Page 27 of One Sweet Match Up

It was simple really. She needed business, and he needed a kitchen. If she let him rent her space, he’d make a comfy food menu of delicious soups and sandwiches that would bring customers in for miles.

It was the perfect plan.

That all rested on Zoe agreeing to it.

Now, if she would just get here. Loretta had confirmed that day that Zoe was bringing over some of her frozen yogurt for dessert. He’d asked his former babysitter if she’d keep it between them that he’d be making lunch.

She’d pinched his cheek and told him to stay out of trouble.

He made no promises. He grabbed a plastic spoon and dipped it into the velvety red mixture, taking a taste. The cheesy tomato soup melted into his taste buds. How could Zoe not agree to working with a seasoned chef ready to kick the culinary butt out of comfort food?

He grabbed a fistful of nearby shredded cheese and dropped it into the mixture. If on the off chance she said no, he wouldn’t push her. That wasn’t his style. If she didn’t like the idea, he’d drop it. However, he hoped by staging this catering gig she’d see firsthand how many happy customers she could have in her shop if she went into business with him.

He’d always been a show rather than tell kind of guy.

She’d be crazy not to consider it. It was a low risk proposition with the potential to get her out of this winter rut. She’d be in the black in no time.

It would also buy him some time until he decided what kind of restaurant he’d open up and where it would be. He’d spend his days off researching possible space in nearby towns since all the Buttermilk Falls venues were taken. He’d also give some thought to what he wanted to be known for and what kind of food he wanted to serve.

“Hey, buddy.”

Donovan looked over his shoulder to see Will. He chuckled. Strike that. To see Will wearing a tux. “What’s the occasion?”

Will straightened his bow tie, sporting a Cheshire cat grin. “You didn’t hear the news? I’m getting married today.”

“Yeah, right.” Donovan turned his attention back to his soup, giving it a good stir. He’d heard that the Belle Bridal Boutique was hosting some fashion show during lunch. “Who’s the lucky bride?” He knew it wasn’t Rachel. He’d talked her into helping him prepare the meal, and he’d only minutes ago sent her on an emergency run to the grocery store for more cheese. “Do I know her?”

“Sure do.” Will put his hands together and cracked his knuckles. “It’s Zoe Mathews.”

Donovan’s hand slipped, touching the hot red burner. “Shit.” He pivoted over to the sink, turned on the faucet, and slid his hand underneath, the ice-cold water soothing his hot fingers. “Zoe’s out there?” he asked.

Will reached for a paper towel from a wall dispenser, handing it over. “You okay,

man?”

“Yeah.” Donovan brushed off his friend’s concern, turned off the faucet, and took the

towel. “Burnt fingertips come with the job. So . . .” he started, wanting to get to the question at hand. “Zoe’s here?”

“Yep.” Will whistled. “She’s looking mighty fine. Girl knows how to work a gown.”

Zoe was in a wedding dress, pretending to marry Will?Donovan’s brain was having a hard time computing. So much for her wanting nothing to do with the guy. “I heard she was bringing frozen yogurt.”

“She is.” Will smiled and nodded to the door. “I’m going to help her bring it over after we get hitched. Come take a look. She’s in the foyer.”

Donovan crumpled up the paper towel, making an easy two-pointer into a large garbage can. Maybe he could have a few words with Zoe about his business proposition before she and Will did whatever they were doing. He followed Will out the side and down the corridor, more than a bit interested in seeing what Zoe was wearing.

Will stopped at the swinging door and stepped aside. “After you.” He paused, smirking. “Say, do you want to be my best man?”

Giving his buddy the side-eye, Donovan placed a palm on the door and pushed gently. The gorgeous woman in front of him caused his tongue to tie.

But even if he could talk, he’d have a hard time describing her beauty. Zoe stood in the center of the foyer in a long, white wedding dress, the sleek gown accentuating every curve before it flowed to the floor. Her hair was swept off her face with big loose curls gently falling around her shoulders.

His gaze rested on the soft lips he’d kissed, now shaded the prettiest pink he’d ever seen. “Wow,” was all he finally got out.

“Right.” Will came up beside him, but immediately stepped back against the wall. “Oh, man. What isshedoing here?”

“Who?” Donovan released his hand from the door, staring at his friend.

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