Page 11 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

I ignore the dullness in my chest and the way it matches the dreariness outside. Instead, I flash my own expensively maintained smile. “I’ll bring you guys up to date.Seeking Mr. Rightis a dating show that’s been going on for two decades.”

“Like the Bachelor,” Nate says.

I frown. “We like to not talk aboutThe Bachelor.”

“That’s a different network,” Ella explains unnecessarily.

“It’s different in general,” I say quickly.

“There are no roses,” Ella says.

Nate looks disappointed.

“They have floral crowns,” Luke says. “Which are cooler, because—”

Everyone turns to him, and he looks down and fiddles with the sleeve of his jersey.

“Luke’s correct,” I say. “We do floral crowns. They’re sort of medieval looking.”

“Ah.” Nate nods, but I can tell he prefers red roses.

“Well, other major dating shows do not do Christmas specials,” I say. “We travel around the country, exploring new locations. The Christmas special is always popular, but few people are in a Christmas mood for an entire season, so we don’t film many episodes.”

The others nod.

I glance at Luke. “Of course, it means you’ll only be able to start with ten women instead of the normal twenty.”

Luke’s cheeks redden, and his shoulders droop even more downward.

I frown. Hopefully he’s going to be a bit more gregarious on the camera.

“I-I don’t think this is a good idea,” Luke says, his voice small.

Fuck.

“Of course it’s a good idea,” Nate says sharply, before he sends me an apologetic glance.

“I’m a hockey player,” Luke says. “We have games almost constantly. And when we don’t, I have to train. I don’t have time to meet ten women.”

Luke rises and heads for the door.

Double fuck.

“Sit down, Luke,” Nate says, his voice as firm as any principal in a high-performing boarding school with terrified students in ties.

“I’d rather not do it,” he says.

“Oh.” Daniela frowns, and it’s easy to see the disappointment on her face. “Well, if that’s your wish, Luke. But I have to say, I was looking forward to seeing you onSeeking Mr. Right. It’s become one of the most popular shows in the country.”

Luke nods, but his pallor has turned a green shade when it was clear and bright before.

“I already have a crazy schedule,” he says. “Dating on top of that...”

“We have some thoughts,” Ella says smoothly.

My eyebrows lurch upward, but Ella shakes her head at me subtly.

I know for a fact we have no thoughts about accommodating Luke’s crazy schedule. Ella and I have discussed many things, but not that.