Page 15 of Forbidden Whispers
“They do,” Noah said with a grin. “And I have to admit, I love it too. It gives me such a great feeling to see their faces light up when they learn something new or accomplish something they didn’t think was possible.”
Listening to him, Maggie couldn’t help but admire him even more. Not only was he talented, an entrepreneur, and incredibly good-looking, but he had a big heart as well. She wondered why it was so difficult for him to find a woman who appreciated him for who he was.
“You know,” Maggie said, peeking at him over the top of her coffee mug. “I always loved hearing your band play when we were in high school. I don’t think I missed a single performance you gave. You guys were good!”
“You were a very supportive friend,” Noah said.
She sighed inwardly at his use of the annoying “F” word.
“I still can’t believe you took time out of your busy schedule of studying, tutoring, student counseling, and participating on the debate team to come hear little ol’ me and my band play.”
“I wasn’t that busy,” she mumbled, secretly flattered that he recalled all her former activities with such ease.
Noah laughed. “Yes, you were.” At her expression, he rushed to add, “But that’s a good thing! You were way more organized, motivated, and goal-oriented than I ever was. That’s why I know your business will be a great success, Maggie. Despite this, er, setback.”
Maggie sighed deeply and put her mug down. “I really hope you’re right, Noah, for both of our sakes.”
“Okay, your turn,” he said. “Why matchmaking?”
She smiled and glanced away, unable to meet his eyes as she searched for the right way to explain it all. Finally, she said, “I guess I have a story, too. One that goes back to before we were in high school.
Noah’s brows lifted at this.
“I’m sure you recall the tragic connection we share from our childhoods, how I lost both of my parents in a car accident when I was ten.”
She glanced up briefly to see acknowledgment and sympathy reflected in Noah’s eyes. But she dropped her gaze again to continue.
“From my earliest memories, my parents were always so in love with each other and with me. But everything changed dramatically for me after they died. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle, whom I’m sure my parents thought would be the best guardians for me. But it wasn’t a happy home. They had a terrible marriage and fought constantly. I never understood why they stayed together. It was a toxic environment completely devoid of love. To escape from it all, I began immersing myself in romance novels.”
Noah smiled at this. “So, that’s where your love for matchmaking came from?” he asked, intrigued.
“Partially,” Maggie said. “Reading all those love stories sort of planted the seed. But then it kind of grew from there. You probably didn’t know this, but in high school I successfully set up a few of my friends, and their relationships worked out surprisingly well. When I got to college, I had more successes and realized I had a knack for it. Even a passion for it. I encountered so many people struggling in unhappy relationships or unable to find love at all. And it was so fulfilling to help them find the same kind of loving connection that my parents had.
“Of course, at first, I never thought about trying to earn a living out of making love matches.” She chuckled. “So, after graduating with my double major in human resources and psychology, I followed the traditional path and got a job at a large recruitment agency where I worked for a few years.”
“Hmmm...isn’t that kind of like matchmaking for businesses?” Noah said. “I mean you’re matching the right people to the right companies.”
Maggie laughed. “I suppose you’re right. I never thought about it like that.”
Noah’s expression grew curious. “So, how did you make the shift from matchmaking for businesses to matchmaking for individuals?”
“Well,” she said. “I became aware of how much my friends, and friends of friends, were struggling with online dating apps in their efforts to find the right person to share their lives with.”
“Online dating is the worst!” Noah said.
“Exactly.” Maggie leaned forward, her passion growing as she spoke. “Tech companies and algorithms are completely impersonal, plus they’re not totally devoid of the biases of the programmers who create them. They can’t measure chemistry or gut feelings or love connections. I just knew I could offer a more personalized and effective solution. So, after a few more success stories under my belt from playing matchmaker for friends, I did some research and ultimately took the plunge to turn it into a business venture.”
“That’s a great story,” Noah said. “Your business is definitely not run-of-the-mill either. Before my sister-in-law Alex found your service, I thought real-life matchmakers were only for the rich and famous.”
Maggie laughed.
Then Noah surprised her by reaching across the table and gently lifting her left hand. “What about you, though, Maggie? You’ve had success with so many couples now. Why don’t I see a ring on your finger?”
She hoped he didn’t notice the goosebumps that rippled up her arm as his warm fingers gently enveloped hers. She didn’t respond right away as he continued holding her hand and gazing into her eyes with that blasted smoldering intensity again. His touch was so distracting that any response she could have mustered instantly flew out of her head.
“Oh, honey, I wouldn’t if I were you!”
Maggie looked up to see a gorgeous strawberry-blond gazing down at their clasped hands.