The Random Acts of Cupid (Christian Romance) by Amanda Tru Page B

are perfect for each other. They have a lot of similar interests, but she tends to be reserved, whereas he’s more outgoing and adventurous. Since they’ve never met, though, I can in no way guarantee that it will work out. I guess it’s just a hunch. I didn’t see the harm in helping them each have a date for Valentine’s Day, even if it is just one evening. I really think that they’ll at least develop a good friendship out of this. Even if that’s all that results, I’ll consider it a success.”
    “And to you, that success is worth the tactics it takes to achieve it. The end justifies the means. You just lied to a man in order to set the poor, unsuspecting guy up on a blind date with a woman he’s never met.”
    “I did not lie to him. I said I had a change of plans. And I already told you that I don’t usually do it this way. I usually like to observe people who already know each other and then make arrangements for them to find each other. This isn’t a typical match.”
    “You’ve said that before. For just about every match I’ve seen you do. They never are typical, are they?”
    Elise looked at him. He wasn’t angry; his tone was weary and maybe a little sad. And he was right. Every match she did was unique. She really couldn’t say she abided by any rules because there were always exceptions. The only constant was her sense of integrity and her desire to act in a way that would please her Savior. And from Ryan’s perspective, she had failed miserably at that.
    Having no response, she turned back to the rail, and they were both quiet as they watched the dancing below a few more minutes. Elise saw Chelsie apparently step on Greg’s toes. Even from this distance, their tinkling laughter flitted up to her ears like delicate butterflies being released from below.
    “I’m ready to go if you are,” Elise said, suddenly feeling very weary. Obviously, Greg and Chelsie had passed the awkward stage and were thoroughly enjoying their time together. “I don’t think I’m needed here. They seem to be doing just fine.”
    Ryan nodded, and they walked back down the stairs and out into the Seattle night. They took a leisurely pace back past the Space Needle and to Elise’s car. She kept waiting for Ryan to say something, to ask a question or make another sarcastic comment about this latest match, but he remained silent.
    As she drove to take Ryan home, Elise kept waiting for him to speak. This was her last stop for the night. He’d known it was the last one. Why wasn’t he asking questions or rendering a verdict? Her nervousness increased as Ryan’s silence lengthened. Was he not going to say anything?
    Elise pulled to the curb in front of Kerry Park. This is where she had picked Ryan up, but she wasn’t sure which building was his.
    Elise cleared her throat, trying to work up the courage to break the uncomfortable silence. “So I guess that’s about it. I know I only said 24 hours, and it’s been longer than that. I’m sorry. Thanks for sticking with me to the end. I appreciate you giving me this chance.”
    He must still think her a terrible person. Why else would he be so silent? He was probably trying to find a way to tell her that he was going to follow through with exposing her secret. Elise felt tears burning in the back of her eyes. She had hoped that, once he’d gotten to know her a little better, he’d understand her and not be so judgmental of her character. That had obviously not happened, and now she just wished he’d leave so she could cry.
    In her mind, she kept hearing Ryan’s tone as he’s said her matches never were typical. She didn’t play by the rules, and to him, coloring outside the lines was not acceptable.
    When she felt she couldn’t stand the tension for one more second, Ryan finally spoke. “It’s not raining like it was earlier today. This park has the best view in Seattle. Do you have time to get out and talk a minute?”

Chapter 14
    It was a beautiful night.