Page 38 of I Think They Love You

Denz chuckles. The irony isn’t lost on him. Kami, who wantsnothing to do with wedding planning, has her future hinging on an engagement party. Meanwhile, Denz the Noncommittal King is pouring all his potential-CEO energy into a Valentine’s gala. It’s ridiculous.

Multicolored Post-it Notes hang from all over his monitor. A decoupage of reminders:sign venue contract, call florist, schedule meeting with baker, review menu,andno flamingo-pink decorations—a special request from the mayor’s team.

Which reminds him…

“Hey,” Denz says, “would you go with a DJ or a live band for the gala?”

“DJ,” she immediately replies.

“Is that your event-manager answer or your secret way of sabotaging me?”

“Denz, you’re not a big enough threat for me to sabotage.”

“Ouch,” he gasps, fake wounded. “Good luck with your call! I’m sure you’ll have no problem convincing Emily to go with thepeonies.”

He’s not sure what’s louder: his exploding laughter or Kami slamming the door on her way out.

Today 4:13P.M.

we should meet to discuss things

hi! this is Denz btw in case you already deleted my number

Formerly Known As Bray

Bold of you to assume I saved it in the first place.

hahaha! were you always this funny?

Formerly Known As Bray

What would you like to discuss?

how we’re gonna pull off this fake relationship? entanglement?

Formerly Known As Bray

Sounds problematic. I have an early meeting tomorrow. I can be free round 11.

Crema?

umm suuuuuure?

Formerly Known As Bray

See you at 11, Unknown Number that’s texting me.

-6-

Denz can’t believe he’s back at the scene of the crime.

What is his life now?

He finds Braylon seated inside Crema at a corner table. Slung across the back of his chair is a black messenger bag with a Skye’s the Limit logo, the Freestyle Script font designed in a rainbow palette. His snug gray sweater hugs his biceps and shoulders.

Denz almost forgets how to order.

For a long moment, they sit in silence. Braylon sips his tea. Denz’s left leg jogs under the table.

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