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“So you didn’t mean to ask me out?”
“No, I definitely meant it.” She saw Collin’s eyes glance over her shoulder. She could feel Josh looming next to her.
“But you asked Claire out as well.”
“Of course that was before I knew Claire was under age.”
“But which one of us do you want. You have to decide.”
“Why I want you of course.”
“You want me? You’re really sure? Well then... Okay.” She heard Josh muttering behind her.
“Okay?” Collin asked, obviously taken aback.
“Okay. But I want to be really clear about this. Are you asking me to marry you? Or did you just want to hop in the sack together?”
“Hey!” Josh gripped her shoulder.
She turned her head. “Stay out of this, Josh.”
Collin stammered, “Uhmm... neither one. I was merely asking you on a date.” He lowered his voice. “I mean... It’s always possible something could happen after...”
“I see. So exactly what are you offering?”
“Huh?”
“Well, it seems to me you’re suggesting I drop my handsome, physician fiancé just to go out on one date with you. So I wondered exactly what on earth could make this worth my while.”
“Spoken with all the innocence of one who’s never been on a date with Collin Sterling of Hollywood.” He smirked.
“No,” said Charlie. “Spoken with the wisdom of one who knows a line of bull when she hears it. I think I’ll stick with door number one.”
Collin laughed. “Oh ho! You cut me to the quick! I’m bleeding!”
“Something tells me you’ll heal quickly enough.”
“Still, you can’t blame me for trying.”
“I can’t, but Josh can. So lay off, or I’ll start making disparaging remarks about your manhood.”
“I’m almost tempted to keep it up, simply to hear what you might say. But I can see I underestimated you, so I’ll wait for easier prey.”
“A word of warning.” Charlie glanced at the glowers on the male faces around the table. “With all the testosterone floating in this room right now, I suggest you find your prey in a different place. That is, if you want to keep your proverbial manhood intact.”
“Thanks for the advice,” Collin chuckled. “I’m not so certain about the proverbial one, but I’d like to keep the real one safe.”
WHEN CHARLIE FINALLY turned her attention away from Collin, Josh murmured in her ear. “Thanks, Charlie.”
“For what?”
“For choosing me.”
“Surely you know there was never any real doubt?” she asked, as one corner of her mouth lifted.
“I wasn’t a hundred percent positive. He’s a pretty aggressive smooth-talker.”
“Reminds me of someone I once knew.” Charlie winked.
