Matchmaker

by Lauren Landish

  I know some, Meredith included, may not like my choices, but at the end of the day, there can only be one final Match. So hopefully, there are no hard feelings. My next time up, Hayden approaches with a smile that makes me weak in the knees. I smile back as he speaks, not letting him on to how attracted I am to him.

  “Hey, Emily,” he says in that sultry voice that can melt chocolate, “Can I show you something?” He points at my hands. “Not hating on your skills, but I noticed that you turn your wrist as you let go of the ball. That’s why it keeps going left, and you could really hurt your wrist. Do you mind?” He’s gesturing toward me and I realize he’s going to show me. I smile and nod. He steps behind me, nestling my ass in his crotch as he puts his left hand on my hip. He wraps his right hand around my wrist, holding it straight as he leads my arm back and forth a few times, making sure I get the feel of the move.

  My cheeks burn scarlet at the proximity of his body and my temperature rises a few degrees. Fuck, I’m feeling something, all right, but I’m not sure it’s my bowling skills improving.

  He steps away, our eyes meeting, and he gives me another heated smile. It’s contagious, and I smile back, wanting to yell for someone to bring me a damn fan!

  Considering the setup, Hayden could’ve played that much dirtier, but he seems like a gentleman and I appreciate that.

  Taking his advice, I consciously swing my arm back and forth, letting go and watching with delight as the ball rolls straight down the alley and slowly knocks every pin down.

  “Woo-hoo!” I scream joyfully, clapping for myself. I jump up and down, turning to give Hayden a hug. “Thanks! You were right!”

  Hayden hugs me back for a moment, then releases me, raising his hand for a high-five. From there on, we continue bowling, and after the tenth frame, Lee and Hayden are the top two. I’m not really surprised. They both seem eager to win and are pushing each other to the max.

  I clap my hands together and smile as if they’re all my Prince Charmings and I’m their princess. “That was a lot of fun today, guys! Thanks for mostly being good sports and making this fun.” I pause, taking a deep breath and drawing out the moment. Meredith told me that whenever I’m making an announcement or a decision, be as dramatic as possible.

  “Well, I’m supposed to pick from the top two for lunch. I’d like to invite Hayden,” I say finally, my heart pounding in my chest. More than a few faces drop, even though according to the rules, they’d already been disqualified.

  Hayden’s face breaks out into a grin as he starts walking toward me, his arms open wide. But I’m shocked when Meredith interrupts from the sidelines, shaking her head. “Wait! I’m sorry, Emily, but you weren’t supposed to just pick like that. The crew was supposed to bring out the button for you to push. Don’t worry, we’ll edit that out.”

  I look at her, confused. “What button?”

  As if in response, the crew quickly rushes forward and sets up a prop button and the score displays change above us. The names Hayden and Lee flash back and forth on them, and apparently, when I hit the button, it’ll freeze on one of their names.

  Please let it be Hayden.

  I stand and watch the names flash, concentrating. When I think I got a lock on the name I want, I smash the button and it freezes on . . . Lee. My heart drops in my chest and it’s a struggle to keep the smile on my face.

  I’m surprised when Hayden steps forward and gives me a hug, whispering in my ear, “It’s all right, beautiful. Thanks for picking me when you had the chance. I’ll look forward to our date.” When he steps away, I have goosebumps on my flesh.

  Before I can say a word, Lee virtually prowls toward me, appearing irritated and practically radiating power and sex. He takes my hand, kisses it softly with his lips, and then takes a little bow like I’m a princess. There’s a challenge in his eyes when he straightens and looks at me. A challenge I don’t think I want to accept.

  “Shall we?”

  Chapter 8

  Emily

  Confessional

  I look at the cameraman, sitting back in the high chair, feeling a bit of nerves tightening my stomach.

  “Are we on?” I ask.

  The cameraman, Joe, nods at me. “Talk whenever you’re ready.”

  I pat my hair, hoping nothing is out of place and that my makeup isn’t crazy, but I see McKayla over on the side give me a thumbs-up. I take a deep breath, thinking about what I’m going to say, and then draw myself up.

