Page 14 of Dream Date With the Millionaire
“That’s built into the algorithm and the reason for so many questions, even redundant ones. To get to the bottom of what a person needs in a relationship and a mate. Not what they think they need.”
“You seem to know a lot about it.”
“I work with computers,” he admitted, waiting for questions to follow. So many people worked with computers in the Bay Area, yet some women wanted to know more—where do you work, what’s your title, do you get stock options?—in order to gauge future earning potential.
“Poor you.” She poked her fork into her waffle and swallowed a bite.
Was Sanfrandani really disinterested in him or playing hard to get? Maybe she was just hungry. That waffle looked good.
“I like computers,” he said. “And with anything Internet based, there’s an element of trust involved.”
“Not everyone plays fair.”
Bryce wasn’t exactly playing fair with her. But then again, she might be guilty of the same. He was here protecting his company and his customers. He doubted her reasons would be considered honorable if she’d come under false pretenses. “Did you have a bad experience?”
“You’re my first experience.”
At least she was keeping her story straight. “You don’t seem the shy type.”
Her gaze met his. Unwavering and strong. “I’m not.”
“You just haven’t wanted to date anyone.”
She nodded once.
Why pay the monthly membership fee then? Something with her story didn’t add up. “So why did you join the site in the first place?”
“I…” She opened her mouth. Closed it. An attractive pink tinged her cheeks. “Curiosity?”
He didn’t buy her answer. “Don’t you want to meet somebody?”
She leaned back in her chair, eyeing him warily. “For a first date, you’re awfully interested in my sex life.”
Bryce grinned ruefully. “You caught me.”
“Sorry.”
“No, I like it.”
“Like what?” Two lines formed over her nose. “That I’m abrasive?”
“Not abrasive. Confident. Willing to speak your mind and challenge me without getting all flustered.” Bryce might be keeping his identity secret, but he could be honest about what he liked about her. “I find you very…”
Sanfrandani raised her chin and boldly met his gaze. “What?”
“Interesting.”
She drew her brows together. “Even looking like this?”
“Yes.”
“Be still my heart. That’s almost as good as saying I have a great personality.”
She was a tough nut to crack. Then again, he always loved a challenge. “You do have a great personality.”
“Oh, boy.”
“What did I say?”
“Great personality.” Her eyes danced with mischief. “That’s what guys say right before they say let’s be friends.”
“Nothing wrong with starting out as friends and seeing where things go.”
She drank her mocha, feigning disinterest. Unless her indifference was real.
He found her charming in a curious sort of way. “So let’s see, we’ve talked about dating and our families. What’s next?”
“The weather?”
Bryce laughed. “Tell me about your job. Your profile says you’re in sales.”
“Yes, I am.” She pushed up the sleeve of her sweatshirt and checked her watch. “Oh. Would you look at the time? This has been great, but I really need to be going.”
“So soon?” Without answering his question. He shouldn’t have been surprised.
“Yes.” But the regret flickering in her eyes appeared genuine. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” He didn’t know what to make of her odd contradictions. “I don’t even know your real name. I’m guessing it might be Dani, based on your user name.”
She bit her lip. “Does it matter?”
Yes. No. “Not really, but I’m Bryce.”
He didn’t say his last name. He couldn’t. One visit to Google, and she’d know exactly who he was.
Her face clouded with uneasiness. “I’m Dani.”
“Thanks, Dani.” He might like her, but her evasiveness had raised his suspicions. Bryce knew better than to trust her, but he wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. He wanted to learn more about her. Who was he kidding? He wanted to see her again. “Would you like to have dinner with me? Tomorrow night?”
“I’d like that,” Dani said. “But tomorrow doesn’t work for me.”
“Got a date?” he teased.
She wet her lips. “Actually, I do.”
