Page 38 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

She read it over and clicked send. She made the decision to not contact Gretchen. Melinda knew that she’d flock to Nick like a bee to honeysuckle.

The steady sounds of carpentry drifted in through the open window. Curious what was going on, Melinda pushed her chair back and went to look. Adam was loading small pieces of wood in a wheelbarrow. She could hear him singing a Motley Crue song, Home Sweet Home, loud and clear. He had a remarkably good voice.

She called out, “Can I interest you in something cold to drink?”

Adam flushed a very attractive shade of red. “How long have you been standing there?”

She could hear the teasing in his voice. She laughed, “Long enough to know you have a great set of pipes.”

Ignoring the compliment, he said, “Lemonade would be great, if you’ve got some made. Plain water has gotten boring.”

She smirked. “Your wish will be granted, oh master of carpentry.”

She sauntered into the kitchen and stirred up a fresh pitcher of lemon juice, ice and water. She poured two large glasses filled with lemon slices and a sprig of mint.

Adam appeared as she kicked the door open with her foot. Holding the screen for her he asked, “Did you just whip that up?” His smile warmed his eyes.

Melinda was pleased to see they still had that easy banter between them. “I had everything ready, so I just needed to give it a stir.” She handed him a glass as they crossed the grass to a couple of Adirondack chairs. She was admiring his handiwork. “The pergola looks amazing.”

Adam’s eyes followed her gaze. “We should add something to the back corner, maybe lattice. You’ll have no privacy in the fall when the leaves come down.”

Melinda’s smile dipped. “I really don’t like the look of lattice. I prefer climbing vines. Remember, I want to plant grapes.”

“I do, but they will take a few years to get established.” He paused.

She was surprised that she knew that look on his face: his wheels were turning.

“What if I drew something up to illustrate what I have in mind? If you don’t like it, no harm. If you do, I can get it done in a couple of days.”

“Well, I don’t know…”

Casually, he tossed out, “I’ve got time.”

“Adam, I’m sure you have other clients and I don’t want to hold you up.” She wouldn’t admit she looked forward to seeing his smiling face every day.

He held up his hand. “Mel, I was just”—his voice trailed off, he did a rewind motion, which made her grin. “Let’s try this again.”

She exhaled and smiled.

He touched her shoulder to draw her attention to the back of the yard. “So, we might be able to do something, besides lattice, in the back corner. Would you like for me to draw up a rough draft?”

“Absolutely.” She took a long drink of lemonade and smacked her lips. “Wow, that is tart! I forgot the sugar!”

Adam’s glass was half empty.

“How could you drink it?” she asked, laughing.

“Are you kidding? It’s perfect.” He grinned. “Tart, just like you.”

She could feel a flush rise in her cheeks. Eager to change the subject from this mild flirtation she said, “Well, since I’m the nosy one”— she grinned — “tell me about Sunday?”

“So you heard.” He shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

“I did, and it is good news.”

He shrugged. “When I called Beth and asked her for coffee, I suggested the diner and she suggested the beach.” He drained his glass and set it on the small table between them. “That’s about it.”

“Are you still looking forward to meeting her?”

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