Chapter 22

Dean, still stung by Joe’s warning, readies for Allie’s arrival at his family’s Manhattan penthouse. Allie arrives and is stunned by the opulence as Dean gives her a sprawling tour, which heightens his self-consciousness about his privilege. He tries to shake Joe’s judgment and asserts to himself that he can step up when needed.

In Dean’s bedroom, Allie teases him about hiding his intelligence and future in law school. Their attraction overtakes the conversation and they fall into an extended, passionate encounter that lasts through the afternoon, moving across rooms and cementing their physical compatibility and comfort together.

That evening, Beau calls to invite Dean out clubbing in SoHo. Dean asks Allie to join, reassuring her Beau will keep their relationship quiet. She agrees but worries about clothes, so Dean takes her to Summer’s abandoned wardrobe, where Allie chooses a designer dress and heels.

As they get ready, Allie asks to invite her friend Dillon and Dillon’s boyfriend to the club. Dean exchanges playful texts with Logan and Grace, then is taken aback by Allie’s transformed look and intoxicating presence. Despite trying to play it cool, Dean recognizes a new, deeper pull toward Allie as they head out together.