Dominic

I’m working late, trying to get through the last of today’s urgent decisions so I can start with fresh business in the morning, when my phone buzzes.

“Yes, Francine, I know I shouldn’t live at the office,” I mutter as I grab my phone and look down at the screen.

But to my surprise, it’s a text from Presley. And even more surprising, it reads: heeyyyy sexxxy, followed by a smattering of eggplant and fire emojis. What the hell?

I do a double-take to confirm that the sender really is her. Maybe someone took her phone as a prank? Then I remember that she got her promotion today, and text back:

I take it you’re having a night out to celebrate?

The response is immediate:

im so drink haha

I snort, my lips twitching. I’ve seen her tipsy before, but drunk is new. Getting to glimpse this new, uninhibited side of a woman who’s normally always so disciplined is . . . charming.

I can tell. I’m glad you’re having a good time—you’ve earned it.

thank you soooo much I love you

It’s just the kind of thing people

come celebrate with me

enjoy partying without

you’re why

this promotion saved my

I really owe you

because you were the best worker. It

if I wanna

to answer that, and in the thirty seconds I spend deliberating, she adds something that makes

whatever you want with

What I’d like to say is “I’m

if you still want

She replies:

at least

out to make any more headway on work tonight . . . so, why the hell not? It would give me the chance to check up on Presley and make sure

like fun. Where should I meet

• • •

I’m taking a ticket from the valet at the address she texted me. It’s just around the corner from our office, and I can’t help but notice it’s the same bar

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