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Mary and Lil exchange a glance.

“My mother insists I need to ‘get out there’ more.” I make air quotes with my fingers. “Anyway, it’s dinner, so hopefully, it won’t be too painful.”

“Who is the lucky guy? Elijah?” Mary sips her coffee.

“Certainly not. But I don’t know. Mom wouldn’t give me any details, said he’s ‘perfect’ for me.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “We’ll see about that.”

“So what about Elijah?” Mary probes, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. “It’s obvious he’s into you.”

“He’s engaged,” I say. “Besides, if he’s allowed to parade around with Esther, why shouldn’t I go on a date?”

“True.” Lil nods her head.

The rest of breakfast passes, and by the time Mary goes off to her yoga class and Lil relaxes on the couch, I’ve almost convinced myself that I don’t care about Elijah or his messages. Almost.

I busy myself with chores around the apartment as the day drags on, anything to keep my mind occupied, but Elijah’s face keeps flashing in my mind. The feel of his fingers inside of me.

Groaning, I jump on my bed. Face down. I need to find a way to get him out of my head before I do something stupid, like message back.

My phone buzzes.

My fingers itch. No. I won’t.

Replying will only make things harder. Not today.

I turn my head, looking at my phone.

Ugh.

Mr. Answer Me: What do you have planned?

Mr. Answer Me: Cancel it.

Mr. Answer Me: You’re making me crazy, my little gem.

He’s engaged for crying out loud. He has no right to make such demands. And yet, it’s fake. There I am, second-guessing myself. I press on his ‘Cancel it.’-message and hit reply.

Gemma: Can’t.

Mr. Answer Me: Why?

Gemma: Pick another day.

Mr. Answer Me: Fine.

Fine? This was… too easy.

I toss my phone onto the bed and start getting ready, fixing my hair and applying makeup. All the while, Elijah’s words keep ringing in my ears. Cancel it.

Tonight, I’m going to enjoy my date with someone new, someone who isn’t engaged. And if Elijah truly cares, he’ll have to prove it, not with empty words, but with actions that speak louder than any text message ever could.

I slip into my dress and step into my heels. You can’t have it all, Elijah Milton.

Chapter 15

The host leads me to a secluded corner of the restaurant, where an elegant table for two awaits, draped in a pristine white linen tablecloth.

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