Page 41 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

"OUT!"

But they're already launching into "Can't Help Falling in Love," complete with synchronized hip thrusts.

My phone buzzes again:

REGINA ST. CLAIRE: Daughter attempted second llama heist. Need damage control before board meeting.

YASMIN: Mr. Reeves asked about strange music coming from PR wing.

I dive for my desk as Left Elvis attempts to present me with what appears to be a bedazzled photo album.

"Wise men say," they harmonize, "only fools rush in..."

My office door opens.

"Ariana, do you have any idea why—“ Connor stops mid-sentence, taking in the scene.

I'm crouched behind my desk, clutching sequined coffee mugs like weapons. Three Elvises are doing coordinated dance moves by my window. And the courier is still trying to demonstrate the heart-shaped waffle iron.

"This isn't what it looks like," I say quickly.

Connor raises an eyebrow. "So you're not being serenaded by an Elvis tribute band at nine in the morning?"

"Technically it's three separate Elvises."

"Ah." The corner of his mouth tips up. "That makes it much better."

"LIKE A RIVER FLOWS," Right Elvis belts, dropping to one knee.

"SURELY TO THE SEA," Left Elvis echoes, shimmying.

"DARLING SO IT GOES..."

Connor looks like he's trying very hard not to laugh. "Productive morning?"

"Shut up." I brandish a coffee mug at him. "This is all your fault."

"My fault?"

"If you hadn't kissed me?—"

The Elvises hit a perfect harmony: "SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE..."

Connor's eyes darken at the mention of the kiss, and suddenly I'm remembering exactly how his hands felt, how his lips?—

My phone buzzes again.

KAT: Found potential annulment loophole

KAT: Call me when you're done avoiding your problems

I definitely don't blush. “Shouldn’t you be in the middle of a meeting or something?"

"Actually." Connor steps fully into my office, closing the door behind him. The Elvises take this as encouragement, their voices rising. "I wanted to invite you to the Tech for Tomorrow charity gala. Tonight."

"Tonight?" I squeak.

"Important investors will be there." He moves closer, and my pulse decides to do the merengue. “Might help to have my PR crisis manger there, monitoring. Wouldn’t want to accidentally drink too much champagne and say something that jeopardizes the IPO.” He waits a beat. “And…it’s a good networking opportunity. Might be helpful for building your firm.”

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