The Wife Finder

by McClone, Melissa

  “New people,” she clarified.

  Okay, that was true. Still, Blaise shrugged. He couldn’t help it if he wasn’t looking for new friends. The ones he had were good enough and could be trusted. Anyone else might have ulterior motives given his money.

  Not that Hadley was here for any other reason besides the bet. He drank another sip, but it didn’t quench him the way it had before.

  Laurel straightened a stack of napkins. “I hope this works out.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “You and Hadley.” Laurel spoke as if it should be obvious. “She fits in nicely with everyone.”

  For now. Who knew the real Hadley?

  Except he’d seen her with her niece and nephew during the day, at night, and in the morning. Maybe that was her.

  Not that it mattered.

  She was only here to speak with Wes and Dash so she could decide whether or not to accept Blaise’s offer. Given her reaction before lunch, he had a feeling her answer might be no.

  He swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Time will tell.”

  Laurel touched his shoulder. “There’s no rush. Just see what happens.”

  “Is that code for take it slow?” he joked.

  She nodded, glancing at her husband who was watching the game. “I say this as someone who ended up pregnant the night I met and married Brett during one of Henry’s birthday adventures. Take it slow. Very, very slow. You’ll be better off in the long run.”

  Blaise wasn’t skilled at deciphering the hidden meanings in words. Numbers were his thing. But he had a feeling there was more she wasn’t saying. “Things turned out well for the two of you.”

  “It took work. Patience. Anything good does.”

  “Sounds like you’ll be the next author in the family.”

  Brett’s two books on finances had hit the bestseller list. A single mom, who worked as a housekeeper for Henry Davenport’s parents, had raised him. Brett had worked his way up from nothing. The same as Blaise, but the two had different investment strategies, which led to monthly and annual competitions to see which method—Brett’s old-school research or Blaise’s AI algorithms—worked best.

  “You two can corner the market on nonfiction titles,” Blaise added.

  “Heavens, no. Writing doesn’t appeal to me at all.” Laurel shook her head as if to emphasize the point. “I was only giving you some friendly advice.”

  “Thank you.” Not that Blaise would do anything with Hadley except pay her if she allowed him to hire her, but maybe someday he would need to remember what Laurel said.

  The sound of Hadley’s laughter drew his attention. He turned that way to see her speaking with Adam and Brett. Whatever she was saying had his friends captivated.

  “You like her.”

  Blaise focused on Laurel. “I told you—”

  “You’re getting to know her. Got it.” Humor danced in her eyes. “That doesn’t mean you can’t like her.”

  He shot a sideward glance Hadley’s way. “She’s smart and strong and stubborn.”

  Laurel’s smiling face glowed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Instead of denying it—Blaise liked Hadley, except when she wouldn’t do what he wanted—he drank more beer. He hadn’t expected his friends to care this much about him dating anyone. All he’d wanted was an excuse if Hadley needed to speak with Wes or Dash again.

  “I’ll give you one more piece of advice from someone outside the inner circle,” she added.

  “You’re part of the circle,” he blurted.

  “As a spouse and partner of someone who isn’t at the same level as the rest of you.”

  Blaise frowned. He didn’t understand where this was coming from, especially when he’d always felt like the outsider among their group. “That doesn’t matter to us.”

  “Maybe not, because we’re doing better each year, but it’s still a little different.” Laurel didn’t sound offended. “The six of you and Henry are used to the world revolving around you, but that’s not how it works for everyone else. Be nice to Hadley. If you keep dating her, and when whatever’s going on between you two runs its course, let her down easy. Don’t be the guy who breaks her heart.”

  “You mean like Wes.”

  “Before he got sick, yes. Adam, Mason, and Kieran used to be the same. Dash does it, too, but that’s because he’s clueless. You, however, are more evolved than the others. Don’t be like them, okay?”

