A Match for Meghan (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Dear Foxy-Girl. Thanks for writing back.

  Meghan finished the rest of the message then sighed. The man was a romantic. She typed out a short reply and pressed Send. However, this time she informed him about the mix-up.

  She stared at the screen hoping he was online, but no reply came. Maybe her admission had turned him away. Too bad. It was just as well, since her intent had been to delete Ben’s account and get off the dating site—not become involved with this Animal-Magnet dude.

  “Meghan, do you have a minute?” At the sound of Ben’s voice, she clicked the X in the top right corner of the email, then looked up at him “Ben—I mean, Dr. Young, what’s up?”

  “I was hoping to have a word.”

  “What did I do this time?”

  He chuckled. “My office?”

  Why did it feel like she was being summoned to the principal’s office? Meghan followed after him. She’d sure seen a lot of the inside of this room lately.

  “Close the door?”

  Her heart raced. This couldn’t be good.

  Ben leaned against the front of his desk with crossed arms.

  Not good at all. She stood at the door with her hand resting on the knob.

  He smiled. “I don’t bite.”

  “You sure? I don’t think I’m going to like this conversation.”

  “Probably not, but I promise it will be less painful than you’ve made my life of late.” He nodded to the chairs normally reserved for visitors, and then sat behind his desk facing her.

  Uh-oh. Her heart thudded in her chest. With shaking legs, she left the safety of the door and slogged the few steps to the seat in front of him.

  “Something was brought to my attention yesterday that I’m not happy about.”

  “Oh?” Maybe this wasn’t about her after all.

  “Are you aware I have an online dating profile?”

  She held her breath. He’d found out—the exact thing she hadn’t wanted to happen.

  He quirked a brow. “Do you happen to know anything about that?”

  She blinked rapidly, breathed deep and let it out in a puff. “Umm. Well, when I was trying to find someone to set you up with, I discovered it was more difficult than I thought it would be. I figured an online dating service would be a good solution to my problem since there’s such a huge pool of potential matches.”

  “Let me get this straight. You couldn’t find me a date, and out of desperation, you signed me up for an online dating service? Isn’t that cheating?”

  “Not exactly. I screened the women who replied and—”

  “Women replied?” His brow shot up.

  “Of course they did. You’re an attractive man. But like I said, none of them were right for you. I had planned to delete the account.” Her shoulders slumped. If only she hadn’t been distracted by Animal-Magnet.

  “I see.” He ran his finger back and forth across the arm of the chair.

  Why wasn’t he saying anything? She squirmed in her seat. “I can remove it right now if you’d like.”

  “I would.”

  She jumped up and rushed around his desk. “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all.” He got out of his chair so she could sit down. He hovered over her shoulder as she accessed the site from his computer. “Not that I approve of what you did, but thanks for making me sound so great.”

  “I only stated the facts, but you’re welcome.” She deleted his profile. “Okay, done.”

  “Good.” He spun her chair around to face him and he leaned in close. “Don’t do anything like that again. Okay?” He spoke like he was talking to a wounded puppy—gently.

  His minty breath tickled her nose—he was so close she could see the variation of color in his irises. She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” His gaze locked with hers. Compassion filled his eyes. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was going to kiss her.

  She swallowed. “I, umm, should go.”

  He straightened and stepped back.

  She pushed up and brushed past him, but not fast enough. His hand snagged her arm, warming it.

  “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to upset you. In fact, there’s something I need—”

  “I’m fine, but I need to go.” She couldn’t listen to one more word the man had to say. How could he be so nice? His angst was much easier to deal with than this soft side. She knew how to deal with uptight people, but compassion and kindness...Meghan pulled her arm free and fled.

  * * *

  Ben sat and rested his head in his hands. His heart sprinted like a racehorse. What had just happened? Had he hurt her feelings or been too hard on her? He’d planned to tell her about Animal-Magnet and they’d both have a good laugh, but she had bolted like a spooked lamb. Now what?

  Surely, she was tougher than that. After all, Meghan usually spoke her mind without much thought. But the vulnerability he’d seen on her face about broke him in two. He hurt for her and couldn’t understand why.

  Did I do something wrong, Lord?

  Silence.

  Seemed that’d been the norm lately when he spoke to God. What was wrong with him? Maybe another visit to his parents’ would help. Life always seemed more in perspective after talking with them. He powered off his computer and headed out. Maybe he’d even make it in time for dinner.

  Fifteen minutes later, he pulled into the gravel driveway and parked near the barn. He hopped out and ambled to the front porch. Before he could ring the bell, the door swung open.

  “This is a nice surprise.” His mom enveloped him in a warm hug. “I’ve been baking pies for the ladies Bible study this week. It’s my turn to bring the snack.”

  He sniffed the air. “I hope you made extra.” There was nothing better than his mom’s pies.

  Her eyes twinkled. “Always. There’s split pea soup on the stove and French bread in the basket. Help yourself. Your dad was worn out today, so he went to bed early.”

  Alarm shot through him. “Why’s he so tired?” He pulled a ceramic bowl from the cupboard and ladled soup into it. He grabbed a piece of bread.

