Page 6 of It Happened Again

My jaw tightened. “Don’t go there.”

Dax glanced between us with interest, undeterred. “Still clinging to the One Who Got Away, huh? Well, Minted & Matched isn’t just an algorithm. It’s legacy-building. No swiping right or left. Nope. My clients are vetted, verified, curated matches. They desire to get married and build empires. You? You’re getting grumpy over a steak sandwich.”

I didn’t answer.

“Anyway,” Dax said smoothly. “The next phase launches in two months. The app. We’re calling it MINT—Make It Noteworthy Together.”

Archer let out a low whistle. “That’s actually clever.”

“Isn’t it?” Dax preened. “And I’m opening a final round of investment before we launch. Archer, what do you say? Interested?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been thinking lately about taking a vow to never get married. Confirmed bachelor life for me.” His answer shocked me. I knew he’d been through hell with his ex, but giving up entirely?

“Whoa. What?” Even Dax stumbled. “Before you go to that extreme, sign up for Minted and Matched. Let us help you find your diamond. The one woman will make you shine. I’m notpromising you’ll get locked down, but you’ll at least enjoy dating again because of our stellar abilities to match people.”

“You’re that confident in your algorithm?” I gave him the side-eye.

“One hundred percent.”

“Fine. Let’s see if you can accomplish what I haven’t been able to do alone.” Archer raised his glass. “Hell, sign me up as an investor, too.”

“Yes. My man.” Dax high-fived him and passed over another card.

I shook my head. “I’m not hiring someone to help me fall in love.”

“Wrong attitude,” Dax said. “I’m giving you a chance to stop falling for the wrong people.”

Archer snorted. “Brooks loves a good blueprint. Maybe he just needs one for his heart.”

I drained my glass. “I don’t need help falling. I’ve got that part mastered.” The problem was holding onto the one I loved. I mostly scowled through the rest of lunch. Dax pitched more. Archer heckled.

It wasn’t until we left the restaurant that I noticed the ache in my chest.

And it wasn’t until I got to the office that I realized something else.

The scarf was missing.

After backtrackingto the bistro and not finding my scarf, I returned to Orion. The receptionist greeted me with a curious glance. “Back again, Mr. Bellamy?”

“I think I dropped my scarf in the boardroom. Do you mind if I take a look?” I asked.

“A meeting just let out in there a few minutes ago—you’re welcome to check now.” She gestured for me to proceed.

Down the short hallway, I cursed myself for caring too much about the damn scarf. Maisy wasn’t here to see me wear it, and clearly didn’t care. Why, I should donate the damn thing to a homeless person on the way home.

I sighed and stepped in, and quickly scanned the room. An unexpected view stopped my progress—a woman on all fours beneath the long conference table.

White sweater dress. Black high-heeled boots. Blonde ponytail. Nice ass. My cock stirred. About time; I’d been in a serious slump and worried it was incapable.

I took one step inside. “Hello?”

She jumped, bonked her head, and cursed. When she stood and faced me…

Those eyes.

That blush on her cheeks.

Those pouty pink lips... and my scarf clutched in her hand.

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