He drives me home in his car, bobbing his head to the loud, fast rock music. He handles the car like it’s part of his body. It’s extremely sexy. I can’t stop myself from looking over at him every thirty seconds. I have to stop. I picture my hormones standing on one of my shoulders, huddled together and making mean faces at me. My mom is on the other shoulder rolling her eyes. I feel like telling Imaginary Mom that I’m going to put a stop-payment on the check I just sent her.
“Oh, God,” I sigh. Whoops. I did not mean to say that out loud.
Blake turns down the music. “Something wrong?”
“No, no, not at all,” I stutter. “Does Caroline know you’re bringing me home?”
“I texted her and let her know. I’m gonna head back over there after I drop you off.”
“Oh, good.” I’m relieved I won’t have a chance to sexually accost him.
He doesn’t get out of the car at my apartment. I sense his urgency to get back to Caroline. I get out and thank him profusely and he keeps saying that it’s no big deal.
I know he’s the type that will wait until I’m inside before he leaves, so once inside I go to the window to check. I was right. He’s still parked below, looking up at my apartment. I put my hand up in a motionless wave.
He kisses his hand, waves, and then takes off down the road. I’m a pile of mush, obviously.
Chapter 10
I am committed to building my brand and client list. It’s my first priority. In that sense, Caroline and I are alike. But if I really am going to treat it as my first priority, then I have to stop obsessing over this pull I feel toward Blake.
He was right. Caroline ended up texting me a long apology the next day and asking if we could reschedule for next Friday. It was perfect because I’m practically booked all week, and out of all of my clients, my relationship with Caroline really does feel like a budding friendship. And, bonus, if we meet on a Friday, I’ll be able to cut loose a little after finding her some great outfits.
Now I’m meeting Diana at the Nordstrom café at ten in the morning. She’s ordered me something with a ridiculous amount of caffeine in it—I’ve taken two sips and I’m already shaking.
“I wanted to talk to you,” she says.
“Yeah?” I’m nervous she’s going to bring up Blake and Caroline.
“You know what I do for a living, right?”
I thought she just had family money, so I feel bad that I don’t know. “I…I—”
“I’m a professional matchmaker.”
Huh? I didn’t even know that existed.
“You are?” I say. “What exactly does that entail?”
In three large gulps, she sucks down the same coffee she ordered me. I would literally have a heart attack. “I own a service. People pay me to match them with a compatible companion. I’m quite good at it.” Diana certainly never pretends to be humble.
“That’s interesting.”
“Most of the couples I match end up getting married.”
“That’s wonderful.” No wonder why she’s always on dates. She probably has a direct line to every bachelor in Atlanta. “Are you interested in getting married yourself?”
“Oh, hell, no. Not my thing. Hayden, I bring up my service to you because I think we should go into business together. A lot of my clients are in desperate need of a makeover. You could handle that aspect of their lifestyle change while I search for their perfect mate. It’s a guaranteed success!” she says, enthusiastically.
What an offer! I haven’t really thought about doing anything like that, but it does sound enticing, especially when it’s taken this much time to grow my business on my own. What would it be like to partner with someone more experienced and established? “I’m really honored you’re asking me. Would you give me a week to think about it?”
“Of course, darling. I’ll write up a business plan and e-mail it to you.”
“Perfect,” I say.
“By the way, this is part of the reason why I wanted you to help make over Caroline.”
“I don’t understand.”
