Page 24 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

“Sophie needs your help,” she says, her tone matter-of-fact.

I blink, caught off guard. “Sophie?”

“Yes, Sophie,” she says, rolling her eyes like I should have expected this. “My sister. You met her at the café the other day.”

“I remember,” I say, maybe a little too quickly.

“Good,” she says, clearly not noticing—or not caring—about my tone. “She’s planning Ethan and Riley’s wedding, and Riley wants this perfect outdoor venue. We found one already—the Holloway estate.”

“That’s great news,” I respond, wondering when Mia will get to the point of this visit.

“Exactly!” she says, like I just proved her point. “My sister needs someone to help with the gazebo designs, aisle, and the rest. I mean, you create beautiful outdoor spaces for a living. Who better to help Sophie than you?”

I let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Mia, I keep to myself for a reason. This isn’t my thing.”

She stands, crossing her arms as she faces me. “Look, I get it. You like your space. You don’t want people prying into your life. But this isn’t about that—it’s about helping my family. She doesn’t have much time to figure this out on her own, and Riley’s got her heart set on something amazing. Graham, you have the talent to make this outdoor venue unforgettable. You know how to transform a space into something magical. You’d be doing us a favor.”

I glance at the table, pretending to study the site plans, but my thoughts are already spiraling. Helping Sophie means spending more time with her, and that’s the last thing I should want. Especially since I’m still not quite over how I felt seeing her for the first time the other day at the café. Her smile, her laugh, and the energy of her presence seemed to shift the air around her.

It’s dangerous, and I feel this pull toward her. Because getting closer to Sophie means risking everything I’ve worked to protect.

But Mia doesn’t let up. “Just think about it, okay? I’m not asking you to give me an answer right now.”

I finally meet her gaze, and the earnestness in her expression makes it hard to say no.

“I’ll think about it,” I say.

Mia grins, clearly satisfied. “Good. I’ll let her know.” She heads for the door, pausing to give me one last look. “You’re a good guy, Graham. Don’t overthink it.”

The door clicks shut behind her, and the silence rushes back in.

I sink into the chair she just vacated, running a hand over my face. I tell myself I’ll take the time to weigh the pros and cons, but the truth is, I’m already leaning toward yes.

Not because of the wedding. Not because of Mia’s insistence.

But because of Sophie.

Something about her pulls at me, something I can’t quite name. She’s sharp and confident, with an energy that feels out of place in Bardstown but somehow fits perfectly at the same time.

I shouldn’t want to get to know her. Getting close to people has never worked in my favor—it’s too easy for them to ask questions, to dig into the parts of my life I’ve buried.

But despite everything, I can’t help the thought that creeps into my mind.

Maybe Sophie wouldn’t dig. Perhaps she’d see me for who I am now, not who I used to be.

It’s a dangerous thought, and I know it. But as I sit there, staring at the door Mia just walked out of, I realize something.

I’m tired of keeping everyone at a distance.

And for the first time in years, I wonder what it would be like to let someone in.

Taking a deep breath, I push the plans on the table aside and grab my phone. I don’t know if this is the right decision, but maybe, just maybe, it’s worth the risk.

I dial Mia’s number and wait for her to answer.

“I’ll do it,” I say as soon as she picks up.

Her cheer is loud enough to make me wince, but a small smile tugs at my lips despite myself.

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