  “Okay.” Except Blaise wanted to be like the others. At the same time, he was trying to catch up and then pass them in net worth, but her words made him stand taller. “But you’re missing out by not writing a relationship self-help book.”

  “Who’s writing a book?” Hadley asked, coming up next to him.

  About time. He smiled at her. “I told Laurel she should.”

  “I said no,” Laurel said.

  “Then start a podcast,” he suggested with a wink before focusing his attention on Hadley. “Having fun?”

  She nodded. “Thanks for inviting me.”

  He slipped his right arm around her, but she didn’t come closer to him. “Glad you’re here.”

  “The two of you should come to dinner this week.” Laurel bit her lip. “Would Thursday work? I think that’s the only day Brett is free.”

  “I’ll check my schedule.” Dinner sounded like fun to him. “Does that work for you, Hadley?”

  Her jaw jutted forward. “I won’t be in Portland, but thanks for the invite.”

  Blaise grimaced. How could he have forgotten that she wouldn’t be in Portland during the week? “Hadley’s business has offices in San Francisco and New York.”

  “We can do it another time.” Laurel didn’t hesitate replying. “I’m jealous, though. Our favorite bookstore is in San Francisco.”

  He blew out a breath, thankful Laurel hadn’t asked more.

  “Which one is that?” Hadley asked.

  “Cassandra’s Attic,” Laurel said. “Brett’s done book signings there.”

  Hadley’s features relaxed. “I take my niece and nephew to story time there. It’s a great bookstore.”

  “Small world. Say hi to Cassie and Troy from us when you’re there next.” Laurel picked up a brownie. “I’m going to watch the end of the game.”

  Hadley went to follow Laurel, but Blaise held on to her. He wasn’t letting her get away yet. “Wait a minute.”

  “The game…”

  “You can watch the highlights.”

  Everybody cheered. Something must have happened.

  As she exhaled, her shoulders drooped. “What?”

  “How’s it going?”

  She glanced toward the television, but her gaze wasn’t focused on the game. “Your friends are nice. Everyone cares a lot about you.”

  More shouts erupted.

  Blaise didn’t care. “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve never been asked so many questions in such a short time frame.” She sighed. “I’m assuming your security team ran a background check on me. If so, let Wes know so he doesn’t waste his time and money having one done.”

  Blaise laughed. “Wes can afford it. But he wouldn’t…”

  “I run them on clients. Credit checks, too. Based on his questions, that’s what he’s planning to do on me.”

  Okay, maybe Wes would. That should annoy Blaise but it didn’t. “Wes acts like everyone’s big brother. Always has.”

  “I can see that. Adam is more reserved, but he wouldn’t stop pressing me about my job.” Her mouth twisted. “Pretty sure he thinks I’m a gold-digger because of my vague answers.”

  Blaise shook his head. “Adam thinks everyone is a gold-digger. Well, except Cambria.”

  “Dash kept asking to see my phone,” Hadley admitted. “You mentioned beta testing a tracking prototype so I wouldn’t give it to him.”

  “He might have wanted to install a helpful app or fun game.”

  She lifted a brow. “If you say so.”

  “I
do.” Blaise hoped that was the case because sneaking tracking technology onto someone’s phone would be creepy, no matter the motivation. “Did you find out what you needed?”

  She nodded.

  That didn’t tell him anything.

  “Blaise and Hadley,” Wes called. “Only two minutes left in the game.”

  “Shall we?” Blaise asked.

  His right arm still around Hadley, he stepped in her direction. She moved forward.

  Oomph.

  He collided into her, sending her stumbling backward.

  Blaise held on to her with both arms. Somehow they both remained upright. She pressed against him. The rapid beat of her heart matched his. “It’s okay.”

  Her breathing was faster than normal. “I thought I was going down.”

  “I’ve got you.” Her face was so close to his. “I won’t let you fall.”

  “Thanks.”

  He couldn’t decipher the emotion in her eyes—gratitude, maybe—but her lips parted.

  One taste.

