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“But it’s the dream, that anchor desk.”

“And I get why. The power seat, the attention, and there are quite a few perks. I’ll be honest about that. But it comes with the scrutiny and expectations that aren’t so easy to meet.”

I might have loved kissing Carrie, but I liked talking with her like this, candidly, nearly as much. She was full of wisdom and knew the station better than anyone else. “You’d never know it. You handle the pressure well.”

“Yeah.” But something shifted behind her eyes, and the smile that had been there moments before had waned. I wanted it back, and my brain was already trying to figure out how to make that happen.

“Well, you have a fan over here.” I looked skyward. “In maybe more ways than one.”

Her lips parted, and I remembered how sexy they were all over again. “We’re dangerous, aren’t we?”

I nodded.

She shook her head as if to say:What have I gotten myself into?

“I don’t think I could wrap my brain around everything that’s happened today if I tried.” That’s when the exhaustion hit, having been buried for hours by the excitement of the drinks, the story, the kissing.

She took a deep breath, mirroring my fatigue. “Then let’s leave it for tomorrow’s version of us. They’re much better equipped.”

“If we walk out together…”

“Who knows where we’d end up?”

We let that linger between us a moment as the angel and devil on my shoulders waged a war for the ages. I had a feeling I could persuade her to go home with me or to take me back to her gorgeous landscaped compound. But was that the right way to go about this? I wanted to be thoughtful and was literally in no position. My brain was missing in action. Had ghosted me.

Here went nothing. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, and I’m one hundred percent certain I’m going to regret it later, but you go. I’m going to do the levelheaded thing and sit right here and pay the check.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Gonna fulfill that IOU, huh?”

“It’s the least I can do,” I deadpanned.

That pulled a laugh. “Skyler, Skyler, Skyler. You’re pretty adorable.” She tapped the table. “But I will graciously accept the drink.” She reached for her bag. “Congrats on the Seth story.”

“Thank you. It was a good day.”

She sent me one last smile and, with a wave to Johanna, headed for the door. Part of me wondered if we’d slipped into some sort ofalternate universe and the world would return to normal tomorrow. Would we see each other at work and pretend none of this happened once the light of day hit? I sighed and leaned against the back of the booth, allowing my mind to revel in each delicious moment of tonight. As a sea of rapid thoughts overwhelmed, I knew one thing for certain. If I died in my sleep that night, I’d leave this earth a very happy woman.

“Was everything to your liking?” Johanna asked as she picked up the leather portfolio containing my credit card.

“Oh, very much,” I said without hesitation. “Five stars.”

Chapter Eight

The air felt different now. So did even the smallest interactions with Carrie. They carried new weight. Had a whole new meaning.

I’d kissed her. She’d kissed me. Passionately.

There was also the element of secrecy that wrapped everything up in an exciting little knot. I grinned to myself more than I didn’t. I relished sharing that little stolen bit of information between us.

Carlos walked by and paused to chat with Carrie about the story meeting, looping me into the conversation, too. He had no idea what we’d done the night before.I made out with her, Carlos. Yesterday.

“Have you seen Tam around today?” Carrie asked later, swiveling in her chair as if pulled from a moment of intense concentration.

I turned from my spot at my desk. “He was in the break room half an hour ago, so he’s gotta be around here somewhere.” We stared at each other for a beat too long. It felt purposeful and awesome.

“That’s great. Thank you.” She stood and headed off to find him. “And blue is a great color on you.”

I smiled at my computer, my cheeks hot, my morning made.

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