Page 35 of The Valentine's Bet

“Love you!” I hang up the phone, feeling somewhat renewed. However, as I get ready, pulling on a nice sweater and mom jeans, I start replaying last night with Kenny.

I chew the inside of my cheek, thinking back to his question about if I’ve been with a New Yorker. I need to be mindful of guys like that. No more creeps.

“So the goal of New Year’s Eve Singles Trivia is to get to know the person you’re paired with,” a woman says over the PA. “You’re going to ask questions about yourself, and the person across from you will try toguessthe answers. It’s all in good fun, so don’t be mean, and enjoy the drinks!”

I drum my fingers on the table. No one has even taken a seat across from me. I’m seriously sitting alone—and it’s not like there aren’t enough partners to go around. No, in fact, as I look around the brick establishment that reeks of cherry vape, there are actuallytonsof people standing around...

And not a single man has moved to sit in the chair across from me.

Don’t give up.

I keep my breath steady as I glance around, seeing other couples already laughing and asking each other the questions on the cards in the center of the table.Ugh.

Maybe I should just give up.

My phone vibrates against the table and my eyes drift downward, expecting a text from my mom, but instead, my brow furrows.Why is Parker texting me?I open the message.

Parker:I’ll be at your apartment tonight at 7:30.

I’m just about to let him know that’s fine when a voice interrupts my thoughts.

“Can I sit here?”

My eyes flicker up to a handsome, dark-headed stranger with bright blue eyes. “Um, sure,” I say, locking the phone screen and putting it away in my purse hanging on the back of my chair. “I was starting to think this was going to be a waste.”

He chuckles. “I know what you mean. I honestly wasn’t going to come at all today, but then...” His voice trails off as he meets my gaze. “I just kind of felt like I should.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks. “I’m glad you did.”

“Me, too.” He flashes his pearly whites at me and then extends his hand across the table. “I’m Josh—Josh Banks. Well, technically I’m Dr. Josh Banks, but that’s silly to be so formal.” He lets out an awkward laugh that makes me feel a little light in the head.

“I’m Amy Gibson,justAmy Gibson.”

“You don’t look like anything that deserves the wordjustin front of it.” He removes his peacoat, revealing a nice, cream-colored pullover. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to coming to these things,” he adds, reaching for one of the cards.

“I just tell myself to keep coming so that maybe soon I won’t have to,” I say lightly, just as the waitress comes to our table.

“Would you two like anything to drink?”

“I’ll have water, please,” I say.

“Same.” Josh smiles, meeting my gaze. “I don’t feel like drinking at noon.”

“Me neither. It’s a little too early in the day. I like to try to at least make it to happy hour.”

He bursts into hearty laughter. “Me, too. So...” He flips the card. “Your question is ... What ismyfavorite color?”

“Hmm...” I purse my lips, taking him in. He isincrediblyhandsome, with a square-set jaw, shadowed with just enough stubble to be considered sexy. And it’sclearhe works out. “I don’t know.” I take in his casual, yet classy attire. “I feel like your favorite color is probably earthy—maybe green?”

“Wow.” His eyes widen. “You nailed it. I love green—particularly earthy shades. I’m not a huge fan of lime green or neon.”

“I get that. I guess it’s my turn now.” I grab one of the cards and read the question. “Okay, so... IfIcould be any animal, whatwould I be?”

“What a question...” He chuckles. “Um, you look pretty sophisticated, and the dark hair with the bright blue eyes is absolutely stunning ... so you’d have to be one of those really breathtaking animals.”

My face is surely bright red by now. “Okay, you’re way too flattering.”

“Just being honest.” He shrugs. “But let’s see ... A horse? That’s a strong, graceful animal. I could see that.”

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