Page 20 of Banter & Blushes

He grunts. “Guess that means no more late nights reviewing land contracts.”

“So that’s a yes?” I tease.

He takes my hand again and tugs me closer. “That’s a yes,” he whispers. Our eyes lock and the rest of the world slides away, as if it’s just the two of us. Putting his hand up to my cheek, he says, “You’re an intriguing woman, Luna. I’d like to get to knowyoubetter.”

Before I can debate the conflict of interest created if I kiss my client, I lean forward and touch my lips to his.

What starts out as a gentle touch quickly turns into a passionate embrace as we both adjust our heads to deepen the kiss. I wind my arms around his neck, fully participating in every spine-tingling, heart-stopping, breathless moment. My heart thunders and crashes inside my chest, louder and harder than the waves off the coast.

The kiss goes on and on, but eventually reality slams into me and it takes every ounce of willpower I possess to pull away. “This is a bad idea, Cade,” I murmur.

There’s an intensity in his eyes that makes my skin hot and my breath shallow. “I don’t think so,” he says, leaning back towards me, intent on resuming our kiss.

Gently stalling his progress with my hand, I say, “You’re my client. This breaks mymatchmaker’s oath in so many ways.”

He pauses, still gazing at me with a passionate glint that makes me want to retract my words and continue kissing him. “Maybe I should fire you.”

“Do you want to do that?”

Blowing out a loud breath, he says, “No, I guess not.”

All the reasons I’m not the woman he’s looking for tumble through my brain. Small-town girl. Marginally successful business owner. Carefree gypsy. I’m certainly not the corporate hotshot he thinks should be the future Mrs. Bainbridge.

“Cade, as tempting as you and your kisses are, I know that I’m not the woman for you. I have the questionnaire to prove it. I don’t live up to any of the standards you set.” I stand and furiously blink back tears. “I’ll find you another match. Maybe the third time will be a charm,” I say in a watery voice.

He nods, avoiding eye contact.

I turn briskly on my heel and walk away, forcing myself not to look back over my shoulder, because I know I’d run back to him if he gave me even an ounce of encouragement.

CHAPTER 11

CADE

I’ve fallen in love with my matchmaker.

All my preconceived notions about the future Mrs. Bainbridge have been blown away, especially after that nuclear kiss with Luna. The logical side of me knows that I shouldn’t have fallen for a small-town girl when I have no plans to stay in Seabreeze Harbor indefinitely. Asking her to relocate to Jacksonville with me seems unfair because her livelihood is here.

Seabreeze Harbor and Luna are a perfect fit, from her quirky business to her carefree spirit. The locals love her, her best friend works two doors down, and she has no daily commute by living above the store.

Tourists are drawn to her shop—the new soy candles will be flying off the shelves soon I’m sure—the crystal jewelry and essential oils are already a big hit, and what tourist doesn’t need a copy of the latest bestseller? She might not be a terrific matchmaker, but she’s got enough other irons in the fire to shape and grow a successful business. And let’s be honest, the only experience I have with her matchmaking is myself, and I’m the one putting roadblocks up there...

After spending a restless night, I get up before dawn, hoping that Luna will still join me for the beach walk so we can talk about our feelings. Just before six, my phone pings with an incoming text. Assuming it’s Jerry’s annoying daily electronic reminder, I almost don’t read it. When I swipe the screen, my heart sinks.

Luna:I’m going to pass on the walk this morning.

Just like me, she’s still reeling over that kiss. I should have fired her as my matchmaker last evening. But I didn’t, knowing that I’ve still got Grandad’s ultimatum hanging over my head and I don’t know how I can make a relationship with Luna work. Despite what my heart wants, I need to lead with my head. Gritting my teeth, I type in my reply.

Me:OK. Please schedule a third match date as soon as possible.

After I press send, I cringe at my curt reply. That should stem any feelings Luna was developing for me. My fingers want to immediately send a retraction, but I don’t. I anxiously watch the screen, as it takes several minutes for her to reply.

Luna:I’ll let you know when it’s scheduled.

Tossing the phone down in disgust, knowing that I just killed any chance of a relationship between Luna and me, I grab my baseball cap and run out the door like a pack of hungry wolves are nipping at my heels.

I drink in the fresh saltwater air, slowly relaxing as my steps take me further and further away from the bungalow. The morning is gorgeous, with a breathtaking sunrise that immediately lifts my dismal mood. There are only a few beach walkers at this early hour, so I have the sand and surf almost to myself.

Gulls sail ahead of me, landing on the sand several yards away. They caw angrily, annoyed that I’m sharing their beach. When I get too close, they flap their wings and fly away, just to caw at me again when I get closer. A few sandpipers run ahead of me on stick-thin legs, scampering along the sand in search of food. They’re amusing creatures, bringing a smile to my face.

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