Page 36 of Pucking Your Best Friend

Something bitter filled her mouth. Had she swallowed a fly?

She coughed and narrowed her eyes. Matt knew he was great! He didn’t need anyone telling him that.

No, the whole thing was far too intrusive. Plus, they were blocking the way and she had promised Matt that it wouldn’t be awkward, yet this was awkward, wasn’t it?

“Okay, everyone, just sign up and we can test your compatibility,” she called out loudly and shouldered her way through the crowd. “Feel free to grab a flyer from my colleague, Hailey. Don’t forget the discount. Unfortunately, Mr. Payne and I still have some things to discuss.”

She smiled kindly at the disappointed-looking women, then roughly grabbed Matt by the arm and pulled him toward the office.

“Mr. Payne?” he murmured in her ear.

Goosebumps scurried down her neck. Had the wind picked up? “Yes. It’s called being professional.”

He laughed as they entered and she carefully shut the door. “Obviously. But okay. What do you want to discuss?”

She glanced up, surprised. “Nothing. I wanted to save you from them.”

“Ah, from all those willing, pretty women?” he said, grinning. “Yes, thank you. Mighty nice of you.”

“So, you weren’t serious?” The fist that had been tightening around her heart for the past ten minutes immediately loosened its grip a little. Why did she feel so relieved?

“Serious about what?”

“Well, that you’re ready for a real relationship. Tired of dating.” She let out a burst of air. “I know it was just an act, but you almost fooled me.” She laughed.

“Hm,” Matt muttered, frowning. Her laughter faded immediately.

“What,hm?”

He shrugged. “I know we were just acting and whatnot, but I think there was a bit of truth to it. That I’m tired of dating.” He raised his eyebrows as if it surprised him. “I felt bad when Icouldn’t remember Jennifer’s name. Like I wasn’t me anymore. I was some complete idiot. Dax, maybe.”

She had to laugh even though his words constricted her throat. “You’re not as bad as Dax used to be.”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to be like that at all!” He rubbed his face. “I’m a good guy. Obviously, I love sex, but it can’t be everything, right? So, yeah.” He squared his shoulders and peered into her face. “So, find me a match.”

She laughed again. Nervously this time. “But…” She paused. “I didn’t think you ever wanted anything serious. Or kids. Or marriage.”

He frowned, irritated. “What made you think that?”

Hello?He had said,Oh shit!when she had first told him that she had those exact plans! “I simply assumed it,” she said, glancing away.

“Well, obviously, I wanted something more casual in recent years. But, I never ruled it out. I know that it’s harder for me than others. I haven’t been able to maintain relationships for long. Whether friendships or anything else.”

She blinked at him, irritated. He hadneverruled it out? Why the hell didn’t she know? And what type of relationships had he not been able to maintain for long?

“Okay,” she murmured, smiling and smoothing her dress. “Then…okay. You…well, if you want, you can go now.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” He glanced outside. “I could also go chat a bit.”

“No!” burst out of her.

He looked at her with raised eyebrows. “What?”

Oh, God. “I’m merely saying that would be a waste of time because none of those women are right for you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes!”

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