Celeste rolls onto her stomach, propping herself up on her elbows. “Sel.” Her voice is light, and breezy, the same way she talks about eyeliner or expensive handbags. “He’s not coming over because of what you’re wearing. He’s coming over because he wants to be here with you. You could answer the door in a trash bag, and the man would still be wagging his metaphorical tail.”

I throw the sweater at her face. She doesn’t even flinch as it flops onto the bed beside her.

“But—” I rub my temples. “What if he thinks this is dumb? What if I say the wrong thing? Or worse, what if I accidentally poison him by undercooking dinner?”

Celeste snorts. “Okay, first of all, spiral much? Baking doesn’t have to be perfect, and you can’t poison someone with cookies. Besides, you’ve made cookies a hundred times before. Just focus on having fun with him.”

I drop onto the bed beside her, burying my face in my hands. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one trying to impress a guy who looks like he stepped out of an action movie.”

Celeste flops onto her back, staring at the ceiling like it personally offends her. “God, you’re so dramatic. Theo is a golden retriever in human form. He probably already thinks you’re the most amazing person he’s ever met. You could set the kitchen on fire, and he’d just be happy he got to spend time with you while it burned.”

I peek at her through my fingers. “That is not reassuring.”

She turns her head to look at me, her green eyes serious now. “You’ve got this. You’re smart, you’re funny, and you’ve got that natural charm that makes people love you. Trust me, he’s going to be so smitten he’ll forget his name.”

I exhale slowly, letting her words sink in.

“Fine.” I get up, pulling on a soft, oversized sweater and a pair of jeans. “But if I die of embarrassment tonight, I want you to tell my story.”

She places a hand over her heart. “With flair.”

Before I can roll my eyes, the doorbell rings.

My heart leaps into my throat. Oh God. He’s here.

Celeste grins and flicks a wrist. “Go get your man.”

I give myself exactly three seconds to panic before inhaling sharply, smoothing down my sweater, and heading for the door.

When I open it, Theo is standing there, all broad shoulders and easy confidence, a grocery bag in one hand, and wearing a grin that could melt panties.

“Hey,” he says, stepping forward slightly. “Thought I’d bring some backup supplies. I wasn’t sure if you’d have everything I needed for this little adventure.” He pauses, his grin widening. “Also, I thought you might like to see my baguette.”