Page 16 of Matched with the Playboy Next Door

“I told you, it’s nothing,” I say firmly, hopingshe’ll drop it.

But she doesn’t. She smiles that knowing smile of hers, the one that says she’s already figured out more than I want her to. “All right, if you say so.”

She heads back inside, leaving me standing there with my grocery bags and a sinking feeling in my chest.

Why am I even doing this?

It’s not like Ethan and I were friends—or anything else, for that matter. But the thought of facing him, of seeing that easy smile and wondering how much of it is real, is enough to make me keep my distance.

For now, that’s the safest option.

The morning air is crisp as I lock the front door, juggling my keys and a half-full travel mug of coffee. I’m heading to the hardware store early to unpack a new shipment before the usual rush starts.

Just as I reach the driveway, I hear the unmistakable sound of Mia’s voice.

“Riley!”

I look up to see her stepping out of her car, a tote bag slung over her shoulder. She’s wearing wedges again—who even wears wedges this early?—and her face lights up like she’s been waiting for this exact moment.

“Mia,” I say cautiously, stopping mid-step. “You’re here early.”

“Book club prep,” she replies, holding up the tote bag. “Dotty and I are going over our latest read before the meeting tomorrow.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “You should join, you know. We could use some new blood.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” I say, trying not to sound too relieved. “Book clubs aren’t really my thing.”

Mia tilts her head, clearly unimpressed. “You mean reading isn’t your thing.”

I snort. “No, pretending to like people in book clubs isn’t my thing.”

She laughs, but her laughter cuts short as the front door of Ethan’s house swings open. My stomach tightens before I even see him.

And then there he is, stepping out onto the porch, his hair slightly damp like he just got out of the shower. He’s in a plain T-shirt and jeans, but somehow, he makes it look effortless.

“Morning!” Ethan calls, his voice annoyingly cheerful.

My pulse quickens, and my grip tightens on the mug in my hand. For a second, I think about saying something back, but the words stick in my throat. Instead, I turn to Mia, my voice brisk. “I just remembered—I need to be at the store early. Shipment coming in.”

Mia raises an eyebrow. “Right now?”

“Yup. Right now,” I say, already heading for my truck.

“Riley,” Mia starts, but I’m not stickingaround for this.

“Gotta go!” I call, hopping into the driver’s seat and starting the engine.

I catch a glimpse of Ethan watching me as I back out of the driveway, his brow furrowed like he’s trying to figure me out. Well, good luck with that. I’m not sticking around long enough for him to ask questions.

That evening, I sit on the porch steps, wiping dirt off my hands after planting the last of Aunt Dotty’s roses. I’m just about to go inside when Aunt Dotty steps out, looking suspiciously pleased with herself.

“Riley, sugar,” she says, clasping her hands together. “Mia and I are hosting a little dinner tonight. Just something casual. You should join us.”

I frown. “Dinner? When did this happen?”

“Oh, just now,” she replies breezily. “Mia insisted, and I thought it’d be nice. You’ve been so busy lately; you could use a good meal.”

Something about her tone sets off alarm bells, but I nod anyway. “Sure, I guess.”

“Wonderful,” Aunt Dotty says, already halfway back inside.

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