  “Ahem.” I clear my throat and begin speaking. “Never in a million years did I think I’d wind up on a show like this. I mean, I’ve watched enough of them to become an expert, but my experience being the first Matchmaker, thus far, has already been an eye-opener. The men seem nice, and it’s been tough cutting some of them. There’s a few I feel a spark with, so I guess we’ll see how that goes. I appreciated Hayden’s help with the bowling. There’s a few I’m not as invested in, and some have even turned me off a little. I work a lot with children, and I’m not looking for immaturity in a man. But who knows? Anything can happen.”

  The comment gets a chuckle out of McKayla, and I continue. “I’m off to lunch with Lee, who seems very charming and confident. Other standouts? Matt . . . something in his eyes says he’d be fun to get to know more. Cody . . . uhm, he seems like a huge teddy bear and I kinda wanna cuddle up with him. Dean . . . kinda an All-American boy next door. Carlos . . . he promised to teach me how to dance, and that sounds fun. Yeah, there are some standouts.”

  After a quick touchup to my hair, makeup, and wardrobe, I settle in at an intimate table for two on the back porch. Well, it would be intimate if there weren’t ten people around doing the set work. It’s kinda funny when Meredith tells us that this is supposed to be a bit more revealing, more connection. She wants some kind of fireworks to happen.

  Apparently, that’s my job, like I have any idea how to create the ‘camera magic’ she’s demanding. Lee, who’s sitting across from me, is unaware of the turmoil wracking my mind as he smiles warmly at me. “I’m so happy to have lunch with you today, Emily. Finally, all to myself.”

  I return his smile, trying to relax and nodding my head. “Yes, I want to get to know all of you better to see who I might be a match with.” I pause. God, I sound so awkward, so forced. It gives me a newfound respect for the women who seem so natural at doing these things.

  “So, uh . . . tell me about yourself,” I say, flashing a smile.

  Lee grins, leaning back in his seat. “Well, I used to be a major gamer geek, doing live gameplay voiceovers. I moved on to a multi-media platform reviewer who gets early releases from the studios. As an early reviewer, my videos could make or break a game release. I’ve got about fifteen million subscribers.”

  I arch an eyebrow, impressed. Fifteen million and I’ve never heard of him? I have to wonder if he’s pulling my leg, heavily exaggerating. But then again, I don’t play video games or even get on social media much. “Fifteen . . . million?”

  Lee smiles proudly, nodding. “Yep, my last E-Sports convention sold out within minutes. I had people lining up to watch me play and talk about the game.” He goes on to tell me about how much he’s made from endorsements and how he’s headed for even bigger things.

  I’m a bit flabbergasted, both in that I didn’t even know such a thing existed and that he’s talked for about fifteen minutes straight with barely a sound from me.

  After a while, he must see something on my face, because he stops. “I’m sorry, I’m talking your head off. I’m just passionate about my work and can get carried away sometimes. You get the picture. Tell me about you.”

  I stare at him for a moment. I can appreciate that he’s passionate, but I admit I’m comfortable steering the conversation away from something I know so little about.

  At the same time, I’m hesitant to tell him about myself. I’m boring, certainly not popular. I could embellish a little, but I remember Meredith saying that I need to be truthful. She and the producers feel that view
ers connect more with leads who are authentic.

  “For the past few years, I’ve been working as a nanny. I was going to school for an education degree, and this was a way for me to spend time with little ones,” I finally say. “I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, and while I’m still taking classes, it’s on a more part-time basis so that I can take care of my kids when they need me there. They’re like my family now, their parents too.”

  Lee grins. “So you’re a babysitter? I think that’s awesome. I’m sure you’re great with the kids and they love you. Besides, who doesn’t love kids?”

  I shift in my seat. He’s smiling, but for some reason, the way he called me a ‘babysitter’ almost feels like he looks down on it. I do so much more than that, but maybe it’s just semantics. He probably just doesn’t know the difference. I would probably botch video game lingo too. With a smile, I try to let it go, choosing to focus on the compliment he gave me instead.

