Page 64 of Matchmaking the Rival

Cade: Yes. Doesn’t make sense to fly back and forth. One of our packaging lines is malfunctioning. I’m exploring several options so we can fulfill all the deliveries for the Christmas season.

Meredith: :-( Wish you could come back sooner.

Cade: Do you miss me?

Should I tone down my reaction? Maybe put a playful edge on it so I don't seem too needy?

But it felt so much easier to reply via text.

Meredith: Yes.

I sent it quickly, putting a hand on my chest, playing with the long pendant at my neck. It was a nervous habit of mine.

Cade: I miss you too. I planned on seeing you as soon as I got back. I wanted to surprise you at your home.

My heart jumped in my chest. I crossed and uncrossed my legs as a huge smile took over my face.

Okay, this is definitely slipping into romantic territory.

"We’re here." Cal sat looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"Thanks so much. How much do I owe you?" I asked as I unhooked my seat belt.

"Nothing, of course. As I said, I work for Mr. Jake."

"Okay, well, thank you. Have a great evening, Cal."

"I’m not leaving. I'll park and wait for you."

"Oh! No, you don’t have to. I'll just call an Uber once I'm done. I have no clue how long this is going to take."

"I have instructions to wait for you. In fact, I can give you my number, and if you have too many bags, I'll come and help you with them."

What is this life?

"Wow. Thank you." I got out of the car, hurrying down the bustling street, texting Cade.

Meredith: Okay, I’ve got to go. I'm off to buy something for your grandmother and a little something for me.

Cade: I demand pictures.

A shudder ran through me. My nipples turned hard, pushing against my bra. My panties felt hot against the skin between my legs.

Meredith: We'll see.

Cindy, one of the shop owners, welcomed me inside The Fashion Corner. I came here often. One of the things I loved most about the store was that it catered to all sizes and body shapes. They brought bigger sizes for most of their collections. I hated that most department stores only stocked up to size ten or twelve. They looked at me like I was an elephant every time I asked for a 14W.

More often than not, they gave me a cold smile and said I should probably try my luck at plus-size stores. I'd been through enough of those in my lifetime. They usually didn't have what I liked. Most of the collections found in plus-size stores looked like huge tents or blankets. They had no shape whatsoever. They were designed to hide. In my opinion, they simply magnified anyone's size.

Cindy smiled at me. "Meredith, it's so good to see you again. What are you looking for today?"

"I'm going to a family dinner on Saturday, and I'd like a cute outfit."

"Are your parents celebrating something? Did your sister give birth?" I was a regular, and they knew everything that went on with my family.

"No, it's not my family."

“You've got a boyfriend?"

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