Billionaire Matchmaker: Complete Series (Contemporary Romance)
by Cordelia Baxter
Published by Cordelia Baxter, 2013.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
BILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER: COMPLETE SERIES (CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE)
First edition. March 17, 2013.
Copyright © 2013 Cordelia Baxter.
Written by Cordelia Baxter.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Undone
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Epilogue
Chapter One
"Next!"
"Are you sure she's not a contender?" Allison, my assistant asked me after I had rejected another girl on our list.
"Yes," I replied, briefly glancing at the photo of the busty blonde included in the file. "We're a matchmaking service, not an escort service. Our clients expect a bit more than a hot body."
"Well, what about her, then?" she asked, sliding over a picture of a frumpy brunette.
"Really Allison? You think she would be a good match for Jake Powers?" I asked incredulously.
"I don't know. We've gone through literally hundreds of profiles. Either she's too sexy, or she's too frumpy, or she doesn't have the right education or the right job. I'm starting to think there's not a woman in the whole city that would be good enough for Jake Powers."
"Let's take a 30 minute break," I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
We were both burnt out after spending hours churning over file after file of women in our matchmaking database looking for the perfect woman for our newest client, Jake Powers. I could tell Allison was at her breaking point and my patience was wearing thin as well.
It was a real coup that my company, Elite Matchmaking, landed him as a client. He was by far the wealthiest client we'd ever had, with a net worth easily over $8 billion. On paper, he seemed like the perfect guy. He had everything—looks, brains, money, and enough charisma to charm the panties off a nun. He also had a reputation as a notorious playboy, going from one supermodel to the next.
My initial reaction was why would someone like that need a matchmaking service? He certainly didn’t need my help meeting women. But that thought was quickly discarded. I didn't get to the top of my profession questioning my skills. People came to me to find their soul mates, and I had built up a good reputation for success. Clearly Jake Powers was done with the single bachelor life and needed my help to find the perfect woman for him.
Since Jake was travelling in Singapore for the next several weeks, I couldn't meet with him in person like I normally do with all new clients. We did all our communicating via email. He had just sent me his list of attributes he was looking for in a potential mate. According to his list, he was looking for someone with a sense of humor, not high maintenance, and ambitious. As far as looks, he said he wasn't picky. So in other words, he wanted someone who would laugh at his jokes, was naturally pretty, and not a gold digger. It shouldn't have been too hard to come up with a list of girls that fit the bill, but for some reason, no one stood out.
"Ready to get back to work?" I asked Allison as she came back into my office half an hour later.
"Sure thing," she said, plopping down on the chair opposite me.
"So how many girls have we got on the ‘keeper’ list so far?" I asked.
"Well, out of the hundreds or so we've combed through, we've only got two contenders."
"Yikes."
"Why are we being so picky? I've seen several girls you rejected that seemed like they'd be a good match."
"Because this is not just any client, Allison. It's Jake Powers."
"Okay then. Well what about her?" she replied, unconvinced. She shoved another profile across the desk for me to look at.
"Hmm...28, an attorney, attractive. She's got potential," I said perking up. "Put her on the ‘keeper list’."
"So that makes three girls total."
"That should be good enough for now," I replied rubbing the back of my neck. "Why don't you let them know to come into the office tomorrow? We can vet them further then."
"Will do, boss," she answered, relief in her voice.
I never expected sitting in a chair all afternoon staring at a computer screen could be so tiring. I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes briefly before my phone rang.
“Elite Matchmaking, how may I help you,” I heard Allison answer. Her expression hardened as she identified the caller.
“Oh it’s you,” she said in a decidedly less friendly tone. My eyebrows shot up as I watched Allison scowl down at the phone. She turned to me holding out the receiver with the tips of her fingers as if it were a dead rodent. “It’s Jude,” she said, curling her upper lip in disgust.
I rolled my eyes at her as I took the phone.
“Chloe, my dear, how are you?” Jude greeted me cheerily.
“What is it now, Jude?” I answered.
“Is that any way to greet your best friend?” he replied.
Allison pretended to stick her finger in her mouth mimicking vomiting over her desk as she overheard our conversation. I swiveled my chair away from her so that I wouldn’t have to witness her gestures of disgust while on the phone. She never liked Jude from day one. We broke up when I caught him cheating. The first time I stupidly took him back. He cheated on me again, but was somehow able to weasel himself back into my life. The third time I caught him cheating, I vowed never to take him back and I’ve stuck to it, but we still stay on friendly terms. I could never stay mad at Jude long. He was too selfish and immature to hate. It was like he didn’t even know the things he did were hurtful.
Allison was another story though. She thought he was manipulative and a user, and didn’t have any trouble letting me know it every time he called me asking for a favor.
