“Well…” Suze sits back. “This is unexpected. Do you know what positions you’ll be hiring for?”

I’ve spent the last seventy-two hours focusing on nothing else, so we get into the details, drawing up lists of the skills I’ll need, and what kind of on-the-job-training I can provide.

“This is just for starters,” I add, after we settle on three job postings for the center. “As we expand, I’ll hopefully be able to double, or even triple the workforce.”

Suze smiles. “Then I wish your lipsticks all the luck in the world.”

Turnout for my closet angel session is on the slim side, so after helping one of my regulars put together a sensible outfit for her first parent-teacher night, I head home. Dash texts, suggesting dinner, so I quickly shower and change into a date-night ensemble.

I pick my most badass black dress, the one that always makes me feel like a million bucks, and top it with my confidence boosting heels, because I’m going to need it.

Tonight, I’m going to ask Dash exactly what’s going on with us.

Because despite the fact he came after me in the street and kissed me senseless, and how we’ve spent the past three nights together, having an awesome time, I can’t ignore the fact we still haven’t spelled out what, exactly, is happening here.

Besides the fun banter and mind-blowing sex, I mean.

Sure, this whole ‘sexy fun’ phase is amazing, but I know myself, and it’s not just desire I’m feeling for Dash anymore. I know him. I like him. I maybe-more-than-like him. And unless I want to set myself up for a serious heartache down the line, it’s time to figure things out.

Is this a hold-over from our Florida hookup? Am I just a fling to him, or is he open to something real between us? The question has been growing in the back of my mind all week, and it’s time I act like a grown adult, bite the bullet, and actually ask the question.

Do you like me? Tick ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Well, maybe not that exact phrasing, but that’s what it feels like, as I apply my makeup and try to quell the butterflies in my stomach. I know, it’s ridiculous, I’ve been on a hundred dates, and usually have no problem speaking my mind and asking guys WTF they think is happening.

So why is this so hard with Dash?

The answer comes immediately. Because this could really be love.

Dammit.

My phone buzzes. In the lobby.

Be right down.

I grab my jacket and purse, and head down to meet him. Dash is waiting by the front desk, chatting to the doorman, Henry. As usual, just the sight of him makes me feel happy, a glow in my chest when he turns and gives me that smile.

“Callie,” Henry greets me. “How’s your aunt doing? Or rather, where is she doing it?”

“Not sure!” I blurt. “She said something about New Zealand… Hobbit-town.” I grab Dash and hustle him to the door.