“Are you sure you’re a corporate lawyer?”

“Positive. Why?”

“You seem too mischievous.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. His touch left a warm tingle. Her brain blanked. She couldn’t think of anything witty to say in response.

“It would have worked better if my apartment was bigger,” he said.

“Got to work with what I’ve got. I’m thinking it succeeded.” Raising her chin, she gazed directly into Jake’s eyes. He leaned in closer. She held her breath. Did he feel that pull of attraction too? Penny passed by, singing the words “I’m Staying Single.” Definitely no subtext for Jake there. Audrey caught the glance Penny gave him. He pulled away, smiling ruefully.

“Do you know the band The Jane Austen Argument?” he asked.

“No, but cool name.”

“They actually titled their hit song ‘Staying Single,’ the one Penny is singing. I should not have introduced her to that song,” he said, raking his fingers through his hair distractedly.

Two guys approached Jake. Both looked like they’d played sports in college. One was tall and lanky, with brown wavy hair; the other had blond curly hair and the build of a football player.

“Jake, nice place.”

“Rory, Bill, great to see you guys!” Jake said. “This is Audrey, my neighbor.”

“I never thought I’d see you on the Upper West Side,” Rory said. “I miss having you nearby.”

“I’m still a text away. Although I can’t quite believe I moved uptown either,” Jake said.

“Nobody moves uptown once they’ve lived downtown.” Bill took a sip of his beer. A burst of laughter broke out in the corner of the garden, and the three tall men looked over. All three men were good-looking, but Jake had this joie de vivre magnetism. Audrey could feel her body swaying towards him.

“My sister needs help, so it seemed easier if I moved up here—at least for now. Especially since I didn’t particularly want to be in Tribeca,” Jake said.

“You missed some great waves at Long Beach,” Rory said.

“Hopefully next weekend,” Jake said.

Apparently, these guys had jobs that allowed them to go surfing on weekends. She had to take a moment to process that. No Malaburn demanding they spend every waking moment devoted to legal jurisprudence. Go away, thoughts-of-Malaburn, she was going to enjoy this party.

“Nice to meet you. Jake’s a lucky guy. My neighbor is at least seventy-five and has three cats,” Bill said. Audrey shook his hand.

“But she does accept your dry-cleaning deliveries.” Rory smiled.

“What can I say? I’m like a grandson to her. But better. I get her flowers,” Bill said. Jake winked at her, and she felt warm inside.

“You didn’t tell me that. That’s why she tried to set you up,” Rory said.

“Yes, unfortunately, only seventy-five-year-olds see my appeal,” Bill said.

“I’m sure that’s not true,” Audrey said, smiling.