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way.”
    It was a perfect autumn night for walking in the city. Charisma loved Manhattan. No other place in the world could compare. When she was a teenager, she dreamed of going to France. She’d be the toast of Paris and would shop at all the high class boutiques along the Champs-Elysées.
    Her father promised to take her there one day. When Charisma grew up, she discovered the city and told her friends that she’d take Manhattan, preferring the city that never sleeps to the City of Lights.
    Surprisingly, they only waited twenty minutes for a table.
    The place was packed after the game, but the turnover was fast. They slid into a booth and ordered drinks. It was a martini night. Nate ordered apple martinis while Charisma drank chocolate ones. By the time the appetizers came around they were both mellowing out and enjoying each other’s company.
    â€œYou are just full of surprises, aren’t you, Miss Dearborn?”
    â€œWhatever do you mean, Mr. Arquette?”
    â€œWell, I mean you have beauty, brains, and you know all about basketball. What more could a man possible want? You must have a deep, dark side. Am I right?”
    She tilted her head to the right and circled the rim of her martini glass with her finger. “Doesn’t everyone?” she said, shrugging.
    â€œLet me guess. You go around slashing men’s tires if they beat you out of a parking spot.”
    â€œOnly if I’m late for work and the new boss is due that morning,” she added. “But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.”
    â€œOkay. What would you like to know?”
    â€œYou probably haven’t lived here long enough to establish a relationship, but there has to be someone in your life. Are you into long-distance relationships?”
    â€œNot me. I had one right after college, and I promised myself never, ever again. It’s like setting yourself up for failure. It’s a no-win situation. Why bother?”
    â€œOkay, then you must be into Internet sex.”
    â€œYou must be kidding?” He laughed.
    â€œI just can’t imagine how a man like you can be walking around unattached. I mean you have a good job. With dental benefits,” she stressed, laughing.
    â€œWith dental benefits,” he agreed.
    â€œYou seem to have a lot going for you. What’s the deal?”
    â€œWell, if you gave me the chance to wear you out in the bedroom, maybe I could prove to you that I’m your Mr. Right,” he said, referring to an earlier conversation that they had had. “But that’s strictly off the record.”
    Charisma was caught completely off guard. For a minute their eyes locked, and they sat in silence. Finally, she looked away.
    â€œI shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry,” Nate apologized.
    â€œThat’s a tempting offer,” she said, smoothing down the hair on the back of her neck, her face flushed with excitement.
    â€œBut just like you don’t do long-distance relationships, I don’t do my bosses.”
    As if on cue, the waitress arrived with their piping-hot pizza.

7
Tangie
    Tangie had been in the gym for about an hour when she was called to the front desk. Before she even made it all the way up there, she could see him standing there. It was Blade. Blade was a regular at the gym, working out a good five days a week. Tangie wished that he would just go on with his workout and let her be, but it wasn’t that simple.
    â€œTangie, we need to talk,” he began.
    â€œReally? About what?”
    â€œAre you still mad at me?”
    â€œNo, I’m not mad at you. I’m through with you. And would you mind not making a scene? I work here.”
    â€œCalm down, Tangie. Nobody’s trying to make a scene, but I told you. I was at work the other night. Don’t fault a man for making a living.”
    â€œDon’t even try it,” she said, referring to his lame attempt to flip the script. “I am