Page 26 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

I try again, focusing on the rando, trying to imagine myself with him. I just…can’t.

I shake my head. “You know I’d have no problem being into guys, Birdie. I’m just…not.”

He looks at me for the longest moment before nodding. “Fair enough. So what’s your plan for Joey’s next date?”

“Boudoir photoshoot.”

Jason chokes on air. “What?” he squeaks.

“You know, like a fun little sexy meet-cute for him and his date,” I say with a grin. “I already booked the couple’s session.”

“Does Joey know?” he asks.

“Not yet. I can’t wait to see his face.”

“Good God,” Jason mutters, standing. “I have to get back to work, but do me a favor? Would you just…keep an open mind?”

I always keep an open mind, but I nod regardless. “Yeah, man. See you soon.”

Jason gives my shoulder a squeeze—which basically translates to a hug coming from him—and heads off. I collect my things and do the same. I have some work to finish. And then?

Then I have a date to pick.

“Where are we?” Joey asks, looking around the front section of the shop I lead him into. It appears to be a waiting room, which makes sense. They probably have the boudoir sets in a private area in back.

“We’re at your next date,” I tell him.

“Yeah,” he says slowly. “I got that. But…what is this?”

“Question. Did you shave your balls?”

Joey blinks at me.

“Hello,” comes a voice from the back. A second later, a woman steps out through a pair of dark curtains, giving us a smile. “Hi there. I’m Gianna. Are you two my next session?”

“He is,” I tell her, giving Joey a tiny shove forward. “The second will be here any minute.”

Gianna looks Joey up and down as Joey glances back at me, eyes wide. “What is this?” he whispers frantically.

I just give him a grin. “You’re gonnaloveit. Trust me.”

He doesn’t look sure, but my phone pings, so I step away as Gianna leads Joey over to a check-in counter. My stomach sinks when I see the message from Joey’s date.

He has to bail.

Fucking fuck.

I message the guy back quickly, but it’s a no-go. Something about waiting in line for concert tickets?

I curse a couple dozen times inside my head before blowing out a breath. No, this is fine. The photoshoot is already paid for, and we’re here, so I’ll just…do it myself. No big deal. Joey will still have fun. And I’ll make sure to personally vet his next date before approving him for my Joey-roo. Anyone who can so casually leave him hanging isn’t worth our time.

Decision made, I slip my phone into my pocket and turn around. Joey and Gianna are gone, so I wait. It only takes a moment for Gianna to return. She gives me an expectant look.

“So,slightchange of plans,” I tell her. “Looks like I’ll be the second person after all.”

Gianna smiles, waving me toward the counter. “Wonderful. If you don’t mind me saying so, you two would make a lovely couple.”

“We would, wouldn’t we?” I agree with a wistful sigh.

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