The Rancher's Hand-Picked Bride by Elizabeth August

Author:Elizabeth August
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

It was nearly four the next afternoon when Gwen entered Susan O’Rilley’s office.

The tall, pretty redhead rose from her desk and extended her hand across it to Gwen. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met, but I’ve heard good things about you from Deloras Hudson. You saved her from marrying a gold digger.”

Gwen accepted the handshake. “She obviously had suspicions or she wouldn’t have hired me.”

“True, but he was a charmer and without your research she might have married him in spite of her doubts.” Susan waved Gwen into a chair on the opposite side of her desk as she reseated herself.

“I’m glad I was able to help.”

Susan’s manner became official. “You said you had something you needed to speak to me about.”

Gwen had practiced several different approaches on her way here, but, face-to-face with the assistant district attorney, words suddenly failed her.

“Clearly whatever it is, it’s important.” Susan’s tone became coaxing. “I assure you, I will handle it with the strictest confidence.”

“I suddenly feel very silly, but I agreed to do this and I can’t back out now.” Gwen squared her shoulders. “I’m here in the capacity of a matchmaker.”

Confusion showed on Susan’s face. “Matchmaker. I didn’t know there were such people in this country.”

“Well, I don’t normally function in this capacity. In fact, I never have before and never will in the future.” Gwen’s tone made her last statement a firm vow.

“So why have you come to see me? Have you uncovered something that worries you about whoever you’re making a match for?”

“No.” Gwen assumed a more professional air. “It’s a long story, but the short version is that I owe Morning Hawk, Jess Logan’s great-grandmother, a favor. And she has decided that he should seek a wife so she called me and asked me to help find suitable candidates. Jess was not happy about her interference, but because she can be very insistent, he agreed to appease her by going out with three women he considers wife material. You are one of those women.” Gwen braced herself to be laughed out of Susan’s office.

But Susan didn’t laugh. For a long moment she studied Gwen in a thoughtful silence, then she smiled. “Go out with Jess Logan with matrimony in mind. Now that is intriguing.”

“I can’t swear that he’s really interested in finding a wife. His main purpose is to appease his great-grandmother,” Gwen rephrased the situation, wanting to make sure the woman understood the true circumstances.

Susan continued to smile thoughtfully. “If it was anyone else, I’d call and give him a piece of my mind and tell him never to darken my door again, but Jess Logan is another matter.” Her manner became decisive. “He can pick me up for dinner this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. My place. And tell him, I’ll expect him in a suit and I want to go someplace where the wine is expensive, the service is good, the food is excellent and there’s soft music for dancing. That’s a definite necessity…dancing.” Susan’s voice held a seductive edge as she added, “I’ve heard he’s a very good dancer.

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