The Matchmaker Bride (The Bride Series) (7 page)

“Oh, I have a lot on my mind.”

“Work, I hope. I mean you need to focus on your client right?” he grinned.

“Very funny, Carlos.”

Well she was at least gaining an insight into his personality for her research and preliminary investigation into his personality. It was nice that he was guardian to his little sister.

“How long have you been
Bria’s
guardian?” she asked changing the subject.

“Long enough to know that she’s better off with me taking good care of her.
I don’t wish to discuss too much now. We can talk more
later
tonight.”

Sophie felt her throat close up.
“Tonight?”

“My, you must have a lot on your mind. You’ve forgotten your date with me tonight.”

“But |I don’t recall confirming that. I mean you just assumed that we would reschedule our date from last week.”

“I did. Oh, dear where are my manners. Well, would you care to be my date tonight so that we can carry on your little behavioural research on me?” His rich sarcasm slid off his tongue like honey.

Sophie drew a deep breath, taking glances at
Bria
to make sure she was okay while plastering a fake businesslike smile on her face so that other workers would assume that she was simply engaged with a parent on matters to do with her job.

“I’ll think about it, Carlos.” God, she really wanted to be with him tonight. But she knew it was forbidden. Why couldn’t things and circumstances be different between them? If only.

“Well, you are attending the pool party later this afternoon, I trust.”

“I think you already know the answer to that, Carlos.” She tried to be matter of fact with him but her body was reacting to him in ways that she would be ashamed to admit. Why did he have that kind of dripping with charm effect on her? She tried to ignore the thousand tiny butterflies in her stomach or her weak knees. It was impossible. How could she carry on a business relationship with this man and not jeopardize everything she’d worked so hard for?

His lips curved into a grin before he turned his attention back to his sister.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

9

“Any progress on my hot new husband to be,” Sandy asked on the phone while snapping gum in her mouth.

Mrs. Stone held the receiver a little far from her earlobe and squeezed her eyes shut while wincing. She so despised
pour
etiquette especially amongst the wealthy. One would think that her parent’s fortune would be able to afford her some manners. Never chew gum or snap gum in your mouth while speaking whether by phone or in person. Mrs. Stone regained her composure as she brought the receiver back to her ears. She was doing this
  match
of course to get on Lady
Dextworth’s
good side. After her divorce from Sir
Dextworth
, he started to play hard ball with the fortune that should rightfully be for her and her daughter.
If it weren’t for that prenuptial agreement.
Still, now that Sir
Dextworth
had passed away he had made it clear that the money would not go to his partying wild child Sandy, who was clearly spoiled by her mother and defiant to her father by playing
hookie
at her elite boarding schools. He wanted to make sure that by a certain birthday she would be married to a man of good character and settled
  down
before she sees a penny of her inheritance. If she does not marry and settle down, she gets nothing but some good advice on being a good citizen, not trashing hotels during one of her wild parties with her other rich spoiled friends. Mrs. Stone drew in a deep breath.

“Yes, Sandy, everything is going very smoothly. We have one of our best on the job doing the preliminary screening to ensure he is the perfect match for you. In fact, the report
  is
due this Monday morning. I trust that you and your mother will be very pleased.”

“Oh, I’m already pleased. I’ve got his picture here on my smartphone. I got it scanned and downloaded it. He is hot! I mean, damn,
  you
guys really know your job.
Can’t wait to meet him.
When do we meet again?” she asked, snapping her gum loudly in her mouth.

“Well dear, that should be by the end of next week.”

“Next week?”

“I mean seven days from now. Monday we’ll have the report and on Friday you’ll have your first meeting and the rest you can take from there.” Mrs. Stone briefly pulled the phone from her ear to avoid the loud gum chewing. She had to remind herself that her mother, Lady
Dextworth
had serious clout in society and furthermore, she offered a generous sum and bonus from the inheritance to make this match happen. Everything was riding on it. Time was of the essence. It was just perfect that both clients needed each other for convenience. Usually, matches ended up permanent but she doubted it would be in this case, based on what she knew already about Carlos and what she can gather herself from Sandy
Dextworth
.

