Her Asian Billionaire’s Perfect Match

Chapter 3

“I come bearing lunch as emphatic thanks for setting me up with such a peach of a man.” Asami Masaki breezed in with a large picnic basket, a smile on her beautiful face.

It was Monday afternoon and Leonie had been so busy that she had forgotten to call her and find out how it went. Simoniel was behind her and her face was wreathed in a smile of triumph as she held the door open for the woman to come into the office.

“So it went well?” Leonie stood up and came around the desk, taking the heavy basket from her and placing it on her desk.

“More than well,” Asami sat in one of the chairs with Simoniel taking a seat beside her. “We are going out again tomorrow.” She crossed elegantly clad legs. She was wearing a chic lime green skirt suit and her long black hair was caught up with chopsticks, with not even a wisp out of place. Her make-up was minimal but flawless. “We could not stop talking about this and that and mostly about farming. He is coming by later to take a look at some bulbs that I have been struggling with ever since I bought them.”

“Sounds like a match made in heaven.” Simoniel said with a pleased smile, ignoring the look Leonie sent her. She was a romantic at heart and wished everyone could find true love, especially her friend.

“I would not exactly say that my dear but it’s close,” the woman said with a wicked grin. “Come on let’s dive into this wonderful cuisine. I happen to have the best chef in town.”

*****

“I have the latest status report.” Simoniel took a seat in front of the desk and spread out the folder she had in her hand before her friend. “Mary-Ann and ‘Dr. Love’ have hit it off and they went on their first date on Saturday as well. Looks like another success story.”

“We don’t call it a success story until we see where it’s heading. And ‘Doctor Love’?” Leonie looked at her quizzically. “Why is he being referred to as that?”

“Because he happens to be looking for love.” Simoniel said with a sheepish grin. “I will make sure to refer to him as Dr. Phillip Morgan when I am in front of him.”

“Make sure you do,” Leonie said with mock sternness. “Now how about David and Angela?” she asked referring to the two people who had gone on several dates over the last couple of months.

“They are still exploring each other and have decided to pace themselves.” Simoniel told her. “Angela was badly hurt in a relationship before and David came out of a messy divorce, so I believe they are taking it one step at a time.”

“Smart move,” Leonie nodded. “Now let’s deal with these new ones.”

*****

He called her when she was getting ready to leave the office. “Is this Ms. Williams?” the deep voice asked.

“This is she, who is this?”

“John Masaki, I wonder if we could have a discussion.”

“About?” Leonie asked with a frown. He was the son of her wealthiest client but that did not say anything.

“I want to find out more about the man you set my mother up with.” He explained.

Leonie bit off a sigh and taking a deep breath she replied. “Mr. Masaki your mother is an adult and she told me she is satisfied with the result. If you have any objections you should take it up with her.”

“I am asking you to humor me please,” his tone booked no argument and Leonie had a feeling that he was not used to be told no and she almost did.

“When?”

“How about now?” he suggested. “I am just about to leave the office so I could pick you up and we could go for a cup of coffee nearby.”

“I’ll drive and you follow me.” She told him barely controlling her impatience. “And it’s going to be very short Mr. Masaki, I have something to do.” She hung up before he could respond.

*****

At that time of evening the café was almost empty. The waitress came over to take their order. “A cup of black coffee for me thanks,” she told the woman with a small smile.

“Black coffee for me as well with two cubes of sugar, no less.” His voice rang of authority and the woman scurried off to fill their order.

Leonie could not help but notice how confident and relaxed he looked even in the nondescript little café. He was wearing an obviously expensive charcoal jacket suit with a gray silk shirt and red and gray tie. His black hair was brushed back from his square forehead.

She caught his dark gaze and realized that she had been staring. He did not say anything and she was immensely grateful that he had not made mention of it. “In my line of business and the fact that we happened to be named Masaki means that we have to be very careful,” he stopped when the waitress came over with their order and he acknowledged her with a nod of his head. “My mother tends to be very trusting. This man has already been to the house and although he seems harmless enough, I am still very cautious.”

“I am sure your mother is not naïve Mr. Masaki and Lucas Whittingham happens to be a very nice man as I am sure you will discover once you get to know him.” Leonie said coolly.

“You seem very defensive about him,” he was eyeing her speculatively. “Is there a reason for that?”

“I am defending him because he is not here to defend himself,” she said shortly and then taking a deep breath she continued. “Your mother likes him Mr. Masaki and he likes her so that should be enough.”

He put aside his coffee cup and leaned forward to look at her. “I tried to put my finger on why you do not seem to believe what you were selling and I think I know why.”

“Why don’t you enlighten me,” she told him, determined not to flinch from his gaze.

“You talk a good talk Ms. Williams and you have made a success of an uncertain business but you don’t believe in love and marriage do you?” he asked her softly, his eyes holding hers.

She felt the shock run through her. He did not know her yet he had managed to see right through her, but she was determined to bluff her way out of this kind of conversation. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” She picked up her coffee cup and managed to keep her hands steady and actually sipped the liquid without spilling any.

“Of course you do,” his voice was amused and Leonie had a feeling that he was laughing at her and it made her seethe with fury.

“Mr. Masaki we are here to discuss the man your mother is going out with and I would appreciate it if we could stick to that.” She told him stiffly.

“You already told me that I have nothing to worry about where that is concerned so I have laid my fears to rest.” He murmured. “What happened to you to make you stop believing in love?”

Leonie wanted to pour the now lukewarm coffee over his well groomed head and stomp out of the café but she held back her urge. “I am not going to answer that.” She told him tightly, putting her cup carefully on the table.