Page 3 of Switch

She gasps. “Don’t play dumb. The book! The MC one with the broody guy and the whole ‘I’d burn the world for you’ vibe? You know, the one I sent you a couple of days ago.”

I sigh, finally setting the chart aside. “Okay, fine. Yes, I’ve been reading it. And yes, it’s amazing. It’s completely unrealistic, but somehow, it still makes my heart ache. I hate that I love it.”

Amelia grins. “Right? Tell me you’re obsessed with the Xander. I mean, he’s perfect—protective, a little rough aroundthe edges, but underneath it all? The way he’s willing to do anything for her?” She fans herself dramatically, and I laugh despite myself.

“No spoilers,” I warn, holding up a hand. “I’m not finished yet.”

She smirks. “Fine, but can we at least agree he’s basically dream man material?”

“Oh, totally,” I admit. “Too bad they don’t make them like that in real life.”

Amelia sits up a little straighter, her eyes lighting up like she just remembered something important. “Don’t be so sure about that.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “Why do I feel like you’re about to suggest something that’s going to make me regret saying that?”

“Well...” She draws the word out, her grin widening. “I might know someone who would be perfect for you. My cousin, Mike. He’s single. He’s sweet. And he’s...well, he’s got that rugged charm you were just swooning over.”

I groan, letting my head fall into my hands. “Amelia, no.”

“Bella, yes!” she counters. “Come on, it’s been—what—a year? Two? All I know is you’ve been single for way too long, and Mike is a great guy. He’s funny, he’s got a good job, and he’s not a total weirdo. I promise.”

“I’m not saying no because of Mike,” I say, sitting up again. “I’m saying no because blind dates are awkward as hell. And you know I hate awkward.”

Amelia waves me off. “Blind dates don’t have to be awkward. Think of it as meeting a new person who might just surprise you. And worst-case scenario, you have an okay meal and a decent story to tell.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek, thinking it over. It’s been a long time since I put myself out there. After my ex, the thoughtof dating again felt exhausting. But now...maybe I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines.

“Okay,” I say finally, letting out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll go. But if it’s terrible, you’re buying me the fancy ice cream. None of that generic stuff you usually try to pawn off on me.”

Amelia claps her hands together, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “Deal. I promise you won’t regret this. Mike’s going to blow you away.”

“Uh-huh,” I say, shaking my head. “We’ll see.”

As she starts rattling off ideas for date spots, I glance back at the chart I was working on, trying to focus. But the idea of this blind date keeps creeping in, both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Maybe it’ll be awkward. Maybe it’ll be amazing.

I should’ve known Amelia wouldn’t wait for me to make up my mind. I’m sitting at home in my usual post-work haze, scrolling aimlessly on my phone, when her name pops up on my screen.

Amelia: Hey! Just FYI, I gave Mike your number. He said he’ll text you soon. You’re welcome!

I stare at the message, my heart doing a weird little flip. I shouldn’t be surprised, but still, a heads-up would’ve been nice.

Me: You WHAT?

Amelia: Relax, Bella. He’s great. Just see what happens. No pressure. You’re going to love him!

I groan and drop my phone onto the couch next to me. Great. Now I have to mentally prepare for some random guy to text me, and knowing Amelia, she’s probably already hyped me up to the point where no one could possibly live up to it.

My phone buzzes again, and I pick it up hesitantly. It’s not Amelia this time—it’s an unknown number.

Unknown: Hey, this is Mike. Amelia’s cousin. She said you might be okay with me texting you.

I chew my lip, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Time to rip off the Band-Aid.

Me: Hi, Mike. Yeah, Amelia told me. She…uh, didn’t give me much choice, but it’s nice to meet you. Virtually, I guess.

There’s a pause, and I wonder if I already scared him off. But then another message comes through.

Mike: Haha, that sounds about right. She’s pretty determined once she gets an idea in her head. It’s nice to meet you too.

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