Mr Gayle or Ethan Thompson

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical of his claims. "People who protest too much usually are," I countered, my voice laced with a hint of playful doubt.

Mr. Gayle chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent shivers down my spine. "I promise you, Miss Benham, I am the exception to that rule. I am nothing if not genuine."

"Seeing is believing," I retorted, my curiosity piqued.

"Indeed it is," he agreed. "Do you have any questions for me?"

I hesitated, unsure where to begin. "Why are you here?" I asked finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

The line went silent, and for a moment, I wondered if I had overstepped. But then, Mr. Gayle's voice returned, low and husky. "I'm here because I'm searching for someone who sees beyond the surface, someone who values substance over pretenses. And, Miss Benham, I have a feeling that someone might just be you."

"You've known me for all of 10 seconds," I pointed out, incredulous.

"Ah, but I've done my research, Miss Benham," Mr. Gayle replied, his voice dripping with confidence. "I've reviewed your profile, and I must say, you're a woman of discerning taste and refinement."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You've looked me up in 10 seconds? That's impressive."

"Our matches are predetermined as soon as you sign up," he explained. "This conversation is merely a formality to ensure I meet your criteria."

I pressed on, curiosity getting the better of me. "So, do you sit around waiting for potential matches to pop up, and then research them?"

Mr. Gayle chuckled. "Not exactly. My sister runs this website, and she provides me with recommended matches. I then reach out to them."

"How many times have you done this?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"Three times, Miss Benham," he replied. "Unfortunately, none of them panned out."

"Why's that?" I probed.

"They couldn't handle the media attention," he explained. "Despite my assurances of keeping them out of the spotlight, they still found it overwhelming. I offer my partners the option of privacy or public exposure – whichever they prefer."

I sensed there was more to the story. "And that's the only reason?"

Mr. Gayle hesitated before adding, "My work schedule is quite demanding."

"Demanding?" I echoed. "How so?"

"I work over 50 hours a week," he admitted. "It's a packed schedule, but I could clear some time for you...if you're interested."

I whistled inwardly. More than 50 hours? I struggled to keep up with 40.

"What's your position?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"I'm the managing director," he replied, "with some involvement in other business ventures."

I leaned in, intrigued. "What other business ventures?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Gayle's tone turned enigmatic. "Ah, those are secrets for now, Miss Benham. Let's just say they're...diverse. We'd need to know each other better before I share those details."

I sensed a hint of mystery, a whisper of excitement. "And how do you propose we get to know each other better?" I asked, my heart beating just a little faster.

Mr. Gayle's voice dropped to a smooth, velvety purr. "How about a date, Miss Benham? Let me take you out, show you a night to remember. We can discuss...everything."

The invitation hung in the air, a tantalizing promise of adventure and possibility. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I considered his offer. Who was this man, really?

As I accepted the video call, a chiseled face with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile filled my screen. His hair was dark and styled perfectly, and his jawline was sharp enough to cut glass. I felt a flutter in my chest, my heart skipping a beat as I returned his smile.

"Hello, Miss Benham," he said, his voice deep and smooth, like a rich, velvety chocolate. "I'm Ethan Thompson. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I nodded, trying to play it cool despite my racing pulse. "Likewise, Mr. Thompson," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze locked on mine. "Please, call me Ethan. We're not in a boardroom, after all."

I laughed, feeling a spark of connection. "Ethan, then," I said, my voice a little stronger now.

As we chatted, I found myself becoming more and more at ease. Ethan was easy to talk to, his conversation flowing like a gentle stream. We discussed everything from our jobs to our hobbies, our passions and interests. I was surprised by how much we had in common.

But as the call drew to a close, Ethan's expression turned serious. "Miss Benham," he said, his voice low and husky. "I have to say, I'm really enjoying our conversation. Would you like to meet in person?"

My heart skipped a beat as I considered his question. I had enjoyed our talk, but meeting in person was a whole different story. Still, there was something about Ethan that drew me in, something that made me want to take a chance.

As I pondered Ethan's question, a flutter of excitement danced in my chest. Meeting in person was a leap of faith, but there was something about Ethan's warm smile and kind eyes that put me at ease.

"I'd like that," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed. "I'll send you a text with the details. Looking forward to it, Miss Benham."

"Please, call me Velma," I replied, feeling a sense of connection.

The call ended, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Two mysterious men, both charming and intriguing, had entered my life in the span of an hour. Fate was certainly playing a curious hand.

As I waited for Ethan's text, my mind wandered back to Mr. Gayle. What secrets lay hidden behind those piercing eyes? And what did he mean by "other business ventures"?

The notifications on my phone broke the spell, Ethan's text arriving with the details of our meeting. I smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. Little did I know, my life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would lead me down a path of discovery and surprise.

As I pondered the mysteries of Mr. Gayle and Ethan, my phone buzzed again, breaking the spell. I glanced down, my heart skipping a beat as I saw the text from Ethan.

"Meet me at Bistro Bliss at 7 pm tomorrow," the message read. "I promise you an evening to remember."

I smiled, feeling a thrill of excitement. What did Ethan have planned? And what would our meeting reveal about this enigmatic stranger?