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“Yes?” She looked up at me with those wide ocean blue eyes, and for a moment, I almost forgot what I was going to say.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For letting me have a say in this.”
She shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “Well, I figured it’s the least I could do. It’s my fault you’re in this mess.”
I stared, regret piercing my chest once more. “I’m sorry for what I said before. It was wrong of me to take my frustration out on you. It isn’t your fault.”
“It is…” she countered “… but thank you for saying that.”
We fell silent, but it wasn’t awkward. After a moment, she stood. “I need to be going.”
I rose as well. “I’ll walk you back.”
“No!” she rushed to say. “What I mean is, it’s fine. Stay and have dessert or something. I have lots of work ahead of me.”
“Don’t stay up too late.” I was oddly concerned about her overworking herself. “You need your rest for what’s ahead.”
She smiled then turned to walk away. “Goodnight, Garrett.”
“Goodnight,” I murmured, watching her walk away, wondering if any of the dates she had planned for the Contention would be able to hold a candle to tonight.
* * *
We hadbreakfast in my office—my idea. I’d felt off kilter last night after our dateslashmeeting, and I wanted to be on a more even footing this morning. I’d barely slept as the reality of what was ahead of me hit home. In a matter of days, this wouldn’t be merely an idea we were planning. I’d be in the thick of it, fifteen women battling—quite literally—for my hand.
“What are you looking for in a mate?”
I blinked, pulled out of my thoughts. “Sorry, what?”
We were sitting at the bistro table in the corner of my office, where I occasionally took my meals on busy days. A spread of French toast, croissants, and fruit were between us, but Jessica had made room for her ever-present clipboard. She was transitioning into Willow’s old role quite nicely.
“Like, what kind of features?” she elaborated. “Personality, looks, all of it. What kind of woman are you attracted to?” Jessica stared at me expectantly.
It was a weird conversation to have with a woman. In fact, I was pretty sure I’d never discussed my preferences with anyone. But right now, I was having a hard time coming up with something—with her sitting across from me looking too cute, her hair pulled up in a ponytail, and a few stray strands framing her face.
“I love them all?” I tried, giving her a charming grin.
“And they love you. Yeah, yeah.”
I shrugged and spread my arms wide. “What can I say?”
She sighed, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Garrett, be serious for a minute. Please? You have to give me something to work with. If you tell me what you like, I can steer you in the right direction with the girls. I’m certain I’ve reviewed their applications in far greater detail than you have. I can help you here, but you have to help me…”
I laughed. “Don’t you find it ironic that you’re trying to help now when you’re the one who put me in this pickle, to begin with?”
Jessica pursed her lips. “This again? Really?”
“Aw, come on. Be a good sport. It’s the least you could do for me.”
“Yoube a good sport and tell me what you like,” she countered.
“You don’t give up, do you?” I found that way more appealing than I should have.
“No. Not with this. I want to do a good job, and you aren’t helping.”