  She waved a spatula at him. “Now stop worrying. I see that look on your face. He was up late last night watching a movie.”

  “Oh. But still, it’s just past six. Are you sure he’s okay?” They’d had quite a scare when his dad suffered a heart attack and needed bypass surgery a while back. Learning that he was tired enough to go to bed at six in the evening worried him.

  “Positive.”

  “Okay.” His mom would never deceive him. Ben eased into a chair at the kitchen table and offered a silent blessing for his meal. When he looked at his mom again, she’d returned to rolling out piecrust. He spooned in a mouthful of his favorite soup—there was nothing like comfort food. “I hope the movie was worth missing this.”

  She chuckled. “Couldn’t say. I went to bed on time. What brings you by this evening?”

  “I’ve been giving some thought to dating like you suggested.”

  She glanced his way then carefully placed the dough in the glass pie plate. “And?”

  “I’m not sure.” He’d always been close to his parents and respected their opinions, but talking about this kind of stuff didn’t come naturally. “I mean, there is this woman who I think I could have feelings for. But—”

  She whipped around to face him.

  He laughed. “I didn’t know you could move that fast.”

  “Don’t tease.” She pulled out a chair and sat. “Tell me more.”

  Where to begin? He sighed. “It’s complicated.”

  “Life has a way of being complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Tell me what’s going on.”

  He’d hoped being here would make t
hings clear in his mind, but so far, all he felt was embarrassment. As much as he loved the lady sitting across from him, he couldn’t say what he was thinking. He was growing to care for Meghan, but he also knew she wasn’t the woman for him as long as she wanted nothing to do with God. His mom would agree and try to set him up with one of her friend’s daughters. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up, but maybe you and Dad could be praying. I could use some wisdom.” And a good dose of common sense would help, too.

  Disappointment shadowed her eyes for a moment. “I’ll be praying, but just so you know, I’ve heard that you’ve been seen around the village with a few different women. If you’re developing feelings for one in particular, do you think playing the field is wise?” She raised her brow before standing and returning to the pies. “I find talking things out helps me see more clearly.”

  “I forgot about the small town rumor mill. Yes, I’ve gone out with a few women recently. Meghan, a woman who works at the clinic, is an amateur matchmaker and is determined to find me a match.” Saying he was playing the field seemed the safest course of action.

  “So you hired her to set you up? I must say, that surprises me. You don’t seem the kind of person desperate enough to need someone’s help in finding a date. I’ve always thought you were more your own man.”

  His shoulders tensed at the disapproving tone in his mom’s voice. “I told her no several times, but she doesn’t understand that word. She wore me down, and I finally agreed to let her give it a try.”

  Mom waved a hand. “What about this woman you mentioned maybe having feelings for?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You better figure it out, son. I don’t want you breaking any hearts.” She placed crust in a second pie plate. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”

  That made two of them. Explaining the trick he’d played on Meghan—and that he’d neglected to tell her the truth—would only irritate his mom further. She’d never understand that he had meant to teach Meghan a lesson. Most likely, she’d be even more disappointed in him. No, it was best to stay silent on that topic with his mother.

  Now Dad would get it. He quickly finished off the soup and rinsed his bowl. “Thanks for dinner. It was as delicious as always.”

  “You heading out?”

  “Yes, but not without a slice of pie.” He eyed the apple confection on the counter.

  She chuckled, cut him a generous slice and placed it on a paper plate.

  “Thanks.” He held the plate to his nose. “It smells delicious.”

  “It better.” She winked. “Stop in tomorrow if you still want to talk with Dad. I’m making meatloaf for dinner.”

  “I’ll try. Love you.” He planted a kiss on her cheek and let himself out. He was still no closer to knowing what to do, but at least his stomach was full. Maybe he should stop worrying about dating and Meghan and simply enjoy the adventure. His mom had always accused him of being a worrywart, and he was proving her right.

  He climbed into his truck, placed the pie on the seat beside him and started the engine. Perhaps it was time to lighten up on the need to be perfect all the time and have fun. The profiles for Foxy-Girl and Animal-Magnet would be a good place to start on that fun. In fact, he’d been so busy today he hadn’t stopped to see if she’d replied to his second message.

  Easing onto the main road, he drove home. A familiar Jeep raced toward him, and he saw Meghan behind the wheel. He waved and kept on driving, determined to ignore the skip his heart made when he’d spotted her. His heart didn’t skip—never had.

  A few minutes later, he pulled into his driveway. Jeremy was coming out of the barn. “How’s it going?” Ben asked.

  “Great.”

  He should probably engage the teen in conversation, but an urgency to get to his computer prevailed. “Glad to hear it. Take care.” With a wave, he headed into the house. He kicked off his shoes and went straight for his laptop. His heart hammered in his chest. He was behaving like a teenager, and he didn’t care for it one bit. A grown man needed to keep his reactions in check. He woke up the laptop and logged in.

  The screen flashed six messages. Probably junk, but maybe one was from Meghan. He clicked to open the program and grinned.

