Page 32 of The Merry Matchmaker

“This is a surprise,” she said.

“I wanted to make sure you got home safe. You gonna invite me in?”

“I guess I am,” she said, and moved aside to let him in.

He stepped inside, smelling like fresh air.

“I’m having hot chocolate. Want some?”

“Has it got schnapps in it?”

“Of course.”

“Then I want some.” He took off his coat, dropped it over the nearest chair, then followed her into the kitchen.

“I suppose it was just a coincidence that you happened to be at La Bella Vita tonight,” she said.

“Like I said, I was meeting someone for a drink.”

“Who?”

“Just someone.”

He watched while she worked. “So, did you have a good time?” he asked casually.

“I did.” She handed him a mug.

He nodded, took a sip of his drink. “What do you think of Brock?”

“I think he’s nice.”

“Kind of young for you, isn’t he?”

Never mind the fact that she’d been thinking the same thing. Had said it to Brock. Hearing Mitch say it made her frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, just that he’s too young.”

“Or more like I’m too old?”

Mitch mirrored her frown. “I didn’t say that. I just meant that you should be with someone...” He faltered.

“Someone what?”

“More like you. Someone older.”

“Older? As in I’m...old?”

He frowned. “Don’t go putting words in my mouth.”

“What would be the point? There’s hardly any room with your foot already in there.”

“Hey, I just meant you need someone more mature.”

“I don’t need anyone,” she snapped. “And I don’t need you telling me what I need.”

He set down his mug. “Obviously, I hit a nerve.”

“No woman likes to be reminded that she’s getting old. We have mirrors for that,” Frankie said shortly.

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