Page 1 of The Love Bargain

Chapter1

Courtroom Chaos

Sabine

Chasing Ryland to the courthouse on the first day of a highly anticipated environmental case trial wasn't my brightest idea, but he isn’t answering my calls.

I need an answer from him, and I need it today because everything I've worked for is on the line.

If I fail, I’ll be another step closer to losing the matchmaking business I’m working hard to build.

The sidewalk in front of the courthouse is swarming with people. Everywhere I look, photographers and news crews jostle for position, their bulky cameras obscuring my view. I step out of the cab and am immediately met with a rush of noise.

People chant slogans, and camera shutters click. It's so loud I can barely hear myself think. I understand the stakes are high. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for the future, but I wasn’t expecting this. It’s a circus!

Although my reason for being here seems trivial in comparison, it’s important to me. I take a deep breath, plunge into the swarm, and dash up the steps.

I follow closely behind a tall man wearing a trench coat. We step past the chaos of the bustling crowd outside and into the foyer.

I tear my eyes from the colorful murals on the walls, lost and confused, I wander through the crowded foyer, trying to decide which way to go.

Ahead of me, the reception desk stands tall and proud, manned by a clerk with a rigid posture and a stern expression.

The polished oak floor creaks ever so slightly as I approach. My feet feel heavy and my stomach churns with dread.

It’s a closed court, and I can’t enter without credentials. If the clerk points me in the right direction, I’ll wait for Ryland to come out during a break. But if she asks me to wait outside? I’ll never find him.

A reporter pushes past, drawing the clerk’s attention. I wander aimlessly through the crowded foyer until I spot a quiet nook behind a pillar. I tuck myself behind it while I figure out my next move.

Trying to look as though I belong, I scroll through my socials, checking out one of my competitor’s accounts. When I see wedding photos, I stop scrolling and stare at the images of picture-perfect love.

I sell this message to my matchmaking clients and dream about finding love like this myself, although I’m not holding out much hope.

The only man I yearn for is Ryland, my big brother’s best friend. I met him when I was a senior in high school, and he was about to start law school. Ryland didn’t notice me, but I’ve had a crush on him ever since the day we met.

Three months ago, we bumped into each other at LAX. I confided in him that my brother helped me to finance my business, which was struggling. I was delighted when Ryland offered to help.

The prospect of us working together thrilled me. It was like a dream come true. I thought Ryland would help by recommending clients, but when he suggested signing up himself to find a match, I was devastated.

Although I want my business to succeed, it means ignoring my desires. Setting Ryland up with other women will be agony, but we’ve agreed, and it’s too late to back out.

I take a deep breath and stand back, surveying the foyer. Four security guards in crisp uniforms are pacing the tiled floor, their beady eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.

Two guards man the courtroom entrance, and getting past them without credentials will be impossible.

My heart races. I imagine how it would play out if the security guards stop me and I try to explain.

Me: Hi, I’m Sabine O’Neill from Elite Connections. I’m Mr. Brooks’ matchmaker and need to speak to him urgently.

Guard: Does it pertain to the case?

Me: No, but it’s urgent, and I must speak to him privately. You see, I’ve lined up a date with Hollywood actress Margo Raine, and her agent needs an answer right away.

I’d rather eat my own earwax than admit any of that and betray Ryland’s confidence. Not to mention that my professional reputation as a discrete matchmaker would instantly be toast.

Margo Raine’s timing is terrible. At this point, I’m beginning to wonder if coming here was the right thing to do.

A reporter is recording a news grab into her phone as she races past.

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