~LESTER'S POV~
The evening ends with Alice trying too hard to look indifferent—eyes averted, voice clipped, lips slightly parted like she's holding something back but will die before admitting it.
I close my laptop, stand, and stretch. "I'm picking you up Friday."
She looks up sharply. "Picking me up?"
"You'll like where we're going. Trust me."
She crosses her arms, suspicious. "I might not be free."
I walk over, ignoring the fire brewing in her tone. Gently, I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her against my chest. She doesn't resist.
"Honor me with just a little of your time," I whisper near her ear. "Please."
She rolls her eyes but I don't miss the way her body softens just a little. "Ugh. Fine. Text me the time."
I press a kiss to her cheek—light, lingering—and let her go. "Good girl."
She scowls. "Say that again and I'm canceling."
I grin and back away with my hands raised. "Duly noted, Your Majesty."
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