Chapter Two
Mason
Music echoed from the wall of displays and created an unwelcome distraction as I tried to focus on the files. Grabbing the remote and muting the sound, I was finally able to concentrate on the photo in front of me. She was gorgeous for her age; in shape, successful. Her well-tanned face and inviting smile stared back at me from the image. I looked through the hand-written notes about her likes and dislikes and chuckled. A man that can keep up with me, she had written under “likes.” She definitely looked the type that could outlast any man her age, and likely even younger.
I closed the file and flipped open the next one, which was labeled “Xander Malone.” A professional photo of a tattooed man standing shirtless in the middle of a gym was clipped to the front page of this folder. His hand-written list of characteristics, likes and dislikes was on the other side.
I knew Xander. We had met once before and I had turned him down. I wasn’t sure why I was giving him another chance now, knowing his personality and propensity for having a good time with women.
I sighed and placed the file on top of Jesse Parker’s as I heard a knock at the door. Looking up at the display monitor, I saw her, tall and blonde, standing just outside the door.
“Come in!” I called loudly for her to hear.
When she walked in, I stood to greet her. “Hello, Jesse, it’s good to see you again.” I said, holding my hand out to shake hers.
“Likewise.” She smiled, a flirtatious expression upon her face.
“I hope you didn’t have any trouble getting inside from the back entrance?” I guided her to the chair in front of my desk. “I didn’t want you to get caught up in all of the commotion out front.”
“Not at all, Natalie was very helpful with her directions.” Jesse grinned as she perched on the end of the chair, removing her glasses and hooking one of the stems into her mouth, chewing it flirtatiously. She was definitely in the right mood for tonight.
Before we could get carried away with small talk, I saw Xander approaching in the display and headed him off at the door before he could knock.
“Xander, good to see you again.” I repeated the same words I had offered Jesse, though I knew it was only a half-truth in reference to him. Tonight, it was simply my job to be convincing and not stir up emotions.
I extended my hand and followed it up with a firm pat on the back. “Please, take a seat and we’ll get started.” I gestured to the seat behind Jesse as I slid behind the desk, still able to keep an eye on the glowing displays on the far wall.
“Jesse, I’d like you to meet Xander.” I said by way of introductions. Jesse had already been checking him out and was quick to offer her hand to him, smiling with wide eyes.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Xander.” Xander delicately took her hand and kissed it in a charming way, causing her to giggle like a little girl.
“Nice to meet you as well.” He shot her a glowing smile as he casually stole a look at her long, smooth legs, working his eyes up her body.
“Alright you two. Let’s keep it friendly for now, but not too friendly.” I smiled at them. I saw the crowd begin to gather in the main room on the large center display and watched as Natalie began directing them. “Before we begin there are a couple of rules you both need to understand.”
Xander’s brow furrowed and he rocked in his seat, leaning forward. “Seriously? Rules?”
“Yes, rules. Break them and the evening is done.” Jesse nodded in agreement quickly as she watched for Xander’s affirmation, which he finally gave in return. Confident that they both understood, I continued. “There will be no exchanging contact information, no kissing and definitely no drunken antics. The bar staff has been told to limit everyone to two drinks.”
Xander seemed to be barely listening, brushing off my words with a simple, “Ok.”
Convincing and no emotions, I reminded myself. “Please keep personal information simple,” I continued. “And no last names. It can make things a little awkward.”
I watched as they both nodded without saying a word.
“Natalie, Hunter and I have done a great deal to make this evening memorable for the both of you. There are just a few more things we need to wrap up before we can get started.” My eyes brushed to the screens, trying to estimate how close we were. But after a moment, I looked back to Jesse and Xander. ‘Do either of you have any questions, or is there anything I can get you while you wait?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” Jesse declined.
“Me too, just ready to get this going.” Xander smiled, his eyes on Jesse, not me.
I sighed. “Please, have a seat in the room across the hall. Someone will come to get you in a few minutes.” I opened the door and directed them to the waiting room, and then I headed back to my desk.
Turning the volume up on the monitors, I watched as Natalie and Hunter made the final arrangements in the room. I couldn’t help but take notice of all of the amazingly attractive women that were gathered toward the back. Natalie and Hunter had done a great job providing prospects for tonight.