Page 43 of Matched with the Playboy Next Door

An hour later, I’m standing at the entrance to the festival with Riley. The town square is buzzing with activity—kids running around with balloons, vendors setting up booths, and the smell of caramel and popcorn hanging heavy in the air.

I reach for her hand without thinking, and to my relief, she doesn’t pull away. Her fingers curl around mine, and just like that, everything feels right.

As we walk through the festival, people stop to say hello, their eyes flicking between us and our joined hands. At first, Riley stiffens slightly, but as the day goes on, she starts to relax.

We hit the ring toss first, and Riley beats me without breaking a sweat. When I complain about beginner’s luck, she just grins, grabbing the darts next and proving it wasn’t luck at all. Her laugh rings out, carefree and light, and for a moment, it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard.

By the time we grab lunch from one of the food stands, the whispers have started.

“Looks like they’re finally together,” Mrs. Harriet says as she passes by, her smile wide.

“Took them long enough,” Frank adds, clapping me on the shoulder.

Riley blushes, ducking her head, but I just grin.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Mia’s voice cuts through the crowd as she and Dotty walk over to us, both of them looking far too smug.

“It’s more than nice,” Riley says quietly, her gaze drifting over the festival. “It’s… good to be part of something like this.”

I smile, wrapping an arm around Riley’s shoulders. She leans into me slightly, her smile softening, and I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting everything in a warm, golden light, Riley and I find ourselves standing near the edge of the square, watching the town come alive around us.

“You know,” I say, glancing at her, “this isn’t so bad.”

She raises an eyebrow. “The festival?”

“No,” I say, squeezing her hand. “This. Us.”

She smiles, and it’s the kind of smile that makes my chest ache in the best way. “Not bad at all.”

The warmth of Riley’s hand in mine feels like the most natural thing in the world as we stand at the edge of the square, watching the festival wind down. The lights strung across the booths glow softly, casting everything in a golden hue, and for the first time in a long time, I feel completely at peace.

That peace doesn’t last long.

“Look at them, Dotty,” Mia’s voice rings out behind us, full of mischief. “Doesn’t it just warm your heart?”

Riley and I turn at the same time to find Mia and Dotty walking toward us, both of them wearing identical, self-satisfied grins.

“Oh, it warms my heart, all right,” Dotty replies, her eyes twinkling as she clasps her hands over her chest dramatically. “Our two little lovebirds finally finding their way to each other. It’s almost enough to bring a tear to my eye.”

Riley groans softly, but I can feel her leaning into me just a little. “Aunt Dotty,” she says, her tone half-warning, half-exasperated.

“What?” Dotty asks, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying, it’s nice to see you smiling, sugar. You’ve been walking around with a storm cloud over your head for too long.”

Mia snickers, nudging Dotty. “You’re not wrong. And, if I may say so, we make a pretty great team.”

Riley arches an eyebrow. “Team?”

Dotty waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, you know, just two incredibly observant women with a knack for helping people find happiness.”

“They’re calling themselves matchmakers,” I explain, biting back a grin.

Mia’s grin widens. “And we’re very good at it.”

“Don’t let it go to your heads,” Riley mutters, but there’s no hiding the warmth in her smile. “Thanks—for everything.”

“Oh, it’s far too late for that,” Dotty says, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. “But don’t worry, sugar. You two are just the beginning. Mia and I have plans—big plans.”

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