A Match Made in Heaven

“Well, she’s cheerful,” Janelle said.

Reece laughed. “She always has been. Let’s say hello to a few people and then head out.”

“Where are we going next?”

“If I didn’t tell you for first time, I’m sure not going to tell you now,” he said with a chuckle.

Janelle narrowed her eyes at him. “Keep it up. You’re going to be sleeping on the couch,” she mumbled.

“I doubt that,” he said as he pressed a kiss into her cheek.

Janelle met so many people that she couldn’t even remember their names by the time they left. There was VP this, CO that. All of it made her head swim a bit. Yes, she was good at what she did, but these people were from a different planet. Her stomach growled anxiously.

“Don’t worry, we’re getting food next,” Reece said as he slipped behind the steering wheel.

“Good,” Janelle said relieved.

When they stepped into the restaurant, Janelle could immediately see it was an expensive place. The menu’s were printed in French and the customers wore formal clothing. Reece led her to his favorite table before the waiter showed up to take their order.

“What do you want to eat?” Reece asked as he casually glanced over the menu.

“I can’t read a word of this,” she whispered as she leaned forward. “What do you like?”

“Hmm, I think the question is what don’t I like here. You like duck though, right?”

Janelle nodded. “I haven’t had it in a long time.”

“Duck it is,” Reece said as he shut his menu.

When their food order was placed and more champagne filled their glasses, Janelle sighed. She had to admit, it was fun. More luxurious than she was used to, but fun. Reece gazed at her.

“Are you going to explain now?” She said as she took a sip from her glass.

“Of course,” he said, sitting his glass on the table. “What do you want to know?”

“Well you obviously don’t paint,” she started.

“Well, I do. Just not for a living.”

“What do you do?” She asked curiously.

“I’m actually an investor. I’ve always known how to juggle money and where to put my money to help it grow. Wall street has been kind to me.”

“So, what made you want to be on the show? I mean, I get that you said you didn’t want women to want you for your money, but there has to be other ways to meet them.”

Reece chuckled. “Probably so. I admit, it wasn’t entirely a well thought out plan. I’d just broken up with another girlfriend who proved she was only after my wallet and I was feeling desperate. When I saw the advertisements for your show searching for bachelors, I just jumped.”

Janelle nodded. “I guess I can understand that. You just wanted people to see you for who you were.”

“Exactly,” he said with a grin.

“You didn’t lie about anything else though, right?” Janelle asked anxiously.

Reece thought for a moment. “I don’t stay at a hotel and of course, that was only a loaner car. I have a house not far from here, actually. Other than that, no. Everything I told you was true.”

Janelle could see that he was telling the truth just from looking into his eyes. She smiled. For a moment, she’d been afraid that perhaps he’d lied to her about everything, perhaps she didn’t know the real him. Having reassurance that he wasn’t about to suddenly change calmed her mind a bit.

“So, do you think you can forgive me?” He asked, cutting into her thoughts. “I really do love you, Janelle. I don’t want you thinking that I’d ever lie to you.”

Janelle smiled at him. “I believe you. I forgive you, too.”

Their food was placed in front of them. Duck with vegetables that had been cooked in wine sauce. The aroma was amazing. For a moment, the conversation was put aside to make way for them eating. Both of them sliced the duck before popping a piece in their mouths.

“Oh my God,” Janelle mumbled, “this is just…Mmmmm.”

“Right?”

“Do you eat like this all of the time?” She asked as she slid a bite of potato in her mouth.

“Sometimes.”

“How on earth could you stomach the junk that I like to eat?” She asked.

Reece laughed. “I like that food too. Besides, it was more about being with you than whatever we were doing.”

The more they finished their meal, the more relaxed Janelle became. It was still Reece. He wasn’t any different, he just had more money. Janelle cleared her plate before they both shared dessert, a beautiful Crème Brulee that Janelle couldn’t get enough of. By the time they were done, Janelle was full of warm food and bubbly champagne.

“I think you’re just trying to get me drunk,” Janelle said as Reece helped her into the car.

“I told you to take it easy! You were the one who kept saying ‘it’s fine, it’s fine,’” he said laughing.

Janelle laid her head on the back of the seat. She was warm all over, the champagne had gotten to her head. She liked it. Now that the show was over, she really could cut loose with Reese in the way that she’d always wanted to.

“What do you think,” Reece asked as he began to drive away from the restaurant, “your place? Or do you want to see my house?”

“Your house, definitely.”

“My house it is.”

Janelle slipped her hand inside of his. He gripped it firmly before pulling her hand up to his mouth where he placed a light kiss. Janelle couldn’t contain her smile even if she’d wanted to. She hummed softly along with the radio as they drove, but she couldn’t stop stealing glances at Reece, who seemed to do the same thing.

When they pulled up to Reece’s house, Janelle’s mouth dropped in awe. It was huge! She couldn’t stop staring at it until they were inside of the garage where Reece’s other cars sat looking sleek and luxurious.

“Wow,” she mumbled, “you really are loaded. And here I was proud of my little mustang.”

“Hey, I love that mustang,” he said as he helped her out of the car. “Come on. I’ll give you a tour.”

Each room was more immaculate than the last. Reece took his time showing them to her, letting her explore them at her leisure. When they reached his bedroom, she ran a hand over his thick comforter.