Page 17 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“Hopefully it was a good day for fishing.” She turned the car off, leaving the top down. “Ready?”

Adam got out of the car and waited for her to do the same. As they crossed the asphalt, she ducked quickly to avoid a seagull diving out of the sky. She stumbled. Adam reached out a steadying hand. He held her tight in his arms for a moment, and she could smell his musky aftershave. Looking up she was shocked to see a spark of interest lingering there.

“Um,” she stammered. She lowered her lashes and then looked up again. The expression was gone. Her heart skipped in her chest. “Thanks.”

His voice was soft, but he hadn’t let go of her. Not yet. “Are you okay? You didn’t twist an ankle or something?”

“No.” She held her breath. Waiting for what, she wasn’t sure, but it did feel good to be held. It had been a long time.

Adam ran his hands down her arms slowly before letting her go. He cleared his throat. Glancing towards the end of the pier, he said in an off-handed way, “There’s the Salty Dog.”

After taking a step back, her breath returned to normal. Her reaction was from the fear of falling. Nothing more than that, she told herself.

His hand skimmed over hers. As if he was going to hold it as they walked the rest of the way. She slowed, putting more space between them.

“Best watch out for the birds. They’re like vultures when they think there’s a chance for an easy meal.” He pointed to the sky. “It’s like someone rang the dinner bell.”

She gave a strained laugh. At least that was how it sounded to her ears. “They must equate people with food.” Determined to put their conversation back on easy street, she said, “It must take a lot of hard work to be a commercial fisherman. Always putting your faith and wallet on the hopes it’ll be a good day at sea.”

“Sometimes faith can go a long way to giving you what you need or want most.” He gave her a guarded look. “You must believe in fate. After all, isn’t the matchmaking business more than hoping you’ve found someone a good match? People have to have faith in your abilities.”

She gave him a sidelong look. “I guess you’re right. Most people do trust me to find them their happily ever after.”

They reached the door. The smell of fish and the chatter of people talking inside permeated the air. Holding his hand on the doorknob, he didn’t open it.

His eyes captivated her. They were unreadable. “I trust you with my heart.”

Humbled didn’t describe how she felt in that instant. She placed her hand on his arm. Her heart constricted. “I promise she’s out there.”

Adam gave a half nod and pulled the door open. “After you.”

Chapter 8

Adam squinted against the bright sun as he checked off each item on the delivery slip. Wood was on one side of the yard and other supplies were stacked in neat piles on the side next to Mel’s garage.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Melinda appear from around the house, wearing a floral sundress and bright green flip-flops to match. Beaming and carrying a mug of what he guessed would be coffee. “Good morning,” she called.

“Hey. You look terrific.” He thought he saw a faint hint of color rise in her cheeks.

“I’m a morning person. There’s nothing better than having my feet hit the ground at a dead run.” She held out the mug to him. “Coffee?”

“You’re an angel in flip-flops.” He grinned.

“Caffeine is a major food group for me and I suspect it is for you too. After all, don’t a lot of military people, and for that matter a large portion of the population, survive on the brewed ambrosia?” She laughed. “Well, at least that’s my definition of it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He took the cup. “This sure does smell good.”

An almost imperceptible shake of his head had her responding, “Do you need cream?” She half turned. “I have some inside.”

“Not at all. Most people I run into don’t make it strong enough to suit my taste.”

“Then you should love mine.” She took the slip of paper from his hand. “Was everything delivered?” She glanced down. “I see you’re methodical too.” She pointed to the check marks next to each item.

“I would hate to get started and be missing something critical.” He took the slip back.

Melinda frowned and walked around the piles. “Just look at those ruts in the grass. Are they from the delivery truck?”

“Yes, but it’s to be expected.”

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