Page 50 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

“Silver cloak fern,” he says. “And some autumn ferns.”

“Autumn ferns are so pretty,” Josie says. “You must get a lot of shade in your yard.”

“There’s a big ash in one corner. I’ve got some clerodendrums back there. Of course, the blooms are gone, and they’ve just got seed pods now.” He winces as though maybe he’s revealed too much. For whatever reason, his gardening obsession isn’t something he often brings up.

“But the seed pods add interest.”

He settles into a smile, seemingly relieved she understands. “Exactly.”

“I’ve seen you at Dogeared.”

Pretty sure Josie hasn’t taken her eyes off of him since we came over here, but I’m good with that.

“I like books.” He cringes, and a touch of pink hits his cheeks beneath his beard.

It’s truly adorable to see this mountain of a man crumbling before my very eyes. I could be wrong, but I think Josie’s crumbling just as fast.

“I like books too.”

“Maybe we could talk about books sometime,” Owen says.

“And plants,” she adds with a smile.

“And hammerhead sharks,” I put in.

“They’re the coolest sharks,” they both say at the same time. Their surprised grins are mirror images, kindred spirits recognizing each other. Sparks might as well dance in their eyes like cartoon characters come to life.

Yup. Fate. Kismet. Whatever it is, they’ve been hit by it.

“Josie, I’ve had a lovely time. Do you mind if I head out?”

She turns to me like she just remembered I’m still here. “Oh, Miles. Should we finish our…?”

Guilt mars her features as though I didn’t just introduce them with the full intention of this happening. I couldn’t have predicted it would go so well, but I’m not disappointed to end our date early.

“Believe me, nothing would make me happier than for you two to stay and talk.”

Relief shines in her smile. “Okay. Thanks.”

I point to my friend. “Owen. We’ll talk later.”

He shoots me a look that speaks volumes.Thank you.I owe you one. Also, a bit ofHelp me, but he’ll sort it out.

I’m exceptionally pleased with myself as I leave them behind on my way back to Dogeared. I guess there’s something to Georgia’s matchmaking schemes after all.

“You set Josie up with Owen?”

Georgia’s high-pitched shriek indicates she’s less pleased with my attempt at matchmaking. She’s been glaring at me ever since I walked through Dogeared’s door earlier than expected, and my explanation clearly hasn’t helped things.

“I didn’t set them up. I just introduced them.” With the hope that they will work out a date all on their own, but still. Semantics.

I take a seat on the stool next to her behind the counter. This late in the afternoon, the pastry case is mostly empty, but the shop still smells like the apple fritters I made this morning.

“Did it hurt Josie’s feelings when you left?”

That’s my Georgia—always thinking about someone else.

“Trust me, she was more worried about hurting mine.”

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