Page 16 of Seductive Heat

"I'm a chocolate kind of guy, but I have to tell you I tried one of those frozen yogurts, and it didn't do much for me."

"I'll guide you on what to get. You'll like them, and they won't hurt your waistline if that's what you're worried about, you lady killer."

"No ladies will ever be harmed by me. Besides, I've got a goddess with me now. I don't need any other ladies."

"You always know what to say. Why is that?"

"Because I'm a nerd, and we always have these conversations rehearsed in our heads, so when the time is right like it is now, we wow our ladies. It's kind of sad, really."

"Nah, I think you're more like a boy scout, always prepared."

"That's the line I'll use the next time someone asks me about my charm. Thank you. You see, you're improving my life already."

He opens the passenger door for me and I hurry to get in. I'm surprised when he leans over me and buckles my seat belt for me. I manage to sniff some of his fancy cologne, and it does something to the butterflies in my belly—something good that I want to treasure for as long as possible.

The drive to my favorite yogurt place is really fun and filled with laughter.

I can sometimes see Theo withdraw as if he's shy. The problem is, I enjoy it when he's more forward—more daring in his teasing and flirting, but I suspect he doesn't want to do or say the wrong thing. I think I like the whole package, another reason I need to be truthful. If I confess, I might never have to tell him why I quit nursing.

He finds a parking spot near the shop, and I wait until he comes around. He opens my door and offers his hand to me. I take it and let him help me up, like the gentleman he is. Holding hands is now a habit for us, and he opens the door of the yogurt place for me. We place our order and get a nice booth in a quiet corner. Things are quiet tonight, and I wonder how to bring up the subject of the agency.

The frozen yogurt is delivered, and we dig in, Theo more reluctantly than me. I eye him with curiosity, wondering what the verdict will be. I'm waiting in suspense when he sighs.

"It's passable." He says.

"Only passable?"

"It's no rocky road."

"You said you liked chocolate. There are other flavors over there."

"Yeah, but I didn't want to spoil those too."

"Ugh, if you're going to be nasty like that, leave it. I'll eat it when I'm done with mine."

"It'll be melted by then."

"I'll drink it then. Damn it. I was so sure you would love it."

"We don't need to agree on everything to like each other, goddess. I mean, you're already out of my league."

I take the opportunity to change the topic.

"How long were you a member of the agency before you were matched?"

"About three months. I was starting to get antsy and told the owner, Miss Sarong, that I was going to end my subscription, but she insisted I try for at least a few more months. The week after that, I got a message that I'd been matched with someone. How about you?"

"I, ah…"

"Helene, Theo, it's so great to see you. Are you guys on a date?"

My friend Tammy must have either the worst or best timing in the world because she comes in for an ice cream at the moment I'm about to confess my sins.

"Hey, Tammy. I wanted Theo to taste the fro-yo here, but it didn't pass his high-quality test."

"Well, Theo, you'd better find something on the menu to enjoy here because our girl loves this place."

"Yeah, I know. I saw a few things I might try." He says.

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