Page 21 of Sincerely Not Yours

She frowned, refusing this explanation. “I feel like fate has bigger things to tackle than fashion choices.”

Harris cocked his arm, resting it on the side of the carriage. “The thing about dating apps is that they’re not about replacing fate or chance. They’re about expanding your opportunities to meet new people. It’s like casting a wider net into a sea ofpotential connections. What if you never ran into the potential love of your life simply because he lived on the other side of the city and went to a bookstore close to his apartment to get that hot new release?”

Gigi pursed her lips and countered, “But isn’t there something artificial about it?”

Harris nodded, acknowledging her point. “I can understand why you’d think that. But with GambleOnLove, the technology was created to go beyond surface-level judgements. Our algorithm considers a wide range of factors, from personality traits to shared interests and life goals. It’s about finding someone who aligns with your values and creating a genuine connection that will go beyond physical appearance. I mean, what if there was a man that could be your best match and you walked by him every day on the way to work but never gave him a second glance because you didn’t immediately connect with his physical appearance?”

Gigi’s curiosity piqued. After all, she’d definitely picked a few duds simply because her heart had fluttered at a handsome face and a few smooth pickup lines. “I guess that makes sense, but how does the app know if a couple will have chemistry? You know, that spark when you meet someone in person.”

“That goes beyond an algorithm. But if a couple doesn’t feel the chemistry, they just get back on the app and spin the wheel again, going onto the next match. Technology facilitates the match, but anything beyond that is up to the couple.” Harris stretched out his legs, crossing an ankle over the other. “You’ve never tried a dating app?”

She shook her head. “I don’t date much.”

“Really?” He looked confused by her response.

“I mean, I’m pretty busy with work and all.” Harris’s gaze lingered on her, his eyes soft with a hint of something she couldn’t quite decipher. A flush rose to her cheeks.

“Interesting,” he said, analyzing her. Before she could respond, the carriage came to a halt, jolting Gigi from her thoughts.

“I hope you both enjoyed your time with Windy City Carriage,” Bernard said over his shoulder. “Wishing you both a beautiful evening.”

Gigi cleared her throat. “Thanks so much, Bernard. It was lovely.” She waved and smiled at her phone before ending the live streaming video. As she gathered her phone, Harris tipped Bernard and climbed down from the carriage. Then he took Gigi’s hand and helped her down as well. But as she put one boot on the snowy street, she wobbled, slipping on a patch of ice.

Gigi’s breath caught in her throat. Before she could brace herself for impact, strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close—into solid, comforting warmth. Startled, she looked up, finding Harris’s steady gaze fixed on her, concern etched on his features.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice strung with worry.

Gigi nodded. Her cheeks flushed hot. “I think so,” she murmured, grateful he’d caught her. But instead of letting her go, Harris’s grip tightened, and before she could protest, he’d scooped her up into his arms, cradling her as though she weighed nothing at all.

“Oh,” she breathed, her heart bounding as her boots suddenly dangled far from the ground. Pressed against Harris, she went weak. She molded into his incredibly soft scarf and intoxicating scent. Time stood still as he carried her across the street, like a firefighter saving her from a burning building. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.

When Harris finally set her down on the safe, dry sidewalk, Gigi fought the crazy mix of exhilaration and uncertainty which swirled inside her. Her breath hitched as their gazes locked with a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

“Thank you,” she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

“Can’t have you falling on my watch,” he replied easily, but Gigi wondered if she was actually falling . . . for a man she couldn’t have.

Chapter Nine

To: gianna.ricci@ryan&ryan.com

From: harrison.ryan@ryan&ryan.com

Re: Spring line packaging

Gigi,

Do you seriously think it’s worth spending an extra $3.37 on packaging just to have it look “pretty”? The gold foil and velvet ribbon really cut into our margins for the spring gift sets. I vote we should get rid of the unnecessary frills and increase profitability.

Hanging by a thread,

Harris

P.S.–I’ve decided I like the idea of sarcastic signatures. It eases frustrations in the workday. Please feel free to match my sarcasm with more of your own.

To: harrison.ryan@ryan&ryan.com

From: gianna.ricci@ryan&ryan.com

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