Page 47 of The Love Operation

I shake my head. “You’ve already failed the first test. We can’t go out.”

He groans, leaning his head back. “Fine. Then I’ll go get something and bring it back.”

I smirk. “That’s assuming we have more to say.”

He studies me.

I can’t believe I’m even considering this.

I sigh dramatically, then grin. “I have a rice casserole in my fridge.” I slide off the barstool. “I’m going to put it in the oven, and we’ll have the time it takes to cook and eat to figure out if this relationship is worth the risk.”

His smile is confident. “For you—if it’s worth the risk for you. I already know.”

I open the fridge and glance back at him. “Then I need to decide if you’re worth it.”

His eyes gleam; his lips dance in and out of a smile. “And how will you decide?”

I tap my lips in thought, then point at him. “I think we need to speed date. Five dates in one, tonight.”

He raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go on.”

I take a slow breath. “I want to know everything—your family, your deal-breakers, your sleep habits, your religious background. Your political views.” I pause, giving him a daring look. “Any weird fetishes.”

His lips twitch, but he stays quiet.

“And,” I add, pulling the oven door open, “if you can come to love Tad Cooper.”

Isaac inhales sharply, as if this might be the greatest obstacle.

I flash him a grin. “We’re a package deal. So what do you think?”

He rolls his sleeves up a little more. “Break out the pen and paper, Dr. Wren. Let’s get started.”

Chapter 11

The Crossbow Chronicles

As much as I want to be chief, I want a life partner too, a family of my own. Seeing Isaac now—leaned back against my couch, plate in front of him on the coffee table—reminds me how empty this place can be.

Growing up, our house was always alive. Chatter, laughter, challenges. Someone always filling the space. Now, with my siblings grown, everyone around me has someone. I want that too.

I don’t know if Isaac is that person, my missing piece, but I owe it to myself, and to him, to find out. Any good business decision requires research. This is my due diligence.

“This is delicious,” Isaac says, gesturing to his plate.

I hand him a napkin. “It’s Persian lentils and rice. A friend of mine is from Iran. She makes this dish for every birthday party, and people always rave.”

“Did she make this or did you?”

“I did. I like recreating the things I love.”

His eyes flick to mine, intrigued. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

The obvious answer lodges in my throat. Relationships. But I’m not leading with that.

“Let’s just say there’s little I won’t try,” I say. “And anyone can get good at something if they’re determined enough.”

He eyes the ceiling, thinking. “It takes ten thousand hours to be good at something. Isn’t that what they say?”