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He narrows his eyes. His gaze wanders over my body. “What kind of service?”

I roll my eyes, ignoring his implication. “Event planning. I told you last night that I started my own business.”

He looks at the check again, then back at me. “What kind of event is she doing that’s costing her six figures?”

“None of your business.” I snatch the check from him before he can react. “Thanks for bringing this back. You can go now.”

I’m starting to close the door in front of him when he says, “Fine, I’ll ask Ryan.”

My eyes go wide. I pull the door open again. “Wait. No. Don’t.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because it’s none of your business. Don’t bug them about it.”

His eyes wander to the check in my hand, then back up to my face. I hate the way my heart rate picks up when he meets my eyes.

“Seems a little weird that you don’t want me to know what kind of event they’re planning. Unless it’s a surprise party. For me.”

I roll my eyes. “You really think they would spend that much on a party foryou?”

The corner of his mouth quirks up. “You’re right. The only thing I can think of that people spend that much money on is a wedding.”

My breath hitches. He’s so close to the truth that I’m not sure what to say. When I take too long to answer, his eyes narrow. He lets out an agitated sigh. “Jesus, Priscilla. Is that what this is for? I told you not to tell Tina. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

“I didn’t say anything. Besides, Tina gave me this check before I even saw the ring. How else would I have had this with me in your truck?” I wave the check at him as a reminder. “When is Ryan planning on proposing, anyway?”

“I really shouldn’t say any more than I already have.”

“I’m good at keeping secrets. Just tell me.”

“Okay. Tell me what the check is for, and I’ll tell you when Ryan is proposing.”

I’m about to argue when my phone buzzes. I look at it. Tina is outside, waiting for me. “I have to go,” I say to Oliver.

I put the check away, then step through the doorway, nudging my way past him. He waits behind me while I lock the door, then follows me down the hall and out of the building. Tina’s white car is stopped in the parking lot, engine running. She turns her head, her gaze following Oliver as he heads to his truck parked a few spaces down.

She looks at me with wide eyes when I get into her car.

“Are you going to tell me what Oliver was doing at your place? I thought you hated him.”

I slide my seatbelt on. “He saw me walking home last night. He gave me a ride.”

When she doesn’t move the car, I turn to look at her. Her mouth is hanging open.

“And then he stayed the night? Why are you acting so nonchalant about this, Priss? Tell me everything.”

Realizing what I just implied, I begin to stammer. “Oh, no. God, no.” My face feels hot. “That’s not what I meant. I dropped something in his truck and he was just returning it.”

She looks disappointed but I can tell she’s not ready to drop the subject. She starts to drive, taking us out of the parking lot and onto the main road. My phonedingswith an incoming text. It’s my dad. I haven’t told him that I lost my job yet—or that I’m starting my own business. I’m not sure which news will be harder to explain.

“Funny how you both ditched dinner at my place just to end up together anyway,” Tina points out, distracting me from my phone. “It was nice of him to stop and pick you up. Do you still think he’s a douchebag?”

I put my phone away. The conversation with my parents will have to wait. I think about Tina’s question. Oliver gave me a ride home and then went out of his way to return the check I left in his truck. He also didn’t bring up my drunk confession, which is better than I can say for most of our interactions. A few minutes of being able to tolerate him doesn’t mean he’s not a douchebag anymore, though. I don’t really care to spend more time with him, but avoiding him isn’t exactly an option right now. I need him to tell me when Ryan plans to propose so that I can make sure Tina does it first.

“He was a little rude,” I mumble.

“You think everyone is rude.”