Never Ever Been Better: The Perfect Date, #8

By Donna McDonald

The last thing Iris needs is a man with his head in the clouds.  

Most days Iris can't believe that she actually left her home and country for a smooth-talking jerk who tossed her into the street first chance he got. A woman has to view that sort of thing as life lesson. Her mum raised her to be a survivor, and that includes understanding her worst enemy is herself when it comes to good-looking men.

Besides… nice men don't date broke women staying at hostels. And Lincoln Walker seems to be a very, very nice man. He has a growing list of rich, beautiful, and successful business women wanting to date him. Iris calls tending bar a career. They couldn't be any less suited for each other.

Imagine Cinderella never getting to the ball. Then imagine her turning forty and still scrubbing fireplaces for a living. That would be the fairytale version of Iris's life.

She's got no time to waste on dating Prince Charming—or rather, Prince Walker. The man owns his own urban kingdom and yet chooses to fly balloons for a living. Iris, on the other hand, chooses to take down rowdy drunks in bars. Cupid better not shoot an arrow her way or she'll take him down too.

In her life, love and romance are temporary. That's all Iris can afford. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna McDonald
• Release date: Sep 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950619160

Donna McDonald

Donna McDonald published her first romance novel in March of 2011. Fifty plus novels later, she admits to living her own happily ever after as a full-time author. Her work spans several genres, such as contemporary romance, paranormal, and science fiction. Humor is the most common element in all her writing. Addicted to making readers laugh, she includes a good dose of romantic comedy in every book.

Book preview

Chapter One

Iris laughed at the food the waiter set on the table. It was pale, white, and sprinkled with something that looked like cinnamon but smelled like pepper. The chef had also littered the top with an herb that resembled lawn cuttings. She couldn’t help wrinkling her nose a bit and feeling glad she wasn’t the one picking up the tab for dinner.

Iris waved at the plate. That’s not at all what I imagined it would be when I saw it on the menu. She lifted an eyebrow when Della laughed at her. Seriously. My mum used to make me eat bland porridge for breakfast before going to school. It looked a lot like that, only without the green stuff.

Della grinned. You didn’t complain the last time I bought you dinner at one of Chef Baker’s restaurants. I thought you’d enjoy trying out a second one. This one is very modern and has a lot of vegan offerings.

Vegan? She had never even considered a diet so restrictive. To cover her true reaction, Iris raised her glass of wine—a very good wine, she noted—and took a sip. She considered herself brave in many areas of life but trying strange Yank food wasn’t one of them.

Perhaps I was a more desperate woman then, Iris teased.

Della chuckled at the face Iris was unconsciously making. I’ve gotten this before. It’s a hummus made with chickpeas and cauliflower. I don’t know what Chef Baker puts in it for seasoning, but I swear it’s delicious. Don’t be shy about trying it. Grab some pita bread and dig in.

Neither of you are eating. Something wrong with the food tonight?

Both women immediately looked up into a handsome male face. Chef Jack Dozen’s current frown of displeasure took nothing away from his attractiveness. Della chuckled nervously which was her typical reaction with men that belonged to her friends. Both Trudy Baker and Jack Dozen were very blunt people. Iris was the epitome of polite but could be blunt when pushed. This could go south very quickly.

Della searched her mind for a way not to throw Iris under the bus. Our appetizer just arrived, and we were still talking. You know how women friends are. She looked at Iris and nodded to Jack with her head. Iris, this is Chef Jack Dozen. He’s engaged to Chef Trudy Baker who owns the restaurant.

Oh, Iris said and smiled because she wasn’t a dummy and the man was drop-dead gorgeous. She promptly scooped up a bite and chewed without tasting a thing. Yummy, she said, after she swallowed.

Snorting in disbelief, Jack reached across the table, grabbed a piece of pita from their basket, and boldly dipped it into their plate of hummus. He tossed the bite into his mouth and made a face. No wonder you can’t eat it. It needs salt, he grumbled, pointing to the salt shaker.

Iris giggled like a schoolgirl as she passed the salt shaker to him. Jack Dozen probably had that effect on all females. You certainly get an A-1 rating for customer service, Chef Dozen. I’ve never had anyone fix my food for me at the table.

Jack salted the hummus and grabbed another pita. He tried another bite. Better, he said, winking at Della to stop her from looking so worried. After I have a little talk with the kitchen staff, I’ll make sure it comes off your bill.

Oh, that’s unnecessary… Della hurried to say, but hushed when Jack held up a finger.

I owe you and Mariah for finding my wonderful, soon-to-be daughter-in-law for my slow-to-date son. They adore each other and I refuse to serve you bad food. You need more wine too. Let me find your waitperson.

Della and Iris watched Jack’s attractive backside move through the crowded tables. Every female in the place was watching as well.

Iris spoke her mind because it just had to be said. That man is a man all the way to the bone. No woman in her right mind would toss him out of bed for eating crackers.

