Page 18 of Matched with the Playboy Next Door

I’m not falling for it. Not now, not ever.

CHAPTER 7

ETHAN

Ilean back in my chair, laughing as Dotty recounts a story about some disaster involving a loose raccoon and a birthday cake. She’s got a way of telling stories that makes even the smallest details seem larger than life, and honestly, I can’t remember the last time I had a dinner this laid-back.

“You’re telling me the raccoon just strolled in and made itself at home?” I ask, still grinning.

“Oh, honey, it didn’t just stroll—it strutted,” Dotty replies, shaking her head. “Like it owned the place! I had to chase it out with a broom.”

“You’re braver than me,” I say, raising my glass in a mock toast.

Dotty laughs, clearly pleased, and even Mia’s joining in, her smile wide as she listens. I glance at Riley, expectingher to laugh, too, but she’s busy poking at her meal like it owes her money.

Her fork clinks against her plate as she stabs a piece of chicken, her expression deliberately neutral. But every so often, her gaze flicks to mine, like she’s daring me to say something.

I catch Mia glancing between us, a sly smile tugging at her lips. She’s enjoying this way too much, and it’s all I can do not to roll my eyes at her obvious matchmaking attempts.

“So, Riley. You’ve been avoiding me,” I say, my voice light but edged with curiosity. “Did I do something, or is ignoring me just your new favorite hobby?”

Her lips press into a thin line, and for a split second, I catch a flicker of something behind her eyes—hesitation, maybe even guilt—but it’s gone before I can figure it out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on,” I reply, leaning forward a little. “You’ve been dodging me all week. I wave, and you look the other way. I try to say hello, and you suddenly remember a very important phone call. And here I was, thinking we could actually be friends.”

Her eyes finally meet mine, and for a moment, there’s something in her expression I can’t quite read. Annoyance? Guilt? Whatever it is, it’s gone before I can pin it down.

“I’ve been busy,” she says flatly, taking a sip of her water.

“Busy avoiding me?” I shoot back, my tone teasing but just sharp enoughto make a point.

Mia, ever the meddler, perks up. “Oh, this is interesting. Do go on.”

“Mia,” Riley warns, glaring at her.

“What?” Mia says innocently. “I’m just saying you have been a little… elusive lately.”

“I’m not elusive,” Riley says, crossing her arms. “I just have better things to do than stand around chatting all day.”

“Better things?” I ask, arching a brow. “Like what? Planting more roses? Rearranging the tool aisle?”

She glares at me, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged. It’s not anger exactly, but something close—something that makes my pulse quicken despite myself.

“Okay, you two,” Dotty cuts in, her voice calm but firm. “Let’s keep it civil, shall we?”

Riley breaks eye contact first, focusing back on her plate. I take a sip of water, trying to shake the strange tension that’s settled over the table.

The rest of dinner goes by in a blur of small talk and laughter, but every time I catch Riley’s eye, she looks away. And every time she does, it only makes me more determined to figure her out.

As we’re clearing the table, Mia corners me, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Mia leans in like she’s about to share state secrets. “You know, Riley’s a lot like a stray cat. Skittish, tough to win over, but once you’ve earned her trust, she’s all yours.”

“Wow, thanks for the pep talk,” I say dryly. “Do I need to bring tuna or something?”

“Maybe just patience,” she replies, her grin wicked. “You’ll need a lot of that.”

I glance back at Riley, who’s helping Dotty in the kitchen. Her sleeves are rolled up, and her movements are focused and deliberate. It’s spot-on, really. She keeps herself guarded, like she’s daring anyone to try and figure her out. And yet, I can’t deny the pull to try anyway.

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