Page 36 of The Valentine's Bet

“I was going to say a dog, but I think that sounds a lot better.” I giggle and reach for the water that the waitress sets in front of me, taking a sip as Josh picks up another card.

“Oh boy, what doyouthinkIdo for a living?”

“Well, I know you’re a doctor,” I begin, setting down my glass. “And so, I’m going to go based on that... Maybe a Doctor of Medicine... So, I don’t know... Surgeon?”

He laughs. “If only. I work for my family’s practice as a pediatrician. I don’t think I could handle doing surgeries. It was never my thing. I love kids, though.”

Oh my gosh. He might seriously be perfect.

“That’s amazing.”

“What do you do, Amy?” he asks, his eyes focused intently on my face. “You’re clearly an intelligent and classy woman.”

“I’m a marketing executive,” I answer proudly. “I just moved here from Chicago. It’s been a big change—and the job is what brought me here.”

“That makes sense.” He nods. “So you know how to sell things.”

“Something like that.” I reach for another card. “Okay, let’s see what this one says...” My heart flips. “Do you think I’d be a good kisser?”

His brows raise. “Nowthatis a weird question. Almost makes me think we’re supposed to try it,” he adds with a chuckle. “But yeah, I bet you’re a good kisser.”

I freeze up, not sure what to say. I don’t want to admit that I haven’t actually kissed someone. “I guess that’s kind of a hard one for me to answer about myself.”

“Ah, you’re modest. I like that.”

“Thank you.” I smile before gesturing to the card pile and then rubbing my hands together. “Your turn.”

“Ah, yes.” He rubs his hands together. “Oh, what do you think my longest relationship was?”

“Um... two years?” I guess, having no idea how to tell just by looking at a person.

“Close. I dated my high school sweetheart for nearly five years before we broke up in college. After that, I never really dated anyone seriously. I was busy with work and all that. Plus, I found myself enjoying keeping things casual with women. I don’t see a need for anything serious right now. I’m only thirty-three.”

I swallow, but don’t let his comment get me down. Besides, love can change a guy’s mind, right? “I see ... so, you’re not wanting to settle down anytime soon?”

He shrugs. “Probably not right now. I like to play the field. There’s nothing wrong with dating around. It keeps relationships exciting.”

I nod, not sure what else to do. I don’t think I agree—but what do I know about relationships, anyway? I haven’t ever been in one.

“Anyway.” He reaches for a card and hands it to me. “Your turn.”

“What do you think my highest level of education is?” I ask, meeting his gaze. He holds it for a few moments, making my head feel light.

“Master’s?”

“No, just bachelor’s. I thought about getting my master’s but never got around to it. I landed a really great job out of college and then worked my way to the top.”

“Ah, I see...” His eyes divert to the card deck. “Well, you gotta set yourself out from the crowd. Finding someone with a bachelor’s degree these days is way too easy. I believe the minimum education someone should have is most definitely a master’s. To have anything less than that is just not educated enough—not in today’s society.”

I swallow hard.Yikes. He’d probably think my whole family is stupid, then, considering I’m the first one to even have a degree.

“I see ... well, I’ve considered going back to school for it quite a few times, so I guess maybe this is my sign to take that seriously.”

“That’s a great thought,” he says, smiling. “Always good to see a woman willing to admit her shortcomings.”

Ouch.

But I laugh it off, still taken by the way he looks at me so intently. “Yeah, anyway, what are you doing after this?”

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