Sweet On You - By Kate Perry Page 0,12

success story, then I'd attract more business."

"I know, but—"

"It's Christmas time and you just moved to the city," Valentine continued. "Aren't you lonely? This is the best time of year to start a meaningful relationship."

"Yes, but—"

"I won't charge you for this," Valentine interjected.

Marley couldn't help smiling. "You're determined."

"Yes."

She'd already met the man she wanted, but the desperate look in the other woman's eyes made her sigh. "I only have to go on one date?"

"Yes."

She sighed again. "Okay."

"You aren't going to bolt?"

"No."

The relief on Valentine's face was almost comical. "Thank you. Let's get started so we can get you out of here. I just need to pull up a fresh questionnaire for you."

Marley watched her, fascinated. "You do this on your phone?"

"I don't like having a big monitor between me and my clients, so I created an app to use."

"Really?" she said, impressed.

"It was no big deal. It creates more intimacy this way." The matchmaker flushed, her pale red-head's skin looking painfully red. She lowered her head to study the screen. "So what's your sign?"

"Seriously?" Marley frowned. "That's how you're going to pick Mr. Perfect for me?"

"Once you see how genius I am at this you won't mock my methods. But, fine, next question." She typed something into her computer and then asked, "How many children do you want?"

"I haven't thought about it."

"What? How can that be true?

Because she had no idea what Tony thought about it, and she was open to the possibilities. "I was an only child. I don't know how I feel about children."

Shaking her head, Valentine tapped at her phone, a frenzy of thumbs. The mirror behind her reflected the back of her head, adding a halo around her red hair, making her look like a fiercely focused Madonna who liked her electronic device.

Without thought Marley pulled out her iPhone, opened her camera function, and began snapping pictures. It wasn't as good as her Nikon digital SLR. But with some manipulation her phone still took great pictures, and she had it with her all the time.

Valentine glanced up. "Photo op time?"

"Sorry." She took another picture. "I can't help myself."

"I don't mind. I can even strike a pose for you if you want." She grinned crookedly.

Marley couldn't resist taking one more. That was the one—the light was perfect and Valentine's personality would shine through the flat image. She tucked the phone away. "I'll give you a copy of that last one."

"So you like to take pictures?" Valentine asked with the interest of a scientist.

"It's just a hobby I picked up a long time ago."

"The look on your face as you were taking pictures of me suggested otherwise."

"What look on my face?" she asked cautiously.

"Total concentration. You were utterly engrossed. You obviously feel passionate about it."

She shrugged. "It's just what I do."

"What else are you passionate about?"

"Comics," she said without thinking. She blushed at the startled way Valentine stared at her. "I know. It's a geeky thing, but I can't help it. The characters are so great."

"Comics." The matchmaker's lips pursed. "Okay, I think I have enough to go on to find you the perfect man."

A niggle of nervousness jangled her stomach. She pressed a hand to her middle. "I don't know about this. I'm not good at dating."

"You just need practice, and you're in luck. I give lessons. All part of the service." She stood up. "I'm going to go through my database of possible matches. I'll have the man I choose call you."

Marley stood up slowly, having second, third, and fourth thoughts about what she'd agreed to. "Just one date. That's all I promised."

"That's all I'll need," Valentine said with her crooked grin. She turned and held the door open for Marley. "Talk to you soon. Real soon."

Marley shook her head and mumbled to herself. "Why did that sound like a threat?"

She hurried home, trying to put her meeting with Valentine out of her mind. She needed to focus on Daniela and convincing her to take the Food Network gig.

But all afternoon, she couldn't realign her thoughts. She kept thinking about the impending date and feeling guilty about it.

It felt like she was cheating on Tony.

Which was absolutely ridiculous. She knew it. It wasn't like Antonio Rossi even realized she was alive—yet—but she still felt like she was doing something wrong. Even the Justice League seemed to be looking at her in reproach.

Finally, she decided to take a break from work. Twenty minutes in the sauna and she'd be clearheaded again.

In her bedroom, she undressed. Grabbing a