She perks up immediately. “Oh?”
“I’m thinking about running a controlled test in the app,” I say. “Featured profiles. Tracking attraction patterns when certain profiles consistently generate interest.”
Timantha smirks. “You trying to beta-test with the Canadians?”
“Maybe.” I grin. “I’ve got two in mind.”
Eslin arches a brow. “Who?”
I lean closer to the camera like I’m about to disclose classified information. “Eli’s partner, Drake…and Eli’s assistant, Lara.”
They both gasp at the same time, but it’s Eslin who recovers first. “There has to besomethingunethical about that.”
I shake my head. “Not really. Lara doesn’t report to Drake directly. There’s no power imbalance. No leverage. Just…” I shrug. “Unresolved tension.”
“Okay, mad scientist,” Timantha cuts in, wagging a finger at the screen. “Just tread carefully. Your ‘little experiments’ have almost started actual wars.”
“Oh, the Saudi Prince just got his algorithms crossed. All’s fair in love and matchmaking. I’ve got this.”
Timantha’s grin widens. “I trust you. You know that algorithm better than anyone. If it helps the next update—and makes us money—run it.”
“On it,” I say, punctuating it with a wink.
We hang up, and I finally drag myself into the shower. Today’s a big day. I’m presenting some new ideas to Drake, Lara, and Eli that could give the business a serious edge. But first...coffee.
I’m walking toward the kitchen, smiling to myself when I realize I’m not groggy. Not foggy. Not dragging myself forward on caffeine and willpower. I feel rested. Clear. Like my body actually did what it was supposed to do last night.
Just as I reach the kitchen island, Eli comes in from outside. Glistening. Gorgeous. All quiet strength and morning air.And suddenly, being well-rested feels intentional. Needed for whatever comes next with this man.
I smile at how effortlessly majestic he looks. “You’re done chopping early.”
He smiles back, sexy and soulful, and it makes me want to do a cartwheel like I’m ten years old and just got picked first for dodge ball. “I thought we could go shopping.”
I tilt my head. “For?”
“The summit is this weekend—the one we’ve been prepping for,” he says. Then he hesitates. “But there’s also…a formal dinner thing.”
The way he says it, almost unsure, makes it sound less like a scheduling detail and more like he’s asking me to prom.
I’d almost forgotten there were other events tied to the weekend. But when I was doing my homework, I looked up the full agenda. Beyond the headline pitch competition, Thursday rolls straight into town halls, TED Talk–style sessions, and closed-door conversations where the real deals get made. After spending time in Timantha and Will’s world, none of it surprises me anymore. It’s all part of the ecosystem.
Eli drags a hand over the back of his neck. “It’s not mandatory. If you’d rather skip it, we can—”
I press my palm to his chest, stopping him mid-exit. Steadying him. Steadying me. “I want to go. If you think it’ll help your chances…”
“It will,” he says immediately.
I smile. “I’m yours, Bear. For the week. Remember? Burden me.”
His grin flashes, gone just as quickly. He exhales, like something tight finally loosens, then nods once. “For the week, Lil Mama.”
I turn to the coffee machine and reach to grab a mug but it’s too high. Eli steps in and grabs one for me with ease.
“Thank you,” I say, just as he hands me the mug then smacks me on the behind.
I’m wearing another one of his flannels and I can tell he likes seeing me in them. The way his eyes linger gives him away. I take one every time I leave his bed. And even though I sleep on the other side of the house, I like carrying a piece of him with me. Proof he’s close, even when he isn’t right there.
I can’t tell if he keeps that distance because he’s careful not to get attached, or because he genuinely likes his space. And as someone who needs room to recharge, to exist without having to fill silence with words, I can’t say I mind either way.
