Finding Love for the Playboy: Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church

By Laurie Larsen

Moms go the distance!

 

New from Laurie Larsen, Award-winning author of Inspirational Romance:  Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church.  A team of mothers determined to covertly jumpstart the stalled love lives of their adult children. A light-hearted, faith-filled, fun series that will make you smile and warm your heart. 

 

Book 4:  Finding Love for the Playboy

 

The Matchmaking Moms face their biggest challenge yet.  Dahlia's son Micah is a high-powered agent in the entertainment industry.  Red carpet appearances are a common part of his job and he always has a beautiful woman on his arm.  However, he's never seen anyone as a forever partner.  How will the Matchmaking Moms handle that one?

 

Maria struggles to form a new life centered on her baby daughter after losing her husband to a tragic accident.  The last thing she expects is the strong attraction she feels towards her employer's son, visiting his mom for vacation.  The worst possible thing for her right now would be to fall in love.  Does that make her the perfect woman to become Micah's one and only?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random Moon Books
• Release date: Sep 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393691297

Laurie Larsen

Laurie Larsen is a multi-award winning author of inspirational romance and womens fiction.  Fans love her books for their heartwarming storylines and life-changing message of God's love.  Her stories mostly take place in her very favorite place in the world -- coastal South Carolina's beautiful Lowcountry. Laurie lives at the beach with her husband Norm and her feisty rescue dog Weezer, where, when she's not writing, she loves walking the beach, reading, traveling and pampering her adorable first grandchild!

Book preview

Moms Go the Distance!

The Matchmaking Moms face their biggest challenge yet.  Dahlia's son Micah is a high-powered agent in the entertainment industry.  Red carpet appearances are a common part of his job and he always has a beautiful woman on his arm.  However, he's never seen anyone as a forever partner.  How will the Matchmaking Moms handle that one?

Maria struggles to form a new life centered on her baby daughter after losing her husband to a tragic accident.  The last thing she expects is the strong attraction she feels towards her employer's son, visiting his mom for vacation.  The worst possible thing for her right now would be to fall in love.  Does that make her the perfect woman to become Micah's one and only?

Chapter One:  Micah Needs a Date

MICAH BENJAMIN WALKED into the gym three blocks from his office in downtown LA.  The place was packed with the health-conscious working hard on their physical fitness, but his mind wasn't on working out.  Not today.  He had a job to do and it had nothing to do with exercise.

A petite redhead wearing tight yoga pants and a midriff workout top was on the treadmill, her cheeks rosy and her breathing heavy.  He paused near her machine, trying to imagine how she'd look in a sparkly evening gown, after utilizing the help of his favorite hair and makeup team. 

Yes.  She was a good prospect for his next red carpet date.  Now, he just had to convince her of that. 

He climbed up on the empty machine beside her and glanced up at the row of TVs facing them.  His choices were a cooking show, a political channel and a sports panel talking about the current football season.  He pushed his earbuds deeper into the pocket of his shorts. 

He moved his legs, settling in to a steady brisk pace.  He pushed the buttons on the console to guide his workout, then he glanced over at the woman.  She was focused on the cooking show, earbuds in, listening and watching, legs moving.  In her own little world.  Well, he was about to intrude.

He cleared his throat.  She paid him no attention.

He tapped her arm and she jolted, wide eyes turning his way.  He lifted a hand, an apologetic gesture, then pointed at his treadmill with a look of confusion.  She pulled the buds out of her ears, eyebrows up.

I'm sorry to interrupt your workout, he said smoothly, a humble smile hinting.  I notice you're watching the TV.  I can see it but I can't hear it.  How do I fix that?

She chuckled.  Do you have earbuds?

He shook his head, lips clenched in faux disappointment.

Headphones?

Nope.  Neither.

She shrugged with a smile.  Do you read lips?

He laughed out loud.  So she had a sense of humor.  Good to know.  No, I guess I'm out of luck, huh?

You have to bring your own hearing device from home.  They don't provide that for you.

Ah, bummer, he said dejectedly.  I'll have to remember that for next time.  I get a little bored walking for thirty minutes without entertainment.

She rolled her eyes, but, points for him, she didn't look away.  She let her gaze drift over him and then slowly back to his face.  Only child, right?

He laughed again.  Excuse me?

She tilted her head back, causing her long ponytail to bob.  I imagine you were an only child whose parents entertained you constantly so you wouldn't get bored.

He feigned a wound to his chest.  No, you're way off.  I mean ...

Uh huh, she drew out, amused.

"I am an only child.  But raised by a single mother who didn't have the time to entertain me.  She was too busy building a career and working hard."

Oh, so an independent type, huh?  Did you inherit your mother's work ethic?

He smiled, thinking of his mother and her brand of high-expectation parenting.  An executive in her field of financial planning, his mother Dahlia Benjamin was a bright, hard-working, successful woman, and yes, he liked to think he'd inherited her work ethic and drive.  He was successful too, although in a completely different field.  Oh, yeah.

Well, good for you two.  Now, do you mind if I get back to the important TV viewing I was doing? she asked with a smile.

He glanced up at her television.  What, watching that guy make that cake?

