Page 31 of Fall at Once

Instead, I pulled it toward me and kissed the back, pleased when her cheeks turned fiery red. “You’re amazing,” I murmured. “I haven’t laughed like this in months. I enjoyed having lunchwith you.”

“I don’t know about amazing. But there is definitely something wrong with me.”

“Nothing is wrong with you. You’re brilliant and hilarious. You saved the fall fundraiser, and I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’re too sweet.”

“Can’t say I’ve ever been accused of that before.”

“I enjoyed everything about having lunch with you today. We’re going to have so much fun planning this. I can’t wait to see what we can come up with together.”

“Same. I’m looking forward to it now.”

“Good. So, are the bachelor auction and calendar a yes then?” She fluttered her eyelashes in mock flirtation before tapping something on her tablet’s screen.

“Do you always get your way?” I couldn’t fight it; my smile was etched across my face. Maybe it would be permanent. The urge to pull her across the table and kiss her was overwhelming.

“Hardly ever. And I have the feeling you don’t give in easily, so I’m feeling pretty good right now. And deep down, you know a calendar and an auction will raise a ton of money.”

“Nah, I think it’s just you. I don’t want to say no to you.”

“Ahh, that could be dangerous.” She was smiling, radiant, and completely correct. She was an absolute danger to my heart.

Chapter 11

Madi

Iwas flying high after Cole and I finished lunch and said goodbye. There was no denying he was flirting with me this time. He kissed my hand! He called me amazing. And no matter what he said to deny it, he was sweet.

I walked the short distance back to my apartment with a spring in my step that had been missing for—gosh, a few years now.

Cole was the amazing one, and I knew it for sure now. He was everything Gigi had ever said he was.

The smoldering hot guy vibes that had intimidated me before had disappeared in a puff of imaginary smoke when I realized he was an undercover sweetheart. He felt my forehead to check for a fever—my father had never even done that, for eff’s sake. And he made me toast,andit was delicious.

Memories of being carried up these stairs by Cole this morning clouded my mind as I walked up to my apartment. I spun in a circle and held the hand he’d kissed up to the hallway light once I reached the top. It was a good thing I had a fresh manicure.

It was happening.

I was officially crushing on Cole.

He was hilarious and delicious, and I was about to spend all kinds of time with him.

My phone went off with a text notification at the same time Noah, my across-the-hall neighbor and driver of Hubers, stepped into the hall.

“Hey, Noah.” I grinned at him.

“Hey, Madi. You look happy.”

“Thanks! I’m feeling good today. What are you up to?”

I took a glance at my phone.

Riley: We have to talk about Ross. I’m coming over this weekend with Abigail. We’ll all have dinner together and have a good chat.

Shit.

Dejected, my face fell.

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