Page 17 of Matched with the Playboy Next Door

I walk into Aunt Dotty’s dining room to find the table already set, the smell of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filling the air. Mia’s perched in her usual spot, chattering away while Aunt Dotty adds the finishing touches to the table.

I pause in the doorway, my instincts immediately on high alert. They’re both too cheerful.

With a bright smile, Aunt Dotty motions for me to sit. “We’re just waiting on Ethan.”

“Ethan?” I echo, narrowing my eyes.

“Oh, didn’t I mention?” she says innocently, though the glint in her eyes says otherwise. “I invited him, too. He’s part of the neighborhood now, after all.”

Before I can respond, the doorbell rings.

“Perfect timing,” Mia says, hopping up to answer it. Moments later, Ethan steps in, looking relaxed as ever in a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his easygoing grin firmly in place.

“Evening,” he says, his gaze flicking to me as he steps into the room. “Hope I’m not late.”

“Not at all,” Aunt Dotty replies, gesturing to the chair across from me. “Have a seat, Ethan.”

I drop into my chair, determined not to let them see how annoyed I am.

Dinner starts simple enough—Aunt Dotty fusses over everyone’s plates, and Mia dives into a story about one of her matchmaking adventures. Ethan listens intently, laughing at all the right moments, and I can’t help but notice how easily he fits in.

“So, Riley,” Mia says, turning to me with a gleam in her eye. “How’s the hardware store doing? Still driving men away with your charming personality?”

I glare at her. “Business isfine, thank you.”

“Good to hear,” Ethan chimes in, a teasing lilt in his voice. “The town wouldn’t survive without you keeping all the tools in line.”

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the corner of my mouth from twitching upward. “Yeah, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be next on my list.”

Aunt Dotty chuckles. “She’s been running that store like a well-oiled machine since she was barely out of high school,” she says proudly. “I always knew she’d be the one to keep things together.”

I glance at Aunt Dotty, surprised by the rare moment of open praise, but she’s already busy passing the bread.

“And what about you, Ethan?” Mia asks, leaning forward. “How’s life treating you in Bardstown?”

Ethan smiles, leaning back in his chair. “It’s been… an adjustment,” he admits. “But a good one. I’m starting to appreciate the slower pace.”

“And the people?” Mia presses, clearly fishing for something.

“They’ve been interesting,” Ethan replies, his eyes flicking to me for a split second.

Mia catches the look and grins. I mentally curse her and Aunt Dotty for their not-so-subtle matchmaking efforts. Thankfully, Aunt Dotty steers the conversation back to safer ground.

“Ethan, have you started making any new plans for the house yet?” she asks.

“I’m working on it,” he says, his tone thoughtful, his gaze drifting toward the window. “I’ve got a room I want to turn into an office, and the yard could use some more love. It’s… a work in progress, but I want it to feel like it’s mine, you know?”

His words catch me off guard. For a moment, he’s not the polished, overly confident city boy I’ve pegged him as. There’s something unguarded about the way he talks about the house—like he’s not just looking for a fresh start, but something more lasting. And for some reason, that unsettles me.

“Riley could help with that,” Mia says, her voice light but full of mischief. She leans back in her chair like she’s just dropped the most brilliant idea of the evening.

I whip my head toward her so fast I nearly knock over my drink. 'Mia,' I say sharply, my voice low and warning.

“What?” she says, all wide-eyed innocence. “You’re good at this stuff. Don’t act like you’re not.”

“Don’t worry, Riley,” he says with a grin, his voice low enough that it feels like a challenge. “I’ll do my best to stay in line—at least until you admit you don’t hate me as much as you think you do.”

I narrow my eyes at him, trying to ignore the way my stomach flips at his grin. It’s infuriating how easily he gets under my skin, like he knows exactly how to push every button.

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