I'd just committed the unpardonable relationship sin—if you're the woman, never, ever say I love you first. It sounds old-fashioned. It sounds archaic. But it's really just biology. Let him think it's his idea. Wriggle it out of him. Coax him into it. But make him say it first.
"Is that what you were going to say?" I said, trying to recover. Trying to sound jokey. Feeling icy to the core now. Why now? Where was this ice earlier when I needed it?
We both knew I was covering.
"I was going to say, I think you're the best lover I've ever had." He was gracious enough to go along with my pretense.
I slid off him. "High praise, indeed. Considering the depth of your experience, I really should be flattered." I stood and zipped up my jeans. "You still owe me an answer to about, I don't know? Thirty questions?"
Thirty was just a guess. I was too flustered and embarrassed, and downright crushed, to think straight. I ran my fingers through my hair.
He sat up. "I'm game."
I glanced pointedly at my watch. "Another time. We both know the experiment is over. We each made our point. Let's call it a draw and be done." I looked around. "Where's my purse?"
He caught my hand just as I was about to step away. "Don't go yet. Let me buy you dinner."
I tilted my head and shook it at him. "I have sex with you and now you think you owe me dinner?" I laughed, but it came out tinged with disappointment. "Don't worry. I don't expect dinner in return for sex. That's not the way it works."
I pulled my hand free and spotted my purse. In two steps, I had it and was headed for the door.
He was right on my heels. He caught me at the door, grabbing my arm. "Ashley—"
"I have work to do," I said. "Lottie shouldn't have to put out the fires at the Manhattan office all by herself."
I kissed him on the cheek in a show of good sportsmanship. "I'll be back." I laughed hollowly again. "And when I am, I'll be bringing some simply luscious matches for you, my dear. Now that I know what you want, it makes my job so much easier."
I screwed up all my courage, shook his hand off, and walked out the door without looking back, my heart breaking.
I'd discovered there was a genuine man beneath the façade. He was perfect for me in every way but the most important one—he not only didn't love me, but he didn't believe love was worth the sacrifice.
The situation was hopeless. How could I ever change his mind? What would change his mind?
And I'd lied. After what we'd just been through, making him a match was going to be the hardest thing I'd ever done. Good thing we hadn't gotten to that question on the list. There was no way I was going to be honest about that one.
* * *
Thank You!
Thanks for reading Pair Us! I hope you enjoyed it!
Lazer and Ashley’s story continues. You’ll want to pick up Dating Lazer, the fourth episode of the series, now! Grab your copy today!
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Also by Gina Robinson
The Billionaire Matchmaker Series
Part 1—Lazer Focused
Part 2—Harte Strings
Part 3—Pair Us
Part 4—Dating Lazer, January 2017
The Billionaire Duke Series
Part 1—The Billionaire Duke
Part 2—The Duchess Contest
Part 3—The Temporary Duchess
Part 4—The American Heir
The Switched at Marriage Series
Part 1—A Wedding to Remember
Part 2—The Virgin Billionaire
Part 3—To Have and To Hold
Part 4—From This Day Forward
Part 5—For Richer, For Richest
Part 6—In Sickness and In Wealth
Part 7—To Love and To Cherish
The Billionaire’s Christmas Vows
Gina Robinson’s Contemporary New Adult Romance Series
The Rushed Series
Book 1—Rushed, Zach and Alexis’ story
Book 2—Crushed, Dakota and Morgan’s story
Book 3—Hushed, Seth and Maddie’s story
The Reckless Series
Book 1—Reckless Longing
Book 2—Reckless Secrets
Book 3—Reckless Together
About the Author
Gina Robinson is the bestselling and award-winning author of the popular Switched at Marriage and Billionaire Duke romantic comedy serials, featuring a billionaire in a surprising marriage of convenience and a billionaire who inherits a British dukedom, the Reckless and Rushed contemporary new adult romance series, and the Agent Ex series of humorous romantic suspense novels. Her books have delighted readers and received praise in Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Romantic Times Book Reviews.
She writes romance and women's fiction across a wide variety of subgenres--romantic comedy, new adult, contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense. Her love stories are infused with a blend of romance, adventure, a bit of mystery, and humor. Readers are drawn to the light touch she gives even serious topics and the fast, fun, easy-to-read pace of her books.
Sign up for her mailing list at www.ginarobinson.com and be the first to hear about new releases, contests, and giveaways.
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Pair Us: A Jet City Billionaire Romance (The Billionaire Matchmaker Series Book 3) Page 10
