Page 44 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

And every witty retort dies in my throat.

Because Ariana Bristol in formal wear is a weapon of mass destruction.

The midnight blue gown hugs every curve like it was engineered specifically to short-circuit my brain. Her dark hair falls in waves over one bare shoulder, and even from here, I can see the mischief in her smile as she juggles what appears to be an oversized bag, three binders, and?—

"Is that the Elvis waffle iron?" I mutter.

"Among other things," Christoph notes, already moving to help her. "Though I believe that particular sequined object is a photo album."

I exit the car, catching up to them just as Ariana tries to explain why she's bringing office supplies to a charity gala.

"Just a few essentials," she's telling Christoph. "And the chapel keeps sending things to the office, so I thought maybe if I returned some items?—"

"You're bringing Elvis memorabilia to a tech investor event?"

As she takes a step towards me in her heels, she stumbles. I catch her elbow, steadying her just she glances up at me, brown eyes wide.

“Um, sorry,” she exhales. “I was just explaining?—"

"Why you're armed with a bedazzled waffle iron?"

"It's evidence."

"Of what? Suspicious breakfast activities?"

"Of our..." She glances at Christoph, lowering her voice. "You know."

"Our tendency to acquire kitchen appliances while intoxicated?"

"Our marriage," she hisses.

Christoph very carefully doesn't react, but I see his shoulders shake.

"Ah." I take the waffle iron, handing it back to Christoph. "And you thought tonight was the perfect time to return it?"

"I snagged the wedding video." She brandishes a USB drive triumphantly. "And let me tell you, your singing voice is... interesting."

I freeze. "My what now?"

"Oh yes." Her grin turns wicked. "Apparently you have very strong feelings about 'Love Me Tender.' And hip gyrating.”

"There's no video."

"There's definitely a video."

"You're bluffing."

"Want to watch it together? I particularly enjoy the part where you try to convince the Elvis impersonator that PR crisis management is the new way to say 'I love you.'"

"Please tell me you're joking."

"You even added a verse about proper file management."

"Get in the car."

"Make me."

The words hang between us, landing with a dare I’m thinking about making good on.

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