Page 52 of You're The One
“Trying to ask what I know?”
He kicks a seashell, eyes still on the sand. “Yeah… that too, I guess.”
“It’s fine.” I try to make it sound true, but honesty slips in. “The house is nice. But being cooped up all day, every day? It gets old fast.”
“Yeah. I can imagine.” He glances sideways at me. “Unfortunately, I’m only allowed to bring you on one date a week.”
“Unfortunately?” I lift a brow.
He shrugs; it’s casual on the surface, but his voice is softer when he adds, “Hopefully this helps.”
I nod, unsure whether the warmth in his tone is about me or him following Ryan’s instructions. Either way. “It does. This is nice.”
A seagull screeches overhead, and for a few steps, we just walk.
“The girls…” I start, then hesitate. “I really like Summer. She’s been a solid friend, and I don’t know how I’d survive here without her. You two seem compatible, but…” I pause, choosing my next words carefully. “I’m not sure there’s enough chemistry.”
He eyes me, curious. “No?”
“Just an observation. I could be wrong.” I stop walking and turn toward him. “But, please don’t send her home.”
It comes out more serious than I planned. I’m not usually the type to make pleas, but the idea of being stuck in that house without her makes panic beat in my chest.
He lets out a quiet laugh. “I’ll consider your request.”
“I’m not joking.” I look up at him, and something must show on my face, because his expression shifts.
The teasing drops. He studies me for a second, then nods. “All right.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. “Like I said last night, Emma still seems like your best option. River fits a lot of what you’re looking for, but she might be a little too woo-woo. Still, she’s insanely smart and beautiful. I wish my hair curled like hers does naturally.”
“I like your hair.”
I blink at him. “That’s what you got from all of that?”
“I got it all. I’m just saying.”
I pause, then add, “Victoria’s actually surprised me. She’s fun, yeah, but did you know she does mission work for Project Smile? Her family runs a nonprofit, and she’s heavily involved.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“If I were you, I’d pick Victoria for the next one-on-one.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Dominic starts walking again, and I fall into step beside him.
There. Matchmaker duties, complete. I might actually be good at this. Maybe it’s my calling?
I shake my head.
Yeah… no.
We walk for a few minutes. The sky’s a little brighter now, shades of pink streaking through the navy.
Then Dominic checks his watch and winces. “Shit. We should head back. Wouldn’t want the crew catching on to your jailbreak.”
We turn to head back toward the house.
