Page 32 of One Sweet Match Up

“You’re not still harboring feelings for Adam, are you?”

“No. Of course not. I’m really happy for him and Bethany. I just . . . I want to be with someone who is kind, genuine, spontaneous, can make me laugh.” She batted her lashes. “And, of course, puts me on a pedestal every hour of every day . . . even when he’s asleep.”

Donovan shook his head. “That’s the problem with women. They want men that don’t exist.”

“Well, I’m not giving up.” She moved off the bed. “Maybe I’ll get lucky like Abby or Emma and a handsome newcomer will sweep me off my feet. In the meantime, I’m going to make tacos.”

“Make sure you fry the meat all the way through this time.”

“You know you’re not the only one who can cook.” She giggled. “Okay, maybe you are. What is this?”

“What’s what?” he asked, finishing his beer.

“This.” Rachel picked up the lavender bag from the dresser and waved it in the air. “Um . . . something you need to tell me?”

Donovan sat up. He’d forgotten all about the purse. He’d meant to take it to the Sugar Spoon but had gotten sidetracked in his quest to help Zoe. “It’s Zoe’s. I mean . . . Zoe found it.” He left out the part about it containing the mysterious soup ladle that had freaked her out. That utensil was now in Rachel’s kitchen.

“It’s pretty.” Rachel held it up, examining it. “I need a purse this size. I’m sure someone

is missing it.”

“Probably.”

“Did you check to see if there’s an ID inside?”

“Zoe did. It’s empty.”

“You sure about that?” She held it up with one hand, touching the bottom with her other.

“Feels like there’s something in here.”

“What?” Curious adrenaline pumped him off the bed. He snatched the purse out of his sister’s hands, cradling its bottom. It did feel full. Reaching in, he pulled out a small container of ground black pepper and a handful of cream-colored business cards.

“What is it?”

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Donovan stared at one of the cards.

Heavenly Soups by D. Foster

Rachel snatched a card from his hand.“You made business cards. Wow. That’s aggressive. Too bad she said, ‘I don’t.’”

“I didn’t make these.” He flipped a card, his jaw dropping at the two words on the back.

She does.

8

Zoe stoppedshort of the Belle Bridal Boutique, the beautiful wedding dress that had made her feel like a princess for a few short hours now draped over her arm. It was Monday afternoon, and she’d finally mustered up the courage to return the exquisite gown to Will.

Keeping it over the weekend only heightened the embarrassment she’d felt. Saturday had been a complete, humiliating disaster, and she should have never put it on to begin with.

To think she’d thought for an insane moment that Donovan’s compliments were genuine. That he’d meant what he’d said. That he thought she was beautiful.

He’d only said it to get something from her. She knew that. She’d had a lot of time to dissect the event over the weekend. His motives as clear as the cloudless, blue sky.

She sighed. Did she find him attractive? Yes.

Did she have a tiny bit of hope that his compliment had been sincere and that he might want to kiss her again?

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