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I gaze at him fondly. “He looks like he could star in Weekend at Bernie’s. If the main character was a hot hitman.”

Violet makes an irritated sound. “Unlock the door and let’s get him⁠—”

“Is everything okay?” Paula Martin stands at the edge of the fence bordering my property. The six-foot privacy fence would prevent her from seeing anything if she wasn’t standing on something.

“Yep!” I give her a bright smile. “My boyfriend had a rough day.”

Violet’s eyes widen. “… Boyfriend?”

“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend,” Paula calls.

“It’s new,” I yell back.

She nods and reluctantly climbs down from whatever she was standing on.

“He’s not your boyfriend,” Violet whispers.

“I’m manifesting.” I give her a look. “It worked well for you.”

She gives me a look. “Different circumstances.”

“Correct. I go after what I want. I don’t wait nine years for the man who altered my world.”

“Whatever. Let’s just get him inside.”

We struggle with his mass again before finally getting him through the door.

“Let’s take him to my bedroom.”

“What!” Violet’s brows raise. “Are you serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I huff.

“You can’t possibly know this guy. You would’ve told me about him.”

Okay, so she has a point.

“So?”

“Callie. No.”

“Fine. Let’s put him on the couch.”

We drag him over and finally get him positioned as best we can. Part of his legs and feet hang off the end.

“Well, thanks for⁠—”

“I don’t like leaving you here alone with him.”

“Violet. I’ll be fine.”

“Callie—”

Her phone rings. She pulls it from her pants pocket.

“It’s Drew.”

“Answer it. And go home to him.”