Page 39 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Slowly, he nodded. “Sure I am.” He turned abruptly. “I’m just about done here for now, so I’m going to head home and get those drawings for you.

Melinda was enjoying the way the filtered sun danced over the patio and the company. “You’re rushing off already?” What are you doing? It sounds like you’re asking him to stay.

“I’m going to check on Skye; it’s her first day alone. I want to make sure she’s not getting into too much trouble.”

“You’re a real softie, aren’t you?”

“Only when it comes to animals, kids and nice people.” He picked up Mel’s glass. “I’ll set these in the kitchen on my way out and be back after lunch.”

Masking her disappointment, she said, “I’ll be here.” Melinda leaned back in her chair. “I’m going to sit right here, soak up the sun and enjoy my new pergola.”

Adam tugged a stray lock of her hair. She glanced up and her eyes met his. A long-forgotten sensation drifted through her.

He mumbled something that sounded like goodbye, and hurried into the house. Moments later, Melinda heard his truck roar down the street. She wondered what the heck that was all about, and why did she get a flock of butterflies dancing inside when his fingers grazed her hair?

During the short drive back to his place, Adam’s thoughts raced. What had he been thinking, letting his fingers have a mind of their own just to satisfy his curiosity? Her hair was as silky soft as it looked.

Melinda was his friend. But he was slowly recognizing his feelings for her were more complex. There was a connection that seemed to be growing stronger each time he was with her. He pulled into his driveway and sat. What was he going to do about it?

Stacey’s car pulled in next to him. She got out and waved. “Hey, Adam.”

He looked at her. “Hi, Stace.” He pushed open the truck door. “Any chance you have a couple of minutes?”

She closed her car door. “For you? Of course. Let’s sit out back.”

He followed her around the side of the garage. Stacey dropped her bag on the table and pulled a couple of deck chairs into the sun. Sitting down, she stretched her legs out, closed her eyes and tilted her face toward the sun. “Pure heaven.”

“Busy day at the office?” he asked.

“Our other dental hygienist is on vacation this week, so I’m booked solid. I was on the run from the minute I got there this morning. Thank heavens it was only a half day today.” Without looking at Adam, she asked, “What’s on your mind?”

Adam perched on the edge of the chair. “What do you know about Melinda?”

“She’s a great matchmaker and a very nice person.” Stacey opened one eye and looked at Adam. “Why?”

He clasped his hands together. Making a quick decision, he said, “My first match turned out to be a bust.”

“Did you expect lightening to strike the first time?” Stacey asked lightly.

He thought for a moment. That was what it had felt like when he met Melinda. Electric. “No. I guess not.” He leaned back in the chair. “I have another coffee date on Sunday and I was wondering if you and Will could drive by. What if she turns out to be as bad as the last one, I could use a wingman or two. We’re meeting at the overlook at the end of Shore Line Drive.”

“Why did you agree to meet there instead of someplace with more people?”

“She suggested it, and in the spur of the moment it didn’t seem like a bad idea, but now I’m having second thoughts. It’d be better to have an out.” He looked at Stacey. “I know planning for it to be a flop isn’t the best way to start things.”

She gave him a warm smile. “I did the same when Will and I met for the first time. We were at the luncheonette and I had Molly stop in on the ruse of picking up a takeout order.”

“Will never told me that.”

Stacey laughed. “I think he had a back-up plan too. I saw him wave to Mike, who had walked in for a to-go order.” She grinned. “I think that’s when I knew he was the guy for me.”

“That’s all it took?”

“We thought alike. We still do.”

“He never told me about Mike.”

Stacey gave Adam a sly smile. “I’m sure Will doesn’t realize how I know what he’s thinking pretty much all the time. Or if he does, it’s not something he’ll admit.”

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