“Welcome home.” Fallon came out of the kitchen. She extended her right arm to Blaise. “I’m Fallon Caples.”
He shook her hand. “Blaise Mortenson.”
Fallon smiled. “So, you’re the infamous Mr. M I’ve been hearing about, and the reason I must go into the closet each night.”
“Sorry, not sorry,” Blaise joked.
Audra and Ryder giggled.
“See, Mommy,” Audra said. “We told you he was nice.”
“You did.” Fallon’s gaze zeroed in on Hadley. “You’re pale.”
Hadley had a feeling Fallon would go all mom on her. “I’m getting over pneumonia. It takes a while to fully recover.”
“She’s been following the doctor’s orders,” Blaise said.
“Glad to hear that.” Fallon sounded amused because she knew Hadley was a rule follower and would do what the doctor said. “Are you staying for dinner, Blaise?”
The kids jumped up and down with shouts of “please.”
“Thanks for the invite, but I can’t,” he said. “I have an event to attend. I need to get going.”
The kids’ faces dropped.
Ryder’s lower lip stuck out. “But you just got here.”
“I’m sorry,” Blaise said, sounding sincere.
Hadley worked hard to keep her smile in place even if she understood their reaction. She didn’t want to say goodbye to Blaise, either. Now that she was in direct contact with Dash and Wes—who was calling her tomorrow—she had no reason to stay in touch with Blaise. The next time she spoke to him would be to tell him she’d found matches for his friends.
The realization sucked the air out of her lungs.
Fallon’s gaze bounced between Hadley and Blaise. “Kids, why don’t you take your aunt’s suitcase and purse to the bedroom, so she can say goodbye to Mr. M. I need to check on dinner.”
Less than thirty seconds later, Hadley stood alone in the living room with Blaise. Three feet separated them, but the distance felt as if it were twenty times that. Where once the silence between them was comfortable, now awkwardness laced the quiet.
She hated it. Hated this. “Thanks for everything.”
“Anytime, but you did more for me than I did for you.”
Confused, she crinkled her nose. “Huh?”
“Getting me to open up, acting like my girlfriend in front of my friends, making me realize I spend too much time working and need more balance in my life.”
Hadley let what his words soak in. “You’re welcome, but this was an even exchange.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”
She nodded. “My job will be much easier having Wes and Dash onboard with the matchmaking. You and Robyn spoiled me. And I’ll be bringing my tiara with me on future business trips.”
Blaise grinned. “I will need proof of the tiara.”
Hadley feigned shock. “You don’t believe me.”
He winked. “Send me a selfie the next time you’re in New York.”
“Deal.” Because she now had his permission to text him a picture. “I hope your dinner goes well.”
“It’ll be boring.” He sounded resigned. “But I’ll be able to see a few clients I haven’t seen in a while. Henry and Brett will be there, too.”
“Great.” Except it wasn’t.
Saying goodbye didn’t feel right, so she pressed her lips together.
Blaise rocked back on his heels. “Lex and Rizzo are waiting.”
This was it. Hadley headed to the front door. Each step took effort. Her nerve endings twitched. Her heart pounded. She reached for the doorknob.
He did, too, his hand covering hers. “Take care of yourself.”
She relished the feel of his warmth and the touch of his skin. “You, too.”
He didn’t move his hand. Neither did she. Hadley stood, feeling as if she were in limbo and not caring. Standing here for even the briefest amount of time was better than not seeing Blaise again.
“I should go,” he said.
She nodded, but once again nothing happened. Her hand didn’t want to turn the knob. His remained on top of hers.
“I—” she said.
“I—” he said at the same time.
“You go first,” she offered.
His pulse was visible at his neck. “I don’t want to say goodbye.”
The tension between them disappeared. She blew out a breath. “I don’t, either.”
His mouth opened and then closed. “You don’t date clients.”
No, but he was more than a client. At least, she wanted him to be. And if she didn’t take this chance, she might regret it. Forever. “I don’t kiss clients, either, but I think it’s time I made an exception to my rules.”
Hadley rose on her toes and kissed Blaise, hard on the lips. She no longer cared about her rules or process. Only she and Blaise mattered.
He tensed for a nanosecond before relaxing into her kiss. As his mouth moved over hers, she soaked up his warmth and his taste. She’d forgotten how good he kissed, but she wanted to remember every detail.
His arms wrapped around Hadley, pulling her closer.
She went willingly, never letting her lips leave his.
As Blaise had all week, he made her feel special and adored. Cherished. She might be home, but she’d found a second home with him.
Slowly, he drew away from the kiss. “We should have been doing that all week.”
“Germs.”
He laughed before kissing her forehead. “Trust me, sweetheart, I wouldn’t have cared.”
Heat rose up her neck.
“When can I see you again?” he asked.
Hadley wiggled her toes. “I don’t know, but I hope soon.”
“Me, too.” Blaise brushed his lips over hers. “We’ll make this work.”
She nodded, not knowing how when they lived in two different cities in two different states, but they had to try. She gazed into his eyes, seeing not only the possibilities but her future. “We will.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Blaise texted Hadley. Sometimes they spoke on the phone, but they always had a video chat in the evenings. He enjoyed hearing her voice and seeing her on the screen, but by week two of being apart, he was losing patience. He wanted to be with her. That gave him an idea.
