Page 106 of Elevator Pitch

She surprises me when she jumps up and says, “I haven’t forgotten about our last dance.”

“Funny because I haven't forgotten either.”

“Good,” she says simply and I watch as herhips sway over to her record player. She squats down and starts sifting through her collection of vinyl, brows wrinkling in concentration and I stifle a laugh. Moments later, she exclaims, “Awe shit!”

She returns to her height and after moments of crackling, Nina Simone’sI Put A Spell On Youcroons through the speakers. My brows shoot up and she turns to me, mouthing the words. I stand and pull her to me when she breaks out into a fit of giggles. She interlaces her hand in mine and we lock eyes as we glide across the hardwood floor until the song fades.

“I never took you as possessive, Selah Bailey.”

She scoffs, “I’m not. It’s just a song.”

“Sure, it is,” I say, leaning in close to nip her ear. “You won this round.”

“What’s that?” she asks, holding her hand up to her ear. “I’m going to need you to repeat that, Grey.”

“I said you won this round.”

She mumbles something that sounded a lot like ‘good boy.’

I start to ask her what she said, when she blurts out, “I have a fun fact for you.”

Well played. Knowing I can’t resist them.

“Let’s hear it.”

She leans in close, standing on her tiptoes to whisper in my ear.

“I’m not wearing any panties.”

I wrap my arms around her and hold her plush to me.

“Prove it,” I challenge.

“Gladly. Would you unzip me, please?” she asks, and I release her.

She stands before me and I unzip the snug dress, dropping it at her feet and holding her hand as she slips out of it.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Selah.”

“HappyWednesday, Grey.”

“Hmm, it’s about to be a very happyhumpday for the both of us.”

She bursts into laughter as I hoist her over my shoulder andcarry her to the bedroom. Unaware of how exhausted she’s going to be in the morning.

Happy Wednesday, indeed.

1 Korean Lunar New Year

49

galentine’s day

Selah

Manhattan, NY | February 17th, 2024

“What didyou and Rome do for Valentine’s Day?” Daya asks Audrey.

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