This is my moment.
My heart slams against my ribs—not from fear but from the adrenaline of the lie I’m about to tailor.
Well… the half-truth.
Because Dad doesn’t know—and absolutely cannot know—that Cohen and I already made a deal.
My stomach tightens at the memory of Mayor Nino barging into my office, his politician smile, his suffocating pressure:
“Sloane, you’re the Cupid of this town. If you don’t participate, who will believe in the show? You must win. For Elm Hollow.”
I was desperate.
Terrified of finding a partner last minute.
Terrified of ruining my hard-earned reputation.
And Cohen… saved me.
Yes, he eavesdropped. Yes, he seized the opportunity. Yes, he has some mysterious aversion to finding a long-term partner.
But when he offered to join me, I could breathe again.
He is my emergency parachute.
A painfully attractive, infuriating parachute—but still.
“Actually, Dad…” I begin softly, praying my voice doesn’t betray me. “It’s not something we can dismiss so easily.”
He turns, frowning.
“What do you mean? No one can force you, Sloane. I won’t allow anyone to—”
“Mayor Nino,” I interrupt.
Dad groans just at the name.
“He came to the agency,” I continue, folding my arms. “He didn’t ask, Dad. He told me. Said it was essential. That the Cupid of Elm Hollow must compete in the first season of a town-wide matchmaking show. That if I don’t participate—and win—the agency loses credibility. He cornered me.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cohen’s gaze flick toward me.
He doesn’t move, but something shifts in his expression.
Recognition. Understanding.
He knows I’m telling the truth.
He knows the panic he saw in my eyes that day was real.
“So,” I sigh, meeting Dad’s eyes, “I’m going to have to participate anyway. I don’t have a choice.”
I step closer.
“And honestly, Dad? If I have to walk into that lion’s den… I’d rather do it with Cohen.”
Dad’s jaw drops.
“With HIM? After all this? Why would you wanthim?”