Blaise: I have a conference starting on Thursday in Las Vegas. Meet me there. I can send a plane.
HL: I could squeeze in a quick trip on Friday, but I’ll save the planet and fly commercial.
Blaise: Send me your itinerary. I can’t wait to see you.
HL: Same. I miss you.
Let the countdown begin! He couldn’t stop smiling. Everyone from Trevor to his executive staff commented on Blaise’s good mood. Most assumed the buzz surrounding the new fund was the reason, but it was Hadley.
His phone played The Legend of Zelda theme song. The ringtone belonged to Dash.
“Hey,” Blaise answered. “What’s going on?”
“I went on a date with a woman Hadley found for me. Dude, Raina is amazing.” Awe filled Dash’s voice. “She not only loves video games as much as I do, but she also designs them. We had a great time. We’re getting together again before I leave for Las Vegas.”
One down… Blaise grinned. “I’m so happy for you.”
And he was, regardless of the bet, but knowing he was one step closer to winning thrilled him. And it was because of Hadley.
“It’s only been one date, but so far Raina seems perfect,” Dash said. “Hadley knows what she’s doing.”
Pride flowed through Blaise. “Yes, she does.”
“Well, I just wanted to let you know and to say thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He crumpled a napkin into a ball and shot it into the garbage can. Score! Man, he loved winning. “Keep me posted.”
“I will.” Silence filled the line. “When do you see Hadley again?”
“Friday. She’s meeting me in Las Vegas.”
“Then I’ll get to thank her in pe
rson,” Dash said. “Talk to you later.”
Blaise disconnected from the call. He leaned back in his chair and laughed. Everything was working out.
And soon he would have everything he wanted, including Hadley.
* * *
“You’re in love with him.”
Ignoring Fallon who sat on the bed, Hadley packed her clothes into her suitcase, crossing each item off her list as she went. The kids and Tiny were sound asleep. She had an afternoon flight tomorrow and couldn’t wait to see Blaise. But…
In love with him?
Her heart wanted to answer one way. Her brain another..
She went with common sense. “We’ve haven’t known each other long.”
“You love him,” Fallon repeated. “There’s no timeframe for falling in love.”
“Maybe there should be,” Hadley mumbled because she’d never felt like this about any guy, even ones she’d dated for months.
“What did you say?” Fallon asked.
“I like Blaise. A lot.” Hadley refolded a pair of pants. “I am falling for him.”
“Fallen. Past tense.” Fallon picked up the tiara from the bed.
Hadley snatched it from her and packed the tiara between her pajamas. “And if I have?”
Compassion filled Fallon’s eyes. “Be careful. I don’t know what kind of contract you have with Blaise, but you’ve never dated a client before. It could make things murky.”
Hadley had told Fallon enough to answer her sister’s questions. The kids had told their mom that Mr. M was hiring Hadley to find him a wife.
“So far everything’s been fine. We talk all the time.” Blaise hadn’t asked about her search for Wes and Dash, either. “I’m sure it’ll be okay.”
“But you’re not one for breaking the rules.”
Fallon knew her too well. Hadley plopped onto the bed.
“I’m not freaking out, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Or hadn’t been—but they also hadn’t seen each other in person since he dropped her at the condo. “But I’ll be honest. If there wasn’t so much money at stake, I’d be tempted to cancel our contract so he wasn’t a client.”
“Why don’t you?” Lines creased Fallon’s forehead. “It’s just money, and you’re never hurting for clients.”
Hadley hadn’t told her sister about the deal with Blaise. “The amount he’s paying me is enough for us to buy a house nearby.”
Fallon’s eyes widened, both with surprise and excitement. “Really?”
Hadley nodded. “It’s a dream come true.”
“But at what price?”
She shook her head. “It’s not like I work at his company. Everything will be fine.”
“If you’re sure, but please be careful.”
She thought about Blaise, his sweet smile and the heat in his eyes after he’d kissed her. “I am. And I will.”
* * *
On Friday, as Hadley waited for her flight to board for Las Vegas, her phone rang. Wes Lockhart’s name on the screen made her smile. He’d had a date last night with a woman Hadley thought would be perfect for him, and she couldn’t wait to hear how it went. “Hi, Wes.”
“Ready to join us in Las Vegas?”
All of Blaise’s friends would be at the conference, but he’d promised they would spend time alone. She wouldn’t be greedy as long as she got a kiss. Okay, a few kisses. Not to mention hugs. “I’m at the gate now.”
“I wanted to talk to you without Blaise around.” Wes sounded…troubled.
“What’s going on?” She kept her voice light.
“I went on my date. Julia is a lovely woman. I can see why you chose her for me. Any other time…”
Hadley had heard this from clients before, but Wes had a reason why he felt this way. Or at least she thought he did. “It’s not her, it’s you?”
“I should be ready to date again, but I’m not.” Wes sighed. “Or maybe I don’t want to or… I don’t know.”
