.

Nick frowns.

“Amanda is the most talented actress on Broadway.”

I blink.

“What?”

He immediately looks away.

“Thanks for dinner.”

“Nick—”

But he's already halfway down the hall.

Brielle sighs.

“Don't mind him. He gets weird when he's embarrassed.”

She hugs me again.

“I'll see you later this week.”

“Thanks, Bri.”

And then they're gone.

Less closes the door.

Locks it.

Turns.

And those dark eyes settle on me with so much heat my knees almost wobble.

“How is it possible,” I whisper, “to want someone this much?”

He smiles slowly.

“Easy.”

“Yeah?”

“Because you're mine.”