Page 8 of Saving the CEO

“Trivial matters? I don’t think you’re understanding the gravity of the situation, Mr. Kendall. We’re not talking about finding you your next car or house. I’m helping you to find a spouse, a lifelong partner! Unless you don’t intend to stay married for the rest of your life?”

He balked. “Of course, I intend to stay married. Marriage is not something I take lightly, Ms. Hayes.”

“Then it would be to your benefit to put a little more effort into this process. I want the best for you, Mr. Kendall, but you need to want that for yourself, too.”

Silence fell on the line for a good five seconds before he spoke again. “I see your point.”

Scarlett beamed. There was some common sense in that thick skull of his after all. Now that he was willing to admit she was right, they could do some actual work. “I’m glad you agree. Now, I know you’re a busy man, so if there’s any way I can make this easier for you, just let me know.”

“Other than requesting that the questionnaire be cut in half?” he asked drolly.

She let out a surprised chuckle. “You have a sense of humor!”

“It’s known to make an appearance now and then.”

“Well, I’m glad to see this side of you. Women love men who can make them laugh. I will definitely highlight this in your profile, Mr. Kendall.”

“Good. Feel free to call me Devin.”

“All right, Devin. You may feel free to call me Scarlett. Or Red. That’s what my family calls me.”

“Do you let all your clients call you Red?”

“No, but Bekah’s like a sister to me, so I suppose that makes you like family. I figure we’ll be spending a lot of time together throughout this process, so I want our relationship to be friendly and fun.”

“Yet professional? That’s an oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one.”

“Not at all. It’s possible to be professionalandhave fun. Stick with me and I’ll show you how.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. I’d like to see you find a way to make that questionnaire enjoyable.”

Scarlett straightened in her chair. “Challenge accepted,” she declared in a firm tone. “Just to let you know, I never back down from a challenge. I’ll find a way to make answering those questions funandefficient. It’ll be the CEO-friendly version, perfect for busy VIPs like you.”

“And what happens if you don’t succeed?”

Her mind was already spinning a mile a minute with ideas. She couldn’t afford to consider the possibility of losing, not when her reputation was on the line. “That won’t happen.”

“Is that so?” He snickered. “I would be more careful if I were you. You’ve heard the saying ‘pride comes before a fall’?”

“Yes, but this isn’t my pride speaking. It’s confidence.” She glanced at her watch, eager to end the call. “I’ll see you at my office in forty-eight minutes, Devin. Be prepared to have fun!”

Scarlett hung up, feeling quite pleased with herself. She knew exactly what to do and whom to ask for help. A moment later, she had her friend on the line.

“Bekah, I need you to tell me everything you know about your brother …”

CHAPTER5

Devin

Devin had no idea what to expect when he showed up at Scarlett’s work, but a welcoming committee was not it. As soon as he stepped through the front door, three animated women approached him.

The redhead greeted him with a blindingly white smile. “Hello there! I’m Emerald. How may I help you? Are you interested in finding your perfect match?”

“I can assist you!” the taller brunette exclaimed as she gave him a quick once-over. “A man of your stature needs someone more experienced. I’m Capri, by the way.”

The shortest of the three stepped forward and extended her hand. “Welcome to Party of Two. I’m Amber Hayes, one of the owners of our prestigious award-winning company. What brings you here today, Mister …”

“Kendall. Devin Kendall.” He glanced around the small waiting room with its modern-looking furniture. Its purple and gold color scheme was much brighter and playful than the sterile white of his workplace, but it matched what he knew of Scarlett so far. Her personality was equal parts bright and eager. He wondered if these three women were related to her. Judging by their similar facial features, he presumed they were sisters. “I’m here to see Scarlett. We have a nine-thirty appointment.”

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