The Wife Finder

by McClone, Melissa

  “You don’t meet anyone halfway.”

  “True.” She paused. “I’ve found if a potential client isn't willing to follow my procedures and come to me, he or she isn’t a good fit for my services.”

  He flinched. “You don’t think I’d be a good fit.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “If I came to you?”

  “You’re too busy, but I…” A keyboard clicked. “I have an opening tomorrow morning at nine. Someone needed to reschedule. My next opening after that is in December.”

  Whoa. That was three months away.

  “Could we hold the meeting online?” he asked. “I can have Trevor set up everything. All you’d need to do is log on.”

  “The meeting must be in person. I can learn more about someone face-to-face.”

  She was not only rigid but also inflexible. Which was what the board accused him of being.

  Except Blaise wasn’t. He just had work to do.

  His hours weren’t set. He could fly to the Bay Area and arrange a meeting or two so it wouldn’t be a complete loss of time, but he didn’t want to do that. She was asking too much. He’d stopped jumping through other people’s hoops years ago. “I can’t because of prior obligations.”

  “Then there’s nothing more for us to discuss. I wish you success. Good luck, Blaise.”

  The line disconnected before he could reply.

  He stared at the phone in disbelief.

  Who was this woman?

  No matter. Blaise set his phone on the desk.

  Her loss.

  He would hire someone equally good or better. He called Trevor who picked up after the first ring. “I want you to dig deep into each matchmaker on the list. Put together the top two or three for me to interview.”

  “Ms. Lowell said no.” Trevor didn’t sound surprised.

  “The travel is a deal-breaker for her.” As it was for Blaise. “Stop whatever else you’ve been doing. This is your priority.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  When his mom wasn’t high or desperate for a fix, she used to say everything happened for a reason. Another matchmaker was out there. Blaise would find the right one.

  Because Wes and Dash deserved only the best.

  * * *

  I can’t believe I’m in San Francisco.

  Four hours after his call with Hadley Lowell, Blaise flexed his fingers, trying to release the tension bunching his muscles. He battled a growing frustration. Since leaving the office, he’d spent every minute working or on the phone so he wouldn’t fall further behind because of this unexpected trip.

  He blamed Trevor.

  I haven’t worked for you long, Blaise, but if you want to find a wife, you need to hire Ms. Lowell. My gut and my research tell me that. She’ll get the job done right.

  Whether his assistant showed bravery or stupidity by speaking up remained to be seen, but Trevor had been so earnest that Blaise had gone against his better judgment and flown to San Francisco. His schedule was irregular. Even though he paid others to woo clients and recruits, there were times he’d dropped everything to do his part. So this wasn’t totally unprecedented.

  His desire to win the bet sooner rather than later had provided the real motivation. Knowing he couldn’t win on his own, however, somehow made being here worse. He was used to doing everything himself and hated needing help. That had made seeking investors in the start-up days of Blai$e difficult for him on several levels.

  The elevator dinged. The doors opened.

  Before he could exit, two men in suits stepped to the left, leaving a much wider path than necessary. That was because of the guy standing next to Blaise—his bodyguard.

  Lex’s short, bleach-blond hair harkened back to his military days, but it was his intense gaze, the scar on his face, and hard expression that kept people away from Blaise.

  Which was the point.

  Lex exited first, surveyed the area, and motioned Blaise to follow.

  Blaise doubted anyone was waiting to ambush him, especially in the Bay Area where billionaires—many worth more than him—were everywhere, but he had no choice. Ever since the fight with that business reporter, he’d been accompanied by a member of the security team contracted by his company.

  Lex opened the door where Hadley Lowell leased an office. “You okay, boss?”

  No. Blaise wasn’t, but he kept his feelings to himself. A lesson he’d learned at a young age.

  “Fine.” Although he would need a massage when he returned home. He rubbed the back of his tight neck. “Sorry you drew the short straw and had to come with me.”

  “That’s why I’m paid the big bucks.” Lex laughed. “I prefer assignments like this.”

  Most days Blaise’s assigned person did nothing other than see him to the office and back home. He could have easily come here on his own without worry, but his company now required him to travel with at least one bodyguard. “Must be boring when you’re stuck waiting for me to finish working.”

  Lex shrugged. “Better than being shot at.”

  Maybe boring wasn’t so bad.

  “And San Francisco holds a special place in my heart after an assignment here,” Lex added.

  The man didn’t offer more information, and Blaise knew better than to ask. He went up to the front desk where two sharply dressed receptionists sat. “I’m here to see Hadley Lowell.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” one asked.

  “She’s not expecting me until tomorrow.” Not exactly the truth, but Blaise needed to see her. He flashed his most charming smile, the one he used to soothe ruffled investors and captivate supermodels. “I took an earlier flight.”

  The receptionist didn’t appear impressed. “What’s your name?”

  “Blaise.” He paused, mimicking his favorite secret agent. “Blaise Mortenson.”

  The receptionist did a double take. Her mouth dropped open.

  The other one gasped.

  A billionaire seeking out a matchmaking company might have that effect. Especially if these two women were single.

