Page 26 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“How did you know, it’s my favorite.” Melinda took the bag from his outstretched hand. “Come on in. I was just finishing up in the kitchen.”

Adam followed her. “I’m curious. Did you design the kitchen or was it like this when you bought the house?” He ran his hand over the breakfast bar. “I really like the layout.”

“Thanks, I had it redone before I moved in. I’m really pleased with the way it came out. Beer or wine?” she asked.

“Beer’s good.”

She handed him a bottle after she twisted off the cap. She glanced around the room and smiled. “I took the smaller dining room and the original kitchen and did a complete gut.” She picked up the plate of burgers and set it on a tray with the salad, plates, forks and condiments. “Will you hold the door?”

Adam set his beer on the tray. “How about I take the tray and you get the door?”

She gave him a smile. “Thank you.” Melinda held open the screen and let Adam go out first. “You can set it on the table.” She watched him. Other than John, she had never had dinner with a man in her home before. Melinda was surprised how natural this felt.

She opened the grill and hit the igniter button. With a soft whoosh, it came to life. “How do you like your burger?”

“Rare.” He pulled out a chair and patted the back. “Have a seat. I’ll cook tonight just to show you I can handle a grill.”

She laughed. “Making up for the fish?”

His smile warmed his eyes. “Yes.”

“While you’re doing that, I can fill you in on the details of your next date.” She crossed the patio and retrieved the folder under her wine glass. “Are you ready?”

Adam slipped the burgers on the hot grate. “Lay it on me.”

As the burgers sizzled, Melinda sat at the table and scanned the first page again to not miss any details. “Beth is a nurse at the medical center. She likes running and does a few 5ks every year. It says she also loves playing tennis and enjoys the outdoors when she can.” She looked at Adam. “How does that sound?”

He laughed. “I wonder if I can keep up with her.”

With appreciation Melinda ran her eyes down his physique. “You obviously work out, so I think the fitness component is a good match.”

Adam turned his attention to the grill and flipped the burgers. “What else does she like to do?”

“Movies, primarily comedies, nothing horror or westerns.”

“Well, that might be a deal killer. There’s nothing like a good cowboy movie.” He pushed a burger around on the grill. “Anything else?”

Melinda hesitated. She could hear a distinct undertone in Adam’s voice. Unsure what it meant, she had to wonder if Beth was a good fit after all. Then she was surprised at second guessing herself again. This match felt like it had potential. “She likes to cook and prefers vacationing in Puerto Rico every winter.”

“Well, the cooking thing is good, and I do like the beach, but I’m really up to going anywhere and don’t like to go to the same spot twice.”

Melinda handed Adam Beth’s picture and waited for his reaction.

“She’s pretty,” he said.

“Do you want her number?”

He handed the page back to her. “Mel, I’m sorry, but I’m not sure.”

Was Adam losing faith in her ability? She asked, “What do you have to lose? You have coffee. If there is a spark, ask her to lunch, and then maybe dinner.”

Slowly he said, “You’re right. She does sound interesting.” He held out his hand. “I’ll call her.”

Melinda passed him a piece of paper. “Here are her details. And for what it’s worth, in my opinion you need to go out with someone three times before you really know.”

“Does that mean you think I need to take Susan out again?”

Melinda had to laugh when she saw a frown appear on Adam’s face. “Obviously she’s going to be the exception to this rule.”

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