ChapterOne
AVA
Tuesday 28thNovember
Perving on the sexy stranger strutting by the frost-kissed sash window of my office is my favourite weekday past time. That broad frame swaggers past most mornings, radiating a presence so powerful it sucks the oxygen right out of my lungs.
I know nothing about him, except his cheekbones could cut glass, he possesses the ability to make my heart rate double in my chest, and he has exceptional and expensive taste in suits.
Every time my eyes land on his broad masculine shoulders, tapered waist, and the sculpted curves of his ass cheeks, I can’t help but wonder who he is.
What he does.
And if he’s single.
Though I’m way too preoccupied with other people’s love lives to work on my own right now. Starting a brand-new exclusive dating agency has that effect.
HeartSync has a unique business model compared to other matchmaking services. It’s the opposite of Tinder, Grindr, Match.com or any of the other quick-fix fornication sites out there. Don’t be fooled: I’m not frowning on fornication. I’m an avid advocate of affection, intimacy, and pleasure, as long as it’s with the intention of developing into something meaningful.
My mission is to cultivate a community where people can find a partner with potential. To provide a safe service where women won’t be preyed on. Won’t be swiped past if they’re not deemed attractive enough. Where the focus is on an emotional match before either party ever sees a photo of the other.
‘Is that Mr Suave Suit Guy again?’ Bonnie, my PA and childhood best friend, stands from behind the desk next to me, craning her neck to get a glimpse at the guy we insouciantly nicknamed months ago.
‘How did you guess?’ My gaze remains on those granite glutes cupped so perfectly by that indecently decent suit.
‘I don’t know …’ Her heart-shaped face angles upwards. ‘Maybe it has something to do with the drool dripping from the side of your mouth.’ She tucks her caramel highlighted hair behind her ears and wiggles her eyebrows. ‘I’d hate to see the state of your panties.’ She sniggers.
‘Do you have to be so crude?’ I toss a paperclip at her head.
‘Oh, because you’re not?’ She scoffs.
My mobile phone buzzes on the maple-wood desk in front of me, stealing my attention from Mr Suave Suit Guy who strides purposefully into the distance.
He’s sullen, serious, like he has the responsibility of the world on those powerful shoulders. He moves with meaning … Does he save lives?
Is he on the verge of discovering a cure for cancer?
Or maybe that’s just the romantic in me wanting to believe this guy is some sort of suit-clad superhero. A man who looks that good has to be well … good, right?
Using one claret painted finger I swipe the screen to answer the call.
‘How’s the dating scene going?’ My brother’s smug voice purrs through the phone.
I rock back on my ivory leather chair as my eyes return to Grafton Street again. Dublin is stunning this time of year, but the lavish twinkling Christmas decorations have taunted me since early November, a perpetual reminder that I’m facing into another festive season alone.
Nate, my aforementioned smug brother, on the other hand, is about to marry the woman of his dreams. He’s also a hotshot Hollywood movie star, and if he wasn't my brother, his eternal teasing would be insufferable.
‘Orgasm central. All night every night.’ I lie, hoping the visual might deter my brother from asking any further questions. ‘Things are absolutely randy. I mean dandy.’
Bonnie mouths, ‘Liar’ and shakes her head. Her nude-painted lips lift into a grin.
‘Really?’ Amusement gilds Nate’s reply. ‘Are you referring to the business? Or your own love life?
‘Both.’ Another lie.
‘Don’t tell me you’ve actually got a date for my wedding?’ A low chuckle of disbelief rumbles into my ear. Apparently the visual didn't work. I’ll have to paint a more vivid description next time.
Nate’s rented an entire island off the west coast of Ireland to enjoy his wedding without the fear of the pesky paparazzi who relentlessly pursue him, his fiancée, Holly, and their brand-new baby, Harriet.
