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Ali shrugged out of her hold, batting her away half a step. “I’m free,” Ali confirmed, shifting her attention back to Charlotte. “Dress code?”

“Smart casual.”

“Shall I meet you there?”

“I think we should arrive together.”

“Sounds good.”

“Indeed.”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

Wren sidled around to her other side, fingers clasping one by one around her opposite shoulder. Her persistence was legendary.

“You two should go to dinner. Iron out the details. You know, come up with a back story. Share relevant information.”

Charlotte eyed the arm slung across her shoulder but nodded in agreement.

“Are you free tomorrow night?”

Ali’s head bobbed. Holding out her hand, the shock wore off enough for her to find some of her own confidence.

“Let me see your drink.”

Charlotte slid her cup across the counter without question, the weight of her gaze heavy as Ali picked it up, warmth seeping through the paper into her fingertips as she quickly scribbled her number across the surface.

“Call or text me and we can set something up.”

Charlotte took the cup back and studied the number, expression softening at the little heart Ali added beside her name.

“Thank you for agreeing to do this.”

“No problem. Happy to help,” Ali replied, doing her darndest to resist the urge to fidget.

She was thankful for Wren’s tight hold grounding her in the best of ways, as nerves fluttered around in her stomach.

“I’ll be in touch,” Charlotte’s smokey tone promised.

She winked, causing Ali’s brain to stall again as she watched her stride from the shop.

The moment the door swung shut, panic struck.

“What just happened?!”

“I’ve totally seen this movie before!” Wren exclaimed, clasping both of Ali’s shoulders and shaking her. “This is your chance to get laid by the CEO of Sex on Legs!”

“What are you talking about?”

Ali flopped across the counter for support as she went weak at the knees, thumping her forehead against the smooth wooden surface.

“Come on, you’re livin’ in a Rom-Com right now! You’re going to go to all these events that serve alcohol and put people in romantic situations. Shoot your shot, my friend!”

“I don’t even know her,” Ali groaned into the counter.

“So?”

She popped her head up, scowling over her shoulder at Wren who sported a look of triumph. “I’m not into casual hookups.”