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The mention of Chris is like a bucket of ice water being dumped over me, snapping me out of the heated daze I’d fallen into.

Chris. The sweet, charming guy who swept me off my feet with romantic gestures and intimate promises. The one who took my virginity and then vanished like a ghost, leaving me with nothing but a cheap ‘I’m sorry’ note. Not my proudest moment. Getting played like that, I let myself easily fall for his lines. I believed there was a genuine connection between us.

Mary: You know what? Never mind. This was a mistake. Goodnight Connor.

Not in the mood anymore, I set my phone face down, cutting off any further conversation. I’m tired. Bone tired and deflated. Turning off my bedside lamp, I curl up under the covers, wishing I could turn off my thoughts.

My phone vibrates again, but I roll over to face the other way. Connor. You seem close but are so far away. Just like in college.

Minutes tick by as I lay there, my body tense. My phone buzzes again.

With a huff, I grab it to shut off the ringer, my eyes catching his latest messages.

Connor: I’m sorry.

Connor: Blue?

I’m in the wrong. I invented my boyfriend, because who are we kidding? Who would want to be my boyfriend?

Chris took my virginity, only to disappear the next morning without explanation. Connor appeared out of nowhere at my job with his intense stares, loaded comments, and blatant flirting. What is it about these two that makes me toss all reason and logic out the window?

Feeling alive for the first time in forever.

It’s terrifying. And thrilling. And so damn complicated.

I want something real, something that lasts. Is that too much to ask?

Mary: I’m sorry. Good night.

Connor: Good night, Blue. Sweet dreams.

Sleep. That’s all I want right now. I switch my phone to silent and place it face down on my nightstand with finality.

With a groan, I shove my head under my pillow as if I can block out the world and all its confusing men.

Part of me wishes I could let go, stop overthinking everything, and enjoy the moment. But the cautious, guarded part of me wins out. I can’t afford to be naive, not after what happened with Chris.

Chapter 14

Mary

With a heavy sigh, I heave aside the mountain of paperwork on my desk and start gathering my things. Today can’t get any better, especially since tonight isn’t another night spent curled up in bed with reality TV. No, tonight I have a date—not that kind of date, unfortunately.

Although which would be better?

An arrogant, narcissistic, and boring suitor or three sleazy old lawyers who seem to believe that their profession grants them immunity from basic human decency.

I tuck my laptop into its case and shove it in my bag before grabbing my phone to type a quick message to Gem and Lil in our group chat.

Mary: Upcoming dinner with those gross lawyers again.

Gemma: Don’t go.

Gemma: Seriously, you don’t owe them anything.

Lil: Or feign sickness! Anything to avoid spending hours with those creeps.

Mary: Trust me, I wish I could. I already canceled last time. Can’t do it twice in a row.

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