THE DEAL by Marsh, Nicola (electronic reader txt) 📕

his father, though Matt couldn’t fathom why. Jeff Byrne had been a right bastard at times but Sally defended him, saying it was hard being a parent. Problem was, his dad wouldn’t know the first thing about being a parent, full stop.

“I want to do this, Sally. A.S.A.P.”

He didn’t understand the knowing gleam in her steady gaze. “Okay, enough of my lectures. Fill out these forms and I’ll lodge your data into the computer in a jiffy. After that, it’s all systems go. You show up at the Blue Lounge tonight at eight and I’ll be there to explain how everything works. Any questions?”

“Yeah, I have one. How can I contact Kara?”

Sally laughed and waggled a finger at him.

“That’s all taken care of, my boy, and it’s going to be sooner than you think.”

Two

Kara strode into the Blue Lounge just before eight. A stickler for punctuality, she had deliberately driven a few laps around the block to kill time, not wanting to appear too eager. Thank goodness she was only doing this to help Sal and wasn’t emotionally involved, unlike the rest of the patrons here to find their one true love. As far as she was concerned, she’d do her duty, head home and leave the romance stuff to the lovelorn.

She scanned the dimly lit room, noting the intimate tables for two scattered around the perimeter. Her pulse quickened in apprehension at the thought of spending seven minutes with seven different men tonight. The tables were small enough to create a cosy ambience for their occupants. Rather than feigning indifference, she’d be forced to make polite small talk before making a quick exit.

Damn, she was anxious and hoped it didn’t show. She’d dressed for confidence tonight: little black dress, strappy sequin sandals and matching handbag, with a hint of make-up to emphasise her eyes and lips, and her hair twisted in a stylish chignon. Pity the image hid a quivering mess of nerves.

She spotted Sally as soon as she sat down and smiled as Sally squeezed through the tables, beaming and waving at everyone like the Queen. Sally was a regular here, using this venue for her weekly gatherings.

“Hi, sweetie. You look sensational.”

Kara shrugged. “What? This old thing?”

“I know you, my dear. Glam outfit and make-up too? Your nerves must be working overtime.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

They laughed in unison. Sally knew she preferred understated elegance rather than knock ’em dead outfits, so it was obvious she was nervous as hell.

“Never mind. You won’t have time to be worried once the action starts. Now, you remember the rules?”

“Sal, don’t fuss. I’ve known the rules for years. Who else listened to your ramblings about the agency, huh?”

Sally tweaked her nose. “You encouraged me into this venture and don’t you forget it.”

“That was before I knew you’d turn your matchmaking computer onto me. Who knows what losers I’ll end up wasting my time with tonight?”

Sally grinned. “I wouldn’t be too concerned if I was you. My computer has a happy knack of delivering exactly what a woman wants. It has a great track record, eight marriages in two years. Who knows, you might meet the man of your dreams? Then you’ll be thanking old Sal rather than berating her.”

“I don’t need a man. I’ve got my business to run. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else right now. And as for finding the man of my dreams, I’d have a better chance of winning the lottery.”

Sally’s dark eyes twinkled. “Son’t say I didn’t warn you. Regardless of what happens tonight, thanks for helping me out.”

Kara felt a twinge of guilt. The least she could do was act enthused. After all, the agency was Sal’s pride and joy. If anyone could understand, she should. Her own business was floundering and she’d do anything to save it.

She hugged the older woman. “Everything will be fine, Sal. You’ll match your 1000th couple tonight and the agency will kick on for the next ten years, mark my words. I’m glad I could help. What else are daughters for?”

Sally touched her cheek and blew her a kiss before moving onto the next table. Kara missed her parents though the agonising pain of loss had dulled with time. Sally had seen to that, smothering her with love and attention, enveloping her in warmth and security. However, she’d never forget those endless, empty nights when she’d cried herself to sleep.

Matt had been supportive too. He’d been the sibling she’d never had, listening to her tales of woe, teasing her, helping her with her homework. She’d been devastated when he’d left for university, only seeing him during the holidays.

However, when he returned home that first year, something had changed. Their open relationship became fraught with a tangible tension once she’d turned sixteen. She knew it had been her fault, as she’d developed a huge crush on Matt around then. She’d tried to hide it but he obviously knew because he’d treated her with kid gloves that summer and beyond. No more playful tickles or impulsive hugs. The object of her affection had kept his distance, driving her insane in the process.

Kara had followed suit until her eighteenth birthday. The memory of his rejection still turned her stomach. Yet today, when he’d appeared out of the blue, she’d almost swooned. No accounting for hormones.

“Excuse me. Is this seat taken?” A deep voice intruded on her memories.

“Actually, I’m waiting for...” Kara stared, momentarily speechless.

“This must be my lucky day. Seeing you twice in the space of a few hours? What are the odds of that happening?”

She looked at Matt’s striking face, drinking in every