She Made a List of the Perfect Man — Then Fell for the One Who Failed Every Rule
Chapter 4
Jessica’s relationship with Cody became the center of her life.
Every date gave her another paragraph for the article.
She wrote about his manners.
His stories.
His confidence.
His supposed travels.
She even gave him a fictional name in her notes.
Jack.
That was the name Nina had instructed her to use for the businessman in the article.
The irony didn’t bother Jessica.
She thought she was simply collecting material.
At work, Jack Miller, one of her colleagues, began showing interest in her.
He was reliable.
Kind.
Funny.
He brought her coffee.
He remembered small details.
He even offered to help when she struggled with a report.
But Jessica couldn’t stop comparing him with Cody.
Jack was ordinary.
Cody was exciting.
At least, that’s what she believed.
One afternoon, Nina called.
“How’s the article?”
“Excellent.”
“Have you found your businessman?”
Jessica hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Jack.”
“Good.”
Jessica looked across the office at the real Jack.
Then she remembered Cody.
“Yes,” she said quietly.
“Remember the assignment,” Nina warned. “You’re testing your theory. Don’t get distracted by men who don’t fit the profile.”
Jessica smiled.
“I won’t.”
But she already had.
That evening, Cody met her outside a restaurant.
He kissed her cheek.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere special.”
Jessica smiled.
She didn’t notice the small hesitation in his voice.
She didn’t notice that when she asked about his latest trip, he changed the subject.
And she certainly didn’t notice the way he avoided giving specific details about his past.
Because Jessica wanted him to be perfect.
And when people want something badly enough, they sometimes stop looking for the truth.
