Miss Match

by Lindzee Armstrong

  “They can.”

  “I know they have the power to, but it’s not right. Darius wouldn’t really fire you, would he? He was so close to your father.”

  Luke rolled his shoulders. He could feel the tension gathering there, making his neck ache. “Maybe that’s why he’d do it. They were nice enough to point out that I’ve been destroying Dad’s legacy the last two months.” How could I have been so negligent? He never would’ve forgiven himself if the board hadn’t stepped in and he’d ran the company into the ground.

  Was that what he was doing with Brooke—refusing to step in and letting Antonio take his place? It had been eight years since she’d turned him down. After that initial dismissal, the timing had never been right. He’d give up on Brooke and start dating someone, and by the time he broke up with the girl, Brooke would have a boyfriend. But in eight years his feelings had only grown stronger. Certainly there was still a chemistry between them. He had been getting up the courage to suggest they start dating, hoping the timing was finally right, when she signed with Toujour and Antonio entered the picture.

  She doesn’t see me that way, he reminded himself.

  “Hey.” Brooke took his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. Her palms were soft against his cheeks, and he barely held back a shiver. “You lost your father. Anyone would struggle after something like that.” She dropped her hands, and he wanted nothing more than to put them back on his face. To pull her onto his lap and hold her close until their lips were touching and—

  “Well I’m not willing to lose the company over grief,” Luke said. “Two months was enough time to wallow. It’s time I start acting like the CEO. ”

  Brooke smiled, and there was so much pride in her gaze. He wanted to deserve her faith in his abilities. She wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug. “You’re going to be a fantastic CEO. I’m glad to see you at work again.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Luke asked.

  “That’s actually why I’m here.” She frowned. “Now I don’t know if I should ask.”

  Luke’s heart warmed. “You can ask me anything.”

  “It’s big, Luke.”

  “Ask away.”

  Brooke tucked her feet underneath her and her eyes clouded with misery. “Charlotte’s closing Toujour if we can’t turn a profit in the next three months.”

  Luke’s heart lurched. And after she had worked so hard. He’d watched her tenaciously badger Charlotte into an internship, then claw her way to becoming top matchmaker at the firm. She had so much faith in Toujour she’d placed her hopes for a relationship in the hands of another matchmaker. He scooted closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She sat rigid for a moment, then relaxed and leaned her head against him. She didn’t cry, but he could feel the disappointment and sorrow radiating from her in waves.

  “I’m sorry. When did she tell you that?”

  “Yesterday,” Brooke admitted.

  He scrubbed his face. “And after I acted like a complete jerk at the gala. Not a good weekend for you.”

  She chuckled. “Definitely not one of my better ones.”

  “Is it about money? I’m more than willing to—”

  Brooke shook her head, pulling back. “Money is a problem. We’ve been in the red for months. But the real issue is we don’t have enough clients.”

  That should be an easy enough fix. “Maybe if she tried a new marketing campaign. I can recommend someone and foot the bill.”

  She blew out a breath, causing a strand of hair to puff outward. He ached to reach out and tuck it behind her ear. Brooke hadn’t made a rule specifically against that, but he knew it would piss her off. “You’re sweet to offer,” Brooke said. “But we need your help in a different way. I sort of volunteered you for something without asking you first.” She paused, as though waiting for him to respond.

  “Go on.”

  “Charlotte and I came up with a plan. If we sign a celebrity client, people will trip all over themselves to sign up for the chance at a date. And the media will give us all the free publicity we want.” She raised an eyebrow, as though this should mean something to him.

  Did she want him to call in favors and get his high profile friends to sign up? His brow furrowed. He doubted anyone in his contact list would be willing. Maybe—

  I’m an idiot. It was so obvious.

  “Me,” Luke said.

  Brooke nodded. “Who better to attract new clients than America’s favorite bachelor? I know I should’ve discussed it with you first, but I felt backed into a corner.”