  We continue our lunch, talking about the show a little bit and what we dream about for our futures. When he says he wants a big family, I can’t help it, my ovaries tingle a little as I like the sound of it. I don’t know if he’d be the one to have that big family with, but if I were only a little more forward, I might just let him take me to bed to see if we’re compatible.

  I mentally laugh at myself. Like that would ever happen . . . yeah, that’s not me.

  Despite the wrong foot we got off on, I can’t really find anything bad to say about Lee. He’s been interesting, smooth, and he’s even made me laugh a little. It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. It’s been a lovely first date. Still, babysitter. The way he said it won’t leave my mind. I think it wasn’t the word that irked me so much. It was that his tone sounded a bit condescending. But nothing else has sounded that way. He’s been quite charming and sweet, in fact, so maybe I should just let it go? Especially considering the stress of the awkward situation we’re in.

  As we stand up, Meredith pops up from the sidelines. I swear, that lady is a ghost Jack-in-the-box, popping up at the most inopportune moments.

  “Great job, guys,” she says, giving me a thumbs-up and a smile. “Just need the kiss and we’ll call the scene.” My heart jumps and my mouth goes dry.

  Did she just say kiss? On the cheek, right?

  I look at Lee, who’s grinning like he expects to do more than just kiss me on the cheek. I don’t know if it’s because I’m being watched or what, but I feel unsure. I mean, I expected to be kissing multiple men. That’s what the show is about, finding your perfect match. And you’re sure as hell not finding him without getting your lips wet.

  “Uhm, I don’t usually kiss on the first date . . .” I reply. Shit, did I really just say that on camera?

  Meredith smiles tightly at me like I’m a toddler, clearly not caring. “Prep for the kiss scene!”

  I’m nearly shaking like a leaf as Lee steps up to me. He takes my hand, smiling at me. “I don’t usually kiss on a first date either, but then again, we’re both here for the same thing.” He leans in and I close my eyes.

  I’m expecting a bit of sweet smack, but Lee has other plans. He presses his lips against mine and then ignites, demanding entry and tangling his tongue with mine, his fists knotting my dress at my waist and holding me tightly to him.

  Holy shit, my head is swirling and my knees feel like they’ll buckle. I’ve never been kissed like this. After a moment, Lee slows down a little, pulling back, and I open my eyes. I can see the glint of satisfaction reflected in his as I suck in a gulp of air.

  He watches me with a smile on his face, the corners of his lips turning up. He did go a little overboard, but I can tell he knows I liked it. As he releases me, I vaguely hear Meredith from far away. “Cut. Perfect. Let’s head down for the match scene. Emily, you’ll tell us whom you want to cut and then we’ll do the ceremony.”

  Back in front of the hedge backdrop, I discuss my thoughts with Meredith, Nate, and his damn clipboard, going over everything about my date with Lee and the guys during the bowling. I tell them whom I’d like to keep and whom I’d like to see go, several times needing picture name cards to even know whom I was talking about.

  Once we’ve made our list, Nate hands out the cards as the men begin to file in and stand before me with their hands held respectfully behind their backs. Every man looks a little nervous. Well, except two—Hayden and Lee. Lee is confident, and Hayden just looks a little upset.

  It’s because he wanted the date with me.

  “Let’s go!” Meredith yells from the sidelines, motioning at me like I’m a dog that won’t obey his master. “Andele!”

  Lowering my head, I suck in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. After a moment, I raise it and let my eyes roam across all the gathered faces. “Gentlemen, I had so much fun on our group date today. Some of you showed that you were true sportsmen and consummate gentlemen. Some, however, didn’t. Unfortunately, I’ll have to send some of you home tonight.” I let out a dramatic sigh, frowning. “I want you to know it’s really hard for me to make these choices so fast, but I have to decide based on the time we have. Please don’t take it personally . . . you’re just not the perfect match for me.”

