Three Blind Dates (Dating by Numbers, #1)

by Meghan Quinn

Jack’s jaw very carefully shifts back and forth, the movements so small that it almost seems ...

“Are you going home with hi...

Did he just a...

Where the hell does h...

“I don’t believe that’s any of your business. So if you’ll excuse me, I have a date to get to. And just so you know, if he ...

E...

Not what I wanted to say, but this man makes me so goddamn flustered. Instead of cringing, I own my statement and push...

“Use protection when you kiss his toe. Athlete’s foot...

“You’re infur...

I call out, my voice echoing off ...

“Have fun with titty ...

“I w...

His answer stops my urgency to walk away. I turn on my heel to find him leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an impassive look on his face. The corner of his lip turns up, his eyes knowing he got me, and I hate it. I’m tempted to walk back and smack that sm...

But why? Why is he doing this? He. Doesn’t. Want. Me. He wants Miss Uncomplicated Sure Thing Titty Mountain. Such a twisted man. Instead, I turn toward the dining room and head straight to Hayden, who’s standing at the entryway o...

Noely, I swiped yes to a second date. Your pretty little ass better say yes also. I didn’t like any of their second date options, so I clicked on other. I have an idea, if you’re up for it. #1 Rookie of your Heart < - - Was that lame?

Hayden, Oh God, I snorted so hard. #1 Rookie of my heart is very cornball, but I also love it. Sometimes a little cornball in a man is what wins me over. But don’t go overboard. *Points finger at you* Of course I swiped yes for a second date. And you didn’t like the options? Bowling not your thing? What’s your idea? I’m up for anything. Noely

Noely, I’ve got plenty of cornball to win you over. Remember toe socks? But I will be sure to even it out so you’re not bombarded. As for the date, I remember having a little conversation with you about You’ve Got Mail. If the offer still stands, I’d be willing to watch it with you, but I have some conditions. #1 Cornball

Hayden, Spreading the cornball out is a very good idea. Don’t lay it on too thick, but throw some my way every now and then. And you want to watch You’ve Got Mail? *Jumps up and down, flails arms* You just made my night. I’m game, but I have to ask, what are your conditions? Noely

Noely, I kind of wish I got to see your little excited jig. Maybe I can get a replay on our next date? And my conditions are simple. I demand the following: a good blanket, a quality cuddle, and cheddar/caramel popcorn. Do you think you can deliver? #1 Cuddler

Hayden, Number one cuddler, huh? That’s kind of bold of you, don’t you think? You better live up to the hype, mister. Cheddar/caramel popcorn, done. And I’m the queen of comfortable blankets. Your conditions are barely conditions. How about I add one? Tacos from Mehi’s Taco Shop. Pick them up on your way over. Ten should do. And that jig . . . only if you’re lucky. Noely

Noely, Ten tacos? Are you insane? Twenty at least for two people, but since I’m supposed to be eating healthily, I’m going to go with fifteen. I’m going to assume you’re not a savage and you’re implying the original taco and that’s it. #1 Taco Consumer

Hayden, Oh boy, are you in for a show. *Cracks knuckles* I’m going to show you how to eat tacos. Get twenty, I will house you and your popcorn. And of course original. Mehi shouldn’t even have any other options other than that. I’ll grab the popcorn and supply the venue and blankets. You bring the tacos. Can’t wait. Noely

Noely, Tickets are being held at will call for you, your brother, and your sister-in-law. There are also jerseys waiting for you as well with your preferred sizes. If they don’t fit, I’ve already informed the merch store to let you switch sizes. I really hope you guys have fun, and don’t forget to cheer me on. #1 At Being Prepared

Hayden, Uh, talk about organized. Thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do all this. You’re seriously making my brother’s year. I don’t think he will ever stop talking about this game. It hasn’t even happened and he’s already talked my ear off about it. I owe you. Noely

Noely, You owe me nothing, just your cheering, and maybe a congratulatory hug after. As for your brother, is he one of those guys who would dive around in the stands, begging to be hit in the head by a puck? Why do I think he might have this passionate need to be branded by an ice biscuit to the skull? Also, how did your coworkers like the popcorn? Were you the popular girl that morning? #1 Popcorn Supplier