  “Oh. We don’t want to ruin the surprise.” The first woman stood. “Ms. Lowell’s office is down the hall. Take the first two rights. Or I’m happy to show you—”

  “Thanks, but I can find it.” Turning toward Lex, Blaise tilted his head toward the couches and chairs on the other side of the lobby. “Wait there.”

  Lex studied the area. “Sure, boss.”

  As Blaise headed toward the hallway, his cell phone buzzed. He glanced at his screen and was surprised to see a text from Henry.

  Henry: You made the right choice flying to SF.

  Blaise: How do you know where I am?

  Henry: I have my ways. Hadley Lowell is exactly who you need.

  Blaise: She better be, given what she’s putting me through.

  Henry: Trust me.

  Blaise: If you’re wrong…

  Henry: I won’t be.

  Blaise stopped in front of a door with a small, blink-and-miss-it sign: Matched by Lowell.

  Low-key. Not flashy.

  The subtle branding didn’t match the woman’s demanding requirements. He would have expected something more on point for her industry. She better be as good as Henry said or…

  The door opened, startling Blaise.

  A woman stepped into the doorway. She was four inches shorter than him with auburn shoulder-length hair, ivory skin, and pink cheeks. Early to mid-thirties. And gorgeous.

  Mouthwateringly so.

  She wasn’t one of those women who were so thin their heads look out of proportion, the kind who only ate salad and an occasional slice of avocado toast. That type didn’t appeal to him. This one did. She had curves—nice ones.

  Blaise wanted to memorize every detail.

  Her blue eyes reminded him of the sky on a summer day, when flowers bloomed, the sun shone, and the dark, lonely nights didn’t last as long as they did in winter.

  He stared transfixed, connected to this stranger
by an invisible force. Awareness thrummed through him. Staring was rude, but he couldn’t look away from her.

  Noises sounded. Muted footsteps. A door. A phone.

  All Blaise could focus on was her.

  Maybe this trip hadn’t been such a bad idea. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so…captivated.

  She blinked. “Can I help you?”

  Her voice was deeper than expected, a tad husky. Sexy. He wanted to hear her say more. He bet she had a great laugh.

  She cleared her throat. “You’re Blaise Mortenson.”

  The woman didn’t sound surprised. If anything, she appeared resigned.

  Did that mean…?

  Of course, it did. “You’re Hadley Lowell.”

  She nodded once.

  His insides deflated. A strange reaction. One he would ignore.

  Hadley eyed him curiously. “I thought you were too busy to come to San Francisco.”

  “Yes, but you’re the best matchmaker, so here I am.”

  “I told you my next appointment is tomorrow at nine.”

  “That was before I changed my plans.” And asked Trevor to cancel calls and reschedule meetings. Blaise needed to be in his office before the markets opened tomorrow. “Let’s talk now.”

  She locked the door to the office before facing him again. “That won’t work.”

  “I’m here. I came to you. As you require.” Something he normally wouldn’t have done. For anyone. Then again, he usually wouldn’t notice the cute freckles sprinkled across the bridge of her nose. “Can’t you be a little flexible?”

  Hadley’s jaw tensed. “You’re not the only one with obligations.”

  “I’ll make it worth your while.”

  Her face scrunched. “Does throwing money at a problem always work for you?”

  “Usually.”

  “Not this time.” She adjusted the strap of her computer bag. “I have to go.”

  “Wait.” Blaise hadn’t blocked Hadley’s way, but he didn’t want her to leave yet. The last commercial flight to Portland departed at eleven tonight. He wanted to be on it, because this visit wasn’t worth the carbon footprint of a private jet ride. “Are you free this afternoon or this evening? I can meet you no matter what time you have available.”

  “Mr. Mortenson—”

  “Blaise.”

  She frowned. “Blaise, I have two children to pick up from school in less than forty-five minutes. After that, we have a busy afternoon planned.”

  Children?

  Disappointment shot through him.

  A glance at her left hand showed a bare ring finger. That meant she was divorced or widowed. For some odd reason, the realization brought relief. “How old are your kids?”

  “They’re my niece and nephew.” Hadley’s knuckles turned white around her keys. “Both are young enough I can’t keep them waiting. So if you’ll excuse me—”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Her brows furrowed. “What did you say?”

  Her question took him aback because he’d said the first thing that had come to his mind. “I’ll come with you.”

  “Why would you want to do that?”

  He wasn’t ready to say goodbye. No, that wasn’t the reason. He was here to discuss her matchmaking service so he could win the bet. “I’m sure you’ll have a block of free time so we can talk.”

  She half laughed. “You don’t have children.”

  The thought of loud, sticky small humans made him squirm. “No.”

  “Have you spent much time around children?”

  Donating money to charities that helped kids was fine, but real-life interactions? He shuddered. “No.”

  Hadley rubbed her mouth. “It’ll be easier if you wait until tomorrow morning.”

  “I can’t wait. This is important to me.”

  A door opened down the hall.

  She glanced that way before looking at him. “What if we don’t have time to talk?”

  Now she was making excuses, trying to get out of meeting with him, but he wouldn’t let her off that easily.

