Page 20 of Espresso Your Love

“Always, Ash.” I set my laptop next to me on the couch and give her my full attention.

“I know you’re swamped with this event, but I thought maybe you could use a night off?”

Did she not hear my inner monologue list going on?

“I don’t know Ash…”

“Come on, please? I need a girls’ night!” She holds her hands together and sticks out her bottom lip.

I guess one night won’t hurt.

I shrug. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, okay.”

“Wow. I prepared a whole speech to get you to agree. I’ll just save it for next time.”

“You thought you’d have to grovel?”

“I was prepared to! I know how important this event is, and it’s just around the corner. I didn’t think you’d be up for it.”

“I’m up for it! What did you have in mind?”

“Girls’ night in? Pj’s hot chocolate, chick flick, popcorn, the works.”

“That sounds perfect. My house at seven?” I suggest.

“I’ll bring the snacks! And text the girls.”

She jumps up from the couch and skips downstairs.

The doorbell rings. Shoot, I forgot to leave it unlocked for Ash. I run to the door and pull it open.

“Sorry, Ash, I—”

Standing before me is most definitely not the brunette best friend of mine. My eyes take in the tall, muscular frame when I realize my mouth is open and my eyes are wide.

“Uh...Cassie?” He’s just as surprised as I am.

“Ryan? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I came over to introduce myself to my neighbor. I guess I’m yours now.” His face goes flat. “Uh, neighbor that is. I’m your neighbor. And you’re my neighbor.” He chuckles and runs his hands through his hair.

Is henervous?

“Well, hi, neighbor.” I smile softly at him.

Resist, Cass.Professional. He’s my co-worker. He runs security for my event. In a way, I’m his boss. I straighten my shoulders.

“Mitchell told me about the house.” He thumbs a finger over his shoulder.

“Okay, great,” I say, professionally with no emotion.

I shift my feet and realize I’m in my pajamas and slippers. More importantly to note: the pajamas have dogs dressed up as pumpkins, ghosts, and mummies. And the slippers came in a matching set. A dog is holding a pumpkin candy basket with “trick or treat” written across them. My hair is on top of my head in a messy bun, and I already washed my makeup off. Good grief.

A little hard to keep it professional when I’m standing here in my pj’s!

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