EPISODE.2
908 Words
Noah's POV
By the time I finish my meal, James has my profile up and running. I try hard to keep an open mind while scrolling through the different profiles. Most of the Partners are either too young, their personality too dry, or their interests don't align with mine.
After thirty minutes of fruitless browsing, I'm ready to delete my profile and call it a day.
"You're being too picky," James says. "And thinking way too hard about this."
"I don't know. Maybe this was a bad…
My words trail off when my eyes lock on the profile picture of V. Quinn, a twenty-four-year-old woman with a playful smile and pearly white teeth. My eyes roam over her About Me section for a second time. She calls herself an ambitious entrepreneur and business owner, so we'll at least be able to talk business and hopefully avoid any awkward silence.
She's beautiful as hell, but in truth, that word doesn't do her justice at all. The first thing I noticed was her hair. Short. Black. Different. It curled slightly at the ends, brushing against her cheek whenever she moved. Her brown skin looked smooth and warm, like it held a story I wanted to read. But it was her smile that got me completely. A single dimple appeared on her left cheek, and just like that, I knew she was the one. Her left ear has a piercing in it, hinting that she isn't afraid to experiment with her looks. She lists some of his interests as baking, doing volunteer work, and exploring the outdoors.
I consider myself a decent judge of character, and she looks about as genuine as they come. But none of that is the reason why my brain is malfunctioning.
It's her pretty brown eyes... she has the type of eyes that seem to sparkle with a blend of intelligence and mischief. The type of eyes that'll make a guy fall to his knees and confess all his sins. She has the type of eyes that make me want to do something reckless.
"I found my girl," I announce. "I'm going to reach out right now."
"Good luck." James stands with a smile and clears the table. "I've got to get back in the kitchen. Text me later to let me know how it goes!"
"I will." My pulse quickens when I read that V. Quinn was available. Don't be a coward. My thumb hovers over the REQUEST A MEETING button. f*****g do it!
I tap the button to send her a message.
From: N.Moore
To: V.Quinn
Subiect: Available All Next Week?
Miss. Quinn,
Forgive me for skipping straight to the point, but I'm scheduled to leave for a week-long couple's retreat on Friday. It's strictly business-related, and I desperately need a partner. Your profile drew me in immediately, hence this outreach. I'm sure you'll do your research on me after reading this, so if being photographed doesn't make you uncomfortable, 1 hope to hear from you soon.
Your discretion in this matter would also be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
N. Moore
And now we wait.
I pay for my meal and exit the restaurant to find my ride already waiting.
Climbing into the black SUV, I instruct John, my driver, to take me home, I usually work late at the office, but not today. After the mess with my grandfather, I need to clear my head and start over fresh tomorrow.
While responding to a text from my assistant, Yasmine, my attention shifts to the new notification that pops up on the screen--it belongs to the Rent a Partner app.
From: V. Quinn
To: N. Moore
Subiect: Available All Next Week?
Mr. Moore,
I'm available and I'd be happy to be your Partner!
Please be on the lookout for a link to my contract. It will require your signature and address any concerns regarding how your privacy will be handled. I understand some exposure is unavoidable, so I have no problem being photographed with you.
I hope you don't mind me asking, but what specifically impressed you about my profile? You look like a man with a set type, and I certainly didn't think it'd be me. Nonetheless, I'm flattered.
As for my rate per hour, I prefer to go over that information in person. Let me know if you have time to sit down with me tomorrow to chat more about the retreat!
Warm regards,
V. Quinns
I can feel the heat flood my face as my fingers speedily type out a reply.
From: N. Moore
To: V. Quinn
Thanks for accepting my request. I'll have to check my schedule to see what time I'll be free tomorrow, so I'll get back to you on that shortly.
To be honest, everything about you impressed me. You seem genuine, driven, and passionate about life, which is rare to find in people these days. To comment on your other statement, I do have a type, and you check a lot of boxes for me.
I look forward to meeting you in person.
Sincerely,
N.Moore
I mute my phone and toss it out of reach, my smile waning alongside my self-control.
"Get a grip," I mutter under my breath. "This is strictly for business, not pleasure."
A big part of me doesn't believe the words. Something about the woman has me feeling off-balance. Like I'm teetering on the edge of something I'm not quite ready to face.
- Writer