Della chuckled at the old cliché which was spot-on where Jack Dozen was concerned. It came across on the TV screen as well. No woman in her right mind would say no to anything Jack asked of her, but he wasn’t dating at all before he hooked up with Trudy.

Iris chuckled. So, you and Mariah matched Chef Dozen up with your Chef Baker friend who owns this restaurant?

No, Della said with a laugh. Jack Dozen was never a client. We didn’t play Cupid in Jack and Trudy’s case. We were merely the bow that held Cupid’s arrow.

Explain that to me if you can—the metaphor, I mean, Iris ordered.

Della lifted one shoulder. "Since there was a full write-up about their entire relationship in a local newspaper, I don’t think I’m sharing any secrets. We set up Chef Baker—Trudy—on a date with Jack’s adult son, Brandon, who had specifically asked to go out with her. Brandon, who was in our database, talked Trudy into giving his father, Jack, a chance."

Goodness, Iris said with a chuckle.

Shrugging, Della chuckled too. "The other dates we found for Trudy turned out to be duds which rarely happens. Jack’s son paid our fee purely to play matchmaker. As you probably gleaned from Jack’s comments, Brandon found a terrific woman via his matches at The Perfect Date. They’re engaged to be married now.

Iris dug into the hummus again. It really was better with salt. It was amazing how often the smallest detail made all the difference. She chewed thoughtfully before responding. I get it now. The dating agency was the bow and Chef Dozen’s son was the arrow.

Della grinned. And you’re smiling instead of rolling your eyes at my story. This is why I’d like you to work with us, Iris.

Iris took another sip of wine. The hummus paired with it perfectly. "So, Chef Dozen and Chef Baker knew each other before she joined The Perfect Date as a client?"

Yes, although no one knew that but her and him. Trudy’s a decade older than Jack. He was once her cooking student. Georgia said the man had a hard time convincing Trudy that their age difference didn’t matter. According to Brandon, Jack had loved her for years and never got over her.

Sounds like the perfect plot for a romantic movie, Iris said with a laugh.

Della laughed. A lot of my work seems like that to me. Sometimes people chase true love only to find it’s been right under their nose all along. I can definitely say that about Elliston. He was one of Mariah’s earliest clients.

Sounds juicy. Tell me more, Iris ordered.

I set Elliston up with most of his dates, including an older woman who he really liked. They’re good friends now. He went through a period of not dating at all until he ended up with me. Mariah set me up with him because he needed an emergency date for a business event. None of our clients were available on such short notice. Long story short, we ended up falling in love on our first date.

Iris sighed. I’m fairly sure there’s no Prince Charming in my life that I’ve missed—young or otherwise. Blokes ask me out all the time. Chemistry is either there or not for me. I don’t date much anymore because most men only see a tall blonde with a good-sized bosom and acceptable curves. They aren’t interested in knowing that inside this body I’m a real woman trying to figure her life out.

Della scooped up a bite and eyed Iris. Everyone’s journey to finding true love is different. That’s what makes it so fun.

That’s what makes it so frustrating, Iris retorted with a smile. I imagine you must find it very satisfying to help people find that one perfect person.

Della nodded in reply as she picked up another piece of pita. I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living, even when some clients end up following their own path to true love. A happy ending is always great no matter how it happens. Mariah has never had any problem staying in business. Lots of busy, professional people need dating help these days.

Iris nodded. I’m sure your agency is a real godsend to those who are unlucky in love, like your Lincoln Walker fellow.

Della focused on eating as she thought about Lincoln. The man posed a challenge all right. I have high hopes for Lincoln. He’s a terrific guy. He deserves his perfect match.

Iris chuckled at Della’s determination. Like our blah looking appetizer, I suspect handsome Lincoln just might need a bit more man salt to become appetizing to women. The man’s a real looker if you can get beyond those stiff clothes he favors and that too polite personality.

Chuckling, Della picked up her wine and took a sip. "Man salt? You always make me laugh, Iris. Before she left last Friday, Mariah said I could use my best judgment in allowing you to work for us. When I started with Mariah, I was in a paid internship situation. I’ve decided the best way to hire you without hiring you would be to tell people you’re doing an unpaid internship. You’d have to sign a confidentiality agreement and swear to keep everything you hear or see in the office completely private."

Iris smiled wide. Like that advertisement on your telly? What happens at the dating agency stays at the dating agency?

Yes. That’s exactly right, Della confirmed. Want to start tomorrow?

Iris shrugged. I’ve already unpacked my suitcase in your lovely little flat so my answer must be yes. I have two dresses. Maybe I can find a thrift shop and get a couple more to wear to work. You and your boss run a swanky place. You won’t want your Office Greeter looking like a bag lady.

Della chuckled. I don’t think it will matter what you wear. Clients will love your accent.

Iris rolled her eyes a bit but took the comment in stride. She’d heard it a million times in the last few months. Probably not as much as I like the privacy of your flat. Compared to the hostel, your place is the bee’s knees. It’s like having a vacation to be there all alone.

