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Tanner joined her at the table.
“You’re not going to grab me, are you?” She put a chair between them.
“Not unless you want me to. Look, I’m sorry about that. I just didn’t want my colleagues asking a lot of questions. It was easier to pretend you were my girlfriend.”
“I guess I can understand that.”
He dropped into the chair across from her.
“Would you like something to drink or eat? It’s on me, of course,” Whitney offered.
She seemed to have already forgotten his invasion of her personal space. She was a good sport. “Thank you. I’m starved. But I can get my own.”
The waiter came to their table.
“I’ll have a cob salad and a water,” Whitney said.
“And I’ll have a steak sandwich with fries with a large lemonade.”
The waiter left. Whitney quirked a corner of her mouth up as if perplexed by something.
“What?” Tanner asked.
“Lemonade? You seem more like a beer guy.”
“I am, but I’m on call.”
“Ah, that makes sense.” She appeared to approve.
He leaned forward and crossed his arms on the table. “I’m sorry I was so abrupt with you on the phone. I’ve just been super busy this month. Under a lot of pressure.”
She smiled. “I understand. I’ll try to keep this short and sweet.”
“So what did you need to see me about?”
“I’ve found some potential dates I think you might be interested in. I’d like you to review their files and see what you think. Then I’ll set up a social with the one you like best.” Whitney pushed a pink folder toward him.
Pink seemed an appropriate color for a matchmaker. At least her office supplies had some flair. Tanner opened the folder to find a printed page with the name of a woman at the top and information about her. He looked at Whitney. “No picture? I don’t get to see what they look like?”
“Not until you meet them. I think a lasting relationship should be based on something more than looks. I want my clients to see beyond the surface.”
“Interesting.” Was there something peculiar about that belief? She no doubt believed in true love and happily-ever-after. He’d learned long ago not to believe in fairy tales. He flipped through the other pages. The women seemed interesting but a couple of them owned their own businesses. He picked up their sheets. “These don’t look like they would have time to devote to children, take on social obligations.”
“They both assure me that they would be willing to change their lifestyle for the right person. We can put them at the bottom of the list, if you wish, however.”
“Have you spoken to them about me?” He didn’t relish the idea of being discussed like a piece of merchandise. Yet he was doing the same thing in regards to those women.
She took the women’s profiles from him and placed the open file on the table between them both. “I didn’t disclose your name or picture but, yes, they have reviewed your profile as well.”
“So this is how it works.”
“Yes.”
The waiter returned with their meals. Neither of them said anything until he left.
Whitney leaned forward with a reassuring smile on her lips. “It’s not as painful as you might think. All my clients are interested in finding the same thing. Happiness with someone.”
She made it sound like this was about a love match. A ride off into a beautiful sunset. “I’m more interested in someone who’s compatible and interested in the same things as I am.”
“I think if you spend some time reading this information—” she tapped the folder with her well-manicured, unpolished index finger “—you’ll find these are all women worth meeting. They’re all very lovely people.”
Tanner took a bite out of his sandwich as he flipped the pages back and forth. He continued to eat and review the women’s information. A couple of them sounded like they might work. He glanced at Whitney. She was sitting straight with one hand in her lap, eating her salad. Her manners were excellent.
He pushed two sheets toward her. “I think I would like to start with these.”
She put her fork down and looked at the papers then nodded. “These are good choices. I’ll see about setting up socials. I’ll let you know when and where to meet.”
“How will I know them?”
There was that reassuring lift of the lips again. “I’ll be there to introduce you. It’s very uncomfortable to wait for a person you don’t know so I’ll make the introductions and then leave you to get to know each other.”
“So that’s all there is to it?” He closed the folder and nudged it back toward her.
She moved her half-eaten salad away and took the folder. “That’s it, except for the bill.”
He raised a brow and grinned. “I thought you were getting the meal.”
“I am, but there’s the charge for my services so far.” Whitney reached into her purse, removed an envelope and handed it to him.
“Did you add extra for meeting me at the airport and the hug and kiss?”
Whitney pushed the chair back. She looked dead serious when she said, “No. That came for free—once. Next time it will cost you.”
“I hope it isn’t necessary again. I’ll have this in the mail tomorrow.” He stuffed the envelope into his pants pocket.
Again she dug into her purse, came out with a couple of green bills and
placed them on the table. “Thank you for that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get started on setting up those socials. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Tanner watched her leave the patio and cross the street. Interesting person. Combination of quiet firmness and solid businesswoman. He grinned. She’d become a little flustered when he’d mentioned that hug and kiss again. There was a softness under that businesswoman tough exterior. His gaze moved to the swing of her shapely hips. That wasn’t bad either.
CHAPTER TWO
IT HAD BEEN two days since Whitney had spoken briefly to Tanner about the social she had set up for him today. He’d assured her he would be there but he’d yet to show. She’d always had one of her clients meet her early so that they were waiting for the other one when he or she arrived.
Whitney looked around the coffee shop again. Still no Tanner. Picking up her phone, she texted him.
“Were you worried that I wouldn’t show?” a deep voice asked from behind her.
She looked around and into Tanner’s dark, twinkling eyes. He had nice eyes. Eyes she suspected saw more than he let on. “I was more worried about your tardiness hurting your chances with Michelle Watkins. After all, we’re doing this for you.”
“And I appreciate that. It’s the reason I am here. So I’m going to be meeting Michelle. Five-six, brown hair, educated at UCLA and likes the outdoors.” He came around the table and took the chair across from her.
“I see you remember your facts.”
“So what happens now?” He leaned toward her as if what she was going to say was super important. She’d bet he had a great bedside manner.
“When Michelle arrives, I’ll introduce you to each other, then I’ll leave you to charm her.”
His focus didn’t waver. “How do you know I can do that?”
Tanner’s intense attention made her nerves jump. She’d said more than she’d intended. Would he see the weakness and insecurity she worked to keep at bay? Since he hadn’t remembered her she hadn’t planned on bringing up their college years. Now she either lied to him or admitted she’d recognized him. She wasn’t a liar. With her ex, Steve, she’d lived a lie and wouldn’t ever treat anyone that way. “You and I had a few classes together at Berkeley.”
