Page 19 of One Sweet Match Up

Determined to stop thinking about Donovan, she shot Will a big smile. “What can I get you?” She picked up a paper frozen yogurt cup, trying not to look too eager or desperate for the $3.99 she’d charge him.

“Um . . . I was kind of hoping I could ask you a favor?”

He wanted something from her? She raised a curious eyebrow. “Does it involve Rachel?”

“No.”

Relieved, she set down the empty paper cup, disappointed he didn’t want any frozen yogurt. It was past noon, and she hadn’t had one single paying customer. “What do you need?”

“Well, my mom signed the boutique up to host this year’s Sweet Match Up, and I could . . . um . . . use some help.”

“What is the Sweet Match Up?”

“It’s an annual event for the seniors in this town.” He paused, adding, “The single seniors.”

She rested her elbows on her counter, giving a short laugh. “Why am I not surprised. Does this town have anything better to do than to butt into the love lives of its residents?”

He returned her laugh. “Not really. But you should be happy. The gossip about us has died down a bit.”

“Says who?” Just last week one of the beauticians at the only salon in town had leaned in and told her to keep an eye on Will, warning her he was a major flirt who broke hearts. “Clearly, you haven’t stepped into the Spring Curls salon lately.”

“No,” he admitted. “Can’t say I have. I’m more of a barber shop kind of guy.” He reached up and scrubbed his head. “So . . . about the event . . . You can say no but hear me out.”

She smiled and straightened the stack of paper cups to her right. Whatever he had to ask her, he was sure taking his sweet ole time. Maybe they needed a caterer for desserts and he’d recommended her. Her shoulders straightened at that wonderful thought. Old people loved her frozen yogurt on the count of it being soft to eat.

Her wheels mentally spun, liking the idea of helping him out. Besides giving her some much-needed cash, maybe she could have the seniors try out her new fair-inspired concoctions that she planned on unveiling this summer. She’d been playing with cotton candy, fried butter, and funnel cake flavors.

A sample group of old fogies to test her new flavors was actually a great idea. If there was one they particularly liked, it would shoot up to the top of her menu. “I’ll do it. How much frozen yogurt will you need?”

“Frozen yogurt?”

Zoe mirrored the confused eyebrow knit that Will was now sporting. “You don’t want me to cater the event?”

“Well, no. Unless you want to. I’m sure they’d love it. I can find out.” He pulled out his phone from his pants pocket and swiped his finger across the screen.

“Thanks.” Zoe cocked her head. “So, what is it that you would like me to do?”

Will continued to text. “I need models,” he said, finally looking up.

“Models?” She bit down on her lip, thoroughly confused. Barely reaching 5’3, she doubted anyone would ever ask her to strut down a runway. “You want me to model?”

“Yeah. I need a few ladies to wear my spring line. I mean, my mom’s line. My mother agreed to do a fashion show a couple of months ago. I need a bride to wear this year’s headlining dress for a pretend wedding.” He stopped himself, chuckling. “They’re calling it the Ultimate Sweet Match Up.”

Of course they were. Zoe pushed off the counter. He wanted her to wear a wedding dress—in front of people?“Oh, I don’t know . . .”

“It’s on Saturday, and it’ll only be a couple of hours. It’ll be fun.” He flashed a grin. “Besides, the whole town thinks we’re getting married anyway.”

“Wait a minute.” She put a hand on her hip. “You’re planning on being the groom?” Why wasn’t she surprised.

“Yep.”

“And you want me to be the bride?” she asked, making sure she understood this favor he was asking.

“Only for an hour or so.” He leaned into the counter, setting his elbows down. “I don’t know if you know this, but I’ve got a bit of a reputation. The last thing I need is to piss off someone’s husband or boyfriend by asking a taken woman to play the part.”

Zoe smirked. He was probably right.

“I need a single lady.” He winked. “So, what do you say? You in?”

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