The Wife Finder

by McClone, Melissa

  She stepped inside from the patio and closed the door. “Everything’s clean outside.”

  “Iris must have taken care of it earlier. She left.”

  “Oh.” Hadley glanced around, rubbing her thumb across her fingertips. “Is there anything else that needs to be done?”

  “If there is, I have people who will take care of it tomorrow.” He patted the cushion next to him. “Come join me.”

  Her expression pinched, but she did as he asked. “So…”

  Blaise wasn’t ready to talk about the kiss. He’d start with the reason she was here. “What did you think of Wes?”

  She blinked slowly as if not expecting that question. “Wes is charming and handsome. Not to mention smart but not in a talk-over-your-head way. Given he’s the heir to one of the wealthiest families in the country, he checks all the boxes.”

  “Yours?” The question shot out before Blaise could stop it.

  Hadley lifted her chin with defiance gleaming in her eyes. “I don’t date clients.”

  Just kiss them.

  No, that wasn’t fair. Blaise had kissed her first. “Wes isn’t a client.”

  At least not yet.

  “No, but I’m not interested in him.”

  That wasn’t enough information for Blaise. “Not your type?”

  “I don’t have a type, but many women would call Wes a catch.” Hadley tilted her head. “I wasn’t able to dig too deep into his past or his future plans. If I had, he would have known something was up, so there are unanswered questions where he’s concerned. But I learned a few things about him I didn’t know.”

  That was good. “What about Dash?”

  A smile lit up her face. “Dash is funny. He bounces from gamer boy to genius nerd in seconds. If I didn’t know he was twenty-eight, I’d say he was in his early twenties. Social skills aren’t his strength, but I’m guessing he’s occupied by other things he deems more important than chitchat since he’s quick to warm up and talk when that’s necessary. I thought he was sweet.”

  “Even when he called you my girlfriend?”

  Her cheeks reddened. “Well, other than that. But I am concerned…”

  Was she attracted to Dash? Sweat dampened the back of Blaise’s neck. “What?”

  “He and Iris. They act like a couple when they’re together.”

  “They’ve been best friends since high school. That’s all.”

  Her nose wrinkled. “You’re sure?”

  Blaise nodded. “Dash can be oblivious, but friends are important to him. That includes Iris. He’d be lost without her. She keeps him in line.”

  “Sounds like more than a friendship.”

  “It’s not.” Blaise spoke with confidence. “The only games Dash plays are video or board games. If something was going on between them, we’d know. Everyone would know.”

  “I believe you. And that’s good because an attractive, successful geek worth billions also checks many boxes.”

  Blaise had a similar nerdiness but kept that hidden. Would Hadley be interested in that side of him?

  He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer. “Does that mean you’ll add them to your client list?”

  “I didn’t say that, but I’m considering it.”

  Relief poured through him. “What more do you need to say yes?”

  “We need to talk about what happened tonight first.”

  Blaise’s throat tightened. That was the last conversation he wanted to have, but he had no choice. “Do you want an apology?”

  “Are you sorry you let people think we’re dating?” she said at the same time.

  He opened his mouth but then pressed his lips together. There were two answers—the truth and what she wanted to hear. But she had said no lies. Her being called his girlfriend and them pretending to date were enough. He couldn’t add to that. “I’m not sorry.”

  “I had a feeling that would be your answer.”

  “It made things easier.”

  “Tonight, maybe.”

  At least she acknowledged that.

  “What happens now that people believe we’re together?” she asked. “We live in different states. People will soon realize we spend no time together.”

  “Lots of people have long-distance relationships. Texts, calls, video chats. It’s no big deal. Besides, San Francisco isn’t that far away.”

  “True, but don’t forget I alternate weeks between my two offices. I have to catch a red-eye to New York in a few hours.”

  He straightened. “You’re going tonight?”

  She nodded. “I have a meeting tomorrow morning.”

  Which offered further explained why she couldn’t be here to have dinner with Laurel and Brett on Thursday. But Blaise didn’t like Hadley being so far away.

  Wait. What was he thinking? None of this was real.

  “We don’t have to explain the time we spend apart. No one will know or care.” His friends were too busy to keep track of him. “If anything, your job means we have a built-in reason why we’re not together much. The only time any of them would see us is if you need to find out more about Wes or Dash.”

  “So we’re dating in name only.”

  That brought a laugh. “Yes, tonight was the first of a limited number of appearances, depending on how much you need to see Wes and Dash in person.”

  She tilted her head as if considering everything. That frustrated him because he made decisions quickly, but he knew most people weren’t like him. And Hadley had slow and steady written all over her.

  She tapped her finger against her chin. “What about the kiss?”

  Here we go. Blaise swallowed. He should have known she wouldn’t forget that. “Kissing provided evidence that we’re together.”

  Her gaze narrowed, but that didn’t hide the wariness in her eyes. “So the kiss was for show?”

  His palms sweated. The kiss hadn’t been premeditated. He didn’t like that she thought it was. “The kiss just sort of happened when I found you in my arms, but it worked out well.”

  “Because others saw us.”

