This is an excerpt from one of my book ideas. I likely will not finish it, but I love this scene. Enjoy!

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He chuckles, a low, genuine sound that starts from his belly. “Calm down, Apple Holler. You’re too smart for your own good. We’re at a party, and you’re still thinking about work.”

My cheeks flush. “Right. Sorry.” I don’t want to bother him about my conspiracies if he’s not interested.

He taps my arm. This is the first time he’s willingly touched me. “Nah, don’t worry about it. Alright, I’m gonna go get a soda. You want anything?”

I shake my head and he begins to walk away. I stand there for a moment, feet planted in the ground, groups of people talking around me but their voices are distant. My heartbeat doesn’t slow down. My chest feels light, like I’m about to fly away.

I know what this is.

As I stand here in my red dress under the lights, I have to remind myself that I am Holly. Strong-willed, hardworking Holly. The girl who convinced her mom to let her do karate at age seven. The girl who hasn’t given up on her dad. The girl who is the only proudly single one in her friend group. Landed a job after one interview. Independent.

And I, Holly, am falling in love.

But this is a job. He is my partner for this project, not my… whatever. I cannot let this compromise the integrity of my work. Marcus will have to wait.