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Table of Contents

About the Authors

Copyright Page

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For Lisa, who started it all

Acknowledgments

Laurelin Paige—

As with any book, this one was not born alone. There are too many people to name all the people I’d like to acknowledge, but there are a few thank-yous that are essential.

First and foremost, to Kayti McGee, my work-wife—I’ll say it again and again: don’t cowrite, but if you do, cowrite with Kayti. You are the wine to my empty glass. The Miss to my Match. You are brilliant and shiny in all the places that I am not. I look forward to all the places this journey takes us together.

To our editor, Eileen Rothschild—I was so nervous to talk to you that first time on the phone, and then you were absolutely everything I ever wanted in an editor. Thank you for sharing our quirky enthusiasm for this series. It wouldn’t have been the same experience with anybody else.

To the team at St. Martin’s Press—What a great group to work with! Thank you for inviting us into and embracing us in your tight-knit family.

To Bob Diforio for making this deal happen and Rebecca Friedman for deals yet to be made. It’s the best feeling to have wonderful people in your corner.

To Shanyn for keeping me together and KP for putting us together. It’s an honor to be called an InkSlinging Author.

To Lisa—You gave me your idea. Ideas are gold. With this, you’ve given me the biggest gift anyone’s ever given me. Thank you.

To Bethany—You fairy me through all the dark places. A particularly hard task when we both love the dimly lit moors so much. There’s a well of gratitude in my heart for you that never runs dry.

To Gennifer—You named our book! It’s perfect. Thank you for that and more.

The women who wrangle me—Wrahm, Naturals, FYW, and others (you know who you are): I make it through my days because of you. I also get distracted a lot because of you, but that’s another story.

To my husband, Tom—Though I tease you for being flighty, you are my rock. Thank you for being so solid.

To my children—I’m so proud of all you are. I hope you see me as an example for making your own dreams come true. I love you, my babies.

To Mom—Finally, here’s a book I’ll let you read. Thanks for your never-ending support. Love you.

To my Maker—Praise is always in my heart, even when it’s absent on my tongue.

Kayti McGee—

First and foremost—Laurelin Paige. You took me on this crazy journey, for no other reason than that you are God’s angel on earth. No one can possibly convince me you aren’t the best person I have ever had the honor to meet, much less call my friend. I’m inspired by you every day, to write better, be more, be better. I love you so much. You are grace and generosity and talent personified.

Eileen Rothschild took a chance on us that I could never have imagined, and then turned out to be the most badass editor ever. Bob Diforio sold her that chance, and Natalie Lakosil was so charmed by my Dream Dr. Who Team (I assume) that she looked past my horribly awkward weirdness to become my agent. I am so lucky to have the best people in the business on my team.

My mom taught me that reading is more important than anything, and without that I would never have become a writer. Dad, Kerry, Laura, and Dann backed that up. McGrigsbys!

My friends—Sara, my bestie—my first reader and still the prettiest. M. Pierce, you redefined what friendship is for me. I’m so proud to be pub-siblings with such an incredible author and friend. Thank you for everything. The WrAHM girls, the Order, the Dirty Laundresses, Melanie Harlow, Gennifer Albin, Tamara Mataya, my guy Tyler, my lunch buddy Jen, my late-night buddy Leah. I couldn’t live without our constant contact. I have to especially mention Bethany Hagen’s perfect edits, and Lisa Otto’s perfect idea. You truly made this all happen, and for that, no thanks can be enough.

Chapter One

Personal Concierge, to start ASAP (Boston Area)

I am a successful businessman looking for a wife. Due to a busy career and lack of energy or interest to devote to the process, I am seeking someone to assist me in my search. I am outsourcing the entire process, job to start immediately.

The perfect candidate will be assertive, with excellent computer skills and a knack for reading people. She—I am only seeking women to fill this position—will be expected to:

• Meet me, get to know me. Spend a week or so in my company to find out my interests, what makes me tick. During this time she will come to understand the type of woman I expect to fall in love with;

• Do all searching activities on my behalf, including online, in real life, on social media, networking, and so on;

• Once possible matches are identified, provide me with pictures and, upon my approval, arrange dates for us to meet.

I am attractive and financially secure. I do not have trouble finding women who are interested in me. It is finding women that I deem interesting beyond the physical that is the challenge.

While this job can be done at home, I’d prefer that several hours a week be spent in my company in order to keep a firm handle on what I expect in a love interest. I will have private space available in both my home and office for the right person to work.

Income will be determined initially by the experiences the candidate brings to this project. Additional income will depend on the quality of women found to date me as well as how far the relationship(s) progresses—both emotionally and physically. We can discuss a specific payment schedule during the interview process.

Serious inquiries only.

Andrea Dawson held the iPad and read the want ad three times before registering exactly what it was Lacy was suggesting by pointing it out. “No way.”

Lacy put on her best puppy-dog eyes—the ones that always seemed to get her out of speeding tickets. “Come on, it’s totally up your alley.”

“No, it’s not.” Dear God, please, let it not. “What’s this listed under anyway?” Andy looked at the top of the page for the heading. “Marketing? That’s a laugh. I’ll stick to the Administrative section, thank you.”

“Yeah, and that’s working out so well for you.” Bitterness dripped in Lacy’s tone.

Andy sighed inwardly. Sure, her job search hadn’t led to anything—yet—but she wasn’t about to settle for matchmaker. It would all be so much easier if she’d finished her degree. Or if she’d managed to get references from her last job.

No use moping about what she hadn’t done now. Now was the time to look forward. “I’ll find something. Eventually.” Hopefully. She pushed the tablet away from her. “I’m not applying for this. Thanks anyway.”