  Why didn’t I see this coming? Luke had watched Brooke in action since eleventh grade—even been the recipient of her matchmaking efforts a time or two. But never anything like this.

  “You want me to sign with Toujour?” Luke clarified.

  “Yes.” Her eyes lowered. “Charlotte said if it works, she’ll make me head of the U.S. division when she goes back to France. But now I don’t feel like I can ask that of you. You need to focus on your job.”

  “This will save Toujour?”

  “And get me a promotion. Kind of selfish, huh? To put you on the spot like this because I don’t want to find work somewhere else. Especially now.” Her foot tapped against the floor, a sure sign she was agitated. “I mean, the gala … well, you sort of exploded. Obviously you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

  “The gala was an accident. I was an idiot. It won’t happen again.” Luke frowned. “Antonio’s upset about this, isn’t he?”

  Brooke’s foot tapped at double time. “No.”

  “You’re doing this against his wishes. I know he hates me.”

  “Antonio doesn’t hate you.” She swallowed. “In fact, we have an agreement. He won’t complain about you signing with Toujour if I’ll think about moving to Italy.”

  Luke’s eyes bulged. “What?”

  “Yeah, I know. He just told me yesterday. He signed with a gallery in Rome and they’re really excited about his work, but fear the distance will limit their profits. They want to hire him exclusively instead of on a contract work basis. And they have an amazingly wealthy clientele. It’s the break Antonio’s been hoping for. Charlotte’s already offered me a job at any of her European offices, so I wouldn’t even have to give up my career.”

  Italy. Brooke—his beautiful, funny, adorable best friend—was going to leave him. Maybe. Luke’s mind churned. Perhaps it was time for Ryder Communications to open an international office, headquartered in Rome. Of course, as CEO and with a forty five percent investment in the company, Luke would need to go to Rome and oversee things himself.

  Stop it. Following Brooke to Italy would be too obvious, and too much like stalking. No, he had to convince her to stay in Los Angeles. Moving would be his Plan B.

  This is really happening. While he’d had his head in the clouds—or been in a drunken stupor—Brooke had been moving on with life. Without him. If something didn’t change, he’d really lose her.

  I can’t lose Brooke too. I can’t. Luke couldn’t swallow past the lump in his throat. Losing his dad had crushed him. Losing Brooke would destroy him. “Do you want to move to Italy?”

  “I don’t know.” Brooke rolled her eyes. “I should. It’s every girl’s dream, right? I knew we’d move there eventually. Right now, I’m going to focus on Toujour. If I can’t save it, then there’s really no reason not to move and the decision will be easy.”

  “I’ll do it. I’ll sign with Toujour and save everyone’s jobs.”

  “If you say yes, you’re agreeing to try to find true love. Are you sure you’re ready for that? You already have a lot going on right now.”

  “I’m not looking for love, so I’m not going to find it.” The whole idea was absurd. He’d already found love. He just needed to convince Brooke to stay. And the first step to convincing her was keeping her in California. “I’m going to fake a relationship to help you with publicity. No big deal.”

  She folded her arms, and her eyes had that
hint of steel he loved and hated all at once. “I won’t sign you if it’s not for real. I can’t do that to my clients, even if it will save the company.”

  He held up a hand. “Okay, okay. I’ll try to be open to a real relationship.” Not.

  “This is for real. Our clients are genuinely looking for forever. I’ve been in their position. I know how hard it is to put yourself out there, and I’m not going to subject them to someone who isn’t committed.”

  He couldn’t resist—he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, ignoring the way she flinched. “I don’t need another girl in my life. I’ve got you.”

  “You need a girlfriend. And I won’t let you sign if you aren’t genuine.”

  Luke frowned. Her lips were pursed, brow furrowed—a sure sign she was digging her heels in. “Okay. I’ll really try to find a relationship.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.” Anything for Brooke.

  Her shoulders relaxed. Brooke looked down, fidgeting with a button on her coat. “You deserve to find love, Luke.”

  I found you. His hand rested on hers. “And I’ll find it someday. Maybe with Toujour.”