  That was all he wanted.

  She seemed to want it, too.

  He lowered his mouth to hers, and she met him halfway.

  Warm. Soft. Home. The combination was potent. In that moment, he knew one taste would never be enough.

  Blaise didn’t care.

  He moved his lips over hers, relishing the feel of them against his. She arched against him, her hands wrapping around him and her fingertips weaving their way through his hair.

  “Nice catch!” Wes yelled.

  Blaise tightened his hold on Hadley.

  Yes, it was.

  And no way was he going to fumble this.

  * * *

  Hadley was kissing Blaise. Or maybe he was kissing her. It didn’t matter as long as the kisses continued.

  The way his mouth moved over hers qualified as one of her best experiences ever.

  Maybe the best.

  Pleasurable sensations emanated from her mouth, shooting to the tips of her toes. And the way he tasted…

  Her new favorite dessert.

  Appetizer.

  And main course, too.

  “Only thirty seconds left!” a man shouted.

  No, that was too soon for this to end. She wanted…more.

  Someone moaned.

  Her?

  Didn’t matter.

  Hadley hadn’t been kissed in…

  She couldn’t remember the last time, which told her it was a long time ago. These kisses, however, were worth waiting for.

  “Blaise! Hadley!” someone else yelled.

  The voice startled her.

  Oh, no. She was kissing Blaise.

  Hadley drew back.

  “You don’t want to miss the end of the game.” That was Wes. Only she didn’t dare glance his way. Not with her breathing uneven and heat rushing through her veins. Her lips felt swollen.

  “You okay?” Blaise asked.

  His ragged breaths matched hers. His face was flushed. Heat filled his gaze.

  Hadley bit the inside of her cheek. She didn’t go around kissing clients. Not that Blaise was one. At least not yet. Still, she didn’t mix business with pleasure.

  Or hadn’t.

  Until tonight.

  Her lips tingled.

  Was she supposed to feel regret or remorse?

  Because she didn’t. She hadn’t known a kiss could be that good. Heaven help her, she wanted another one.

  Blaise’s eyes darkened. “Hadley?”

  Oh, he’d asked her a question before saying her name. She nodded even though okay didn’t describe how she was feeling at all.

  “No!” Wes yelled.

  “I can’t believe they missed the field goal.” That sounded like Adam or maybe Dash.

  Blaise let go of her, but he didn’t step away. Instead, he rested his forehead against hers. “I—”

  “Get over here, Blaise.” That was Brett’s voice. “The game’s going into overtime.”

  Blaise straightened before holding her hand, lacing his fingers between hers. “Let’s watch the end of the game.”

  Football was the last thing on her mind. All she could think about was Blaise, the way he’d made her feel, and if the kiss meant anything to him.

  Especially if she agreed to take him—well, Wes and Dash—on as clients. She’d never fallen for a client. Never been tempted even though some of the richest men—attractive men—had wanted to find wives.

  Blaise sat on a leather love seat and pulled her down next to him, her hip and thigh pressing against his. After releasing his hand, his arm went around her, bringing her closer to him as if this were the most natural thing in the world, making her feel cherished and special, a way she hadn’t felt in forever.

  If anyone noticed them now or when they’d kissed, no one said anything. All attention was focused on the game.

  She should be relieved.

  But her misgivings doubled with each passing second.

  Blaise appeared unaffected while her nerve endings twitched and her lips demanded more kisses.

  Not where she expected to find herself.

  One kiss.

  Not a big deal, right?

  But her pounding heart rate hadn’t quieted and told another story.

  Play along.

  Was that what this was about? A kiss for show?

  Boulders settled in the pit of her stomach.

  If that was the case—and why wouldn’t it be—she’d played along as Blaise requested.

  Perhaps, too much.

  So what should she do next? Watch the game was a given. Ignoring the man plastered against her would be a smart move. But after everyone left, and it was just the two of them?

  She didn’t even want to think about that.

