Page 11 of My Unhinged Alphas

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Jess leans closer. “He’s hot.”

“That’s not evidence.”

Mara tilts her head. “He looks… established.”

“Established?” I repeat. “He looks like he owns a boat.”

Jess gasps dramatically. “A boat, Lena. You deserve boat-level energy.”

“I can’t even afford a kayak,” I mutter.

The app pings again.

Ethan:That was quick. I was hoping you’d swipe right.

Jess makes a strangled noise. “He messaged first.”

“I hate that I’m sweating,” I say.

“You’re not sweating,” Mara says. “You’re glowing with possibility.”

“I’m glowing with anxiety.”

Another ping.

Ethan:Coffee expert, huh? Bold title. I might need proof.

I stare at the message.

He’s charming. Too charming.

“He types in complete sentences,” Jess whispers reverently.

“That’s a low bar,” I reply, but my heart is beating faster.

Mara nudges my foot. “Reply.”

“What do I say?” I whisper.

Jess grabs the phone and types before I can stop her.

Proof costs extra.

She hands it back.

“I did not approve that,” I hiss.

“Relax,” she says. “Confidence looks good on you.”

The typing bubble appears almost instantly.

Ethan:I’m willing to invest. Dinner tonight? I know a place that won’t insult your palate.

Tonight? I blink.

“That escalated,” I murmur.

Jess claps once. “Yes. Immediate action. Love that.”

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