She gave him a nod and started to put her buds back in her ears.  He reached out a hand, almost gripping her arm, then thinking better of it.  Would you let me buy you a drink at the juice bar when you're done?

Her eyebrows shot up into her forehead.  Is this a pick-up?

No, of course not.  Just a friendly thank you for answering my question.  My mother would expect me to show courtesy to a helpful stranger.  In fact, she'd be disappointed in me if I didn't.  He looked her straight on.  What do you say?

She laughed.  Okay.  She glanced at her phone setting in a slot on the machine.  I've got twenty more minutes to walk.

Perfect.

Twenty minutes later, her phone sang an alarm and she slowed, then stopped. He took his cue to stop too.  They both wiped off their machines with nearby cleansing cloths, then made their way out of the workout area and to the counter in the reception area that sold drinks.

I'll just take a bottle of water, the woman told the barista, and Micah said, Make it two.  They were handed two cold bottles of water, and they found a small table and two seats.  They opened their plastic bottles and took gulps, then Micah wiped his hand on a napkin and held it out to her.  Micah Benjamin, by the way.  Nice to meet you.

She wiped her wet hand on her leg and shook his.  Kathleen O'Boyle.

You come here often? Micah asked, and Kathleen let out a raucous laugh.  What? he asked with a smile.

You said this wasn't a pick up!  That was about as cheesy as they come.

He held his hands up.  Sorry!  I hadn't seen you here before so I just wondered if maybe you were new.

I come here four days a week.  And I think you know that, because not only have I seen you here before working out, I've seen you with earbuds watching the sports shows.

His eyes went wide.

Busted, she said, but with a laugh.  So you lied to me.

He shook his head.  I admit I lied to you about not knowing that you needed earbuds to watch TV.  I did know that.  But honestly, I wanted a chance to meet you and that seemed like a good introduction.  He leaned back in his chair.  But I think you just admitted to me that you've been watching me work out, so how am I supposed to feel about that?

She shook her head.  I'm not a stalker, believe me.  I just notice my surroundings.  And you've been working out here awhile.  She laid her bottle down a little heavily.  That's all.

His phone was sitting on the table in front of him.  He pulled it over to him, and from a side pocket, he slid out a business card.  I tell you what.  I'd be interested in taking you out to dinner so we can get better acquainted.  Los Angeles is a big town and it can never hurt to make a new friend.  But I won't put you on the spot.  He pushed the card to her with his index finger.  You give it some thought, and if you are interested in joining me for dinner, you call or text me at that number.

She glanced down at the card, then flashed her gaze back at him.  You're a talent agent?

He nodded.

Who do you represent? she asked.

He shook his head.  I guess you'll have to wait till dinner to find that out.  He smiled and stood.  Talk to you soon, Kathleen.

He turned and walked out of the gym, fairly certain that he'd be hearing from her.  Her response to his line of work more or less told him that she was an actress, or wanted to be one, so having dinner with an LA Talent Agent could work out well for her.  And, it would be mutually beneficial because he'd have a date for the awards ceremony in a couple weeks.

He walked to his red convertible parked on the street and hopped in.  He had a lot of phone calls to return this morning and it always felt good to get a workout in before he started.  He zoomed off into the sunshine.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF the country, the Matchmaking Moms were gathering in Dahlia's house.  Rose had brought snacks and Lily had brought a portable pot of coffee.  Dahlia just had to set up their planning equipment and straighten her place a little bit.  She looked forward to her friends coming over. 

Yes, they were friends now.  They started out strangers, moved quickly to partners, but now they'd all leaped the hurdle to true friendship. 

It was a fairly new concept to her.  As a child she was too busy studying and making good grades to form friendships.  In college she met a few girls in her dorm but they hadn't stayed in touch since graduation.  In the business world, she focused on building a career, moving up the ladder, relocating across the country several times, so, no time for friends.  Not to mention, her unique approach to motherhood.  Not wanting to wait for a romance and a marriage that could possibly never materialize, Dahlia had taken a more scientific approach.  She'd gotten pregnant on her own, with the help of fertilization specialists.  Delivered Micah on her own.  Raised him on her own. What did she know about love?  She'd never regretted her decision because she knew she wanted to bring a child in the world.  She'd taken matters into her own hands and did it her way.

She shook her head at the track her mind took.  She wasn't pondering romances, she was pondering friendships with other women.  She hadn't been blessed with that many, until now.  Due to the Matchmaking Moms of Oceanview Church, she could accurately say she had friends.  Lily and Rose lived different lives than she, but they had a common goal, worked well together and celebrated each other's successes. 

As that thought slipped through her mind, her doorbell rang and she heard conversation outside.  She went to the door and opened it to her two said besties.  Hello, hello!  Welcome.  Come on in.

The ladies stepped in, laden with goodies, and they made their way to the now familiar kitchen.  A few minutes later, they had their coffee and pastries and were back in the main room, facing the whiteboard Dahlia had set out.

First, Dahlia called them to order, Let's review our completed matches.  Lily, how is it going with Winston and Tina?

Lily's face beamed with happiness.  Wonderful.  We've seen them several times and they seem very happy and solid.  I've never seen my baby boy so content.  I wonder ...

