“Perfect! Saddle up, then!” He coughs, choking back a sudden lump in his throat. “Saddle . . . up?” “I meant, uh, get on the bed?” I try again, cheeks flushing as I shake my head. “Yeah, I don’t even know where that came from. This is what happens when I do something awkward.” His eyes meet mine, one brow raised as he soaks in my embarrassment. The corner of his lip twitches once, twice, before he breaks into hearty laughter. It’s a sudden, unexpected sound—a loud, happy melody that echoes around the room. “Okay, okay! We have work to do,” I huff, feigning a pout. “Are you done?” “Sure thing.”
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