  “I think you will. I did.” She threw her arms around his neck, squeezing tight. One. Two. Three. Four. Five!

  She released him, but Luke’s heart fluttered. She’d broken her own self-imposed rule. That never happened.

  “You’re sure you can handle this? It won’t throw you over the edge or anything? Get you in trouble with the board?”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  Brooke grinned. “Luke, you’re a lifesaver. I could kiss you!”

  I wish you would.

  “Charlotte will be thrilled. I’ll make sure she assigns you an awesome matchmaker.”

  Another matchmaker? Luke caught her hand. “Brooke, I’m only doing this if you’re my matchmaker. I thought that was obvious.”

  Brooke toyed with her coat button. “Charlotte is worried about how it will look after the gala and the speculations the media is making.”

  “I’m not negotiating on this. She’ll give me what I want.”

  Brooke sighed. “Yeah, she will. We’re desperate.”

  “It’s settled then.”

  “I’m a fantastic matchmaker, Luke. You will fall in love if I’m matching you up.”

  “Maybe.” He pulled her forward, kissing the top of her head. “What do I need to do?”

  “Come down to the office and sign up. You can finally do that much online at least, but Charlotte will want to talk to you. Once you sign, you meet with your matchmaker—me, I guess—and fill out a questionnaire. I can’t start finding matches until I have that info.”

  “Sounds boring.” He nudged her shoulder. “You could answer the questions for me.”

  She laughed. “Not a chance. Only a client can fill it out.” She kissed his cheek, her warm lips sending fire through his veins. “Thanks, Luke. You’re the best.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Am I really doing this? Luke grabbed his tie, loosening it a bit. He held the door open for Brooke and followed her inside Toujour. Luke had been there a thousand times before, but today the whole place looked different. He’d never noticed the photos of happy couples in the front lobby, or the cork board covered in wedding announcements behind the reception desk. He was sure Brooke’s invitation would be added to the board once she had them printed. An English copy of Charlotte’s international bestseller, Finding Love, sat on a small table in the waiting room. Maybe he should read the book. Find out what he was getting himself into.

  Luke shook his head. Were his hands seriously sweating? It’s not like you’re really here to find love. Whatever you told Brooke. He’d already found love—with the girl who was about to become his matchmaker.

  Lianna waved as they passed the reception desk, but she was on the phone so they didn’t stop to chat. The decorated front lobby gave way to gray cubicles and small conference rooms barely big enough for four people.

  Brooke stopped outside Charlotte’s door. “You’re going to do this for real, right?”

  “Absolutely.” Not on your life.

  Brooke swallowed. “Okay then. Let’s go tell Charlotte.” She raised her hand and rapped on the door.

  “Come in,” said a voice with a French accent that had to belong to Charlotte. Luke had seen her a few times, but they’d never had what he would call a conversation.

  “Here goes nothing,” Brooke whispered, and let them both inside. The room matched the tone of the rest of Toujour. Sleek black bookcases lined one wall, and a quote about love in swirly lettering was on the wall directly behind the uncluttered desk. Charlotte rose from her chair immediately. She was what most would call “breathtaking,” with her rich chocolate-colored skin and black curly hair, along with a slender, tall frame and exotic brown eyes. But all Luke could think about is this was the woman who would want him to fall in love with anyone but Brooke.

  “Charlotte, this is Luke,” Brooke said.

  Charlotte leaned over the desk and extended her hand toward him. Her handshake was firm and professional. Luke liked her immediately. “I know who you are, Mr. Ryder. Please, sit down.”

  “Thank you,” Luke said, and they all took their seats. The high-backed chair forced him to sit uncomfortably straight.

  “I spoke to Luke about our plan,” Brooke said. “He’s agreed to help.”

  Charlotte clasped her hands together. “Oh, I’m so pleased you’ve decided to become a client, Mr. Ryder. Let me assure you, you’re making the right decision.”

  Luke shifted in his seat, trying to find a position that didn’t make his back ache. “I really want to help Toujour.”

