her, basic chemistry was the way to go, without any messy emotions to lead her astray. And it gave her more control over how long an affair lasted.
“Which also has its pros and cons,” he refuted smoothly, not the least bit bothered by the rattle of the plane as it hit an air pocket. “The problem with letting the relationship develop naturally and being lured in by the initial physical attraction is that you only see what’s on the surface and you don’t really know the person beyond the basic likes and dislikes.”
She tipped her head to the side, always enjoying a good debate with Aiden, knowing that the deeper they got into this conversation, the more her point would be revealed. When he believed strongly in something, his fierce passion, drive and intelligence was always a delightful sight to behold. “And you think a matchmaking quiz would change that?”
“I think the test might reveal some potential problems between couples that might not be there in the beginning, but could cause issues and conflict once the initial glow wears off. Or even after marriage.”
Something in his gaze hardened with that last sentence. Aiden was always so charming and easygoing, that the darker emotion she saw flicker in his eyes startled her.
“I think it’s important to know if you have a similar outlook on politics as someone you’re seriously dating,” Aiden went on, as if choosing his words carefully. “Or if your views on finances are the same. Or what kind of priority having kids and a family is in comparison to career aspirations.”
“I see your point, but I also think the results could be skewed, depending on the answers the other person provides,” she disputed lightly. She knew Aiden was divorced, and wondered if his argument was based on his own personal experience. “I highly doubt that someone is going to openly state on the application that they’re a controlling jerk, or that they have severe OCD tendencies or if they have an internet porn addiction.”
He grinned at that, his demeanor relaxing once again. “Okay, I’m not saying it’s a perfect system, but statistics do show that taking a compatibility test does work and can identify issues between couples before things get serious. And that’s not a bad thing.”
Chloe doubted that a quiz would have alerted her to Neil’s dominating behavior and his explosive temper when things didn’t go his way. No, it wasn’t until he’d put an engagement ring on her finger that she’d started to see the true personality he’d kept under wraps while they’d been dating. “Well, it’s a good thing that I’m not looking for anything serious, anytime soon,” she said, pulling herself back from those dark thoughts.
A slight frown marred his brows. “What about the guy you’ve been seeing?”
She hadn’t been seriously involved with anyone in years, and had no idea what had given him the impression she was seeing anyone, let alone seriously. “What are you talking about?”
“That guy I’ve seen you with at the Executive Bar,” he explained, and then she understood. “I just assumed the two of you were dating.”
“Ummm, no.” An occasional hookup didn’t equate to dating. Steve, the guy Aiden was referring to, had been nothing more than a friend with benefits. Neither of them had been interested in a complicated relationship, until Steve had met Jenna and he’d fallen hard for the other woman. That had put an end to their booty calls, and Chloe hadn’t been with anyone since.
“I’m not seeing anyone,” she said, deciding to keep her reply simple and straightforward. And now that the question was out there in the open, she was curious to know if he was dating anyone. “How about you?”
“Nope.” He shook his head. “I’ve been so focused on work that I haven’t had time for a relationship.”
A relationship, no. But what about sex, she wondered, just as the refreshment cart came to a stop by their seats. She couldn’t imagine a sexy, virile man like Aiden abstaining for long stretches of time. But as she hadn’t volunteered that information, she couldn’t ask him, either.
The pretty female flight attendant turned their way. “Would either of you like something to drink?” she asked, her gaze lingering appreciatively on Aiden.
Aiden didn’t seem to notice the attention as he glanced at Chloe with an impish smile. “I believe I still owe you a drink to celebrate the Organic Kitty contract,” he said, sounding truly apologetic for not showing up at the Executive Bar like he’d