Page 7 of Ditching the Dragon (Fated Dates)

“I was only talking to him.”

“Don’t give me that. I saw that look in your eyes. You are going home with someone AI technology deems compatible. If we’re all going to be ruled by our electronic overlords, the least they can do is make sure you aren’t alone.”

“Violet, enough! I’ve met six guys and I’m still striking out. Maybe the technology isn’t foolproof. Daniel was a software engineer, and if he’s any indication, then the technology is weaksauce.”

“One more, then,” she says. “Let me scroll through. You’ve still got a ton of matches.”

Violet flicks around and shuts a few of the apps. “Oh, wait. This is interesting.”

“What?”

“All of the apps have multiple options based on proximity. This one, though, there’s only one match.”

“So?”

“So why does the algo put all its eggs in this one guy’s basket? That has got to be a good sign.”

“Or a sign it’s not a popular app. What’s it called?”

“Kis-Meet.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Me either. I don’t remember downloading it.”

“Well, who’s the all-in match?”

She taps her finger on the screen, and a slow smile spreads across her face.

“You’re never going to believe it.”

“Not if you never tell me who it is.”

“Wickham B., no age. Investment banker.”

“Sounds smug and entitled.”

“You sure about that?” She turns the screen so I can see the one and only profile picture.

The golden-green eyes staring back at me are a perfect match to my stranger.

“I don’t remember him even looking at a phone.”

“Maybe it’s in his pocket. He was pretty busy focusing onyou.”

“Very funny.”

“I’m serious. I watched you the whole time you were at the bar. That guy—Wickham—came in from the back door, sat beside you, and never even removed a wallet, let alone a phone. The bartender gave him a beer, so he has to be some kind of regular.”

“I don’t know how to feel about any of that.”

“You’re supposed to feel flush and horny.”

“So noted.”

Crowd noise fills the momentary pause.

“Well, go on!” Violet says and practically shoves me out of my chair. “Have at least two orgasms!”

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