“Mabel,” I chide, with a playful grin.
We work for a few more minutes, then I peer around, loving the extra sprinkles of Christmas cheer as well as the demure cross-legged pose Sabrina eventually selected for the elf.
“Well, then this is the perfect spot for a matchmaking event,” I say, smoothing down a garland. “It’s going to be so conducive to love and romance.”
That’s what I say out loud. What I don’t say? That I need a little fake-it-till-you-make-it hope.
Because Rowan isn’t an easy case.
He’s resistant every step of the way. He’s been testing me. Challenging me.
Leighton gives me a skeptical look. “Are we really sure though? I mean, I just get the impression that Rowan is…I don’t know. A tough nut to crack.”
Oh, it’s not even an impression. He is the toughest of nuts. But that’s where I thrive.
“With a man like him,” I say, grinning slyly, “you have to stay one step ahead. And fortunately, I have a fantastic plan for this evening.”
Mabel’s eyes light up. “So you think you’re actually going to match him tonight?”
“I think I’m going to be one step closer to helping him find love,” I say.
But my stomach twists a little.
Yes, I have a plan. Yes, I do think I’ll make progress. But there’s a part of me that…likes spending time with him.
Which makes no sense.
I’m not someone who’s attracted to grumps. I don’t enjoy the whole grumbly, stern man who hates everything.
Except…does he really hate everything?
I’ve actually been learning about all sorts of things he likes.
Like books.
And showing up for people he loves.
And…thwarting me. Yes, Rowan loves thwarting me.
I square my shoulders. Good thing I have a plan for today. A masterful one.
Ah, this has always been one of my favorite parts of matchmaking. The chance to be a spectator when love is in the air. My friends and Birdie have taken off, with Mabel having swept out right when Rowan walked in. I swear the minx gave me a naughty look. But now it’s time for the speed datingevent. As the host, I’ve got a front seat to the action, and this has always given me a little bounce, a spring in my step.
Dressed in a red sweater dress, I hang back by the counter, perched on a stool, ready to step in and answer any questions, if need be, as “Winter Wonderland” plays overhead.
This is my moment to shine…only, there’s a weird tightness in my chest. A low-level ache in the back of my skull. It’s strange, since I don’t usually get headaches, but I feel one coming on as Rowan chats with Hannah, a kind dog groomer with a mischievous sense of humor. She’s blonde but not too bubbly—an excellent counterpoint to his grinch, since she’s not a Cindy Lou Who. Plus, she likes dogs, so she seems perfect for him.
He looks sharp tonight, dressed in a—black, of course—Henley that shows off his forearms, and nice slacks that hug his thighs and ass. He’s seated across from her at a table, and she gestures to her tray of cookies—chocolate chip with candy cane pieces in them. She’s ideal for him. And fine, fine, of course I coached her. Of course I suggested the candy canes, knowing his affection for them. But that’s my job—to lubricate the path to love.
So why the hell is my head throbbing as I watch him pick up a cookie, take a bite, and then moan in obviousculinary pleasure? He smiles at her, too, and I don’t have to read lips to know he’s sayingthis is incredible.
She laughs, then flicks some hair off her shoulder and says something to him. Probablythank you.
He shakes his head, clearly answering with, “No, thank you, Hannah.”
Okay, so he’s getting on well with her, and I should be a fizzy glass of soda just poured. Instead, I’m lukewarm tea that’s steeped too long.
I fold my arms across my chest and tear my gaze away to the other singles, trying to get a read on how Jalen is getting along with Emily. He’s an engineer and sporting a handsome blue cashmere sweater that brings out his eyes. The man has charm, and Emily seems enchanted by it.