She stopped but Rose turned to her.  What?  What do you wonder?

Well, she continued with a smile, I get the distinct impression that there might be an engagement ring in the near future.  She held a hand up.  Maybe it's my imagination but they've been dating six months now and sometimes when it's right, it's right, you know?

Dahlia reached over and squeezed Lily's hand.  I'm so happy for you, friend.

Lily's cheeks flushed.  Well, thank you, Dahlia.

Dahlia turned to Rose.  And how about the new couple, Isabelle and Zach?  How are things going there?

Rose gave a head bob. Lovely.  Isabelle seems to have turned a corner.  She was always more focused on work than love, but now, she's got both.  She's loving her new company, she's busy and successful, and she's got someone to share it all with.  Zach is a great guy and a good fit for her.

Dahlia extended her arms.  Two successful matches.  Congratulations to you both.  And now.  The final match of our little threesome.  The most difficult yet, I daresay.  My son, Micah.

Lily rubbed her hands together.  My turn to work the magic.  Tell me all about him.

Dahlia sat quietly, thinking.  He's been my everything for so long.  I believe I already shared with you that I never had a partner.  Although it was my heart's desire to have a child, mothering didn't come in the normal way for me, so I approached it like I did everything else.  I researched, I planned, I worked hard.

And you did a great job of it, Lily said with a warm smile.

I did my best.  I truly did.  What he lacked in a father's attention, I made up for with a routine he could count on, and a partnership that was probably different than his friends had, but it worked for us.  I worked a lot of hours, and he had responsibilities.  Fortunately, he never rebelled like many teenagers do.  He understood his life and my expectations.  He's a good boy.

Rose set down her cup.  Tell us about him now.  How old is he, where does he live, what does he do?

Dahlia nodded.  He's thirty-four.  He lives all over, because of his job.  He's a talent agent, so he has clients on the west coast and the east coast.

Lily gasped with excitement.  Hollywood?

Yes, and New York.  He represents actors, both television and stage personalities.  He gets them the work and they share the proceeds.  He's very good at it.

How exciting!  Have you met many of his clients?

Dahlia nodded.  Yes, every once in a while he invites me to an industry event as his date.  I've gotten all dressed up and walked the red carpet with him.  He's introduced me to a few of his clients that were up for awards.  And he's taken me to Broadway shows occasionally that feature his clients.

Wonderful!

It is.  I'm very proud of him, I just don't watch much TV or movies or plays so a lot of the excitement is lost on me.  She shrugged.

Rose opened her spiral notepad and hovered her pen over it.  Can I give you a list of my favorites?  And if Micah ever has a chance to introduce me, can you let me know?

Lily giggled.  She turned back to Dahlia.  So, tell me more about his living situation.

Dahlia nodded.  It's quite unusual.  He owns condos in Los Angeles and New York.  In order for us to see each other regularly, he schedules off three straight weeks, twice a year.  Once in the spring and once in the late fall, and he lives in my guest quarters in my back yard.  She pointed vaguely behind them.

Lily looked confused.  What?

Dahlia stood.  Follow me, I'll show you.  They rose and walked through the kitchen, into the backyard.  There, in the middle of the large yard was a tiny house.

A she-shed! Rose exclaimed.

Dahlia chuckled.  Or in this case, a he-shed.  When I moved here to Murrells Inlet, Micah and I made an agreement.  We were both working so hard, and he lived so far away, it was important to both of us to make an effort to stay in touch.  So I had this little house built—close but separate from mine—and he agreed to calendar in the vacation time that he'd spend with me.  While he's here, I loosen my own work hours and we do things together.  He still has his own activities—golf, beach, nightlife—that he does with friends he's made here.  But it works well for both of us. 

Rose put a hand on her arm.  How absolutely wonderful.  This is such a testament to the love between the two of you.

Dahlia nodded.  But.  She pierced a glance to each of them.  We need to get prepared to make a match while he's here this fall.

Back to work, Lily murmured and Rose chuckled.  They returned to the house and regained their seats.

Dahlia continued, Micah is a wonderful son and a successful talent agent.  He's smart and ambitious.  But surprise, surprise.  He needs to find a true love in his life.

They both nodded. 

I'm afraid that my own lack of love life while he was growing up colored his opinions on the matter.  He's made comments to the effect of, 'you didn't need a spouse.  I don't either.'  It's what he observed during his formative years.  And that makes me very sad indeed.

Lily said, Hey, this isn't on you, Dahlia.  You did a wonderful job making him a good man.  Now, he just needs a little nudge.  And we're the ones to give it to him.  In true Matchmaking Moms style.

Dahlia looked at her fondly.  You're right.  He dates a lot.  At least I get the impression he does.  He has no shortage of women.  But he never makes a commitment, never gets too close or allows her to get too close to him.  His dating relationships are short-term and strictly social.

Lily jotted it down.  Surface-level.  Nothing deep.

"Right.  He's never brought a woman to meet me, and I don't think he's ever dated the same woman longer than a couple months.  He seems to have an internal clock and when he reaches a certain timeline, time's up.  He breaks it off, kindly, I