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I shrug noncommittally, so not prepared to answer that question. “Would you go if you were me?”
He hesitates for a moment, his eyes locked on my face as something unfathomable flows through his green eyes. “Why not? Live a little, Lyric,” he murmurs. “Who knows? The man who can’t live without you may be waiting for you when you show up. Isn’t that worth the risk?”
I’ve never felt my heart break before, but I think it might feel a little like this because… ouch. That hurt. But I guess I know now, right? He isn’t interested in me. If he were, he wouldn’t be so willing to send me off to meet the man of my dreams.
I guess I have my answer. There’s no reason for me not to go.
“You’re right,” I whisper, clearing my throat as I glance down at my lap. “You’re absolutely right. Somewhere out there is the man who wants to love me. He’s the one I should be worried about. Not… anyone else.”
I inhale a breath and pick up my phone.
Me
I can meet him tonight. Eight o’clock.
CHAPTER 4
JOSH
Okay. Now I know I’m losing my goddamn mind. I set up the whole winning the matchmaker contest so Lyric would get a date with me, but hearing her talking about a date with some imaginary guy sent my fucking blood pressure through the roof. Even though I’m the guy.
I give my head a shake, wondering if I’ve finally lost my goddamn mind. Only a lovesick idiot would be jealous of himself.
This whole thing spirals from a wild daydream into a crazy reality in the blink of an eye. Setting things in motion for Lyric to "win" that matchmaking contest involves a whole ton of craftiness and a little help from powerful friends. It took a slight miracle and playing hardball to find out the slightest bit of information on the matchmaker. I had to call in several favors, make a few donations to charity, and promise to keep her true identity secret—all in writing—before the pain-in-the-ass matchmaker would agree to help me.
Not my proudest moment, but when it comes to Lyric, I’ll pull out all the stops. She’s got no idea that I’m the mastermind behind the curtain or that I arranged for the matchmaker to send her on a path straight to me.
What I didn’t plan on, though, was her having less of a schedule than me, choosing tonight for our blind date. When I get the email from the matchmaker, my mind goes into overdrive. This date has to be something impressive yet intimate. The Broadway Steakhouse pops into my head—a spot with old-school charm and a private room that’ll let us avoid any unwanted attention from the usual Silver Spoon Falls grapevine spies.
Ignoring the mile-high pile of work sitting on my desk, I concentrate on arranging every detail. The restaurant staff reassures me they’re on it and will have candles, music, and the whole romantic works ready by eight. Giant is a little perturbed when I text him to cancel the protection detail for Lyric tonight.
Giant
Why did you have me arrange it if you didn’t need it?
Me
I didn’t realize I’d get everything set up for tonight. Thanks, by the way, for the info on the matchmaker. I owe you big time.
Giant
Don’t worry. My bill has quadrupled since this morning. Your new relationship is paying for the second honeymoon in Hawaii I’m surprising my wife with.
Me
Glad I could be of help.
When the workday comes to an end, my nerves are buzzing. The thought of revealing all to Lyric has me wound tighter than a spring. My one shot at happiness depends on how tonight goes. No stress at all.
As I'm adjusting my tie in the steakhouse's restroom mirror for the millionth goddamn time, my hand trembles. I’m about to confess to fixing a matchmaking contest just to get a date with the girl of my dreams. It’s absurd, yet when it comes to her, nothing seems too elaborate.
When I first arrive at our table, I can’t stop fidgeting with the place settings or repeatedly checking the time. Sweat rolls down my back when I hear a gentle knock on the door to the private room. Time freezes as I instruct myself to play it cool. Holding my breath, I watch as the door opens, and the hostess leads Lyric into the room.
She's wearing this stunning red dress that hugs her curves flawlessly, the kind of dress that turns heads and captures hearts without much effort. My breath catches, and any coherent words I had prepared scatter at my feet as my cock turns rock hard.
Lyric's eyes widen in surprise when she sees me standing there, and for a space of a heartbeat, all we do is stare at each other.
"Josh?" she asks, confusion and shock mingling in her voice. “What are you doing here?”
