Page 15 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

He grunts. “What would a literal scientist want with a guy who teaches people how to throw punches for a living? She has a PhD.”

“You’re a lot more than just your fists.”

He takes a drink of his margarita. “High praise.”

“You have interests beyond the ring. I still say your gardening is a good place to start.”

Another grunt. “I’d come away from any conversation with her sounding like an idiot.”

“Unlikely.” Our friendship sprang up from conversations in the bookshop. He can be gruff, and he’s about as easy to get to know as I am, but he’s an interesting guy when he gives himself space to talk.

“She’s…soft and delicate. And crazy smart. We won’t have anything in common.”

“She could be a motorcycle aficionado, for all we know.”

He has two. Despite his suggestions I should learn to ride, I’ve avoided that deathtrap so far.

“Don’t even think it. She’d have me on my knees if she were.”

“So give her a chance. Be honest with her. Try.”

He glares. “Says the guy who’s letting the woman he’s in love with set him up with other women.”

Yeah, that kind of springs a leak in my “be honest with her” advice. I’ve parroted those same words for a while now, but it’s different when you’re on the receiving end.

“In my defense, I created a loophole. If Georgia’s set ups don’t pan out, she’ll be my date to the awards ceremony.”

Owen nods over his enchiladas verdes. “So you’re going to torpedo the dates.”

I lay a hand over my heart. “With the utmost respect.”

I had enough first dates explode on the launchpad in my twenties. It shouldn’t be hard to get the same results on these setups.

“And then you’ll tell her?”

Nerves plummet through my gut. I don’t have a specific plan beyond taking her to the awards ceremony. Will I actually tell her how I feel afterward? I’ve been waiting for her to give some kind of indication she has feelings for me, too, before I confess anything.

I might end up waiting for the rest of my life.

“I don’t know what I’ll tell her. But the date is a start.”

“Why wait? You two spend most of your days together as it is. You could just tell her how you feel any time.”

“You could just come to one of the book clubs Josie’s in and ask her out.”

He splays a hand at me. “Take your time.”

I chuckle. Neither of us is ready to risk breaking our own hearts. “Is Rumble Room doing something for the Harvest Festival?”

He grunts confirmation. “The gym owner seems to think I’ll do well with the kids. I’ll probably be in charge of bobbing for apples or something like that.”

“Do they still let kids do that?”

“Can’t be worse than anything else kids do.”

He’s got a point. Half of what I’ve seen Georgia’s younger siblings touch with their bare hands makes me want to whip out some disinfecting spray.

“It’s a good idea though.”

---