  CHAPTER NINE

  It was six o’clock. The game was over, and Blaise’s friends had left. As Iris cleaned the kitchen, he sat on a stool, eyeing the French doors to the backyard. Hadley had stepped outside a few minutes ago. He was tempted to go out there, but he remained seated.

  The reason?

  He had no idea what to say to her if they were alone.

  Just postponing the inevitable.

  Yeah, so sue him.

  Blaise wasn’t a procrastinator, but he was doing it now. Being with Hadley brought a cyclone of emotions he wasn’t ready to face.

  Who was he kidding? He wanted it to stop.

  Bet.

  Girlfriend.

  Kiss.

  The day hadn’t turned out as Blaise planned, but he wasn’t sure how much he regretted doing or saying. He dragged his hand through his hair. What Hadley had to say, however, might change the way he felt.

  Iris turned on the dishwasher. “I think that’s everything.”

  “You did too much, as usual.”

  He envied Dash for having a trusted, loyal childhood friend work for him. Blaise’s only friends growing up had been two employees at his high school. His math teacher, Mr. Penney, helped Blaise apply to college and let him work in his classroom after school so he wouldn’t have to go home. The custodian, a grizzly guy named Coop, caught Blaise using one of the school’s master keys to store stuff in the janitor’s closet so his parents couldn’t sell it to buy drugs. Coop had taken the key, but he offered Blaise a new place to store his things, one that wouldn’t get him in trouble.

  Which is why he’d bought each a new car and a vacation home long before Blaise had traded in his old Honda sedan and bought a house for himself. The two men, his only links to the past, still checked in on him, more like surrogate uncles than the mentors they’d once been. Occasionally, not as often these days because of Blaise’s schedule, the three met for coffee or a meal. The way they had when he was in college and working two jobs to support himself. They’d rotated paying back then. Blaise picked up every tab now.

  “You hired me.” The determination in Iris’s eyes matched the set of her jaw. “The only way to do a job is to give it your all.”

  “Which is wh
at you always do.” Blaise grabbed an envelope from a nearby drawer and handed it to her. Inside was money to pay for her expenses and her services plus a bonus. “Robyn won’t have anything to do when she arrives tomorrow morning.”

  “This house is huge. Your housekeeper will have plenty to clean. I never went upstairs.” Iris placed the envelope in her bag. “I didn’t mop or vacuum down here, either.”

  “Go before you do that.”

  Iris glanced around. “Where’s Hadley?”

  That was the question Blaise had asked himself whenever he couldn’t see her. He knew the answer this time. “Out on the patio.”

  “I like her.”

  That had been a common refrain today. A few had warned him not to mess up with her. Adam, however, had withheld judgment, which must have been difficult since he had an ulterior motive for wanting Blaise to fall in love and get married so the bet would be called off and the money divided amongst the six of them.

  So not happening. “She’s nice.”

  “Nice, huh?” Iris removed two containers he didn’t recognize from the refrigerator and placed them in a box. “That’s how you describe Hadley after sharing a scorching kiss?”

  The kiss had been hot. He wanted another one. “Hadley is nice. Everybody agrees.”

  “This should be fun to watch.” Iris laughed. “See you around. And Hadley, too.”

  Blaise escorted Iris out and watched her car back out of the driveway before returning inside.

  The only sound was the dishwasher running. A big difference from an hour ago with the post-game show playing on the television and people talking over the sports analysts.

  He sat on the couch. This was as good a spot to talk to Hadley as any. The only problem? He had no idea what to say to her.

  Weird.

  He usually wasn’t at a loss for ideas or words. Most often, before others realized there was an issue or a problem, he had a solution figured out. That was why he got along so well with his friends. The six of them were similar. Brett, too. Henry could be when he tried, but the guy kept them entertained.

  Hadley, however, had crashed the network in Blaise’s brain. He’d rebooted, but his synapses weren’t functioning normally, and he had no idea what to do about it.