Locking the door, he almost ran over Gabby, who was standing immediately behind him.
“Woman, don’t sneak up on me like that.”
She smacked him on the shoulder.
“What’s that for?”
“For killing Athena’s business here.”
He braced both hands on his hips and stared her down. “I did no such thing.”
“Oh, yes, you did. You fired her yesterday.”
“How the hell do you know that?” Mark rubbed his forehead.
“Never you mind how, just know that it’s done, and if you don’t get that cute little butt of yours in gear, you’re going to lose that woman for good.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You fired her.”
“Yes, so I could date her.”
“Well, that’s not the story I heard. The story making the rounds is that she’s been fired by St. Augustine’s favorite son, one of our own, so she must be no good. And the social media haters started their chatter about midnight. It’s gotten quite ugly.”
“Shit.” He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck. “How ugly?”
“The mongers are casting dispersions on everything from her ethics to her business practices to her parentage.”
“Fuck.” He turned a half-circle, not knowing quite what to do.
“You got to go make this right, boy.”
“I know, but what . . .?” Then an idea struck him. “I’m going to see Athena, then I need your help. Jamie’s too. Meet me back here in an hour, okay?”
She saluted him. “Right-o, we’ll be here, captain.”
Mark sure hoped his plan would work, because if not, he’d probably lose the best thing that had happened to him in years. And he sure as hell wouldn’t let that happen without a fight.
~ ~ ~
Ten minutes later, Mark was at Athena’s office. He knocked.
“Hi.” Athena appeared. “Did you need something?” Her hair was in a messy ponytail on top of her head and she wore yoga pants and a T-shirt, certainly not her normal work apparel. Her face was void of make-up and she looked tired.
And she’d never looked more beautiful to him.
“What can I do for you, Mark?”
She blocked the doorway with her body.
“Can I come in?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m kind of busy.” Her mouth in a grim line, she didn’t budge.
But Mark wasn’t taking no for an answer today. He put a hand on either side of her hips and lifted her straight up onto his shoulder.
“Put me down.”
“Not until we talk.”
“I don’t want to talk to you.” She hammered at his back and kicked her legs, to no avail.
“Too bad. You’re going to talk to me. I need to know what’s happened and how I can fix this debacle.”
She stopped fighting and wilted against him, her body going limp. Her face, buried in his back, muffled her mumble of, “So you heard the news?”
“Yeah, I heard. And I want to know what happened. So I fired you. What’s the big deal? That was between me and you. No one else. It should not have had this widespread impact. I’m one man. You’ve had dozens and dozens of success stories.”
She thumped her head against his back. “Nope. Apparently there was one other person who knew. The one who started this out-of-control firestorm.”
“Who would do that? I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Daphne.”
“Shit.” He smacked his forehead. Then he turned to look for a place to put Athena down. That’s when he noticed the half-filled boxes. She’d been packing up.
Holy shit. “You were leaving? One little bout of bad publicity, and you’re out of here?”
“No. I’m not moving. I’m relocating. And I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“Sure looks like you’re running.”
“I do not run.”
“But you hide.” He got it. She might not run, but she disappeared. And the hard exterior she showed the world wasn’t who this woman really was deep down. She had a softness no one else knew. Except him. And he’d scared her yesterday when she thought he didn’t return her love.
Mark walked over to the leather couch against the wall, then swung her into his arms, sitting down with her in his lap.
She tried to scramble away, but he held her tight.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“I am not sitting on your lap, dammit, not in my office. Anyone could come in.”
“So what? I’m no longer your client.”
“Have you seen half of what has been tweeted and posted about me and my business?”
“No, I haven’t. I’m not chained to social media.” He held on. “Why the boxes?”
It was a rhetorical question, he’d guessed the answer, but wanted to hear what she had to say.
“I’m relocating. My business is ruined. I need to start somewhere else. Maybe try something else.”
“You’re the best relationship coach I know.”
“I’m the only relationship coach you know.”
He nodded in silent agreement. “Well, there is that. Still, you’re really good at what you do.”
“Obviously I’m not. Because I can’t catch the perfect woman for St. Augustine’s favorite son.”
“Dammit, why is everyone saying that? I am not a favorite son.”
“You are.”
“And you are the perfect woman for me.”
“Well, the good citizens of St. Augustine don’t see it that way. They were lobbying for the kindergarten teacher.”
“You can’t leave.”
“I have to leave. It’s the only way to salvage my reputation. My name is ruined here.”
“Because of me.”
“I didn’t say that, and, no, because of Daphne. Whatever you said to her, she took to heart. The woman quoted you on FB and Twitter, Instagram, too. I think she even hit SnapChat and Kik. She stirred the pot.”
“How bad can it be? I didn’t really say anything . . .”
She handed him her phone.
She’s not fit to coach men. His words, out of context, mocked him from the screen.
