Free Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst

sounding strange. He frowned. “Liam,” he said brusquely. “Call me Liam.”
    She nodded and fled.
    Back at the safety of her desk, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, finding her center. It was done. She’d proved she was capable to Kate, and hopefully she wouldn’t have to see Liam again. He’d be put through a series of social events or his profile would be run through their matching system to begin setting up dates. He’d find the right one through Kinnections. She knew it.
    Izzy focused on work, trying not to check the time to see how long they’d been in there, when Kate finally walked out. Kate’s voice rose in the background. “It was good seeing you, Devine. I have the information I need, and I’ll be in touch to let you know if, well, if your certain requirements have been met.”
    â€œI appreciate it.”
    Izzy was staring at the computer but felt the exact moment he stood by her desk. His body heat practically lashed at her, urging her to look at him. “Thanks for your time, Isabella.”
    She shivered but forced herself to meet his gaze. “You’re welcome,” she said. “I’m sure you’ll be very satisfied with Kinnections.”
    â€œI’m sure I will be.”
    The statement sounded like a threat. Kate moved toward them with a thoughtful look, handing Izzy some papers. “Can you file these for me, please?” Kate stood next to Devine and patted him on the shoulder. “Tell Stone I said hello.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Izzy reached over to grab the files from Kate’s hand, their fingers brushing.
    In a flash, Kate stumbled back with a shocked look on her face, twisted away, and crashed to the floor.
    Izzy jumped up and Liam knelt down to reach for Kate’s hand. “Kate, are you okay?”
    Kate threw her hands up in a frantic gesture and jumped to her feet. “Fine! I’m sorry; I j-j-j-just turned wrong and f-f-f-fell.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Izzy asked, trying to approach her.
    Her boss glanced back and forth between Izzy and Liam, taking another step back. “Just embarrassed! Really, I’m fine. Umm, bye, Devine.”
    Her pointed dismissal puzzled Izzy, but Devine just nodded and headed out. “Thanks again, ladies.”
    He shut the door and the bell overhead tinkled merrily.
    Kate stared at his retreating back, cradling her hand as if it were injured. Her face reflected an odd wonder. “You’re freaking me out,” Izzy said. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
    â€œYes, I’m fine. I apologize. I need to talk to you about something important.”
    â€œSure. Tell me what you need.”
    â€œI had a very interesting exchange with Devine.”
    Izzy frowned. “He wasn’t happy with the intake I did?”
    â€œOh, no, nothing like that. Quite the opposite. It seems you charmed him so completely, he decided he doesn’t want to join Kinnections until one of his requests is met.”
    â€œWhat request?”
    Kate tapped her finger against her lips, pausing for a long moment. A sense of premonition crashed over Izzy, telling her something was about to change. “He said he can’t move on with a clear heart until he takes you to dinner.”
    Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
    â€œNow, normally I wouldn’t even consider such a request. But he explained how he thinks about you a lot and wants the opportunity to have some time with you so he can begin his journey for love with a clear-minded focus. Seems he believes one dinner date will give him the time to settle some unresolved feelings toward you. I had no idea you both had met before, Izzy.”
    She tried to yell but a tiny squeak escaped her lips. She tried again. “That’s ridiculous! We had a brief encounter six years ago and haven’t seen each other since. I knew him as Liam, not Devine, so I never made the connection. I was