Page 47 of Once upon a Summer Night

He nodded, then checked his phone. The Untouchable, indeed.

Chapter 7

Reginald Montgomery sat in an armchair, though when Ellie entered the room, he stood with a smile. Mike sat off to the side, involved with his phone and affording them some semblance of privacy.

“Thank you for sitting down with me,” he offered as they both got comfortable.

She smiled nervously. “Of course. Though I admit this is all new to me, this idea of being matched.”

“What made you decide to be a candidate?” His blue eyes sparked with interest as he assessed her. “Especially over here, stateside?”

“I’m not a candidate in the same way as those other women. Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” she hurried to add.

He smiled reassuringly at her. “Of course not. How, exactly, are you different, then?”

She fumbled for the words, but Mike spoke up from the corner. “She’s one of Celtic Connection’s clients, Reginald, from our UK office. She’s not from the matching pool.”

His interest, if possible, grew. “So you live in England?”

“I do. But technically, I’m an American by birth. I hold dual citizenship.”

He grinned. “Exactly opposite of me. I am British by birth, but live in America. Well, for half the year, anyway. But I also hold dual citizenship.”

She smiled a bit at that. “I moved to England when I was about 7. How long have you lived in the States?”

“Since I graduated Cambridge with my PhD. I started my own software company, so California was the logical place to go. The Silicon Valley has an immense talent pool.”

“I’ve never been to California.”

“You should visit sometime. There’s so much to do, from going to the theater in San Francisco, to stargazing in the middle of the desert, to sunbathing on the beach.”

Ellie smiled. “While we do have the theater in London, I believe it’s missing the desert and beach.”

He laughed, the sound a rich wave of delight. “London has its charms, certainly. There’s a wonderful little restaurant near Piccadilly that I always try to get to when I’m in town. Perhaps you’ve been?”

When she realized that she had indeed been to the restaurant, they began trading their favorite things about the city, and the half hour flew by.

“Eleanor, your time is up.”

Colin stood rigidly at the doorway, frowning at them.

“Oh.” She rose, and he rose along with her. She gave Reginald a smile. “Thank you for the scintillating conversation. It was truly lovely to meet you.”

“You, as well. I look forward to getting better acquainted. Perhaps we ought to try a new restaurant together?”

She ignored the burning sensation of Colin’s eyes on her and gave a quick nod. “I’d like that.”

He gave her a little bow, and she inclined her head. “Good night.”

Colin ushered her through the door and then quickly walked towards the exit.

“Wait,” she huffed. “Colin, you’re walking too fast!”

He slowed but didn’t look at her. “You two looked like you hit it off.” His voice was peevish, and she furrowed her brow at him.

“You sound angry about that.”

“Nope. I’m thrilled. Saves me a lot of time trying to find either of you a match.”

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