  I look over to the sidelines, where McKayla and Brad have shown up. They’re both grinning at me and giving me thumbs up.

  I tear my eyes away from them, even though their presence and support give me confidence to keep going in some weird way. “So, without further ado, Lee. We had the date together, and it’s time to see if we’re a match.”

  Grinning like a wolf that’s caught his prize, Lee walks up to me with his card.

  “Ready?” I ask.

  Lee nods. “Yes, ma'am.”

  He turns his card over at the same time I do, revealing our split image on both cards. I give him a radiant smile. “Lee, we’re a match.”

  He grins, giving me a hug and whispering in my ear, “Thank you, gorgeous,” and goes back over with the group of men.

  I swallow, keeping my eyes neutral just like Meredith instructed so the viewing audience won’t know whom I’m picking next whenever this airs. I work down the rest of the front row of men. Mark, Luke, Shawn, and two more guys who just haven’t stood out are cut.

  And then there were ten.

  Chapter 9

  Hayden

  Fresh out of the shower, I run my fingers through my hair, checking for stubble on my jawline. Yesterday was rough for me, having my chance with Emily snatched right out of my hands. What made it even worse is that Lee got the date instead.

  “How do you think their date went for real? I don’t believe a word that douchebag Lee says.” asks Dean, the guy the producers have me rooming with. He’s standing next to me at the double vanity, slicking aftershave lotion along his cheeks. Dean seems like a cool guy from Colorado, somewhat laidback with a wicked sense of humor. If we weren’t competing, I might enjoy having a beer with him. Actually, I probably still would. I’m a big boy and can deal with a bit of competition.

  “No idea,” I respond, turning to face him.

  “What do you mean?” Dean gawks in disbelief. “You heard Lee last night after their date, going on about how awesome it was. He even said she’s a good kisser, just a little skittish at first, but apparently, he ‘warmed her right up’. He’s such a player. Wouldn’t be surprised if he finger banged her while the cameraman wasn’t looking.”

  Just the thought of such a scenario unsettles me, but I brush the image away. I don’t really know Emily yet, but I know enough to say that she has class and wouldn’t do something like that on a first date with a man she doesn’t know.

  I shake my head. “Not a chance. One, Emily isn’t like that. Two, Lee’s the type who would brag, so he’d have already shared that with everyone like a cocky asshole.”

  Dean arches an eyebrow. “Okay, you’re right about Lee, but how would you know she’s not like that? She seems like a nice enough chick and all, but you don’t even know her. She could just be here fo
r the fame and is willing to fuck her way to the best match.”

  I give Dean a look to let him know this isn’t a conversation I want to have. “I’ve seen enough to know she’s not like that.”

  He gets the point and turns, running some product through his hair. He’s got a pretty conservative cut that totally makes him look like a regular dude. “Well, Lee’s one lucky bastard either way. First impressions are always big.”

  I’m not going to lie. I hate the fact Lee got the first date with Emily and that she chose to keep him around afterward. It couldn’t have been bad if she kept him afterward. It didn’t help matters that he bragged about the date before the ceremony, making us all a little nervous, and then after, he went around acting like he’s already a shoo-in to win. Just around us guys, of course. I’m not so sure he’s telling the truth, but I haven’t had my time alone with her yet.

  When I do, this whole game will change.

  “Can’t believe we’re doing horseback riding,” Dean complains when he’s done messing with his hair. “I’ve never even touched a horse.”

  “Well, Emily spun the wheel, so now we have to make the best of it,” I say, finishing my grooming. Last night, in another one of those moves that makes reality TV anything but, Meredith announced that our next activity would be horseback riding but we needed to film a scene of Emily spinning a wheel so it looks like a random selection. Yep, reality TV is totally real . . . and if anyone believes that, I’ve got a bridge in Arizona to sell them too.

  After going down for the makeup they make us wear for TV, they make us get dressed in Western gear for full effect. The Ruff Ryder Jeans company is a sponsor of this episode, so we all line up for a camera scan of our asses with their logo prominently displayed.