Oh.

He understood what Jane was trying to illustrate. Dear God, those had been his thoughts on marriage early on as well. Had been for as long as he’d considered the possibility. Jane was speaking the words he’d have written in a diary, if he’d been self-indulgent enough to keep one. When had he changed his mind?

When he’d met Andrea Dawson, that’s when.

But she wasn’t in his life anymore, so she shouldn’t be a factor in his decision-making.

And what decision was he making, anyway? He could feel his blood pressure rising, even as his date’s cheeks remained as pale as he’d ever seen them. “What are you talking about exactly, Jane?”

“I’m simply suggesting a marriage of convenience.”

He would have looked for the hidden cameras from a reality prank show had Jane’s demeanor not been completely sincere.

“Look, I know what you want in a wife. Your expectations were made clear by your assistant. By Andy.”

Blake wondered if Jane could tell that his heart skipped a beat at the mention of Andy’s name.

“My expectations are similar.” The way she continued on, it seemed she was oblivious. “I’d like to have a home, a good income, one child. Two, perhaps. Security is important to me, both financially and emotionally. And the ability to spend time on the things I want to pursue. I’d like to work on a charity for Alzheimer’s, for example. Head the parents’ board at my children’s school. Be a model wife.”

He listened intently. Her dream future sounded very familiar. “That sounds like a pleasant life. And you want all of this without love?”

“I think the only way to assure this type of security is without love. Love interferes. It blinds you. It allows you to settle. I no longer expect much from love.” Her expression briefly clouded. “Plenty of cultures rely on arranged marriages to build a mutual respect over time, thus creating a lasting relationship that ‘love’ never could.” Her face hardened again.

Was that what he’d been willing to do with Andrea? To settle? To throw a log on a fire that was already on its way out? The idea left a bad taste in Blake’s mouth, but it also resonated somewhere in an old part of his soul. This was what he’d always believed. Jane was making sense. Squash that annoying little voice inside saying his only love was gone.

He rubbed a finger along the crook of his chin. “You mentioned children. Did you want to adopt?” It was crazy that he was even asking. Where on earth did he expect this conversation to go?

“I’d prefer to have my babies the normal way. Which means that, yes, we’d have to be sexually active. With each other.” Her expression remained serious. “I don’t see that as a problem, though, do you? You’re an attractive man. I find you physically appealing.”

“Well, thank you.” He’d never been complimented in such a sterile manner. He’d never been less turned on by the proposition of sex.

She shrugged. “It’s fact. I’d guess you feel the same about me. I passed your initial screening, after all. Plus you’ve seen me for several dates. Obviously you must find something pleasing about my appearance.”

Blake opened his mouth, but hesitated to respond. He was simultaneously impressed and appalled by Jane’s detached approach to the conversation, and he wasn’t quite sure what he should say. Was she that damaged? How far had he come on his own emotional journey to recognize that? He chose, in the end, to match her tone. “You are a beautiful woman. I’m sure very few men would disagree.”

She smiled slightly. It was creepy, almost, the way it never reached her eyes. “Then the only thing we haven’t explored is our sexual compatibility.”

Blake raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to seduce me?” He’d been unconventionally hit on before, but this took the cake by far. It was actually weird as hell. It made the Andy hate-fuck look downright romantic.

“I’m trying to secure the open-ended details in our potential arrangement.”

“You’re proposing that we sleep with each other.” Or not sleep with each other, as he would typically stipulate.

She sighed. “I’m proposing that we sleep with each other in order to make sure that we actually are a suitable couple. Because as far as I can see, everything else about us is ideal in every way.”

Blake worked his jaw as he worked the idea in his head. “I’m not immediately opposed.” Something in his chest itched, but he ignored it. Jane’s proposition was exactly the arrangement he’d set out to find. It was … perfect, actually. He didn’t have to dine alone. He’d have suitable arm candy at his work functions. Someone to pose with for a portrait above his mantel.

And even if he spent the rest of his days secretly pining for Andrea, he would not be doing an injustice to his wife. Jane didn’t want more. Which was superb since he couldn’t give more to anyone ever again.

It was the most practical, logical plan that had ever been presented to him. He couldn’t think of one good reason not to pursue it.

As he moved closer to accepting Jane’s proposition, the itching in his chest increased until it was more of an ache. Heartburn, he decided. The meal had been rich, and he’d rushed it in anticipation for his talk with Jane. He had some calcium chews in the car he was certain would remedy the problem.

He casually rubbed at his breastbone. “You do have me intrigued. Strangely. If we pursue this, what would you suggest happens next? Do we continue to date as we have? Or do we make an appointment for the justice of the peace?” Surely a huge wedding wouldn’t be expected if theirs was a marriage of convenience.

“No ceremony yet. We still have the last compatibility test to pass.” She said it so matter-of-factly, it took Blake a moment to remember what the compatibility test was.

“Oh, right. The seduction.” He felt his face heat. “Should we just…” The discussion was a bit awkward considering that he wasn’t really feeling it. He was sure he could if he tried. In the proper environment. Not here with onlookers and after a bottle of wine. No, the setting simply wasn’t conducive to sexual arousal.

Jane pursed her lips. “Why don’t we settle up here and continue this discussion elsewhere. At my place, perhaps?”

That suggestion should have made Blake feel better, but now his wrong-environment excuse would be put to the test. It made him nervous—he’d never failed a woman in that department, and he wasn’t looking for tonight to be a first. Maybe he should call it a night.

On the other hand, this was his chance, wasn’t it? His last shot at the picture-perfect home life he’d imagined for himself for so long. If not Andy—no, he meant if not Jane, then who? Hire another matchmaker? Try to find another woman who didn’t mind a loveless marriage?

No. This was a once-or-never deal. And even though he had no enthusiasm to pursue it, he felt somehow obligated to do so anyway. This was what he’d signed up for.

After the bill was settled, they walked to the valet stand in silence. Blake handed over his ticket, and Jane linked her arm through his as they waited for his car to arrive. He forced himself not to tense at her touch, wondering if it would be harder to relax when it was skin on skin instead of her bare arm through his jacket. He would fail the compatibility test if he stiffened at this simple junction.

What was wrong with him, anyway? He should be enjoying this. He was about to get it on with a beautiful woman—why was he so … turned off? Surely he was too young to need the little blue pill. It had to be stress. Yes, that was it. Stress was also playing at his heartburn. All he needed to do was get himself in the B-Zone and he’d be fine.

Deep breaths. Focus.

“It’s been a nice evening, Blake.” Jane’s voice drifted into the B-Zone, which immediately kicked Blake out of it. “After the last few dates, especially.”