“We’ll be in touch with you on Monday afternoon.” Mrs. Stone was eager to end the conversation.

“Good, I’m looking forward to it.”

It was Saturday and Mrs. Stone was in the office going over some
lose
ends before heading to the cottage. Something she really needed badly.
A break from this monster match that had better work out well for both parties.

10

Later in the afternoon, the sun shone bright while a cool breeze whisked by at the poolside barbecue. The sounds of laughter of children, conversations, and music playing made for an enjoyable afternoon.

Sophie went back home to quickly change into her casual maxi dress and chic sandals with beach like chic custom jewelry to fit in with the pool party crowd. There were volunteers and representatives from various charitable organizations present.

Later the children were taken inside to watch a sensory friendly screening of the latest Disney cartoon movie. This also gave the adults a chance to mingle and talk with each other while the children who ate earlier enjoyed the show inside. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. Except that something was biting away at her inside.

Carlos.

She was having crazy feelings for
him,
she was too ashamed to admit. He made her knees weak and her spine tingle. This was silly. She could not believe this erotic attraction to this gorgeous, arrogant man. He was a client now in two of her places of employment, though one was unpaid. She could not get rid of him that easy but she had to try to do something to remain as ethical and safe from his charm. That would not be easy. To top this off, she kept hearing Mrs. Stone’s voice resonating in her conscious. “Don’t mess this up, dear,” in a menacing, yet calm tone. He should be falling in love with Sandy
Dextworth
, not her. Why did she have to find herself in the most complicated situation? If only they’d met under different circumstances.

Though her mind was telling her no, her heart and the rest of her body
was
telling her yes, yes, yes. He’s the one! He’s the one who can really rock your world and take you places emotionally you’d love to be. She took a sip of her orange juice and glanced around at everyone having fun, trying to avoid his gaze. Her job made it difficult to not be involved with him but her heart was having the most trouble keeping away from him.

He was watching her every move.

“You look stunning, my dear.
And nervous.”
Carlos observed Sophie as he approached her with a drink in his hand, while the other hand was shoved in his pocket.

“I have a lot on my mind,” she answered.
Like being with you even though you’re all wrong for me on a professional level.

“This is a great respite for caregivers,” she said trying to change the subject.

“Yes it is,” he said, his gaze intent on Sophie.

“Do you swim?”

“Me? Oh, no.
I…not really.”
She didn’t want to sound too lame by saying she never learned how. That was just…pathetic. She should have learned how to swim but after her cousin had drowned in a community pool when she was younger, her mother was very cautious and did everything to keep her out of the water which, Sophie thought was silly but maybe she’d understand one day, the fears of a parent to protect their child at all costs and the whole gut-feeling thing associated with it. Or, maybe she won’t get that chance. Besides, she would feel much too self-conscious being around him in a bathing suit.

“I’m so glad you decided to join me at the poolside.”

“Oh, why’s that?’

“Because I’m getting to enjoy your presence, your company, Sophie.
You have this spark about your personality that really turns me on,” he said in a low voice. He took a swig of his drink while he eyed her surreptitiously.

Sophie nervously turned her head to see if anyone was within hearing distance.
Luckily not.
The last thing she needed was to be seen engaging inappropriately with a parent or guardian there. Luckily the music was pumping in the background and everyone else seemed to be busy engaging in their own conversations.

“Well, I don’t know what to say. I mean, do the caregivers for your sister often turn you on?”

“Just you.”
He grinned salaciously.

“You’re very direct aren’t you?”

“When I know what I want, yes.” He made no apologies. His voice was silky and seductive yet firm.

God, he looked delicious in his poolside attire.
Gorgeous.
She tried to keep her eyes off him but a magnet drew them to him like eye-candy. Why did he have to be so charming and attractive? She was falling for him.
Which spelled T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
This was one business relationship that could not progress further. She was supposed to convince him to fall for Sandy
Dextworth
. Here she was screwing up that match for the agency.

“You know Sandy
Dextworth
is eager to meet you.” She offered. “I mean, remember, I’m supposed to be matching you with her.”

“But what if I found my own match?”