Page 44 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

I’m willing to bet it’s looking a lot more than pretty good. Owen might be even more obsessed with plants than he is with fighting moves. His backyard is an oasis of native plants and natural landscaping that feels more like a botanical garden than a spot for a barbecue and a hammock. Even though it’s excellent for both.

He wears one of his rare proud grins. “My baby’s really filling out.”

“You probably shouldn’t refer to it that way.”

The grin slips. “Yeah, I heard it.”

Georgia bounces through the door, smiling so bright it’s like the sun itself walked into my store. “Miles! I’ve got great news!”

She’s got her cherry-printed tote bag over one shoulder. Seeing it plants a seed of satisfaction in my chest. It means she’s got her tablet with her and plans to work in the store until her shift in a few hours. I love it when she’s completely at home here. Love it even more when it means she’s hanging out with me for no reason.

“Hi.” She beams at Owen as she breezes by him and around the counter to me. “I decided who to set you up with for your next date.”

I share a look with Owen. He seems sympathetic but also a touch annoyed. A common theme.

The smile freezes on her face as she glances between the two of us. “Oh. Did you not want anyone to know about the whole matchmaking thing? I’ve kind of mentioned it already.”

There’s no reason to conceal it, even if it’s not my favorite. I’m not ashamed of the situation. I just don’t know how to transform it into the outcome I want.

“He knows.”

Behind her back, Owen slowly shakes his head at me.He knows, and he’s made his opinions clear.

“Great. Well—I found her!”

IknowI need to tell Georgia the truth, that I don’t want to meet any of her set ups because I wanther. But she’s so happy right now, I can’t just extinguish that. Even with Owen five feet away, giving me dirty looks.

“Who’s the lucky victim this time?” I ask.

“It’s Josie! From romance book club!”

My stomach folds over on itself like a crumpled receipt at the bottom of a trash can. I look to Owen again, but his gaze has dropped to the floor. Georgia means well, but this…this is bad.

“I realized after you left that I should be looking for your matches closer to home. She’s in Dogeared all the time. We all know she’s beautiful and sweet. She’s a little on the shy side, but that could be a good fit for you. And we already know she likes books more than she likes Vance Vickers movies.”

I knew her matchmaking scheme would be awkward, but I never imagined it could be painful for anyone besides me. The look on Owen’s face…

“I don’t think we’re a good fit.” It’s all I can manage.

“What? Of course you are. She loves science. You love science fiction.”

“That’s notthe same thing.”

“I know, but come on. She’s a wholegenius. She’s perfect for you and your awesome brain.”

Behind her, Owen flinches like Georgia landed a cross hook to his face.

“It’s not a good idea. Josie’s…” I have no idea how to finish that sentence.My friend’s dream girl? Not you?

Some of Georgia’s enthusiasm fades. “You really don’t like Josie?”

“I like her. It’s just that she’s not…” This conversation is loaded with dynamite, and every sentence is a match to the fuse. “I don’t think we’re right for each other.”

Georgia turns to our friend. “Owen, you’ve met Josie. Isn’t she great?”

He swallows, apparently at more of a loss for words than usual. “Yeah. She is.”

“Tell Miles he should accept my help as wingwoman and go on a date with our resident scientist super-genius. Don’t you agree we should get their big brains together?”

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