  It wasn’t a question. “I’m sorry for not asking you first.”

  But he wasn’t sorry for the kiss itself.

  “No apology required,” she said to his relief. “I will need access to Wes and Dash. As long as you downplay the girlfriend angle to your friends and we don’t kiss again, it should be okay.”

  He blew out a breath, except…

  Don’t kiss again.

  A heaviness pressed against Blaise, making him feel as if he held weights on each shoulder. He broke eye contact to avoid her seeing his disappointment about no more kissing.

  “Because I don’t kiss clients,” she added.

  He considered her words. “Does that mean you’ll be my friends’ matchmaker?”

  She nodded.

  “But I’m the client, not them?” He wanted confirmation on that point.

  “You’re paying me so you’re the client.”

  Okay, no more kisses. Maybe once his friends were married…

  Blaise shook the thought from his head. He was getting ahead of himself. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet.” Her voice was strained. “I want to be on record saying this is most likely going to blow up in both of our faces.”

  “It won’t.”

  “I wish I had your confidence.”

  Hard work and letting his tunnel vision drive him until he accomplished what he’d set out to do had led to success, from graduating high school to attending college to founding his own company. He was doing the same thing with the bet by finding the one person who could help him win sooner. “Trust me.”

  * * *

  Trust me.

  Sitting on the airplane, Blaise’s words sounded in Hadley’s head. The way they had since she’d left his house. The only-in-her-imagination voice teased and mocked her.

  Forget about him.

  Other passengers were still boarding. Hadley had a window seat. She
adjusted the air stream above her before she tugged on her seat belt to make sure it was secure. Even though she flew to the East Coast twice a month, she scanned the aircraft safety card, located her closest emergency exits, and then shoved the instructions into the seat pocket in front of her.

  Trust me.

  The voice was back.

  Hadley didn’t trust Blaise. She couldn’t.

  Winning isn’t everything.

  Henry told me the same thing, but let’s agree to disagree.

  Blaise wanted to win. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, doing or saying anything, no matter what the cost. Earlier today, he’d let his friends believe he was dating her, kissing her to prove they were together, even if he claimed not to have planned that.

  Who knew if that was true?

  She couldn’t trust him.

  Wouldn’t.

  Even if her lips wanted more kisses.

  And you, too.

  No, Hadley didn’t.

  Client, remember?

  Her cell phone rang. She glanced at the name on the screen—Blaise.

  That was strange. “Hello?”

  “Boarding the plane?” he asked.

  Chills—the good kind—shot down her arms. Not good. And then she realized what he’d asked. Her fingertips dug into her phone case. “Did Dash put a tracking device on my phone?”

  “No, but I’ve taken that flight before.”

  Silence filled the line. Uncomfortable and awkward. She cleared her throat. “Did you want something?”

  “Your retainer will be deposited first thing in the morning.”

  She didn’t know Blaise well, but the man seemed anything but forgetful. “You told me that two hours ago. What’s going on?”

  More silence. No music or television played in the background. If she listened hard enough, Hadley wondered if she would hear the gears turning in his brain. “Blaise?”

  “I need you in Portland this weekend.”

  She couldn’t have heard him correctly. “What did you say?”

  “I need you to come to Portland this weekend. Well, Saturday night.”

  A million thoughts ran through her head. They’d discussed how they would downplay their dating. “Why? I’m not supposed to come back unless I need to talk with Wes or Dash.”

  “Change of plans.”

  Oh, no. Was this something he’d planned to happen? Had everything he’d said earlier been lies?

  “You need to explain because this is the opposite of what we decided at your house.” Her voice was firm, hard. “That was only a couple of hours ago.”

  “Kieran and Mason will be around this weekend.” Blaise hesitated. “They want to meet you.”

  She’d heard the names today, but it made little sense. “Isn’t Mason on his honeymoon? And the other guy away for his one-month anniversary?”

  “Yes, but both called me after you left. Not texted. Called. They never do that. Word about my new girlfriend got around fast.”

  Girlfriend, not date. Hadley nearly groaned. “I signed on as a matchmaker, and we have a plan. It included downplaying the whole dating scenario. I don’t want to deceive your friends more.”

  “Me, either. I had no idea people would be so interested in my dating life. Honest.” Blaise sounded sincere, but pretending had been his idea so what did she know? “Kieran and Mason are the only ones who haven’t met you. After Saturday, we can do as we planned and not be seen together much.”

  That didn’t make her feel better.

  “But I’m not your…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it. “This is ridiculous.”

  “It is.” Blaise laughed.

  She would have to keep her voice low. “It’s also not funny.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  Hadley had a hard time believing that. A man put a rollaway suitcase into the overhead bin and then sat on the aisle seat of her row. “Are you?”

  “You have no idea.”

  Hadley did, because of the regret she heard in each of his four words. Blaise needed her skills as a matchmaker. But he was stuck with her being his “girlfriend.” It was a means to an end.

  She could tell that.

  Someone like him would never date her.

  Hadley wasn’t being negative or getting down on herself. She knew this because she’d been in this position before—being used prior to getting tossed aside.

