Page 80 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“Stacey’s super sweet. Will came to life when he met her.”

“What do you mean?” Melinda looked up at Adam.

“He spent time with me when I was in the hospital recovering. I think it brought back some of what he had been through before he got out of the Corps. I kept telling him to go home and that I’d be fine, but he insisted on staying.”

“He’s a good friend.” Melinda wanted to bring Adam back from wherever he seemed to be going. “Look.” She pointed to a tray. “They just set out stuffed mushrooms. Would you like a couple?”

“Oh, that sounds good. I’ll get them for us.”

Melinda watched him walk across the room. For a moment she thought he was limping. Maybe it had to do with the burden he carried from his final tour. The weight of the world on his shoulders. She made a mental note to ask Stacey if Will had any residual effects from his tour. If he did, she could recommend someone. Being haunted by the horrors of a war had to be difficult. She knew better than most that sad memories lingered and reared their ugly head when least expected.

Adam came back to the table and pulled out her chair. He set down the small plate with several options for appetizers. “I wasn’t sure what else you might want.”

“Thank you.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Have a seat.”

Adam eased down and gave her a tight smile. “Sorry. I needed a breather.”

Gently she asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not tonight. We’re here to celebrate our friends.” The music changed to Elvis Presley singing how he can’t help falling in love. Adam held out a hand. “Dance with me?”

“Didn’t you want to sit?”

“Not when the King is singing.” He wiggled his fingers. “Please?”

It’s been a long time,” Melinda stated. “I might step on your toes.”

“I’m tough.”

Melinda took his hand and in one fluid motion stood as he pulled back her chair. Not letting go, he escorted her to the dance floor. It was just the two of them. He slid one arm around her waist and with the other held her hand in his. She felt delicate in his arms. It had been a long, long time since she danced like this. Felt like this.

He pulled her closer and inwardly she sighed. This was nice, very nice. She swayed to the melody, the lyrics casting a spell over her. As the song ended, she dropped her head to his shoulder, unwilling to look into Adam’s eyes. That was a song for lovers.

“Thank you, Mel.” His voice was low and husky. Just for her ears he said, “You’re an excellent dancer.” He relaxed his arms and she stepped back.

“It was nice to dance again, and you’ve got some smooth moves too.”

He looked down at her and tilted her chin up. He gazed into her eyes. His voice smooth, he said, “No doubt it was my partner.”

Her breath caught, was he about to kiss her? Her pulse quickened and her blood warmed in her veins. She realized she wanted Adam to kiss her.

Adam cleared his throat. “We dance well together.” He guided her back to the table. His manners were impeccable as he held her chair again.

What just happened? Melinda was confused. She sat down and murmured, “Thank you.”

Salads were being served, which left little time for anything more than casual conversation. After he pulled in his chair, Adam’s thigh rested against hers, hidden from view under the tablecloth. Melinda didn’t make a move away from him. She glanced his way and caught his eye. His brow quirked as if asking if she was okay. Slowly she winked and returned to her salad. It was as if they shared a secret or communicated as a couple would.

Molly’s parents were sitting at their table, and Melinda was happy to answer questions about It’s Just Coffee. Molly’s mom, Clair, was fascinated with the entire process.

“Back when I was young, you met a man, fell in love and got married. Nowadays, it is much more complicated. By the time I was Molly’s age, I had two young children.”

Melinda understood where she was coming from. “It’s not that easy anymore. People are waiting longer and then do all they can to find the right partner.”

Clair patted Melinda’s hand. “Dear, I’m very pleased with Tim. You did a wonderful job as their matchmaker.”

“Thank you. I always say I get the credit, but it’s really my clients who do the hard work by opening their hearts to the possibility of love. It is intimidating to allow yourself to be vulnerable to another.”

Stacey interjected, “She successfully matched me and Will too.”

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