  Charlotte crossed one leg over the other, looking pleased. “I’m confidant you will. You’ve given us all hope. We will find you the most meaningful relationship of your life. You’ll like Raine. She’s a superb matchmaker. You’re in good hands.”

  Luke set his jaw. “I want Brooke as my matchmaker.”

  Charlotte frowned. “Surely Brooke explained to you why that might not be the wisest choice. How will it look to the media?”

  “Like a friend is setting a friend up on blind dates.” Luke leaned forward, his arms on the table. “Brooke is your best matchmaker here, right?”

  Charlotte inclined her head. “She does have the highest success rate.”

  “Once the media finds out I’ve signed, they’ll scrutinize every inch of Toujour. How’s it going to look to them when they find out you assigned me anyone but the best?”

  Charlotte sighed, pulling out a paper and making a notation. “I can see you’re determined, and perhaps you’re right. Let’s hope the press focuses on Brooke’s numbers and not your personal relationship.”

  “I can pad a few pockets if necessary. I’m friendly with a few reporters,” Luke said.

  “No. I don’t want anything that can harm my reputation.”

  Like a client who’s in love with his matchmaker? He cleared his throat. “Then it’s only fair I tell you I’m not great at relationships.”

  “That’s all about to change. Brooke will coach you through your dating pitfalls and help prepare you for long-term happiness with the partner of your choosing. Everyone is looking for a meaningful relationship. Some just don’t know it.”

  “I’m willing to give it a shot,” Luke said, even though he wasn’t. If only Charlotte could put him in her database and match him up with Brooke. Maybe then Brooke would realize they were meant to be together. “But don’t be disappointed when I leave here alone. I don’t want it to hurt the company.”

  Charlotte laughed. “I can assure you, you won’t leave alone. Here at Toujour, we’re very good at our jobs. I’ve spent years researching love. What attracts a couple to each other, what keeps them together. Traps to avoid. Eighty-nine percent of our couples are still together after five years. This is the beginning of the rest of your life.”

  Luke swallowed.

  Charlotte sp
un around in her chair and opened a file cabinet. She placed a small stack of papers in front of Luke. “This is our basic agreement. All our clients undergo background checks, of course. Our fee is paid monthly, and you’re at liberty to terminate our contract at any time. We can only terminate the contract if you violate our regulations, which are listed here.” She pointed. “Mostly things like if you’re in a relationship and don’t tell us, if you run into legal trouble, that sort of thing.”

  Luke took the contract, glancing apologetically at Brooke. “I need my legal team to look over this. I hope you understand. I can have it signed and back to you no later than tomorrow.” No need to make legal more furious than they already are.

  “Of course, of course. I would expect nothing less from a businessman such as yourself.”

  “So how exactly does this work?” Luke asked.

  Charlotte pulled a pamphlet out of a desk drawer and handed it to him. “Finding your soul mate isn’t something we take lightly. I have developed a sophisticated database to help find matches with a high chance of success. You’ll fill out an extensive questionnaire with your matchmaker, in this case Brooke. Likes, dislikes, goals, hobbies, what you want out of the relationship, that sort of thing.”

  “Just like online dating,” Luke said.

  Charlotte’s eyes turned fiery. “It’s nothing like online dating. Our matchmakers are love experts, not computers. They coach our clients on how to be their best selves, offer relationship help and advice, work with them on personality characteristics or mannerisms that might be interfering with their ability to find love. Once the computer finds matches, Brooke—not a computer—will comb through each one, looking for the best match. She will talk with the woman’s matchmaker to find out more about her. Only when she is convinced a relationship is possible will she set you up on a date.”

  “Wow.” Luke blinked. “I didn’t realize it was so involved.”

  Charlotte sniffed. “Most don’t. They think they can sign up with some online dating company and get the same result. But nothing can compare to our personalized service.”

  Luke glanced at Brooke, who smiled apologetically. “So once I have a match, then what?” Luke asked.