“First of all, you’re not my best friend,” I replied warily. “Secondly, you never call me unless you need something, so just spit it out.”
“Oh well when you put it like that I guess I should just come out and say it,” he answered good naturedly. “Would you mind terribly if I stay at your place for a little while? Help an old friend out, even if I’m not your best friend? Now I know what you’re thinking,” he began again before I could answer, “and it’s not what you think. Jules and I just broke up and I just need a place to crash for a little bit.”
“Don’t you have any other friends you can stay with?” I asked.
“I’ve tried, and no one can help me out. I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t really need it Chloe. You know that right?” he pleaded.
“How long?” I sighed.
“I knew I could count on you, Chloe! It’s just a few weeks, and don’t worry I’ll stay out of your hair. You won’t even know I’m there.”
“When are you coming?”
“That I’m not sure of yet. Jules went down to her parent’s house, so I figured I can still stay here a few more weeks before she comes back and kicks me out.”
“Preparing ahead, I see,” I answered drolly.
<
br /> Alison shook her head in disgust as I hung up the phone.
Chapter Two
Jake Powers lived in one of the most exclusive buildings in the city, The Pantheon. He had recently returned from his business trip and wanted to meet up to go over the girls I had selected for him. I was on my way to his apartment to set up the dates.
He lived on the penthouse level and took up the whole floor. It was an accomplishment in itself to get an apartment in this building. Several celebrities had been turned down by the co-op board, so for him to get an entire level was an impressive feat.
I smoothed my skirt and pressed the button for the penthouse floor and checked my reflection in the elevator doors. My shoulder length hair was tied back into an efficient ponytail, and I was wearing one of my best suits. It was too bad the reflection distorted my body, showing me a squatter, wider version of myself. I didn’t depress myself with the thought too long. It wasn’t like I was the one who was going on a date with him. My job was to be in the background working my magic.
I stepped out of the elevator clutching my files. Though I was confident in my abilities, I really wanted to please Jake Powers. It was strange; I thought I knew all there was to know about him. Not only had I done a thorough background check, but I had also been communicating with him through email, and questioned him about the most personal aspects of his love life. Yet he was an enigma to me. Maybe it was the challenge of finding the perfect match for one of the most eligible bachelors in the city that spurred me on. Or perhaps it was trying to crack the puzzle that was Jake Powers. Whatever it was, I just knew I couldn't fail.
I rang the doorbell of his apartment not knowing what to expect. Would a butler answer the door? What would he be like? Truth be told, his reputation intimidated me. Depending on who you spoke to, or what paper you read, he could be the most generous, charming philanthropist, frequently taking time out of his busy schedule to work with at risk youth. Or he could be a ruthless, cut-throat mogul who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. While I mused over these thoughts the door opened and a middle aged Hispanic woman stood there expectantly.
"Yes, how may I help you?" she asked.
"Hi, I'm here to see Jake Powers. My name is Chloe Harper, from Elite...uh...I actually have an appointment with him," I answered.
Jake had made it abundantly clear that his privacy was paramount. Even though we sign confidentiality agreements as a standard operating procedure at my company, Jake had his own lawyers draw up an even more stringent set of rules. The first of which was that no one in my company was allowed to disclose his use of our service, or any of the information he provided. I was lucky to catch myself before I really stepped in it. I didn’t know what he told his employees, but I wasn’t about to let the cat out of the bag and get sued.
"Oh yes," she replied. "Please come in Ms. Harper."
She stepped aside for me to enter. I was immediately struck by the opulence and had to catch my breath. The arched entryway to the foyer was supported by two ivory columns on either side. The floors were checkered marble, and a huge floor to ceiling painting adorned the side wall featuring a scene of a Regency era foxhunt. And this was just the foyer. I hadn't even seen the rest of the apartment yet. I must have been standing with my mouth hanging open for a while because the woman discreetly coughed to draw my attention.
"If you'll follow me," she said behind a smile.
I was a bit embarrassed at being caught gawking, so I plastered on my most professional smile and forced my shoulders back and chin up as I followed her into the apartment. On the left was another arched entryway that led to the rest of the apartment.
The room before me stood in stark contrast to the ornate 19th century style of the entryway. It looked like someone with multiple personality disorder lived here, or at least someone who didn't know what style or era they were going for. There were floor to ceiling windows that brightened the whole apartment, hardwood floors and sleek, elegant furniture that gave it a more modern and clean feel. There were two levels to the apartment with a wide spiral staircase leading to the second floor. Outside was a large balcony with a rooftop garden.
I had never seen an apartment in the city on that scale before, and kept my face inscrutable as I discreetly looked around. My whole apartment could probably fit in a closet here, I mused.
"I'll let Mr. Powers know you're here. Please have a seat," the woman said, gesturing towards a white leather sofa behind me.
