First-Time Caller

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, substance use, gender discrimination, illness, and sexual harassment.

Lucie wakes up disoriented and hungover and soon realizes she is on her couch with Aiden nestled against her. Aiden explains that Lucie asked him to spend the night. She is mortified but soon distracted by glimpses of his muscles and his necklace. She asks Aiden what happened between them, and Aiden tells her they did not kiss before quipping that it is “good to know [she’s] been thinking about it” (214). Lucie tells him not to flirt with her, but Aiden patiently explains that his entire relationship with her has been flirtatious. They reluctantly agree that they should try to be more professional, as Aiden cannot be the partner Lucie is looking for.

Grayson interrupts the charged interaction, bringing Maya with him and immediately assuming that Aiden and Lucie slept together—something that clearly delights him. Aiden calmly greets Grayson and Maya, who he notices is dressed as Indiana Jones. Lucie notes that Maya “beams” in response, causing “[her] heart [to do] something funny in [her] chest (217). Maya assumes Aiden is Lucie’s date from the previous night, but Grayson corrects her.