Page 68 of Matchmaking the Rival

I ran to the door, opening it wide without even thinking.

It wasn't Cade. Instead, a young woman carrying flowers and a box stood in the doorway.

"Hi," I said.

"Miss Meredith, yes?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"I have this delivery for you." She handed them to me with shaky hands.

"Have you been waiting for me this whole time?" I asked, feeling like shit for making her wait.

"Yes. My understanding was that you’d be home half an hour ago."

Oh crap. Me and my Christmas strolls."I'm truly sorry. Do you want tea, or coffee, or something stronger? I have alcohol."

"Um, no, thank you."

Even her voice was shaking. I tipped her, taking the flowers and the treats, and put them in the foyer. "Are you sure? I feel so guilty."

"Don't worry. It's just part of the job. But you're very nice. Have a great evening. Enjoy your flowers."

"I will. Thank you."

I closed the door, turning around. Just like that, joy replaced the guilt. Well, didn't really replace it, because I was still thinking about the poor girl freezing her ass off outside my door, but it totally overpowered it.

Flowers! Cade Whitley sent me flowers.

I looked at the box, opening it immediately.

Holy shit. He found my Portuguese pastéis de nata. How is this possible?I breathed in the smell. My stomach rumbled.

I took my phone, snapping a picture and sending it to Cade.

Meredith: Thank you. I'm speechless.

He immediately called me. I sighed, putting in earbuds and setting the phone on the entrance console before answering. "I’d planned to bring them myself tonight, but just because I'm stuck here doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy them."

"You really wanted to come to my door with flowers and my favorite goodies in the world?"

"Yes."

God, this felt a lot like we were in a relationship. Why would he go to all this trouble otherwise? I narrowed my eyes, looking in the mirror in my foyer. I had an idea why.

"Are you still on your quest to get a naked picture of me?"

He laughed into the phone, but it sounded tired. "Maybe. Though I started looking for the sweets before I got the idea."

"Oh yeah, you say that to save face. Thank you so much. How was your day?" I asked in a softer voice. I put the box with the sweets on the console and arranged the flowers in a vase, placing them on the coffee table in the living room. Then I put two sweets on a plate and walked to the couch. Sitting down, I curled my legs next to me.

"Exhausting. Can't wait to be back in Boston and see you."

" I can't wait either," I admitted. “Tell me where you got the treats.”

“Nah, I’m keeping that secret firmly up my sleeve.”

“Cade!”

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