“Why?”
He considered her challenge. “I’d like to have children one day,” he said slowly. “A companion. A friend to grow old with. Who wouldn’t? I don’t believe it’s out there, but I’m willing to let you prove me wrong. If you think you can handle it.”
She tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, and for the first time since he walked in, she looked completely scattered. About time. “You’d need to go through relationship counseling. Have intensive interviews and screenings with me. Be willing to engage in social events. This is ridiculous, Mr. Montgomery. And I have no time to waste.”
“Neither do I.” He locked his gaze on hers and refused to release her. “Take it or leave it. If you don’t, I’ll know you’re a scam artist and I won’t care about Jane’s reaction. I refuse to let her get hurt so that you can put money in your pocket. If you do take me on, and I see the value in this matchmaking agency, it’s a win-win for both of us. I’ll help you grow your client list and tell everyone I know. What do we have to lose?”
“How about my sanity and sense of humor?” she grumbled.
“Funny, I figured you’d lost those a while ago.”
She glared at him with suspicion, as if suddenly wondering if he had a real sense of humor. Slade wondered why he was enjoying this conversation so much. He was getting tired of being around two types of women: angry and bitter or needy and clingy. Hell, his work had become his full-time lover, and wasn’t that sad in the prime of his life? Of course, he didn’t expect Kinnections to work, but maybe he’d get out of his rut and mend his relationship with Jane. If they both were going through the process, he’d be able to keep a close eye on her. Yes, this was definitely a win-win.
“You’ll need to fill out paperwork and pay the fee.”
He raised a brow. “Of course, Miss Seymour. I didn’t expect anything less.”
“Kate.” Her name spilled reluctantly from her sulky lips. “My name is Kate.”
It suited her. Strong, classy, and full of punch. Simplicity on the outside and complexity on the inside. He reined in the poetic thought, half humiliated at his ridiculousness, and cleared his throat. “Slade. I’ll be looking forward to working with you.”
She fumbled with the stack of papers and shoved them into an envelope. Wrote a few things down on her pad. Then handed it to him. “Fill these out and get them back by the end of the week. I’ll need to schedule you a session for a one-on-one with me by next week.”
“How much is the initial fee?”
“One thousand dollars. All fees are clearly stated in the contract.” Her tone came out slightly mocking. “I’m sure you’ll study the clauses carefully and inform me if there’s a problem.”
He took the envelope and wondered briefly why she didn’t want to shake his hand. Then shook off the thought. Whatever. He needed to get out of here.
“I’ll be in touch. Good-bye, Kate.”
The roll of her name on his tongue was sweet and spicy hot. He hurried out the door without a glance back and wondered if he’d just made the biggest mistake of his life.
KATE UNCLENCHED HER FINGERS and let out a breath. The aftereffects of all that male energy still swarmed around her. What had she agreed to? The man was completely critical of the process, ornery, and had the potential for lethal charm known to good lawyers. She couldn’t believe that Jane came from the same pool of genes, though her brother’s protective instincts toward family gave him extra points.
“Now that one is gonna be a challenge.” The husky purr drifted toward her ears. Her close friend and co-owner of Kinnections, Kennedy Ashe, strolled on her four-inch heels without a wobble, her smart pink plaid business suit screaming elegant perfection. She tapped a matching pink nail against bow-curved lips, her eyes dancing with humor. “The fun I can have with him. You did good, Kate. I sensed the violence within, but you never broke. Arilyn would be so proud. Are those meditation techniques to control your temper working?”
Kate grabbed her bottle and began to fill it from the cooler. “Funny. Don’t mention I never watched the DVD; you’ll hurt her feelings. My instincts screamed for me to turn him down, but I don’t want to risk a lawsuit.”
“Smart. We just broke a hefty profit, so let’s not screw it up. And the man is a drool-worthy specimen. Our female clients will be clamoring to secure an introduction.”
She pressed the button and watched the icy stream trickle into the jug. “I know. We’re right on target, it takes about three years for a business to solidify and begin making money. Of course, all the PR and ten weddings helped. Those are solid percentages in this industry.”
“Maybe Bravo will finally give us a show instead of The Millionaire Matchmaker?”
Kate laughed. “No, thanks. All I need is the world focused on why the owner and head matchmaker can’t seem to keep a relationship. Hell, I can’t even get to date three. It’s the curse.”
Kennedy rolled her eyes and examined her cuticles. Her rich dark hair sparkled with subtle caramel highlights. “This drama again? Your family’s not cursed. Your mom was happily married until your dad passed, and she never lacks for a date. You’re just stubborn.”
“I’m past sad and diving into pathetic. My last date was a nightmare. I set him up with the busboy and now they’re happy.”
“You did it again? Girlfriend, what is it with you and restaurants? You drove Paul into the waitress’s arms last week.”
Kate guzzled the water and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I have no choice. When she handed me the menu, I got the sizzle thing and saw how they looked at each other. They were perfect together. I needed to be the bigger woman.”
