The Matchmaker's Playbook

Ian Hunter, a former NFL recruit, returned to the campus where his athletic career had once flourished, but this time his presence was a far cry from the adoration and awe of his football playing days. A career-ending accident had left him with physical limitations and a shattered dream, forcing him to reassess his life and redefine his purpose. Taking his considerable skills with women, honed through years of navigating the campus social scene, Ian had founded Wingmen, Inc., a secretive dating service that offered bespoke matchmaking services to a select group of clients. The company's clients, mostly young men, were eager to find love and companionship amidst the chaos of college life, but their attempts at romance often ended in disaster. As the mastermind behind Wingmen, Inc., Ian had developed a keen eye for matching people, exploiting their vulnerabilities, and exploiting their strengths. However, when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet. Blake is the quintessential "hot mess," a young woman whose chaotic life and questionable behavior have driven away even the most well-meaning suitors. Ian, intrigued by the challenge, accepts the request, envisioning the opportunity to transform Blake from a social pariah to a confident, and desirable young woman. Ian's plan involves enlisting the help of his most trusted wingman, a charming and affable friend, who will discreetly introduce Blake to the world of dating, gradually exposing her to a succession of increasingly desirable partners. The first few "dates" with Blake were a disaster, as Ian's carefully crafted plans unraveled, and his client proved to be more resilient than he had anticipated. Yet, Ian remains resolute, driven by a desire to test his matchmaking skills and prove that even the most unlikely individual can change. Meanwhile, Blake begins to undergo a transformative journey, her confidence slowly growing as Ian's guidance and patience guide her through the minefield of relationships. As Blake navigates the treacherous waters of dating, she starts to open up, sharing fragments of her troubled past with Ian, who listens intently, his initial cynicism giving way to a deeper understanding of his client's complexities. Through their interactions, a delicate bond forms between the two, one that transcends the boundaries of their initial transaction. However, as Blake undergoes her metamorphosis from a hot mess to a smokin' hot young woman, Ian realizes he's on the cusp of breaking a cardinal rule – never falling for the client. As their relationship evolves, Ian finds himself struggling with conflicting emotions, his professional detachment gradually yielding to a personal connection with Blake. The blurred lines between his personal and professional life begin to raise questions about the integrity of his services and the motivations behind his actions. Blake's growth under Ian's guidance is no longer solely the result of his professional expertise but also a testament to his genuine care for her well-being. The subtle, nuanced moments they share, filled with warmth and vulnerability, hint at a deeper, long-term connection. As Ian grapples with the possibility of his true feelings for Blake, the prospect of losing control of his own emotions raises the stakes for his future with Wingmen, Inc. If his emotions were to get the better of him, it could put the entire business model at risk, not to mention jeopardize the fragile connection he's developed with his client. Ian is forced to confront the consequences of his actions, questioning the morality of using his skills with women for profit. As the line between business and personal becomes increasingly indistinct, he is confronted with an opportunity to reassess his priorities and redefine his vision for Wingmen, Inc. Will Ian find it in himself to break free from his strict rules and allow his personal connection with Blake to flourish, potentially risking his business, or will his professional obligations prove stronger, and will a life of detachment prevail?