Page 126 of Company Ink

"It's how it's supposed to be, Cassie," Blake says, his eyes scanning my face. "They made vows to be together, always."

I let out a light chuckle. "Yeah, I guess. But it's probably not just the vows, it's the love, right?"

"Yes, I suppose that's true," Blake smiles, nodding towards Monique and Matt who have taken over the dance floor. "They look happy."

"They are," I agree. "They'll be together forever. I'm already mentally shopping for baby clothes. I'm convinced they'll have a kid by the time I finish my MBA."

"MBA? You're going back to school? Really?" Blake looks almost...shocked.

I grin. "Yeah, I am. Is that so surprising?"

"A little, yes. What made you decide to go back to college?"

"I thought I'd finally make a plan for my future rather than just winging everything," I admit. "Get my ducks in a row."

"A plan?Interesting." Blake licks his lip subtly, his eyes alight with amusement. "Perhaps in the future, you'll evenschedulesomething."

I roll my eyes. "Would you believe me if I said I even bought aday planner?"

Blake grins. "What? No more sticky note reminders?"

I let out a quiet laugh. "Outrageous, I know."

"Where are you enrolling?" Blake asks.

"At NYU—" I crane my neck towards some commotion happening behind me. "No..." Marching towards me with fierce determination is Carson Tilford, Seattle's most boring man.

No. No. No.

"What's wrong?" Blake's eyebrows knit together.

"There's a guy walking over here, Blonde hair, powder blue suit. Monique introduced us a few months ago and I think he's going to ask me to dance," I whisper, trying to hide my face.

Blake peers over my shoulder. "He looks harmless," he jokes. "A little 70s, but harmless."

"Blake, he talked about little war figurines, nonstop, for thirty minutes. It's not funny." I peak through my hand. "Oh my God, he's almost here." I abruptly stand up and hold out my hand. "Dance with me!"

Blake eyes my hand warily. "Cassie... I don't—"

I pout, tossing him my most desperate expression. "Please?!" I whisper. "Please please please."

Carson stalks towards me. "Hiya there, Cassie," he beams. "Fancy seeing you here!"

Oh, God.Obviously, I'd be here!I narrow my eyes. "Hey...you. How's it going?"

Carson wiggles his eyebrows. "Just excellent." He holds out his hand. "Care to dance? I think I owe you one from last time." He pats his leg. "My knee isallbetter now."

I side-eye Blake, who's watching us with curious eyes. "Uh—" I cringe, slowly giving him my hand.

"Maybe next dance," Blake states suddenly, standing up, towering over Carson. "There's a line."

Bless you!

Carson's face falls and I almost feel bad.Almost.He scratches his overly gelled hair. "Oh, yeah," he laughs. "No problem. I'm at table twelve if you wanna boogie later."

Jesus..."I'll bear that in mind," I smile at him through the sheer second-hand embarrassment. Carsonsalutesme and walks away.

"Oh my God," I breathe. "Thank yousomuch. I swear he got dorkier in the last few months."