Page 21 of Miss Matched

Kennedy

Icandothis, I’m a professional.

I’m Kennedy. Fucking. James.

I run my hands over my slacks and straighten up in the mirror. My hair is already out of place, like simply being around Zac fills me with static. One flash of those barely-there dimples, and my heart defies all signals from my brain.

Get. It. Together.

This is temporary, easy even. Zac isn’t like Chad or Martin; he has skin in the game. A reputation. He knows what’s on the line, so he’ll take it seriously. All I have to do is find him the perfect wife, flaunt my skills, and wash my hands of this whole mess.

Maybe if I repeat it enough times, I’ll believe it.

A distinct, gravelly laugh comes from outside the bathroom door, followed by Racine’s giggle. She’s enjoying the client onboarding process a little too much right now, but at least she’s in agreement.

Sam required a little more finesse and the promise that I’d take the lead before he agreed to sign Zac on.

Hearts Inc. may have my name on the paperwork, but I committed from the start to making decisions as a team. All three of us have to agree before we sign a new client. It’s only fair, considering they tend to create mutual, albeit rotating, headaches.

With Sam overworked and on edge, it would have been the perfect excuse to refuse Zac. Damn his absurdly green eyes and my apparent desire to play with matches. If I’m not careful, this pile of sticks will go up in flames.

I pull out my phone and shoot a quick text to my friends.

Me: 911

Monica: What’s wrong?

Me: Remember that not notable run-in with Zac on Friday?

Luce: I’m listening.

Me: He’s in my office.

Luce: Hopefully helping you recover your long-lost orgasms.

As if I need a man for that.

Me: No, he wants me to find him a wife.

Luce: Isn’t there a puke emoji? I can’t find it.

Monica: Don’t listen to her. It’s sweet.

Me: Bag the swoony eyes, Mon. It’s not exactly sweet. More like damage control. All business.

Luce: That makes more sense.

The corporate world is a strange place. While Monica lives in the make-believe lands of romance novels, Luce and I are all too familiar with the corporate circus. The number of clients I’ve taken on because of botched business deals or rebranding is proof of it.

Me: What do I do?

Monica: Depends, did you already agree to help him?

Me: Yes…

Luce: I say fuck him. Added bonus: it will help clear your head.

Monica: Omg Luce keep it in your pants.

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