It felt like I was at a job interview. I mentally ran over all the questions and talking points in my mind, and why I thought the girls I had picked would be a good match for him. I waited for over 10 minutes sitting on his couch, and I couldn’t sit still any longer.
Getting up from the couch, I made my way over to a bookcase I noticed earlier. I thumbed through some titles and was surprised at the eclectic tastes he had in books. There were classics like Shakespeare and Dickens, Romantic poetry, all the Harry Potter books, several biographies, political and philosophical tomes, and surprisingly, a good number of cook books. I picked up a well worn book of poetry turning to a dog eared page.
"She walks in beauty, like the night,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which Heaven to gaudy day denies."
I snapped my head up from the book and turned to follow the rich deep baritone voice reciting the verse. Standing before me was Jake Powers. I couldn’t keep the surprise out of my face since I didn't even hear him walk in.
"Hello, Ms. Harper," he said holding out his hand. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
He looked sexy as hell in his jeans and button down shirt rolled up the sleeves. His sandy brown hair was mussed and unruly as if he had been running his fingers through it, and he sported a rough five o'clock shadow that couldn't hide his dimples when he smiled.
"Oh that's not a problem. Please call me Chloe," I said as I took his outstretched hand. His large warm hands gripped mine in a firm shake. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through me, which caught me completely off guard. I jerked my hand back and wondered what just happened. I had never had a reaction like that to anyone before.
"It's nice to finally meet you," I managed to say after an awkward silence.
"Likewise," he replied.
"So, shall we get down to business?" I asked once we had settled back down on the couch.
"Certainly. Would you like anything to drink before we get started?" he asked.
"A glass of water please."
He got up to get my water, and I took the opportunity to gather my wits about me. It was no use acting like some simpering miss, I berated myself. I had to be professional. My business and livelihood depended on it. I pulled out my laptop with pictures and the profiles of the girls I had selected on it to get me back on my game. But as I booted it up and saw a picture of one of the girls smiling back at me, I had a sudden overwhelming desire to toss it off the rooftop. Suddenly I didn't think these girls were good for him at all.
"Here you are," Jake said, handing me my water.
"Thank you," I replied taking a sip.
"So where should we start?"
"I've got three girls that I think you'd really like,” I said, turning my laptop towards him.
"Hmm nice," he said staring at a picture of an attractive brunette I had chosen.
"Yes, that's Sandra,” I replied. "She's 29, and a doctor."
"I see.” He gave the profile another cursory glance before looking back up at me with a bland expression. I waited for more, but that was all the reaction I got out of him.
"Um...and this is Trista," I said showing him a picture of an elegant blonde. "She's 28 and a successful attorney."
Still no reaction.
"And finally, this is Hannah. She's 26, and a playwright," I said of the petite redhead.
"Interesting
."
"Interesting?" I was getting annoyed. "Do you have any other thoughts?"
I mean really, I had spent hours and hours poring over hundreds of profiles and this was all I got for my work? Interesting?
"They all seem very nice," he said calmly.
"And...?" I pushed.
"And?" he repeated, looking amused.
"Well I was hoping for more of a reaction. Like 'I think she's hideous', or 'What were you thinking, Chloe?'"
"I think you've done a great job, considering what you had to go by," he laughed. "Now I know why everyone raves about you."
"Thank you," I muttered. His compliment caught me off guard. I always wondered how Jake Powers was referred to me and now my curiosity was eating me alive. He must have sensed it since he answered my unasked thought.
"Do you remember Don Dryden?" he asked. "He and his wife sing your praises everywhere they go. He was the one who gave me your contact information."
"Ahh, Don," I said, realization dawning on me. I had set Don and his new bride, Cassie, up on a date 9 months ago. "Another satisfied client."
"Yes, you must have many. I have a feeling my bachelor days may be numbered," he replied enigmatically.
I felt my face flush at his heated stare. It was foolish of me to read anything into his look. I knew I was definitely not his type. I mean he was Jake Powers, successful and gorgeous, and his list of ex-girlfriends was like a Victoria's Secret catalog. I, on the other hand definitely did not belong in any catalog. I had curves, and not just on the breast and butt, but all over including my belly, thighs, and arms. It wasn't like I was down on myself because I wasn't a size 2, but I'm a realist. Guys like Jake Powers didn't go for girls like me. Besides, it would be highly inappropriate for me to date a client. I had to remain professional. With something like a sinking feeling in my stomach, I turned back towards the laptop.
"Well, Mr. Powers—"
"Please call me Jake," he cut in.
"Well, Jake, getting back to business, I've already vetted all three of the women myself and done a thorough background check.”
Billionaire Matchmaker: Complete Series (Contemporary Romance) Page 1
