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Anthony’s gaze holds resignation. “You really are a hopeless romantic, then.”
“I’m sorry?”
“A hopeless romantic,” he repeats. “You believe in the core values of this business. You believe in love.” He says the last word like it has sharp edges.
“Yes,” I say, leaning forward. He might be our new owner, but isn’t it in the best interest of the business if he learns what we’re truly about? If he understands what makes us successful?
“If only you couldseehow well this process really works,” I say, “you’d become a hopeless romantic too.”
“I doubt that, Miss. Davis.”
It’s a crazy idea. One of my wilder ones. And perhaps I’m overstepping my boundaries, but… I already did that yesterday.
“Well,” I say. “Let us set you up on a date.”
His eyes settle on mine with an intensity that makes my mouth dry. “Pardon me?”
“If you want to see how this business truly works, I’m happy to show you. Three dates,” I say, improvising. “I’ll make the arrangements for you. If you still think there’s no merit after you’ve been on all three, and if none of the women are people you’d consider having a second date with… I’ll admit defeat.”
“Defeat?” he asks.
“Yes. I’ll admit I was wrong, and Opate Match isn’t for everyone.” It’s a gamble, and my heart pounds in my chest with the audacity of what I’m proposing. Vivienne would have my head if she knew. Or she’d laugh at the sheer nerve.
There’s never any knowing with her.
Anthony narrows his eyes. “And if I deem one of the dates good enough to warrant another?”
“Then you’ll admit you were wrong about this company.Yourcompany, in fact. Either way, you’ll have gained some experience about how our business works.”
His jaw tightens, eyebrows drawing together over dark eyes. He’s coldness itself, and I’m about to freeze.
But then he gives a single nod. “You have yourself a deal.”
My smile is entirely genuine. “Oh, that’s great. You’re really going to enjoy this, I promise.”
“I’d be careful about making that promise.”
A few taps on my keyboard and my computer sings back to life. “That means I’ll create a quick client profile for you. Nothing fancy, but just enough so I can set you up with women I think will be good matches.”
He shifts in the chair. “Ah. Okay.”
I glance over. “It’ll be quick.”
“Take your time, Miss Davis. As I have no intention of losing this bet, I don’t mind it being done thoroughly.”
I have to hide a smile as I open up a new client profile. Perhaps this is the way to crack him, then. Friendly competition and bets. He can’t help but be drawn in by them, intrigued despite himself.
“What age span are you interested in?”
He gives a faint sigh, like he can’t believe he’s sitting here, answering this. “I’ve never considered one before.”
“Well, you’re thirty-three,” I say. “How about we put you down for twenty-five to thirty-five, give or take a few years on either end?”
“Sure.”
“How would you describe your ideal relationship?”
There’s complete silence on the other side of the desk. I look over to see him wearing an expression somewhere between masculine exasperation and pain. It’s clear he’s rethinking this bet.
