Page 94 of Elevator Pitch

“Fine. I amnotsorry.”

“Good girl,” I say with a wink and she avoids eye contact when she blushes.

I decide to use this game to my advantage and ask her questions I desperately want answers to. She can play small if she wants to, but I’m not. I ask if I make her nervous because I want to know the reason she runs off and has been avoiding meeting me. She shares that she finds me attractive and that she isn’t the most experienced with men likeme.I’m not sure what to make of that, which prompts me to ask what kind of man she thinks I am. She taunts that it’s her turn and I give her the floor.I’ll save that one for last.

“I’m curious every time I see you with a camera around your neck. Could I see your photos?”

“Of course. I’ll grab my portfolio,” I say before heading to my office. I return with the thick book for her to flip through. There are a couple hundred pictures in here. This one isn’t for gigs, it’s for me. Whenever I getthe perfect shot, the one that captures my vision, it goes in this book. She flips through the pages, examining every detail and stops when she reaches my vacation photos. Her eyes light up at my nature photography.

“This island, where is it? With these tortoises?”

“Seychelles. It’s in Africa. I went with my best friends to a wedding there a few years ago. Pictures don’t do it justice, honestly.”

“I’d love to go there someday. I’ve never even been out of the country,” she says reluctantly.

“Well, sounds to me like you’re just going to have to make a newfuck it list,” I add with a smile.

She peers up at me. “That’s not a bad idea.”

I nod in agreement and use my next turn to ask if she’s ever been in love. She argues about keeping things simple by asking about birthdays and ages. I inform her that I have no interest in asking things I already know the answer to. Her birthday is May seventh, she’s twenty-nine years old, and she’s a Taurus. When she gives me a shocked look, I blame Audrey, which grants me a chuckle. She reluctantly answers that she was in love once, but it wasn’t reciprocated. Then, she uses her turn to ask the same. I share that I too was in love once and that I’m not sure I could do it again. I consider what to ask for my next turn and decide to keep going for the answers Ireallywant.

“Have you ever been married?”

“You’re just going for it. Aren’t you?” She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. “I’ve never been married, but I was engaged once.” She discloses in a low voice. “I broke it off two years ago. We wouldn’t have made it to the altar. He was–” she trails off, deciding on a word. “He was awful.” Her playful demeanor has dissipated as she holds her waist, staying focused on the countertop.

Shit.

You dived into a sore subject.

She adds, “I’ve enjoyed being alone since and these dates I’ve been going on are recent. I tried putting myself out there when I made theSoulBlendprofile and you know that has been an interesting experience.”

“I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have brought it up if I had known.”

“The whole point of this game is to get to know each other. I’m not upset and there’s no need to apologize. If I’m not allowed to say sorry, neither are you.”

I nod understandably.

“What about you?”

“Yes. I got married fresh out of college. We lasted almost three years before we called it quits and I haven’t had another serious relationship since,” I admit. “Actually, Audrey is planning her wedding.”

Her brows raise in surprise at her best friend being mentioned. She makes a comment about how my ex must be rich because Wood weddings aren’t affordable. I simply shrug, hoping that deters her because I’d rather not speak about her any more than I need to. She picks up on my signal and informs me this will be the last round of the question game.

“Do you have any kids?” she asks nervously.

“No, just that big one that barks.”

I don’t want to say his name and get him started. I peer into the living room and he’s not in any of his usual spots, so I assume he’s in the guest bedroom. We must’ve been talking too much for him. I decide to circle back to my earlier question, even though it’s possible her being brutally honest may either boost or bruise my ego. I’ll handle whatever she throws at me and go for it.

“You mentioned that you’re not experienced with men like me. I’d like to know what kind of man you think I am?”

“You’re a man who knows exactly what he wants. You can back up the shit you talk. You’re intentional. Then there’s the whole pleasure dom thing.” She looks down as she blushes.

“Did you look it up?” I ask as I lean back against the counter, crossing my arms.

“I did and it only made me more curious.” She lets out a resigned sigh and continues. “I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I’ve been celibate for the past two years. Well I was before you came over.”

My brows raise in surprise. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

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