Desperate and Dateless

By Joanie MacNeil

Desperate and Dateless? Not Liam Reynolds. He has no time in his busy schedule to foster a romantic liaison. But when his teenage brother, Dan, surprises him with a ticket to the Desperate and Dateless Ball, Liam couldn’t resist the temptation to attend...merely to satisfy his curiosity, of course.

Desperate and Dateless? Certainly not, Zoe O’Malley declares. How dare her girlfriend send her a ticket to the Desperate and Dateless ball! No way will she go anywhere with a computer-matched date. But fate intervenes and when Liam and Zoe are drawn together over a business arrangement prior to the ball, their lives become irretrievably entangled. Can they live by their golden rule—never mix busness with pleasure?

Reviews
Good, funny, entertaining! – Susan Joynor-Pettigraf

MacNeil has taken an age-old plot and reshaped it into something new and wonderful.The characters are well-drawn and readers are sure to find themselves emotionally drawn to them. Each of the characters is three-dimensional and thoroughly fleshed out. They make readers care about them. The plot is rich and believable, not contrived and unrealistic. The story will have roadsters hanging to the edge of their seats not being able to read the pages fast enough to see what's going to happen next. Pacing is where most writers fall short, but not in this one. MacNeil has written what would amount to a page-turner if it were a traditional book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Sep 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781773627526

Joanie MacNeil

Australian romance author Joanie MacNeil writes short contemporary romance novels. All but two of her novels are set in Australia. Two are set in Scotland and her dream is to visit there again.She loves to travel with her own romantic hero, recently visiting Tunisia, Istanbul, Croatia, Venice, Mykonos, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and also cruising the Mediterranean. The most recent adventure involved taking the Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Perth, then driving across Australia from west coast to east.When she’s not travelling, or involved in writing-related activities, Joanie enjoys going to the movies, having coffee with friends, participating in aqua aerobics, and spending time with her three lively little grandsons.To find out more about Joanie's books, click this link to go directly to her website: http://www.joaniemacneil.com/

Book preview

Desperate and Dateless

By Joanie MacNeil

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 978-1-77362-752-6

Kindle 978-1-77299-558-9

Amazon Print ISBN 978-1-77299-559-6

Copyright 2017 by Joan Wright

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

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Chapter One

You did what? Zoe O’Malley shrieked into the phone. Tempted as she was to hang up on Tiffany, Zoe clenched her teeth. They’d been good friends for too long. She stared at the ticket and the letter, which she’d tossed across her desk. Desperate and Dateless Mystery Ball. The words seemed to jump off the paper and smack her in the face.

What the hell did you do that for, Tiff? How do you think that makes me feel? I’m not desperate and dateless. I have Dennis. How could you send in an entry under my name? Her jaw tightened. Wait until she got her hands on Tiffany.

It’s all in good fun, Tiffany replied carelessly.

Fun? What made you think I’d be interested in going to a ball with a partner chosen by a computer, for heaven’s sake? Why didn’t you volunteer yourself instead?

There was a soft chuckle from the other end of the phone.

Don’t get your knickers in a knot, Zoe. It will be fun. Besides, I did send in an entry of my own. Your partner doesn’t have to be taken seriously. But you never know. He may turn out to be Mr. Right. Put it down to a pleasant experience, whatever way it goes.

Pleasant? The guy might be a total jerk, unable to dance. He’ll probably be a lecherous slimy creep who can’t get a date any other way than via computer.

Zoe stopped for a much needed breath. She shuddered as she gazed out of her office window. Working from home had its advantages. There was no one to eavesdrop on her conversation.

I’m sure he wouldn’t go to a ball voluntarily if he couldn’t dance, Tiffany said calmly. Anyway, what have you got to lose?

Dennis. What will he think?

Don’t tell him. He doesn’t tell you everything he does. Do you think Dennis will really care? His idea of a date is spending Saturday night with you in the pits at the drag races.

Just because you don’t like him, Tiff—

That’s got nothing to do with it. The guy’s a total jerk. A petrol head. What did he do for you on Valentine’s Day? When was the last time he took you dining and dancing? Or somewhere romantic? When Zoe?

She thought hard. We went to his office party at Christmas.

Tiffany sighed in exasperation. He took you there only because the booze and the food were free and he wanted to show his friends that he could attract a gorgeous girl like you. A big difference than wanting to show you off to his workmates because he’s proud of you.

I feel safe with Dennis. He’s non-demanding, comfortable to have around. Why was she so eager to spring to his defense?

Yeah, like a pair of tatty old slippers. Eventually you have to replace them. He’s about as exciting as a wet blanket in a thunderstorm, Tiffany continued.

"He’s not that bad. At least he’s company to go out with." Zoe tried to ignore the contradictory voice in her head.

You’re a soft touch, Zoe. You’ll waste your life if you stick with the likes of Dennis. Where’s your sense of adventure anyway? You used to be so much fun. Think about it. The ball could be the event which changes your life.

Zoe breathed deeply. She hated to admit it, but there was an element of truth in what Tiffany said. She’d been quite happy to drift along with Dennis. He’d been just what she needed after the split with Rick. Though lately, she’d been a little uncomfortable with Dennis’ laid back attitude towards her.

She was ready for some excitement in her life. But this? All right Tiff, I’ll think about it, but I’m not saying I’ll go.

Yes, you will, Tiffany said. You have to. The ball raises money for charity. Apart from that, the guy you’re matched with will depend on you to be his date. Arranging partners is done on good faith. You don’t want to let him down, now, do you?

You should have thought of that when you volunteered my name. Zoe sighed into the receiver. Like I said, I’ll think about it, but I’m not making any promises.

