The small smile on her face faded away. "That's not true," she said. "You may be big and a little rough around the edges, but you're striking. You're also talented, successful, and based on what I've seen of your home, not a slob. I can only go on what your mother has said about your personality, but she said while you were grumpy and often a man of few words, that you have a kind, gentle heart. And that was why you don't date anymore. Because it hurt too much when women rejected you."
Clay sighed. "Wow, she's told you quite a lot, hasn't she?" He rubbed a hand over his face.
Dominique smiled at him, this time it was the barest curve of lips. "You aren't the only one who has trouble finding love, you know."
He scoffed. "Yeah, I'm sure you have a really hard time getting a man's attention." Then he cringed. "I'm so sorry. That was uncalled for."
Dominique shrugged. "You're right. My looks do attract attention." She set her bag to the side and folded her hands in her lap. "But that attention is usually from men that feel they're entitled to my time and even my body due to their money, family, or looks. I don't know about you, but that isn't what I want in my relationships."
"You're right," Clay admitted. "I wouldn't want that either." He hesitated, but finally admitted, "I'm a bit envious though. It seems as though every woman I like doesn't return the feeling. It's easier just to avoid women all together."
"Look, I have a very high success rate in matches," Dominique said. "Unlike a lot of the dating services and apps available right now, I actuallywantmy clients to find true love, even if it means I'll eventually be out of a job because there are no more matches to make. Everyone deserves love, no matter what. Please, just give me a month to help you. I usually find three to four matches for a client within that time. Surely one of them would be someone whose company you would enjoy."
Clay hesitated again, but felt himself wavering. Despite the fact that he could never, ever admit it to his mother, he was lonely. Sure, he missed sex, but he also missed conversation. A woman to snuggle up with him on the couch while they watched movies. Someone to care when he dinged himself up in the wood shop or to celebrate with when he sold an expensive piece.
"Okay, it's a deal," he said.
The smile that spread across Dominique's face was like watching the sun rise—beautiful, bright, and enough to make a man stop breathing.
"I promise you won't regret it," she said.
"I hope not."
She reached into her tote and pulled out a sleek black folder, embossed with silver letters that read "Mystical Matchmakers."
"Now, I want you to answer my questions as honestly as possible," she said. "I will not judge you for any of your answers. The honesty is important because it will help me find a companion for you that is just right."
"Can I ask you a quick question first?"
"Of course."
"How did you get into this matchmaking stuff?" Clay asked.
"It's a family trade," Dominique answered. "My mother comes from a long line of fairy godmothers."
"Fairy godmothers?" Clay asked, his eyes wide. "I thought they only worked in the magical realm."
Dominique shrugged. "Usually they do, but because I'm half human, I wasn't allowed to join them. So, I came to the human realm and opened my business. There are plenty of fae and other supernatural creatures who want to find love and who live here. I can give them the same services that my family does."
"So, you came here because you weren't allowed to do this in Magic?" He used the shortened version of their realm because it had no true name. Over the years, it had morphed from “magical realm” into “Magic.”
"Yes, and because most of the creatures here are the kind who find Magic a less than tolerant place. As you said earlier, certain species do find it hard to find partners due to their lineage. And I feel that's not right. Everyone deserves love, no matter what sort of creature they are."
She radiated sincerity. Clay knew it could be faked, but he didn't think so. Despite her perfect appearance, Dominique was a flesh and blood woman and she had a purpose.
Clay could admire that.
"All right," he said, rubbing his hands together. "Let the inquisition begin."
Instead of getting offended, Dominique laughed and rolled her eyes. "It's not as bad as that, I promise."
"If I have to bare my inner soul, it's that bad."
"Just be honest and it will all be fine," she assured him.
Clay had difficulty believing that, but there was something about Dominique that made him trust her. Maybe it was the fairy godmother blood or maybe it was because she didn't take herself too seriously.
Either way, he was going to give this a try.
