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Sydney and I look at each other. Her face heats up, and I have to press my lips together to keep from laughing.

“We were actually talking about studying!” Sydney tries.

Ashley raises one eyebrow. “Sure you were.”

“I promise we’re not like, sex fiends or anything.”

“Claiming you’re not sex fiends only makes me more suspicious that you are sex fiends.” Ashley points out, pouring herself a coffee like this is a completely normal thing to walk into.

My phone pings.

Cal

Doc?

Right. I need to reply.

Bea

I can’t. I’m busy tomorrow. We do today at four, as scheduled.

Cal

Come on Bea, please

Pretty please

I have a suit fitting my dad’s booked in town. I can’t move it

A suit fitting? The image of Cal in a suit is a juxtaposition. He’s so rugged and tattooed. God, I bet he looks unfairly attractive in a suit.

Bea

Not my problem. I’m a busy woman

Cal

I am sure you are

What if you come to the fitting? It’ll only take twenty minutes plus I could do with an advisor.

Then I’ll buy us coffee in town and we can finish the session there

I consider this. I actually need to get to Elliot’s Books & Oddities to replace the MCAT book. It would make sense to be in town anyway.

Cal

I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll buy you a croissant too

I smile at my phone. Little does he know the deal didn’t need sweetening. But I will absolutely accept a free croissant. My heart does a little flip when I realize I’ve only mentioned that I love croissants once to him, maybe that’s why I end up agreeing.

Bea

Alright. Text me the details

Cal

sweet