The Matchmaker’s Match-Chapter 1
I’m so excited to share with you the cover of my newest book! So excited, that I’m going to share with you the first chapter. Look for news of my upcoming release!
The Matchmaker’s Match-Book 5 in the Mail Order StarBrides series
Chapter 1
Elspeth considered the baby in her arms as she might a painting, but decided the price outweighed the benefits. The puking, drooling bit of a thing was good for one thing at this point in her short life – smiling.
Mallory leaned over the infant and gave her a quick peck on the nose. “Mommy will only be gone for a few hours.”
“Or eternity.” Though Elspeth had watched her niece frequently, she tried not to enjoy having Little Bit in her home too much. Sharla must feel the same by her constant, raucous complaining.
Mallory put up her hand. “Really, Sister, you’d think that Sharla had some disease with the way you are holding her.” She took the baby from Elspeth and rubbed noses with the driveling creature. “Mommy will be back before you have to endure too much of your auntie.” Mallory’s cooing over the baby was positively disgusting.
Elspeth took Sharla back, stuck out her lower lip, and mimicked her younger sister. “Auntie will care for little snookums with the most doting attention.” Little Bit wouldn’t starve or suffer from diaper rash. She might even try to get her to smile.
Mallory laid a blanket on the carpet. Right, like Elspeth’s floors were dirty. Never mind that she kept them immaculate. “Sharla is learning how to lift her head, so let her lay on her tummy so she can practice.”
Practice? Like it was some Olympic training? Trying not to roll her eyes, Elspeth took the baby to the blanket and laid her down, while Mallory set several toys in front of her.
The door chimed and announced the person on the other side. “Alem Balek.”
Mallory stood. “I didn’t know you were expecting anyone.”
Elspeth’s stomach fluttered out of control; her hands shook. “I’m not.” She bit her lower lip. Alem was supposed to be on Jesighe, a planet several galaxies away.
Mallory tilted her head and raised her eyebrows. “You don’t seem excited to see him.” Her voice took on a lilting tone with her next question. “Or are you?”
“Not really.” Yet as she said it, she knew it was inevitable that Alem would come calling. She had no idea he would show up this soon. “Alem is a client.”
Practically dancing to the door Mallory peered through the one-way glass. “Ooo, he’s a look! Is he rich?”
“I suppose.” Elspeth followed Mallory to the door. From his tailored suit to his shiny, black shoes, Alem was exactly as he appeared in his hologram a few months ago. In person, he was taller than she imagined, his curly brown hair and his skin both a deeper brown, like cacao, his eyes – she could get lost in them. They reminded her of a rich cup of bista and probably twice as addicting for the woman who fell for his charms.
Mallory studied him. “Is he Polynesian?”
Elspeth had to shake herself out of her thoughts of the handsome man. “Originally. His progenitors migrated to Jesighe with the first colonists.”
Mallory clasped her hands together and turned to Elspeth. “Oh, that romantic planet where all the lovers want to go for their honeymoons.”
“That would be it.” Elspeth didn’t want to admit that she’d always wanted to visit there as well. After what had happened with Alem and his intended starbride, she’d squashed that desire.
Alem pressed the notification button again.
“Aren’t you going to let him in?” Mallory reached for the panel to open the door.
With a quick slap to Mallory’s wrist, Elspeth spoke, “Not while you’re here. I’ll let him in on my terms.” Then she answered Mr. Balek through the comm unit, “I’ll be there in a moment.”
Mallory pouted. “Come on, I’ve never met a starbride’s husband.”
Right now, Elspeth had no intention of her sister meeting any of them. “You may either take my Spitfire and leave through my garage, or if you insist on meeting Mr. Balek, you may take your own dilapidated car and your brat with you.” Elspeth stood with her hands on her hips waiting for Mallory to respond. “I’m sure you don’t want to stay around anyway as it’s going to get ugly because of a misunderstanding we had.” Elspeth knew her sister hated confrontations at all costs.
Mallory’s gaze went back to the man at the door, then to her sister. “I won’t get anything done if I have to take Sharla, you know that Rubio never allows children.”
With a victory smile, Elspeth patted Mallory’s arm. “Of course, dear.”
Mallory turned back to Alem where he stood drumming his fingers along his pant leg, then with a tone of resignation she turned back to Elspeth. “You won’t spare a detail when I return, right?”
Elspeth ushered Mallory toward the garage door. “Of course not, dear.” Like she really wanted to tell her sister anything about the man who’d come to demand a refund after his starbride bonded with another.
“Tootles,” Mallory threw over her shoulder before the door whisked closed.
Sharla let out a wail. Mr. Balek could wait one more moment. Elspeth scooped up the child.