“He was a gorgeous doctor who wanted to settle down. Next time, be selfish. Setting them up for a late-night drink was creepy, Kate. And you didn’t even charge him!”
Gloominess hovered. “I know. Sorry. Anyway, I made a decision. No more dating. I’m done.”
Her friend tapped her foot against the polished floor. “Don’t be ridiculous, we’ll go bankrupt if our poster child is the crazy cat lady. Or dog lady, in this case. Maybe you can start wearing gloves. That’ll stop your impulses.”
“And look like an OCD germaphobe? No thanks. Madonna and Michael Jackson are the only ones who sported that look, and I have no wish to morph back to the eighties.”
Kennedy shuddered. “Yeah, you’re right. The fashion was a complete crime against humanity. And the hair.”
On cue, the bell chimed again and the third member of their crew floated in. Arilyn Meadow was the symbol of a walking fashion disaster Kennedy worked hard to transform. Unfortunately, their friend was quite happy and centered living in organic cotton, yoga pants, and animal-free dyes, which excluded most makeup. “Hi, guys. What are you talking about?”
Kennedy gave her a pointed look. “What not to wear.”
Arilyn laughed. The delicate sound matched her soothing voice, perfect for her counseling career with their clients. She was a flower child stuck in today’s society, but still managed to turn heads with her hip-length strawberry blond hair and soulful green eyes.
Kate looked at her friends and down at her usual outfit. Black pants, black tee, jacket, and boots. It was easy, professional, and comfortable. One clotheshorse was enough in the group, and Kennedy pounced on any designer items she could snatch up for a deal.
Odd, the three of them were so different, yet the moment they all connected in college, it was as if they were meant to be together always. Like a family. Completely dysfunctional. In a good way.
Kate spent most of her life running from her family gift/curse and trying various jobs that never worked out. Something always seemed unsettling, as if she wasn’t meant to be there, so it was easy to move on to the next project. But when her friends grouped all their skills and backgrounds together, the idea of a matchmaking service in their town took root and flowered. Plenty of nasty thorns and weeds along the way, of course. But Kate could honestly say they had found their foundation and Kinnections was growing fast.
Kennedy used her talents as the main social events coordinator. She ran all the events and functions within the company, handled makeovers, and was in charge of all marketing. Arilyn used her degree in counseling to carve out a niche as relationship advisor, meeting with all the clients to deepen their experiences and counsel them on a variety of issues holding them back from love.
Good thing she had the touch, or she’d probably end up being the weak link in the group. Of course, she preferred to complete a match based on a variety of their services rather than a random shock along the way. Other than her partners and family, no one knew about her secret, and she intended to keep it that way. The moment news of a witchlike skill went public, they’d be stalked by the press and discredited in their own town.
She shook off her thoughts and leaned her hip against the desk. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
Kennedy ticked off the items on her mental list. “I have makeover screenings with two of our clients. Need to meet with the Purple Haze bar about our next cocktail party. Then I’m jumping out early for my date.”
Kate raised a brow. “Anyone good?”
“We shall see.”
“Did you find him through Kinnections?”
“Nope. I did this on my own and damn proud of it.”
Arilyn sighed. “First dates are so rich with hope and intention.”
Kate snorted. “And awkwardness, drama, and disappointment.”
“Remember the code. Never use negative energy when speaking about dating. It could leak back into our company.”
Kate would have liked to laugh off her friend’s comments but learned early that Arilyn’s sense of positive vibes was key for success. Maybe they were all witches after all. “Sorry. What do you have going on?”
Arilyn stretched her long arms out and flexed her fingers. “Counseling Gary on his social fears. Then I need to work on some of the computer programs and update our client base. Some of our clients made connections with profiles they found interesting and want a phone call arranged.”
It always amazed her that Arilyn had the brain of a geek god when it came to computers, tucked neatly behind her holistic image. It was a lethal combination that drove Kinnections to compete with some of the high-profile match agencies.
“Sounds good. I have a light load also, so maybe I’ll catch up on the endless paperwork and get out of here on time tonight.”
They floated to their respective offices. Kate tried to concentrate on paperwork and not think about Slade Montgomery. Instinct urged her to take the chance on a lawsuit because the man radiated danger. But she’d never been a coward, and she wasn’t about to start now.
No problem.
She’d handle him.
Chapter Three
KATE WATCHED HER new client shrug off his jacket and take a seat in the chic plum chair. He glanced around the room, taking note of the clean lines and soothing decor. Arilyn had taken control with decorating Kinnections, choosing to pair tones that enhanced the heart chakra and encouraged openness and connection. The layout consisted of bold purple and violets, pewter and silver accents, and luxurious fabrics and textures. The counseling room boasted both chairs and sofas, with plump slate-colored pillows, bamboo plants, and a calming water fountain with flat rocks lining the base. The desk was small and tucked in the corner of the square room. Today was about bonding with the client, learning likes and dislikes, and formulating a dating plan.