  Wes was the image of smooth and eloquent no matter the situation. Adam and Kieran weren’t as charming, but they held their own. Dash could be the poster child for introverted, socially clueless tech guys. Mason was a step above him. Blaise, however, fell in the middle of his friends.

  On purpose.

  He hated meaningless chitchat, but he’d realized the ability to mingle and make small talk would help him get ahead. It wasn’t something that came naturally, but that hadn’t stopped him. He’d observed and practiced. He had a feeling those lessons would come in handy with Hadley.

  Blaise would keep his voice light. “I wouldn’t blame you.”

  “I hope not, since it wouldn’t be my fault.”

  Okay, maybe his tone hadn’t been as playful as he’d hoped, but hiding his irritation was harder than he thought it would be. She was the problem. Not him. If she were more flexible with her process, this trip to San Francisco wouldn’t have been necessary.

  “Can I come along?” he asked in his this-will-be-fun voice he used when an overnight shift debugging code faced his team. He would try one more thing. “Please.”

  She blew out a breath. “Let’s go.”

  Blaise fought the urge to pump his fist. Instead, he fell in step next to her as she headed to the lobby at a quick pace.

  “Do you have a car?” he asked.

  She held up her keys. “I do.”

  Guess he wouldn’t need the SUV, except… “Lex can follow us.”

  “Who is Lex?”

  “One of my bodyguards.”

  “The more the merrier.” Her tone was more ominous than humorous. “But if you think we’ll have a meeting in bits and pieces while I drive, ride with Lex.”

  Blaise held up his hands, palms out. “I can wait until we have a block of time.”

  “You might be waiting awhile.” She eyed him warily. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  No worries. He’d shown up unexpectedly and asked her to make an exception for their meeting. But that was what he did—tackled issues head-on.

  No one got the better of him.

  Especially a matchmaker, one who thought she was in control on her home turf.

  She wasn’t.

  Blaise would let her get the children settled into whatever activity or routine the kids had then they would have their meeting. He would answer her questions, pay her retainer fee, and then go to the airport. He might even make an earlier flight.

  He was happy he’d listened to Trevor and Henry.

  This would work out…perfectly.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  As Hadley drove toward the kids’ school, she clutched the Outback’s steering wheel with sweaty palms. She hated driving in San Francisco, which was why she took public transportation. It rarely ran on time, and she didn’t want to be late picking up the kids, so she’d driven Fallon’s car this morning. If only being on the road was the reason for the case of nerves.

  A talk show host’s voice droned on the radio. Hadley repositioned her hands. She focused on the traffic, ignoring the man in the passenger seat.

  “You okay?” Blaise asked.

  “Fine.” Hadley didn’t glance his way. She couldn’t allow herself to be distracted and get in an accident.

  “I thought Portland traffic was bad, but I forgot how congested The City is,” he said.

  “I prefer taking Muni. I don’t have to deal with traffic or parking.”

  No longer tapping on his cell phone, he angled his shoulders in her direction. Well, as much as the seat belt across his chest allowed. “Why are you driving today?”

  A woodsy, pine scent kept tickling her nose. “The kids.”

  “No school bus?”

  She couldn’t tell if the fragrance was his soap or aftershave, but he smelled good, and she forced herself not to take another sniff. “There is, but someone needs to be home when they arrive.”

&nbs
p; Potential client, she reminded herself. Emphasis on potential.

  Some people might be flattered that Blaise Mortenson had dropped everything and flown to meet her.

  Not Hadley.

  The man was trouble with a capital T. Not only because of his money and influence with the clientele who kept her in business. But also because he was a tasty piece of eye candy.

  Blaise’s photographs hadn’t done him justice.

  His dark chocolate eyes were a shade lighter than his thick hair and neatly trimmed beard. The combination—gorgeous. Wearing a tailored suit and leather shoes, he was the definition of a hottie. Well, if you went for the handsome-as-sin billionaire business type.

  “You mentioned your niece and nephew are young,” he said.

  “Six and seven.” She turned on her blinker before merging right. “They attend an after-school program if no one is home, but with their mother out of town, I wanted to pick them up on time today. I won’t be able to the rest of the week.”

  “You’re that busy?”

  She nearly laughed at his surprise. Although she got that a lot.

  “I am.” Hadley shot him a sideward glance. “Did you think I was kidding when I said my next opening was in December?”

  He half laughed. “Yes.”

  “Matchmaking and dating services are big business both in the US and abroad.”

  If she took him on as a client—and that was a big if—Hadley was curious about the specific traits he wanted in a wife. Patience and independence were usually high on the list with her elite clientele because of the hours they worked. Intelligence came next—especially for those in tech. Many looked for a partner who was accomplished in a chosen field. Intelligence often gave candidates an edge.

  He glanced over his left shoulder. “Lex is still with us.”

  She glanced in the rearview mirror to see the massive black SUV following her. Hard to believe she had the cell number of a professional bodyguard in her contacts now, but Lex had wanted her number as a precaution. For what, she didn’t know, and honestly, didn’t want to know.

  “You could have ridden with him.”

  Blaise shrugged. “It’ll give Lex a chance to see if the tracker works.”