Page 21 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I said like, not love. Don’t go overboard, please.”

Mia leans forward, resting her elbows on the table as she sips her coffee. “I haven’t even started anything yet! I’m just observing for now.”

“That’s because I know you, and you don’t just innocently observe,” I respond.

Mia laughs, waving her hand dismissively. “I promise I won’t do anything. I won’t get involved.”

“Thank you,” I say with a smile before winking at her. “So what’s his story?”

Mia gasps dramatically. “You just told me not to get involved!”

“Yes, but still, what is his story? And I am not digging,” I say quickly, feeling a heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m just curious. He doesn’t seem like… I don’t know, your average Bardstown local.”

She raises an eyebrow, her grin widening. “Okay, you’re right about that. He’s not your average Bardstown local. But honestly? No one knows much about him. He’s been here for about seven years, came out of nowhere, and just sort of… fit in.”

“Just like that?” I ask, intrigued.

“Pretty much,” Mia says, shrugging. “He’s done amazing work here in Bardstown and neighboring towns. Everyone loves what he does, but he’s not exactly chatty. You could say he keeps people at arm’s length. I’m shocked he made small talk with you.”

“I mean, it is great to mind your own business, but would you say his is excessive?” I ask before I can stop myself.

Mia tilts her head as if considering the question for the first time. “I don’t know. It’s just how he is. He doesn’t share much abouthimself. No family visits, no big social life. But he’s dependable, hard-working, and extremely talented. And whatever his story is, he’s keeping it close to the chest.”

I stir my iced latte absentmindedly, the pieces of information clicking into place in my mind. Something is intriguing about Graham, something that doesn’t quite fit the quiet, small-town life he’s built for himself.

“He’s different,” I say aloud, echoing my earlier thought.

Mia nods. “Exactly. There’s always been something about him that feels like he doesn’t quite belong here, you know? Like Bardstown isn’t the whole picture.”

I glance out the window, watching the sun dip lower over the town's rooftops. “And yet, he’s stayed.”

“Yep,” Mia says, leaning back in her chair. “Whatever brought him here, he’s made it work. People love him. Well, as much as you can love someone who keeps the details of their life locked in a vault.”

But even as the conversation shifts, I can’t help but think about Graham—the way his deep voice carried more weight than his words, and his gaze lingered just a moment longer than necessary.

I tell myself it doesn’t mean anything, but deep down, I know better.

There’s something about him.

And for reasons I can’t quite explain, I want to know what it is.

Mia stirs her coffee, her eyes narrowing at me like she’s trying to read my thoughts. “So,” she begins, dragging the word out as ifshe’s gearing up for something. “How did the meeting with Riley and Ethan go? Everything good?”

I smile, taking a sip of my iced latte. “It’s actually great. I’m so excited that I’ll be planning a family wedding, and the best part is they both know what they want already.”

Mia smiles. “I’m just as excited as you are. By the way, you should see the flowers I had in mind for the wedding back at the flower shop.”

I laugh. “I need to see the Holloway Estate first since that’s where Riley wants to have the wedding. Then we can talk about flowers.”

Mia snorts. “Works for me. Do you need any help?”

I lean back in my chair. “Right after I see the location, I need a thorough map or full design of the estate, then I can start working on the plans for the gazebo, aisle, and flower placements.” I sigh. “Back in Manhattan, I had Aiden do this for me, but with me here working and the rest of my team there, it’s too hard to bring anyone down to Bardstown right now.”

Mia sets her cup down and taps her fingers against the table, her expression turning sly. “Well, I can think of someone with the design skills and experience to bring your vision to life. Someone who’s literally built some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces around here.”

I narrow my eyes at her, already guessing where this is going. “Mia…”

“Graham,” she says, grinning.

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