Della sighed as she smiled. I really like you, Iris. That’s why I’ll make my offer to you one more time. Let me buy you a ticket home. I would feel righteous about doing so. Mariah and I will hire someone for the office eventually. You don’t have to do this.

Iris studied the nearly empty hummus plate before answering. Della’s gracious offer would indeed be the simplest answer to her ongoing dilemma. Why couldn’t she just say yes?

She could go back home, find work, and send Della regular installments until she’d paid the kind woman back. She’d already saved half the money for her ticket, but her gut kept whispering not to leave yet. She didn’t think it was pride holding her back. So, what in bloody hell was her problem?

Their entrees arrived in the middle of her reflection. The food looked absolutely fabulous. When their nervous waitperson scurried off, Iris sighed in contentment before she looked at Della. I’m grateful for the offer and tempted. My problem is that I’m not tempted enough. For some reason… Iris paused and tried to find the proper words to express her strange reluctance. Mostly she was a decisive person who did what needed done.

Della grinned across the table as she ate. It doesn’t sound like you’re ready to leave the states yet.

Brilliant of you, Dr. Livingston. That’s the very thing I’m chewing on, other than this great food, Iris said with a nod.

Della picked up her fork and dipped her head to hide her pleased reaction. Lincoln might get lucky in love yet. "Are you looking for closure from the jerk who ditched you? Or wondering if there’s a real adventure for you at The Perfect Date?"

Maybe it’s a bit of both, Iris admitted.

Della nodded as she lifted her face and smiled for real. You seem to be listening to some inner voice telling you that your destiny is here and not back in the UK.

That too, Iris confessed softly. After what’s happened to me, that’s bonkers, right?

No. It’s always good to listen to your gut, Della said firmly. And I’m not ready for you to leave because I need to study you.

"Study me? Definitely not something you want to hear from your favorite shrink over dinner. Your ticket home offer just started to look better."

Della giggled, something she rarely did, but plotting was such fun. My instincts tell me you’re the key to figuring out the perfect match for Lincoln. You’re obviously his type since he wanted me to chase you down. To make Lincoln happy, I will have to find your clone within our database. Maybe you can help me track someone down for him.

Iris snorted. Me? Find my clone? Good luck with that one, Della. Mum says the universe broke the mold after it made me.

Della’s smile widened. In that case, I will accept my life lesson gracefully. I promised Mariah to curb my tendency to get overly involved. Apparently, chasing down a courier and bribing her with dinner to date my client falls into that category.

Iris waved at her food and laughed. You feed me like a queen. I have no regrets that you chased me down. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me since I got to the States.

Let’s hope that optimism of yours holds for a few more weeks, Della said with a wink.

She especially hoped Iris stayed optimistic while Della figured out how to help Lincoln woo the reluctant English woman who’d been every bit as unlucky in love as he had been.

Chapter Two

Yes, Mr. Landers. Della has you on her calendar for two in the afternoon next Wednesday. Iris listened to the man’s comments and fought not to sigh. No, sir. I’m not a client myself. I’m just an unpaid intern. My time here is temporary. I’ll be leaving in a few weeks.

This was the cover story Della had helped her concoct. It worked like a charm to justify her presence, but the novelty of the story had dulled for her with the constant retelling of it.

Wonderful. We’ll see you next week. Cheerio, Mr. Landers, Iris said, disconnecting with relief.

Nearly every male client ended up asking her out. It baffled her that she could have her pick of rich men solely after one conversation with them on the phone. The reason she wasn’t tempted to date any of them suddenly opened the door and stepped inside.

If there was a single temptation she faced at the moment, it was in finding a man who had turned out to be a kindred soul. The timing though was simply awful. She was on the rebound from a jerk and he was Della’s personal project.

Hello, Mr. Walker. I didn’t expect to see you again this week.

Come on, Iris. Call me Lincoln. My father is Mr. Walker and Mr. Walker thinks his son is nutty for having a hot-air balloon business. Every time I hear someone call me mister I expect a business lecture to follow.

I’m in mister mode sitting back here. Are you on the calendar, Lincoln? Let me just take a look-see, Iris said, checking her computer screen. Della had seen the handsome man twice already this week. Why was he here for a third visit?

Lincoln lifted a shoulder. Della texted and said she wanted to see me again if I could make it in. I think she has a list of new dating prospects to go over with me.

Of course, there was a new list. Lincoln’s classically handsome face would always draw new prospects and his manners were beyond keen. His clothes often dulled his appearance like they were doing today, but Iris noted his masculinity still made itself known. Every time she’d seen him sharpened her awareness. Why didn’t any of the females he dated stick?

Yes, I do see you have a meeting at four with Della, Iris said, wondering how someone who flew a balloon always looked so permanently pressed. Didn’t the wind muss him like it did a normal person?

Good. Glad I didn’t imagine the appointment, Lincoln said.

I never implied that, Iris protested.

Lincoln chuckled. I wouldn’t have been offended if you had. You’re fun to tease.

Backing up his statement, Lincoln’s smile was friendly