“Shit.” He covered his eyes. “Dammit.”
Mark opened his eyes. Her pained expression pierced his chest.
“Wait . . . I didn’t . . .” But he had. “God dammit.”
Athena’s chin dropped to her chest. “You said that to her, didn’t you?” She rubbed her forehead and let out a sigh.
The hurt and sadness in that one sound twisted his heart.
Mark lifted her chin gently, forcing her to look at him. “Yes, I did say that, but I thought I was helping. Please believe me. I never meant to hurt you.”
He didn’t want to think his words could have been used to ruin Athena’s business and reputation. How could this have happened? He had tried so hard to not hurt Daphne, he’d never even seen how his words could wound Athena. He’d never intended for his words to be used as a weapon against the woman he loved.
“The world is not an easy place for women like me. Same as you did, people see me and instantly judge without even trying to get to know me, without giving me the benefit of the doubt. I was called, and I quote, ‘a dangerous, slutty, know-nothing imposter who pilfers large sums of money from teenagers and the elderly, in order to line her pockets and pad her bank account, with little or no regard to the gentle sensibilities of the kind citizens of St. John’s County.’”
“Fuck.” He gripped her hips, holding her in his lap, not letting her get away. “I’m sorry, babe, I never meant for everything to blow up like this on you.”
“I
know this wasn’t your fault. I do trust you. You’re a good man. And I know you’d never say anything like that about me.”
“I wouldn’t.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “I’m glad you trust me. That’s saying something when it comes from a woman with huge trust issues.”
She buried her cheek in his chest. “I’ll figure it out. I think it’s best if I leave.”
“You’re not leaving because of bad publicity.”
She paused. Bit her lip. Then looked away from him.
Mark knew he’d hit on the truth. “I thought so.” He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “Don’t go. Let me fix this. Please?” He understood her vulnerability. She couldn’t admit she was leaving because she loved him and she thought he didn’t love her back.
Athena jerked her head in a ‘no’ motion. “I need to go. Find something else. There’s nothing here for me.”
“The hell you will.” Mark was mad now. People had no right to bully Athena like this, just because they thought they were sticking up for him and taking his side. “You’re really good at hooking people up. This is what you’re meant to do. Coach people. Help them find what they really need in life. Help them find companionship.”
Her shoulders sagged a little more. “Yeah, it’s not working so good right now.”
“I know, babe, but this is my fault. I thought I was letting her down gently. Somehow I got this all wrong. Damn, I sure as hell still can’t read women. I’m not sure how this even happened, but I’m going to make it right. I promise. This is on me.”
“How? Mark, you can’t fix this.”
“Bet me. Athena Sullivan, I believe in you. And I’m going to make this right. Give me twenty-four hours. I promise. I can do this.” He cupped her face and kissed her deep, then he dumped her unceremoniously on the couch.
“Umph. Hey!”
“Twenty-four hours.” He pointed a finger at her. “Don’t leave town. Or I will hunt you down, woman.”
“Caveman.” She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips was soft and sensual.
“If that’s what it takes to keep you, hell, yes.” He winked at her and hustled out the door. “You know you love it,” he called out.
“Yeah, I kind of do.” Her laughter followed him down the hall.
~ ~ ~
Mark called Pace and Jason Daniels to set up an in-person meeting. They were at the clubhouse next door and available to talk.
Ten minutes later, he marched into Pace’s office. Jason stood at the big picture window looking out at the roiling ocean. A storm was brewing out at sea. “Howdy, gentlemen.”
Jason didn’t turn when Mark hailed them, but remained rigid with his back to Mark.
“Mark, always a pleasure.” Pace said, standing and coming around the front of his desk. He threw a worried glance in Jason’s direction.
Jason made a sound of disgust, then turned to face Mark, stone-faced.
“What’s wrong with him?” Mark glanced over to Pace for help.
Jason prowled up to Mark, slow, intentional. Hands balled in fists at his sides, his eyes blazed with fury. “I should knock your block off for what you did to her.” He growled, leaning in as he jammed a hard finger into Mark’s chest. “You ruined everything.”
Mark lifted his hands. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I did nothing.”
“Nothing but ruin my best friend’s reputation. Start some damned rumors so that she’ll never be able to recover her business here.”
“I didn’t start those rumors. It was an innocent mistake on my part. And Athena knows it.”
“Right. She might buy it because she’s super nice and sweet. But I don’t buy it for a second. You hated her from the moment you first saw her. You had it out for her then.”
Mark blew out a deep breath. “I know it looks bad. No, I didn’t like her at the start. But, dammit, man, I didn’t do this. I love her. I’d never try to hurt her like this. I fired her because I wanted her, not some other woman. I could no longer be her client.”
Jason cocked his angular chin and glared at Mark. “You what?”
“I. Love. Her.”
“And what does she say to that?” Jason asked.
