Page 10 of One Sweet Match Up

Zoe looked away. It really shouldn’t surprise her that Donovan knew. Could the people in this town move on already? It seemed to be all anyone wanted to talk about.

If she had a dollar for how many people asked her when she and Will were getting married, she could open twenty frozen yogurt shops up and down Buttermilk Lake. “Well, it’s not going to happen. And besides, Adam was outing last kisses not predicting soul mates. He’s admitted it.”

“So you kissed Will?” Donovan asked that question, waggling his eyebrows.

“No.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. Yes. It was a holiday party for charity. I had a lot to drink.”

“The infamous Holiday Hook Up. I went to one years ago.”

“Oh, yeah. How did it turn out for you?”

He grinned. “Really well that night. Although, she’s married now . . . with triplets.”

“You hooked up with Caitlin Stevens?” Caitlin and her husband Josh were the only

couple in town with triplets. Zoe didn’t really know either very well, but Caitlin, the owner of the Majestic Theater, was always friendly when Zoe caught the weekly Tuesday matinee.

“Only that once. I dated Abby for a while.”

Zoe shot him a look. “Let me guess. You both were Homecoming King and Queen.”

“Nah. That went to Rachel and Adam.” He twirled his linguini. “You know, Will’s not a bad guy. He’d probably be a great boyfriend.”

She couldn’t help but laugh, breaking off a piece of her bread. Handsome, yes. Boyfriend material? She doubted it. “Will’s in love with Will. I’m not sure there’s room in his life for anyone else.”

“You’re probably right. I think my sister still has the hots for him.”

“Well, she can hot all over him. He’s not for me.” Zoe soaked up the last of the Bolognese with her bread, a little sad she didn’t have anymore but didn’t want to flatter Donovan by asking for seconds. The egomaniac wasn’t going to hear any more praise from her lips. Not in this lifetime.

“So, where are you from Zoe?”

“Den—” She started to say Denver and stopped. “Denwood . . . um . . . Massachusetts.”

“Never heard of it.”

Neither had she because she made it up. “It’s a small town, quite north of Boston.” She paused, adding, “It’s near the ocean. Tiny blip of a town. Closer to New Hampshire really. It’s not even on some maps.”

“Probably why I never heard of it. Did you always live in Denwood?”

“Yes. Born and bred.”

“I’m surprised you don’t have any sort of New England accent.”

“My dad was Californian.” That was the truth. Her dad had grown up in San Diego.

“I love California. I’ve always thought it would be cool to have a beachside restaurant. Surf and turf is one of my specialties, plus, nothing beats west coast sunsets on the water.”

She twirled her fork. A memory of her parents playing with her on the beach popped into her head. Those were such happy times that often warmed her heart before the sharp pang of sadness reminded her that for the most part she was now alone. Her dad still lived in Denver and had been less than thrilled when she told him she was relocating clear across the country. He wasn’t much of a flier, so if they were going to see each other, she’d have to be the one to visit.

Donovan leaned back and folded his arms. “So what brought you to Buttermilk Falls?”

“I needed a fresh change of scenery,” she said, wondering the same about him. Was he really telling the truth that he wanted to settle down and create a new life here?

“I can respect that. Buttermilk Falls is a great place to start over. The people here are real nice.” He chuckled and grabbed the wine bottle, refilling her mug. “Even me.”

“Well, I haven’t been here a full year, but I’m enjoying it. Everyone has been so welcoming of my business.”

“That’s great. I’m envious.”

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