Page 23 of Matched with the Playboy Next Door

The crowd laughs as Frank steps down, and we continue introducing the contestants—each one with a dish more elaborate than the last. There’s a roasted pork belly from the bakery owner, a tangy pulled pork platter from the high school principal, and even a spicy pork stew from the local librarian.

By the time we’ve gone through all the contestants, the crowd is buzzing with excitement.

Ethan leans into his mic, looking out at the audience. “All right, Bardstown, you’ve met the cooks, you’ve seen the dishes—now it’s time to let our judges do their thing. And while they’re tasting, get ready to loosen those wallets because this pork is going to the highest bidder!”

The crowd cheers, and I step forward, taking the lead again. “Remember, every single penny raised tonight goes straight to the community fund. So bid big, eat well, and let’s make this the best event Bardstown has ever seen!”

The applause is loud and enthusiastic, and as the judges start their tasting, Ethan and I step off to the side of the stage.

As the judges work their way through the dishes, Ethan and I move between the tables, chatting with the locals and keeping theenergy alive.

At one table, Mrs. Harriet waves us over, beaming like she’s already won. “You two make such a good team,” she says, motioning for us to sit. “It’s so nice to see young people like you getting involved in the community.”

“Oh, we’re not a team,” I say quickly, but Ethan cuts me off.

“Not officially,” he adds with a smirk, earning a laugh from Mrs. Harriet.

I glare at him, but even I can’t deny the warmth spreading through my chest. It’s strange—he’s annoying, sure, but there’s something about the way he fits into this town that feels… effortless.

As we make our way back to the stage, Ethan slows down, his gaze turning thoughtful. “You know,” he starts, “this is the most I’ve seen you smile since I got here.”

I freeze mid-step, caught off guard. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “It just means it’s nice to see. That’s all.”

For a moment, I don’t know what to say. He’s looking at me like he means it—like he’s not just teasing me for once.

“Well,” I manage, “maybe I’m just in a good mood tonight.”

But even as I say it, I can’t ignore the warmth that floods through me at his sincerity. I avoid his gaze, not ready to admit that he might be the reason.

CHAPTER 9

ETHAN

The auction is in full swing, and the crowd’s energy is infectious. I stand off to the side, watching as Riley expertly fields bids with that calm, no-nonsense confidence she seems to have in spades. It’s funny how just a few weeks ago, she wouldn’t even look at me without a glare. Now? She’s got this little spark in her eyes, like she’s actually enjoying herself.

And I can’t stop watching her.

But as the bidding continues, I notice the way her shoulders tense slightly. She’s been on her feet all night, darting between the stage and the crowd, making sure everything runs smoothly. She’s good at it—great, even—but I can tell she’s running on fumes.

Without thinking, I step away from the stage and head toward the refreshments table. A plate of barbecue sliderscatches my eye, and I grab two, along with a couple of bottled waters.

When I make my way back to Riley, she’s just finished announcing the winner of Mrs. Harriet’s honey-glazed pork roast. The crowd cheers as Mrs. Harriet beams, and Riley steps off the stage, looking like she could use a moment to breathe.

“Here,” I say, holding out the plate and a bottle of water as she approaches.

She blinks, surprised. “What’s this?”

“Food. Water. You know, the basics,” I say, smirking.

Her lips twitch like she’s trying not to smile. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“You didn’t have to,” I reply, shoving the plate gently into her hands. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

She rolls her eyes but takes the plate, opening the bottle of water first. “Thanks,” she says softly, her eyes meeting mine for just a second before she takes a sip of water. It’s not much, but it feels real.

By the time the auction wraps up, the crowd starts to thin, and the event finally begins winding down. The tables are littered with empty plates and cups, and the stage is a mess of banners and decorations.

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