Page 10 of All's Fair in Love and Blackmail

“No,” I say with complete honesty. “I don’t.”

She leans forward as the breeze picks up, pulling more of her hair across her face. “And you don’t think anything would ever happen here?” She gestures back and forth between us. “With you and me?”

I lean forward too, grinning suddenly. “Nah,” I say. “You’re not my type, Sunshine.” I wink at her and go on, “And I doubt I’m yours.”

Her answering smile is still full of amusement, and I decide on the spot that although irritable India is a whole lot of fun, laughing India is even better.

“You’re not,” she admits. “You’re a Bingley, and I’m more of a Darcy girl.”

I think she’s talking about Jane Austen, but beyond that, I’ve got nothing.

Luckily she saves me the trouble of responding.

“What’s your type, then?” she says, her eyes still bright. “Sultry bombshell? Cute little cheerleader?”

“I like all women,” I say truthfully. I don’t mean it in a creepy way; I just think all women have a lot to offer, and I think all women can be beautiful. I’m much more interested in thatspark—the x-factor, if you will—than I am in a prescribed list of characteristics.

“If you like all women, then Iamyour type,” she points out with a laugh.

“Just trust me on this one,” I say. “I’m not worried about it.”

“Hmm.” She studies me for a second. “So you’re one of those guys who wants the thrill of the chase but doesn’t actually believe in true love? That’s the vibe I’ve always gotten from you.”

“Not at all,” I say, surprised. I lean back in my chair. “I believe in it. I think it’s a giant, life-changing force. That’s exactly why I’m not interested.” I shrug. “I’ve got a great life right now. I’m happy; I’m having fun. I don’t see why I should pursue something as disruptive or all-consuming as love.”

Marriage changed my mother into a smaller, quieter version of herself. And I’ve watched college friends pair off one by one, sucked into that vortex—and they change, too. Some of them seem happier in love, but others are moodier and insecure. I had a buddy who wanted to work on the police force or for the FBI, and his fiancée shut that dream down.

Is there a woman out there who will love me exactly as I am and not ask me to change for her? Someone I would love in a way that made me stronger and happier? Maybe. But I’m not interested in hunting for a woman like that. If she finds me, so be it.

Until then, I’m happy just having fun.

India eyes me for a second, and I can tell that this is it—she’s making her decision. I hold my breath, waiting.

Finally she shakes her head. “Sorry, Felicia. I wish you the best of luck. But?—”

“Why not?” I demand, straightening up again. I thought for sure she was going to say yes. Didn’t it seem like she was coming around?

“Because I don’t want to let you back in my life,” she says with a shrug.

What isthatsupposed to mean?

But before I can ask, she’s speaking again. “And because I have a hard time believing you actually need me. No one is going to fall in love with you just because you hang out at a few pretty places. Find someone else.”

“I do need you,” I blurt out. “I do. I need you. Poppy already said no. I have no one else.”

She rolls her eyes at this, but I plow forward.

“It’s true,” I say. “I really don’t know who else I can ask. I’m frankly scared of Aurora”—India nods as though to sayYour fear is wise—“and Juliet would fall prey to my charms too easily. You three and Poppy are the only ones I feel safe with.”

“It would take you five minutes to meet another woman,” India says.

“I don’t want another woman,” I say. “I want someone who won’t fall in love with me. Someone I know is normal and fun to be around.” I swallow. “My boss is going to assign me a partner if I don’t find someone soon. Her name is Veronda, and I’ll be honest with you, Sunshine: I’m as scared of her as I am of Aurora. She likes me. She winks at me. She wants to have my babies.”

India’s nose wrinkles. “Ew.”

I nod emphatically. “So please help.”

She bites her bottom lip, looking at me with narrowed eyes. I can practically see her mind churning.

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