A lot of times, when I offer my help, I get turned down and sent back to the city. It makes sense. Pride gets hurt because of rejection, and some people don’t like strangers intruding into their lives.
No matter how friendly and warm I want to come off as, I brace myself for rejection.
“What needs to be done?”
Surprised by his words, I blink. “Oh, well… It’s pretty easy, really. I’d interview you personally, asking you questions similar to those you filled out at the very beginning. If you’d be willing to take me to your home, that would help, too. Some women are pretty picky with living conditions…”
He snorts. “No kidding. Tell me something I don’t know.”
Following up on his past experiences may help with finding out what the source of the issue is as well. We can save that bit for later.
“So you’ll stay over for a few hours, and have all the answers?” Squinting at me, I don’t miss the way his eyes flicker down toward my sweater before jerking in the direction of the glass windows covering the front. His voice softens slightly. “Or at least, have some kind of explanation toward what I’m doing wrong?”
There’s something in his voice, a wounded pride that doesn’t hit the same as it usually does. Sure, I don’t know what kind of man Gavin Little is, but I have no doubt that he is a man who wants love enough to try as hard as he has. It takes a certain kind of determination to do what he’s done.
“I will give you some sort of clarity by the end of today, certainly. But don’t assume you’re the issue. As I said, there can be a blip in the system.” While I know I’m not allowed to talk badly about the company, I can’t help but let a little hint of a grudge I held once slip through the cracks. “Some of us are unlucky, or can’t find the perfect match. Sometimes, that person you’re fated to be with isn’t using the services at the same time.”
“Us?” he repeats, instantly catching onto my wording.
“Yes, of course. Like you, I hit a few spuds.” Explaining it like it doesn’t bother me, he scoffs in disbelief. Tucking that away as a compliment, my smile stretches. “Instead of giving up, I turned my attention toward helping others. I love making love happen.”
Gavin, whether he realizes he’s doing it or not, strokes the underside of my palm. “Sounds lonely. Don’t you ever get jealous?”
I guess with someone wearing the same shoes, I can be a little more honest and open up. I mean, I’m already thirty years old. Someone in my shoes, someone who has tried dating thoseI already know, and meeting up on other pointless apps… It’s a miracle I still have a kind relationship with love.
“Never jealous. But sometimes… yeah, I get a little lonely.” Muttering the words, I pull my hands away to clasp them together. “But this isn’t about me. This is aboutyou.So, what will it be? Will you let me offer my services?”
Getting back to the topic is my safest bet. If I start picking at old wounds, I’ll find myself in the state I was back then. Being miserable isn’t who I am anymore.
He sighs through his nose, staring outside for what feels like minutes. While he thinks, I follow his gaze and notice the light layer of snow falling from ahead.
Living in Texas, snow is a rare sight. It’s a pity, not because I dislike my home, but because the year-round heat can be tough. I usually only see snow when I travel, and that’s mostly luck. Luckily, this job seems to work in my favor.
Finally, he moves to stand. Instead of answering me by leaving me at the seat, he turns toward the door. “Come on, then. I can sacrifice a few hours. Need to make a pit stop first.”
My chest swells with excitement at the flashing green light of approval. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Joining him, he leads me outside. Taking a look at the parking lot, he easily picks out my rental amongst the others. A little too clean, maybe.
“That thing is not going to make it up to my cabin.” Scoffing at even the idea of an attempt, he turns and looks toward a truck with rust eating at the frame. “Comfortable enough to ride with me?”
The fact that he’s asking instead of telling is enough to make me nod. “You don’t mind? You’ll have to bring me back down. I don’t want to be any trouble.”
He snorts, showing me the first hint of amusement since meeting him. “Too late for that, sweetheart. Let’s go.”
Oh. I get butterflies at the sound of that pet name leaving him. I try not to react too much, so he won’t avoid using it again in the future.
When he leads me to his truck, I find the seat is already taken up by a box. It’s got the name REBECCA written diagonally in all caps. Pausing to look at him, he’s quick to grab it and move toward the back seat.
“How much do you know about my past attempts? I’ll assume you looked into the women?” He pulls something from his pocket before I hear the screech of tape.
Settling in the seat, I buckle up and tuck my bag to my chest. “Most of my focus has been on reading your file. Tearing apart matches that didn’t work is time I could be spending on finding matches thatcan.” Waiting for him to finish up and join me at the driver’s side, I lift a brow as he starts the vehicle. “You want to talk about them? You can always tell me what you think went wrong from your perspective.”
Looking behind the seat, I stare at the woman’s name. Must be a previous relationship. I coasted over the women’s names, and this one does seem a little familiar.
Gavin notices my curiosity before shifting in his seat, giving off signs of feeling uncomfortable.
“They always leave things like there’s a small chance they’ll come back.” A sigh leaves him. “But they never do. Once they get a taste of the mountain life and the sacrifices that come with it, they change their mind. Rebecca…” He nods toward the box. “She liked heels and skirts. Didn’t like the way the snow came up to her knees.”