  I’m glad you wrote back. I wasn’t sure you would. LOL I have a way of scaring men away.

  He frowned at her admission. She’d said as much to him, but he never thought she would tell Animal-Magnet. He continued reading.

  You sound like a nice guy, and I’d like to get to know you. But, there’s been a mistake. I’m not Foxy-Girl. I mean, not the Foxy-Girl you thought you were emailing. I’d like to keep writing, though, if you’re interested. In fact, you can even keep using that name. :)

  Here’s to hoping you feel the same way as me. What do you like to do for fun? My life revolves around animals, so I find it ironic your username is Animal-Magnet.

  He skimmed the part where she described her job, and then stopped abruptly at the message’s last sentence. She had ended it with a hook.

  Send me a pic. I want to see what a man who calls himself Animal-Magnet looks like.

  He stared at the screen too stunned to move. Meghan really liked him—correction, she liked Animal-Magnet. His thoughts raced. What harm would it do to play along for a while? He wouldn’t say or do anything hurtful, and maybe it would build her self-esteem.

  A picture could be a problem, though. He hadn’t considered she’d want to see a photograph of him. He couldn’t very well send a picture or the jig would be up.

  He rushed to the small desk pushed against the wall and dug through the top drawer. A blurry picture he should have thrown away years ago snagged his attention. It was a graduation picture from college, and it was hard to see his face.

  He scanned the photo into his computer, composed an email and pressed Send. This charade would either end now, or she would accept the bad quality photo he’d sent. He stared at the screen, anticipation churning in his gut. Would this be the end of Foxy-Girl and Animal-Magnet? Or would their correspondence continue?

  Chapter 12

  The front door slammed shut. Meghan rolled off her bed and padded to the living room. She’d been staring at the computer screen ever since Animal-Magnet had sent his picture. She was no closer to figuring out what to do. Should she ask him for a different photo, or just accept he didn’t want to be seen yet, which would explain why he had sent a blurry one.

  Cassie paced the room mumbling unintelligibly.

  “Care to talk about it?” Meghan plopped onto the couch and tucked her feet beneath her while leaning onto the arm. Whatever bothered her roommate must be big because she rarely behaved this way.

  “No.” Cassie pivoted before walking to the other side of the room and retracing her steps. “Trey is engaged!” She collapsed into the chair. “He actually sent me a wedding invitation.”

  Meghan caught her breath. “How rude!” Clearly, her roommate still had feelings for her ex-boyfriend even though she had said she didn’t love him. Meghan studied Cassie’s anguished face and tossed aside everything Ben had taught her about communicating with people. Sometimes a girl had to speak the truth, and in as few words as possible. “I feel for you, but why are you angry? You dumped him and told me you didn’t love him.”

  “I lied. He dumped me.”

  Meghan closed her gaping jaw. Cassie, at least to her knowledge, was not in the habit of lying. “Why?”

  “Why didn’t I tell the truth, or why did he dump me?”

  “Both.”

  “I lied because I didn’t want you or anyone else to feel sorry for me. He dumped me because he’d met someone else.” Cassie groaned. “It’s humiliating.”

  Meghan shifted to her knees. “Let me fix you up with one of my clients. I have quite a few now. And there’s this one that might be pe
rfect for you. I hadn’t said anything because you were determined to be man-free, but I think getting back out there would be good for you.”

  “Thanks for caring, but I don’t want your help. I need a friend, not a matchmaker.” She softened her words with a halfhearted smile.

  “Okay.” She accepted Cassie’s decision. She was hurting and in need of serious cheering up. Meghan headed to the kitchen. “How about ice cream?” She pulled a quart of double chocolate chip from the freezer, pried the top off then grabbed a spoon. “This will cure all that ails you.” She waved the ice cream around slowly, tempting Cassie to reach for the treat.

  Her roommate giggled. “You know my weakness. When did we get this?” She grabbed the tub and spoon, carved out a huge bite and plunged it into her mouth.

  Meghan laughed. There was nothing more entertaining than watching Cassie enjoy her favorite ice cream. Her whole face lit in pleasure.

  “Now this is what I needed.” She scooped out another spoonful.

  “I agree. Who needs men anyway?” Meghan nestled back onto the couch, not yet sure her friend was ready to be alone.

  “Speaking of men, how is your matchmaking business going?”

  “So-so. It’s a lot more difficult than I thought it’d be. It’s one thing to set up a friend, but it’s a very different matter to treat it like a business. Kind of takes out the fun.”

  Cassie nodded, savored another bite of ice cream.

  Meghan cleared her throat. “I need to tell you something. I was so desperate to find Dr. Young a match, I did something stupid.”

  “This I have to hear.” Cassie’s eyes twinkled.

  “You don’t have to look so pleased.” She sighed. Her goal was to help her roommate feel better, not to make herself feel bad, but she couldn’t stop talking now that she’d brought it up. “I can’t believe I did this, but I actually signed him up on a matchmaking site.”

  “No way!” Cassie set the ice cream on the coffee table. “I want details.”