“She loves me. But she wasn’t quite ready to hear it from me yesterday. She’s got a few trust issues where it comes to men. I’m trying to prove it now, before she gives up on me and leaves town. Please help me?”
“Help you with what?” Jason’s bull stance didn’t bode well.
“Help me salvage this mess. Help me fix it.”
“How could you possibly fix this?” Jason’s brows were drawn low in a glower.
“I need two of your most high-profile bachelor golf pros, pronto.” He directed his comment to Pace, who’d been—and still was—a pro-golfer of some significance in the circuit. “Local sports heroes would be best.”
“What for?” Pace asked, fists curled on his hips, studying him intently.
“If I can get two local celeb clients for Athena to make her business work, she can recover from this snafu. I have a plan for a social media blitz to showcase her success stories. Gabby and Jamie are contacting people now, generating a ground-swell of support. All I need to do is convince two celeb bachelors to sign with her. So, you got any of those?”
Pace looked at Jason.
“Seems like you do know her a little. Maybe you have been paying attention.” Jason stared at the far wall, but a slight grin lifted one corner of his mouth before he rolled his eyes and pinned Mark with a brutal gaze. “You are in so much trouble. I can’t say I’m not going to enjoy watching this unfold. You, in love. Woo-whee.” He slapped his thigh. “That woman is a hot mess of trouble. Good luck.”
Then he chortled, holding his belly. “Yeah, we got eligible bachelors who’d be willing to sign up with Athena. It’s actually a great idea. She’d been inquiring about something similar the day you met her at the bar.” He held his hands loosely behind his back. “I think Capelli and Andrews might be the best bet. What do you think?” He turned to his brother for confirmation.
“Yep, they’re ideal. Young. Hipsters. Good looking. Two local boys turned good in the pro-golf circuit. Women love them, grandmas love them, even babies and puppies love the two of them.”
“Great. Sounds perfect.” Mark rubbed his hands together. “Let’s get them in here. I’m running out of time.”
~ ~ ~
Several hours later, Mark had it all nailed down. He drove the guys over to Athena’s office, calling first to make sure she’d be there. She assured him she’d be there because she had nowhere else to go at the moment.
That did not reassure him. She still sounded pissed and hurt. And like she was packing up to leave town.
But when they arrived, she greeted them cordially, looking calm and sexy as shit in her normal work attire complete with tight skirt, clingy top, and do-me heels. Capelli and Andrews could barely keep their tongues from hanging out of their mouths, poor sots. But Mark totally understood Athena’s appeal.
“You can hook me up with someone like you, right?” Capelli asked, waving vaguely from Athena’s head to her feet.
“I will set you up on a few dates to find the right woman for you.” She lifted her hands. “She may look like me. She may look better. But rest assured, she’ll be the perfect match for you.”
“Deal. Sign me up. I’m yours.” He opened his arms wide.
She rolled her eyes, but pushed a contract across the table toward him to sign. “Sign on two pages. Initial on the last.”
“And Mark says your service fee is ten thousand.”
Athena’s mouth flatlined as she looked at Mark.
He rubbed his hands together and nodded. “And she’s worth every penny.”
She swallowed. “Yes,
that sounds about right.”
“Sweet.” Capelli pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check. Andrews did the same after he signed his agreement.
“Besides you providing a service for them, they’ll provide celebrity backing for your business,” Mark told her. “They’re high-profile enough and beloved in the local community. This should go a long way in repairing your name and your company brand. And they’re willing to do it.”
Andrews nodded. “Glad to help out any friend of Jason and Pace Daniels.”
“When do we start?” Capelli asked. The kid looked fresh out of college, but Mark knew he was at least twenty-five.
“We can start now. I’ll need to ask you both some questions, build your profile. That way I can find the right women for you.”
They looked at each other and grinned. “Damn, that sounds sweet,” Capelli said.
“Sure does.” Andrews pushed his hair out of his eyes. “You have no idea how hard it is to find a good woman to date once you hit the PGA circuit. I’m glad for your help, ma’am.”
“And we’re clear that we’re looking for someone for you to date, not for single-night hook-ups.”
“I want me a sweet woman who is good in bed and wants to be seen on my arm every day.” Capelli rubbed his hands on his khaki cargo shorts.
“Well, I don’t think any woman wants to be seen on any man’s arm every day, but I get your drift.”
The two men laughed. “You may be right.” Andrews sat up straighter. “Looks like we might have a lot to learn about women.”
Athena scoffed. “You think?”
Mark pushed off the doorjamb where he’d been watching his good work unfold. “Then you’re in capable hands. I’ll leave you guys to figure out the details with your new coach.”
“Let me see you out.” Athena got up and walked around her desk. “Boys, I’ll be right back, sit tight.” She closed the door behind her as they left the office.
Make Me a Match (The Soul Mate Tree Book 5) Page 13