Hayden, If Alex had a chance to be whipped, kicked, slapped, and branded by a puck, he would take it, no questions asked. Pretty sure he would close his eyes and point to his head, marking a bullseye for the person shooting at him. He has zero self-respect. As for the popcorn, gone in a day. My coworkers were savages and actually fought over the bags, it was . . . embarrassing and also comical to watch. I saw someone use a computer mouse as a weapon. You caused a riot with that popcorn, but I will tell you, I was very popular that day. So thank you. Have you told any of your teammates about You’ve Got Mail? Are you all going to watch it on your first away trip of the season? Noely

Noely, I knew the popcorn was going to make you friends, not that you have to make friends. Just from getting to know you, I can tell you’re a people person. And you’ll be happy to know, I brought You’ve Got Mail up in the weight room and I’ve not only gained interest from my teammates in the Joe Fox swagger, but I also gained interest from the training staff. A few of the guys have said they’ve seen the movie but haven’t seen it in a long time. Looks like we might have a movie to watch on our first away trip. I’m almost tempted to create a Joe Fox workbook, something we can all take notes in, because that man has no qualms in owning up to his faults and mistakes. Hell, he made a woman fall in love with him who truly and utterly hated him, to the core. Seriously . . . *stands and claps* #1 Fan of Joe Fox

Hayden, I’m glad to hear you’re spreading the news about You’ve Got Mail, really expanding the love for the movie. But I must say, I’m a little nervous. Your passion for Joe Fox is becoming borderline unhealthy. Yes, he won Meg Ryan over with his charm, unexpected drop-ins, and jokes, but I think Tom Hanks was a rarity in this movie. I’m not sure how realistic his character is. I don’t want you to be misled. So before you go and try to put me out of my morning show job and try to do a reverse act of love, I suggest you study the movie a few more times before you start applying your “Joe Fox” swagger in real life. Also, can’t wait for the game! Noely

Noely, So I detect a little jealousy? You’re warning me off using Joe Fox techniques because maybe you want me all to yourself? Could that be the case? Don’t worry, Noely, you’re the apple of my eye right now. (said in cheesy voice with hands to heart while bent on one knee) <- - Dramatic but charming. And I can’t wait for the game either. The guys have been dope here. I think we could have a shot at the cup. I know every team says that, but we have a lot of young, hungry men on this team. They want a championship and I want to help get us there. And in case you were wondering, the snow cones are shit, the pretzels sub par, but the nachos, they’ll win you over. Choose right, Noely. #1 Concession Stand Know It All

Hayden, Jealousy? Pffft, what’s that? I don’t think I’ve ever been jealous of anything in my life. But if you use your Joe Fox moves on anyone else but me I will cut you! < - - See what happens when you spark the crazy? :) Seriously, you made my girly bits all tingly with your confidence for a championship win this year. The Quakes need a break and if you say this might be the year, I will hand out all kinds of sexual favors to your teammates to make sure it happens. I want to go to a play-off game so bad! And . . . snow cones are trash, the pretzels need more salt, and the nachos are heaven in my mouth, extra jalapenos. Thursday, I’ll be the girl in the stands, raising hell with the officials while nacho cheese drips down my face. I have no respect for myself while at hockey games. Just a heads-up. Noely

Noely, Tingling girly bits, sexual favors to my teammates (this is unacceptable), and a nacho-cheese dripping, yelling banshee? What did Going in Blind get me into?” #1 Fan of Your Brand of Crazy

The man sitting in front of Kevin’s desk stands, and his dark hair and finely tailored suit stretches across his expansive back, snagging my attention. When he turns around, my breath catches in my throat.

“Miss Clark.”

That voice, those eyes, the way he addresses me. I want to punch him and then kiss ...

“Jack, wh-what are you do...

Kevin stands as well, his eyes blazing. All semblance of my inner dragon lady completely vanishes the moment I make e...

“No...

Kevin grits out. Yep, he’s not pleased with my ...

“If you don’t mind, Mr. Valentine and I were just finishing our conversation. It would behoove you to remove yourself from th...

Mr. Valentine? Jack Valentine? As in the billio...

“It’s all right, we were finish...

While buttoning his jacket, Jack gives my attire a long, languid perusal un...

“Noely, always a pleasure s...

Walking past me, his cologne taking a permanent residence in my senses, I wait for him to shut the door before I turn to Kevin . . . whose little vein on his...

“What the hell is he do...

I ask, not caring about the vein. I’ve seen it throb mo...

“You can’t just barge into ...

“Yeah, yeah. I’m...

I wave hi...

“Now tell me what he’s do...