Good girl. You know I don’t give up easily. I’ll call you in a day or two. Zoe?

Yes?

I did this only because I care about you.

I know that, Zoe said softly.

Oh, and Zoe?

Yes?

One last thing.

Yes Tiff.

"Dennis is a jerk!" There was a click at the other end of the phone as Tiffany hung up.

Zoe slammed down the receiver and threw her hands in the air. All she wanted was a morning’s peace to finish drafting the article she’d promised for one of her clients.

As she tried to work, she couldn’t concentrate on the job at hand.

Tiffany’s phone call bothered her more than she cared to admit.

She wasn’t desperate and dateless. Well, she wasn’t, was she? She’d never thought of herself that way. At least Dennis did take her out, even if it was to the car races. She grimaced and absently raised a hand to fiddle with her earring.

Tiff was right. It had been a long time since she’d been on a real date. Too long. Real dates were intimate dinners for two, soft lights, romantic music, dancing, atmosphere, fun. Outings with Dennis had quickly veered away from that path. Yes, perhaps she was just a little desperate and dateless. With a sigh, she decided that whoever had coined the phrase definitely had her in mind.

The sound of the doorbell pried her from her daydream. As if she didn’t have enough problems. Now those kids next door continued to play their tricks, ringing her doorbell, making a nuisance of themselves. Well, she’d take action and put an end to their fun once and for all. It was something she should have done weeks ago. With a sigh, she pushed back her chair and headed for the kitchen.

She filled a large plastic jug with iced water from the refrigerator and made her way to the front door. The bell didn’t seem to ring in quite the same demanding manner as before, but its insistent noise was getting on her nerves. She’d enjoy this!

In one smooth movement, she unlatched the door, flung it open and immediately tossed the contents of the jug through the air. How do you like that guys, she said, thoroughly pleased with herself. But instead of her dripping, eleven-year-old twin neighbors, her doorway was graced by a tall dark-haired man in an expensive drenched suit.

She gaped at the man in horror. His expression passed from surprise to anger. Piercing blue eyes were as icy as the water she’d tossed at him.

Oh...oh, ohmigod. I’m sorry, Zoe gasped, wishing she could reverse her actions, wanting to slink away and close the door. I...I thought you were the twins!

No, lady, there’s only one of me. Is this the way you usually treat, or should I say, mistreat, your children?

No, of course not, she snapped. And they’re not my children.

Well, I’m sure they’re grateful for that, he said, a hint of sarcasm in his deep rich voice. If they aren’t your children, then what will their mother think about the way you treat her precious offspring?

Precious offspring! If they were so precious, she’d keep a closer watch on the mischief they cause around the neighborhood.

Her gaze flicked back to his dripping jacket. She wished she could click her fingers and disappear as if this untimely moment had never happened. She shut the door, slumped against it and swore softly.

The doorbell rang, the sharp demanding sound made her jump. She groaned. Why didn’t he just leave? Perhaps if she ignored it, he’d take the hint and go. But the sound of the doorbell became more insistent. Zoe looked down. Her fingers still clasped the handle of the jug. She could always refill it. With an exasperated sigh, she turned, grabbed the knob and flung the door open.

He sidestepped quickly, his gaze flicking to the jug. Zoe looked down then back up at him. He smiled, a hint of a twinkle in his blue eyes. She felt a slight tug on her heart, mixed with relief that she hadn’t acted on her wayward thoughts.

He raised a hand to keep the door from closing again and wedged his foot inside. Hey, not so fast. I don’t believe my business here is finished yet. May I come in?

Looks like you’re already in, she said. What do you want?

His eyes narrowed on her. Look, he said, "can we start again? I’m Liam Reynolds. I’m looking for Zoe’s Word."

His name sounded familiar. Zoe gasped. Ah, you’re my twelve o’clock appointment.

Goodness, where had the morning gone? She glanced at her watch. You’re over an hour early, she exclaimed, then cringed, not meaning to imply his premature arrival was an imposition.

I did try to phone first, but your line was busy. I knew then you were in and thought I’d take the chance and turn up. Just think, if I hadn’t, I’d have saved myself a drenching.

Zoe’s cheeks flushed. Her gaze moved to the damp patches on his jacket. Look, I’m sorry. It was an honest mistake. I’m not in the habit of drowning my clients and am more than happy to pay for the dry-cleaning of your jacket...the whole suit if you prefer.

The corners of his mouth curved slowly upwards. As if the incident just rolled off him as easily as the water dripped from his clothes. It was such a melting smile, Zoe didn’t know whether to be angry or charmed.

There’s no need, he said calmly. A bit of water won’t hurt. His blue gaze swept over her and Zoe didn’t miss the spark of interest in his eyes. He held out his hand.

His grip was warm, firm, reassuring as he cradled her small hand in his. She was almost sorry when he released her.

Well, Mr. Reynolds, you’d better come in. She stepped back, allowing him entrance to her home, and intensely aware of him as he followed her down the hall.

As a rule she held initial meetings with clients in their offices. She just couldn’t think at this moment why she’d strayed from her usual practice. A new client invading the safety of her personal domain and the embarrassing episode at the front door left her feeling extremely vulnerable.

And Liam Reynolds was the best looking man she’d been this close to in some time.

She’d read about this vital, energetic man who recently established a management consultant agency in town. He’d quickly become hot property in the local business community. It was a real coup that he’d come to her to prepare the modules for the training seminars and workshops his agency proposed to offer.

And he looked every bit the successful businessman he’d been reported to be, or at least, he did until she’d doused him with ice water. She’d never forget that as long as she lived.

How long have you been in business as a freelance writer? His pleasantly rich voice broke into her thoughts.

Just a few months. Zoe hoped she didn’t sound inexperienced