Matched

"That's right," I say, certain that he put emphasis on business, like he wants to accentuate that I am not a romantic partner, but maybe that's me being slightly paranoid. I wouldn't put it past myself, the way I'm feeling, seeing India with a really handsome man.

"Who are you and what do you do for a living?"

"Jon, you have a date to talk to," India says and gives me the evil eye.

Mr. Loathsome smiles. "John McMaster. I'm a portfolio manager and angel invest

or. When I'm not doing that, I surf, snowboard, and base jump."

"Ahh," I say, hating him even more. "That's something we share in common."

"You base jump?" he asks, like he's the only rich alpha in the world who likes the adrenaline rush.

"I do. Spent time in Argentina and Chile. Also skydive when I can get a chance."

Mr. Loathsome nods, sizing me up. I think he realizes I feel possessive towards India and is now going to bring out the big guns. "I love to jump."

"I jumped with the 75th Ranger Regiment."

He nods even more meaningfully at that, realizing now that I'm a veteran as well as being a very rich business owner. "I was with the 507th, Bravo Company during my service," he replies.

"Jon, your date is waiting for you," India says, her eyes wide, her voice frustrated.

"Oh, yeah," I say, feeling guilty for being such a terrible date, but needing to check out this guy before I can relax.

Now, I can't relax.

He's like me, except dark-haired and -eyed. Former military. Investments. Adrenaline junkie.

"See you later," I say and point at India.

Then I return to Cindy and feel like I've scored a point, but it feels hollow. Even though I hate his guts, I realize that India should be with someone like Mr. Loathsome. He's smart, successful, good looking. He probably looks at India and sees an amazing catch – someone he could use both as arm candy and maybe even a wife he could show off to all his banker buddies. He probably is one of those guys who's ready to settle down and wants to find his wife. I imagine India in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle with him and it makes my gut knot.

I talk to Cindy about her job and her aspirations. She's definitely hot, and most men would be happy to have her as a lover. She's not the dip that Marina matched me with the last time, but she's about as interesting as yesterday's newspaper. I've been there and done that with a number of women just like Cindy. They're looking for a rich husband so they can work less and spend more time at the spa.

I don't want to be someone's conquest.

I can practically see the dollar signs in her eyes when I tell her about Pacifica and our current round of contract negotiations with the US military.

India isn’t like that. She's on my level. She's as ambitious as me. She wants to run her own show and make a real contribution in life. She wants to make a difference and build something that will last.

She is my equal.

When I glance over at Mr. Loathsome, I see someone else like me and it unnerves me. I can't help but think that he would be so much easier for her than I would be.

I'm standing there, half-listening to Cindy, the other half of my brain thinking of India and Mr. Loathsome, when Marina comes up to us.

"How are things?" she asks, her eyebrows wagging in that disgusting manner.

"Great," Cindy says, meaningfully.

Marina turns to me expectantly. I realize she wants me to wax poetic about the great time I'm having with her match for me.

"Oh, fantastic," I say, only a little too emphatically. "Of course." I give her a big smile but at that moment, the only thing I want to do is get another drink and down it as quickly as possible. "Excuse me," I say and point to the bar. "I'm going to get another drink. How about yours? Do you need a refill?"

Cindy shakes her head. "No, thanks. I'm good."

I turn to Marina, who apparently isn't going to leave. "You?"