Page 83 of The Valentine's Bet

He turns to look back at me. “You good?”

I blink, not feeling nearly as excited as I think I should be. “Yeah ... maybe it’ll be fun.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Yeah ... maybe.”

“See you later.”

“See ya,” Parker calls over his shoulder. The noise of the TV fills the silence only a moment later, and I step out into the hallway, feeling more conflicted than ever before.

Ugh. Please let this go well.

“I’m Dalton.” A tall, blondish-redheaded man extends his hand across the table.

“Amy.” I meet his bright green eyes, taking his hand and letting the warmth spread through my fingers. I was ten minutes early, butDalton was right on time. The dive bar isn’t overly crowded, and thankfully, everyone is speaking in low tones, the soft alternative music overshadowing most of their conversations. “It’s super nice to meet you in person.”

“Likewise.” He smiles. “I won’t lie, though, I was really nervous about meeting you. That’s why I didn’t want to just keep texting. I wanted to get this part out of the way.”

“I like that,” I admit, taking him in as he sits across from me in the booth. He carefully removes his black wool coat, revealing his taut arms through a Henley. He’s...handsome.

“You’re beautiful.” Dalton’s long drawl catches my attention. It’s southern, and I can’t deny it adds a little extra charm.

“Thank you,” I say. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Good to know.” He laughs in a deep tone.

How is this man still single?I’m swooning a little, though the moment I realize that I am, Parker’s face comes to mind.

Don’t think about him.

Which is a little harder said than done.

It’s not like he’s even an option.

Because if Parkerwantedto, he could’ve asked me on arealdate. But he’s made it clear we’re just friends. Not to mention that he doesn’t believe in love ...

Which is why Idon’tallow myself to admit that I find Parker’s mischievous ways more charming than Dalton’s... Yet, here I am, thinking it.

What’s wrong with me?

“So, you work with Nellie?” Dalton’s voice grabs my attention.

“Yeah, I do.” I nod, trying to recount the red flags I’m supposed to be on the lookout for. “What do you do?”

“Well, I used to work in finance,” Dalton begins, letting out a sigh. “I’m really good with numbers, but I’m not gonna lie, after doing that for nearly ten years, I got tired of it. So, I recently started working for a veterinary clinic here in the city. I handle all of the office stuff and also get to help with the animals. It’s a win-win for me.”

I smile. “I admire the courage for a career change. I’ve always stuck to marketing, and I can’t imagine doing anything different, but I don’t see anything wrong with changing careers if you’re unhappy.”

He nods. “I’m glad you agree. One of my last dates only seemed to care about the pay decrease I took—and whileyes, there was one, I’m still a partial owner of the finance firm I worked for, so I do pretty well for myself.”

“Ah, so you were smart in your investments.” I giggle and bat my eyelashes a few times. “I must say ... that’s impressive. Which makes sense, considering you worked in finance. It shows you know your stuff.”

“And the fact you’re so visibly appealing shows you know how to market.” He winks at me, and I feel my cheeks grow red.

“You’re too kind,” I say, reaching for my drink and taking a sip. I spend the rest of the evening laughing and talking with Dalton—and rarely do I think about Parker. Well, I mean, other than the handful of times I text him and reassure him I’m still alive.

“Can I walk you home?” Dalton offers as we stand to leave. “I’ve had a really great time getting to know you tonight, and I’d like to see you again—and see that you get home safe.”

I question the idea but then agree. I mean, Parker lives there. It’s not like anything bad is going to happen to me. “Okay, I’m staying with a friend right now.”

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