Page 73 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“We’ve known each other for a few months. Do you think I should have told her already?”

“As part of the matchmaking process, yes.”

“You know I don’t like to talk about it.” He lifted his head. “I don’t want her to treat me differently.”

“Trust her.” Before Stacey walked away, she paused. “You should have asked Mel to the concert. Not Beth.” Without another word, she got in her car and drove away.

He pushed open his truck door and stepped out. He had a date with Beth on Friday and he was going to keep his distance from Melinda until Saturday. That would give him time to figure out what he really wanted.

“Damn it.” In a few weeks he and Mel would be spending the weekend together at a wedding. How the hell was he going to hide his growing feelings from her? Or did he have to hide them? He wondered if it was time to throw caution to the wind and go after the woman he really wanted to be with.

Adam took a deep breath before he knocked on Beth’s door. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but once he had made the decision to cancel their date, he needed to do it in person.

Knock, knock.

It opened before his arm returned to his side. “Hi, Adam, it’s nice to see you.” Beth stepped away from the door and turned to walk down the hallway. “Come on in.”

Adam closed the door behind him. He couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t very tidy. She had sporting gear strewn around the hallway and a few dirty dishes on the side table. Unconsciously he compared it to Melinda’s home and stopped himself.

He entered the small kitchen. Beth smiled brightly. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or perhaps a beer?”

“No, thanks. I can’t stay long.”

She wiped off the counter with a rag. “I’ve heard the band we’re going to hear on Friday is really good.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” Beth stopped what she was doing and leaned against the counter.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think we should go out again.”

Her facial expression never changed. “May I ask why?”

He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. “I don’t see a relationship developing between us. I didn’t think it was fair to you to go out again once I made this decision.”

A look of relief washed over Beth’s face. “Thank heavens one of us had the courage to be honest.”

Relief flooded him. “You felt the same way?”

A smile broke out across Beth’s face. “I did. But you are such a good guy I kept telling myself to give it one more date, just to be sure something didn’t spark.”

“So you’re not upset?”

She came around the counter and gave him a friendly hug. “Not in the least.” She took a step back. “Is there someone you are interested in?”

“Am I that transparent?”

“Not at all. She’s a lucky girl.”

“Thanks, Beth. I appreciate you saying that.”

“Good luck.”

She walked him to the door, and Adam stopped on the threshold. “I hope Mel can help you find someone.”

She gave him a knowing look. “Mel, huh?” He wasn’t sure how to respond. With a laugh Beth said, “Don’t look so shocked. You just saying her name speaks volumes.”

He stepped onto the front walkway. “I have no idea what you mean.”

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