The mix of confusion and anguish in his voice made her want to reach through her phone and hug him. If only that were possible. “There are no shoulds. No one can decide when you’re ready, only you.”
“But the guys—”
“Care about you. They want what’s best for you.”
“Like we do with Blaise.”
“Exactly. You’ve been through a lot with the cancer. You’re young.”
“Dash would beg to differ.”
She laughed. “Okay, you’re young compared to everyone but Dash.”
That brought a laugh from Wes. “I just think I need more time to deal with everything I’ve been through.”
“Then take it. There’s no reason to rush.”
“Blaise…”
“Do you want me to talk to him about it?”
“Would you?” Relief filled Wes’s voice. “I was a jerk when he told us about his past, more out of being hurt he didn’t trust me when I trusted him with everything when I was sick.”
“He understands.”
She had no doubt about that, but Blaise would have to realize Wes’s well-being was more important than the bet. Because this was two separate issues. They just affected each other.
“How about I bring it up to him first?” she offered. “Pave the way so to speak?”
“That would be great. Thanks, Hadley.”
A boarding announcement that included her row was made.
“I need to get on the plane.”
“Have a good flight,” Wes said. “I’m happy Blaise found you, Hadley. You’re perfect for him.”
“Thanks.” Knowing his friend felt that way made her giddy, but she had no time to relish the feeling. She grabbed the handle of her suitcase. “I’ll see you in Vegas.”
* * *
The Golden Leaves Leadership Conference in Las Vegas brought out corporate people, entrepreneurs, investors, experts from a wide range of industries, and a few wannabes. From informative talks to extravagant dinners to deals made at the blackjack tables, the gathering was the stuff Blaise had dreamed about when he founded his company. Now, he would be one of the featured panelists later.
As if on cue, his friends walked up.
“Good luck on your panel, Blaise,” Mason said.
Kieran grinned. “Knock ’em dead.”
“Just remember who’s done two panels,” Wes joked.
“Dash?” Adam teased.
“Ha ha.” Wes, however, wasn’t smiling. “Wonderkid is off being interviewed. He doesn’t do his second panel until tomorrow morning.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “My bad.”
Blaise listened to them, shifted his weight between his feet, fighting rising nerves.
Ridiculous.
He shouldn’t be nervous. People loved hearing what Blaise Mortenson had to say. Except, unlike his five friends, he’d never spoken here before. This was his first invitation to participate on a panel. His friends might be kidding him now, but the board had told him how important this panel was.
An enormous deal.
Blaise didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
“We’re getting coffee,” Mason said. “Want to join us?”
“No, thanks. I promised Brett I’d sit in on his session.”
“That should get you psyched up for yours,” Adam said.
“Or out,” Wes joked.
Kieran shook his head. “Always the comedian, Lockhart.”
As his friends headed toward the escalator, Blaise ran over what he wanted to say during his panel. He had bullet points on his tablet, but he’d memorized them.
“We need to talk.” Lex pulled Blaise toward a less-crowded section of the lobby.
This wasn’t like the guy. “What’s wrong?”
A vein ticked at Lex’s jaw. “That reporter is here.”
That reporter meant the jerk who goaded Blaise into a fight. His fists clenched, so he flexed his fingers. Losing his temper would only upset the board again. And he had to remain in control for the panel.
> Talk about lousy timing. “Keep him away from me.”
“Will do, but you need to be aware that he’s here and likely watching you.”
Just what Blaise didn’t need. He blew out a breath.
“I’ll be careful.” He’d learned his lesson about being provoked in public. The reporter probably wanted another fifteen minutes of fame after their last run-in. “Besides, that’s why you and Rizzo are here.”
Lex nodded once. “We’ve got your back.”
A few hours later, Blaise hadn’t seen the reporter. No one appeared to be lurking in the shadows or hallways. Maybe the guy was off bothering someone else and would leave Blaise alone. Lex was in the auditorium where the panel would be held. Rizzo was nearby, waiting in a long line for the coffee Blaise wanted.
His cell phone buzzed.
HL: I’m here. Picked up my badge.
Blaise: I’m on the second level of the South Hall, hanging out before my panel.
HL: On my way.
She was here. On her way to him. Blaise put his phone in his jacket pocket.
Anticipation buzzed through him. He couldn’t wait to see her.
If anyone could calm him before his panel, she could.
Being apart hadn’t been easy, but the distance between San Francisco and Portland wasn’t a deal-breaker. It beat the alternative—not being together.
Blaise searched the people coming onto the second floor but didn’t see her. He rubbed his palms together.
She would be here soon.
Not soon enough.
He nearly laughed aloud.
Blaise hadn’t been looking for a girlfriend or a relationship, but he’d found both in Hadley. He couldn’t imagine his life without his beautiful, smart, demanding matchmaker.
They were perfect together.
He fixed problems. She made plans. Together, they would find a solution that worked for everyone, including her family. Until then, they would make the most of whatever time they had, especially here in Las Vegas once he finished his panel.
He picked a speck of lint off his jacket.
“Blaise!” Hadley called out from the escalator.
He waved at her, and she hurried toward him.
The Wife Finder Page 17
