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“Wow, really man? I feel hurt,” Bruce adds, swiping at his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand.

“Maybe someday I’ll take you Bruce,” I say, but we both know I’m lying.

Remy eyes me thoughtfully, always the introspective one. “I have to ask, what is it about Noel that makes you suddenly so… into commitment?”

Bruce and West snicker.

“If Mitch can be marriageable, I can too!” I glance at Mitch. “No offense.”

Mitch shrugs. “None taken. Commitments aren’t so bad when you meet the one.”

Remy places his hands on his hips. “How do you know she’s the one you want, Colby?”

All four of them whip their heads to stare at me, waiting to hear what I have to say.

“Well, obviously she’s gorgeous.”

Bruce scoffs. “Obviously.”

I glare at him, and he shuts up.

I continue, holding up one finger as I count off her best attributes. “One… She’s smart, like really freaking smart. I need to marry someone with a high IQ to make up for my lack of one.”

Remy rolls his eyes, but Mitch nods, agreeing with me.

“Two, she’d rather curl up and read a book than go out to a club. Homebodies are incredibly underrated. You know how many girls want me to parade them around so they can be seen with me? No one ever wants to spend a date cuddling with me on the sofa, watching a movie.”

They all mutter their agreements, seeing my point.

“Three, she puts me in my place when I’m being an ass. She’s not afraid to speak her mind.”

“You like that?” Bruce asks, arching a brow.

“I like it when she does it. Don’t get any ideas.”

Ignoring his laughter, I continue, “four, she’s close to her family. I just found this one out a few nights ago. But I love that.”

“Five, she’s loyal. Have you seen her around Mel and Andie? That woman would go to war for them. If someone messes with her friends, she’ll morph into a feral bobcat before you can snap your fingers.”

They all laugh at that, but I know they see it. Even Mitch has a knowing smirk on his face.

West looks at me with a hesitant smile, he’s the only one I’ve talked to about my dad’s history. He knows how important loyalty is to me.

I hold up a sixth finger, but West stops me, holding his hands out in front of him. “Okay, okay. We get it. So, how can we help?”

I scratch the back of my head. “That’s the thing. I don’t know… I’ve never done this before. I’m usually the one being chased.”

“Hashtag humble brag,” Bruce singsongs.

“I know, it makes me sound like a tool. But it’s the truth, and if we’re honest, it’s been that way for all of us. Don’t act like I’m the only one.”

Mitch scoffs. “Maybe. But you are the prettiest, and you know it.”

I pretend to flip imaginary long-hair over my shoulder. “Don’t hate me for what my mama gave me.”

“Speaking of your mom, she still single?” Bruce waggles his eyebrows. The man has a thing for older women. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him date someone his own age.

“Shut up! She’s a married woman now,” I proudly puff my chest out. “Anyway,” I say. “I need to know how to pursue a woman, how to make her fall in love with me. And we have at least two experts right in this room.”