  It hadn’t been fun. Her ex-boyfriend in college had begged her to write his papers and do his homework so he wouldn’t be benched. Once the football season ended, he’d dumped her. There had also been the rich guy who’d only dated her to make another woman jealous. Not to mention the coworker at her job at an online dating firm who’d used her crush on him to claim her hard work as his own and be offered the promotion she’d wanted.

  The difference this time?

  You could have said no and never seen him again.

  Except she hadn’t.

  She’d gone into this with her eyes wide open and said yes because Blaise was paying her. An amount she hadn’t even dreamed about earning.

  She needed to stop complaining and make this work. For both of them. “Will Wes and Dash be there on Saturday?”

  “I was so surprised by the invite I didn’t ask, but I can find out.” Blaise spoke faster than normal, suggesting she wasn’t the only one who was nervous. “We won’t stay long. No kissing or holding hands. I’ll charter a jet so you can travel at your convenience.”

  Uncertainty gnawed at her, but she couldn’t give in to it.

  Instead of dwelling on those feelings, Hadley closed her eyes. She imagined that house on Avila Street and the thirty-eight photos of the interior and exterior. With what Blaise would pay her and the equity from selling the condo, she could afford it.

  What choice did she have?

  Hadley took a breath. And another. “I’ll be there.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  On Friday, Blaise’s cell phone buzzed with notifications. A strategically leaked rumor about the new fund earlier in the week had resulted in a frenzy of calls and messages.

  Not that he was in a rush to answer.

  The goal had been to fuel anticipation. They’d succeeded.

  As he grabbed his phone to silence it, two initials on the screen made him do a double take.

  HL.

  Blaise hadn’t heard from her. Not that they’d planned to stay in touch this week, but he’d thought about her. More than he’d wanted to acknowledge.

  Was it guilt for what happened on Sunday and what he was asking for this upcoming Saturday?

  Or perhaps gratitude for everything extra she was doing?

  Maybe a combination.

  He unlocked his screen and pulled up her text.

  HL: Could we reschedule dinner? Been fighting a cold all week. I don’t want to spread germs.

  Blaise: We could, but didn’t you want to talk with Wes and Dash?

  No dots showed up indicating she was typing a response. But he had an idea.

  Blaise: How about we make it an early night so you can get to bed early? A good night of sleep might be all you need.

  HL: I am tired.

  Blaise: We’ll appease my friends. Get the info you need. Eat. Then leave.

  HL: That’s better than a full evening out. But don’t blame me if you get sick.

  Blaise: If you’ve had this all week, I’m sure you’re no longer contagious. And since we won’t be kissing, I’ll take my chances.

  HL: Okay. My sister will be happy I won’t be home to re-infect them. The kids had colds last week. See you tomorrow at your house.

  As Blaise reread the texts, his shoulder muscles loosened, the knots softening. The tension in his face eased. Funny how Hadley could frustrate him yet also relax him. He looked forward to seeing her again.

  He hated that Hadley didn’t feel well. Her worrying about getting others sick didn’t surprise him. Even if her concern was unfounded. Sniffles, sneezes, and coughs were com
mon in the fall.

  On Saturday morning, Hadley texted him that her flight was delayed so she would go straight to his house and change there instead of the hotel she’d booked. He worked out, trying to expel the extra energy he’d woken up with, and had brunch at a small café with Mr. Penney and Coop.

  After that, Blaise went home where he worked for a few hours, changed clothes, and then waited for Hadley to arrive. The house was spotless, though it usually was. All he had to do was put an empty glass in the sink. He tried to read, but the words blurred on the page. A press of the remote brought the television to life. A college football game. That would do for now.

  Blaise checked the time during each commercial break.

  Hadley should have been here by now. They weren’t running late yet, but where could she be?

  He pulled up a flight app, only to close it. He didn’t know what airline she’d taken so he couldn’t look up her arrival time. Given her earlier text, he assumed she would have let him know if her flight had been delayed more. Maybe she hit traffic on the drive from the airport.

  He pulled up another app that displayed the roads in the area. A few spots showed red, signaling a delay, but most of the freeway was green.

  The doorbell rang.

  His pulse kicked up.

  Blaise went to the door, forcing himself not to hurry, and opened it.

  Hadley stood with tired eyes and a suitcase next to her. She wore a long sweater over a T-shirt, faded jeans, and short boots. Her hair was pulled back in a loose, lopsided ponytail. The edges of her lips curved in a closed-mouth smile. “Hi, Blaise.”

  His stomach did a somersault. He didn’t know if it was her clothes, her smile, or how she said his name. “Hey, you made it.”

  “I did.” She glanced at her luggage. “I don’t have a smaller bag with me to hold my clothes for tonight, so I’m stuck lugging this around.”

  “I’ll get it for you.”

  She sniffled. “Thanks.”

  He picked up her suitcase. “Still fighting the cold?”

  She nodded. “I slept most of the flight. It’s almost time for more cold medicine. I’ll be good to go for dinner.”

  He motioned her inside. “I’ll show you to one of the guest bedrooms. There’s a bathroom attached. All the towels are clean, if you want to shower.”