Page 89 of Elevator Pitch

I try to ignore the somersaults in my stomach from him calling mewife.

We take a moment to look back at my date, who is seemingly agitated as he glares at us. “The damage seems irreparable.”

“What am I going to do with you?”

“Anything you’d like, as long as you ask nicely.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from flirting while my date is twenty feet away.Though he’s done it in front of me all night.

I look down, taking a deep breath, dreading this awkward interaction. I think of Audrey’s ferocity and channel a sliver of it to push through this.

“Give me a second to grab my coat and let him down easy.”

I pat his shoulder and turn around when he grabs my arm, holding me in place.

He whispers in my ear, “don’t apologize,” and plants a soft kiss on my cheek.

That’s exactly what I planned to do.

How did he know that?

When he releases me, I saunter back towards our table. When Aaron sees me, he stands. I start, trying not to apologize. “Listen. This has been an odd night. I will take care of the bill. You’re a nice guy, but my husband over there–”

He interrupts, “Look. I don’t want anything to do with this. I’m not interested in a threesome or being a third. So, if you all are into that shit, I’m not judging but that’s not me. I’m getting the fuck out of here.” He points a thumb towards the door.

I nod understandably.I’d rather him think that because I had no idea what I was going to say.“I didn’t mean for him to crash our date. He’s not handling our separation well.”

“I can’t believe this shit.”

He stands up and slips on his coat, grumbling to himself the whole way out of the restaurant. He breezes past Greyson and exits. He must’ve picked up his dinner order in the meantime because he’s now holding two bags. I gather my things and when I approach him, he informs me he already took care of the bill. He refuses to let me put my coat on myself, even though his hands are full.

Such a gentleman.

He sets his food bags on an unoccupied table, standing behind me as I slip one arm into each side of the coat. He follows me out of the restaurant with his food, holding the door as I step outside. We walk side-by-side in comfortable silence until we reach his SUV. He stands beside the car, grabbing his keys, and he stills as if he forgot something.

He turns to me. “Did you take an Uber or drive?”

“I Ubered in case I drank.”

“Well, now that I’m here, you won’t need one to get home.”

“That’s not necessary,” I protest.

“Don’t argue with me on this, Selah. It’s not safe. I don’t want you riding with a stranger when I’m right here. Please, let me take you home. We’re going to the same place. Please?” he asks with pleading eyes.

He’s done enough for me tonight, and it’s just a ride home. He’s being neighborly. That’s all.

“Okay, big boy. Take me home.”

40

tinted windows

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | January 19, 2024

I open her door,biting the inside of my cheek to hide my smile. As she gets settled in, I reach over and buckle her seat. I hear her breath hitch, and I turn my head toward the sound. Her proximity intoxicates me. I want to kiss her right now.

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