Three Blind Dates (Dating by Numbers, #1)

by Meghan Quinn

It’s always a beautiful thing when someone has such a good relationship with their family.”

I’m not sure if it’s because I have gone to these dates expecting they’re my emotional match—as per the app and program—that’s caused a more instant desire for a sexual match.

“I am looking for someone in my life long-term, like you are, and from how good tonight has felt, I want to give us a go. You mentioned how things were too physical, too fast with your date before me, so I want you to know I’m conscious of that. I want to build a base with you, Noely.”

Take it slow.

Don’t rush into things.

“I kind of want to put you in my pocket right now, you’re so cute.”

There’s something beautiful about learning about a person through their brain rather than their looks.”

He’s scarred, and a little bent from his previous relationship. But is he actually over her or still trying to find his way?

Mulling over my options, I ask, “Do you like me?” Okay, maybe I could have been a little more subtle.

But once again, I can’t. This is on me not being the one.

“I met this girl, and she was different. A little outlandish, spoke what was on her mind, and she kind of captured me. She was different than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Why the hell did I have to be matched with three men who weren’t in any way ready to settle down?

Want the sure-fire way to slap a girl in the face without actually slapping her? Tell her you enjoy her company because she’s fun. Yep, nothing like being put in the friend-zone to rev up the sexual engines.

Three men. Three perfectly matched men. Three perfectly matched, handsome, amazing men and here I am, being told I’m not the one they really want . . . again.

What the hell is wrong with me . . . Why don’t they want me?

Yeah, I’d rather he didn’t have to push through to like me enough.

Even though it looks like I’m a strong person, on the inside, I’m taking a brutal beating to the heart.

there’s another girl he needs closure with. Oh, but don’t worry, when he finds closure, he might want to try dating me again.”

“You know, I thought joining this program was going to be it for me. I really thought I was going to find my match, my forever, but all I’ve met are three incredible men at the wrong time. It’s as if the moon isn’t satisfied already fucking with my period; it’s messing with my cosmic dating life too.”

“You know, the greater force that controls the universe. The moon is part of that and fucking with me. It’s like it got together with the stars and planets and said, ‘Let’s mess with Noely. Let’s pretend like we’re aligning, that we’re bringing her this great man, and when she starts to think this is it, this is the man for her, let’s say just kidding and unalign ourselves.’”

They talk, and not only did they formulate this plan against me, they thought, why not hit her up with this plan three times, really make her feel bad about herself.”

And as much as I tried to hear the words about how great I was, fuck hot, and whatever, it did nothing to seal the small tear in my heart. I’m tired of trying, to be honest.

“If that’s the case, I’m going to have to heavily consider reneging on the star I sponsor every year. To hell if I’m going to have it fucking with my best friend.” She makes a slitting motion over her neck. “You’re dead to me, star!” And that’s why we’re friends. One star down, a trillion to go . . .

Have you ever been sucker punched? I haven’t. I’ve never been punched actually, but for the first time in my life, it actually feels like Kevin plowed his fist through my stomach and took all the air in my lungs along with him.

The dragon lady is back, and someone is about to be burned.

“Timing is important when you’re trying to meet someone. Everyone is in different stages of their lives and even though you might be a good match, sometimes, if the timing is off, it might not work out.”

I’ve heard of men walking in a room and owning it, but I’ve never experienced a man walking up to me and owning the air around me. Owning . . . me.

“But why? We hate each other.” I do. I hate this man. I truly hate him. Don’t I?

I want to have all the morals in the world that say, “Hey, you were mean to me, therefore you don’t get to have me.” But I’d be lying if a little piece of me didn’t think about what this might feel like,

God, I’ve wanted his kiss.

I’m slut-zilla, climbing dicks like skyscrapers. Be disgusted, because I am.

“Gain a little perspective, Jack. We had a connection, something I thought could grow into a beautiful relationship, but you threw it away.” Threw me away.

“I got scared.” Not giving in, I say, “Scared isn’t my problem. You should have been a man and talked to me rather than running away.”

He hurt me, made me feel so stupid, and yet when he claimed me, I couldn’t resist. That’s called lust, uncontrollable lust, and now, on the day after, I’m suffering with the biggest regret hangover one could ever imagine.

“I know this is going to sound cliché from a scorned woman in my position, but I’m done with men.”

I think I’m cursed. I had three wonderful men I could have dated and none of them worked out.” None of them wanted me. For the long-term.

“Everything just seemed so off when I was with each guy.

“And what sucks is that honestly, they all seemed so perfect for me, but not ready for what I wanted.”

They were different in their own way but could fit easily into my life . . . into my heart.”

Yes, the blind date idea can work wonders when you’re matched with someone. But it takes intentional time to work out the glitches, to see the future, to believe in long-wanted possibilities.

Is the possibility of finding my forever worth the heartache of things not working out again? My little romantic heart is saying yes. What is love without risk?

Maybe stop trying to guess who I am. Instead, get to know me on a different level. This is your chance to learn to love my soul rather than the person you’ve perceived me to be.

That smile of yours is addictive.”

I’m tempted to ask him. The question is on the tip of my tongue but the fear of being disappointed makes me hesitate.

I have to make sure you’re truly, madly in love with me before I show myself.

I’m not devastated it isn’t. I never felt he was really mine to start with. Not his heart, anyway.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Maybe because you never opened up to me.

“This is dangerous right here. No wonder you called him The Rebel. He has trouble written all over him.” “Only the best kind of trouble,” Beck responds

“I’ve kind of taken a break on the whole dating scene.” “Yeah?” Beck plays with an unused napkin that’s on the table, fidgeting with the corners. “Why’s that?” I shrug my shoulders even though I know the answer. “Just thought I should focus on me a little bit.” “Or are you worried that the next date won’t work out as well?”

“No need to be self-conscious, Noely. You’re a catch.” He fidgets with the napkin. “Any guy would be lucky to date you.”