Page 38 of One Sweet Match Up

“Who?”

“Someone who has some experience in mystery appearances.”

9

Zoe sippedher tea from her seat next to Donovan on the comfy sofa, trying hard not to fixate on the fact that she was drinking it out of a mini black cauldron cup or that there was a black cat staring her down, watching her every move.

“Would you like a cupcake? It’s lemon.” Sheila Stevens waved her hand over the cupcake before handing Zoe a small plate and then gave one to Donovan with the same gesture.

What was that little hand wave for? Did Sheila just perform a spell? Zoe took a cautious bite. “Thank you.” Her eyes rolled back. Spell or not, the cupcake might be the best thing she ever tasted. She took another bite.

It was the weirdest thing, but she had a sudden craving for eggs. Maybe she tasted them in the cupcake.

“You’re welcome.” Sheila settled into her rocking chair. “Donovan, I can’t thank you enough for helping Abby run the Sugar Spoon while Emma was away.”

“It was my pleasure. How was your trip?”

She rocked in her chair for a few seconds before replying. “It wasn’t quite what Emma hoped. We were in search of someone who wasn’t ready to be found.” Her gaze rested on Zoe. “Some secrets are kept very close.”

Zoe gulped, feeling exposed. Sheila couldn’t possibly know about the secret she was keeping from Donovan.

No. She couldn’t possibly. Zoe settled into the sofa, finishing her cupcake. She’d heard the talk that Sheila had flown to Texas to help Emma reunite with her long-lost father. She hadn’t heard that the trip was unsuccessful. Her heart broke for Emma. Although her father was miles away, she knew he was one phone call or Facebook message away whenever she needed him.

Sheila winked over at Donovan, changing the subject. “It’s good to have you back in town. I hear you make a mean Bolognese dish. Maybe you could share with me the recipe.”

“I would be happy to.”

As the two caught up, Zoe took in her surroundings. She wasn’t sure what she expected to walk into when Donovan had said they’d be visiting Sheila Stevens, but the living room was a far cry from what she imagined a witch’s haven to look like . . . sans the mini cauldron teacups, and the spread of flickering candles throughout the room . . . and the black cat, still at her feet, watching her every move.

Why were they here? How was visiting Emma’s mom going to lead them to who had placed the order?

Zoe set the small plate down on the coffee table, an apparent invitation to have her lap invaded by the inquisitive feline.

“Oh, he likes you,” Sheila quipped.

“I love cats.”At least ones that don’t judge me the minute I walk in or might be able to cast a spell on me.She laid a cautious hand on its black fur and began to pet.

“That’s Magic. He’s Emma’s kitty.” Sheila chuckled. “Unfortunately, he hasn’t warmed up to Jason, so he’s staying with Grandma for the time being.”

Zoe stroked the black cat’s silky back, feeling its accepting purr through her jeans. She’d only met Sheila a couple of times before tonight—once at the Sugar Spoon bakery and a second time when Sheila stopped into the frozen yogurt shop with Abby’s mom, Jackie.

She remembered the two women had been a hoot that summer day, dropping off a “welcome to town” basket of chocolate chip cookies and filling Zoe in on the ins and outs of Buttermilk Falls, which involved telling her all about the eligible bachelors in a twenty-mile radius and Batter Up night. In retrospect, they were probably trying to get information on her love life.

There was something warm about the two and how they’d made her feel welcome. That afternoon, she’d felt like she’d made the right decision to move to Buttermilk Falls. Maybe that’s what she needed. More visits from Sheila and Jackie and less from Donovan, his sister, and probably Will.

Although, she was starting to enjoy Will’s friendship. He could stay.

“So, Sheila, I’m sorry we dropped by without calling, but there’s something that we wanted to discuss with you,” Donovan began.

“I hear you two got into a little mischief last week,” Sheila interrupted, her eyes twinkling.

Zoe’s mouth went dry. She continued to stroke the furry feline, concentrating on his velvety coat. It wasn’t really a surprise that Sheila already knew about the bakery incident. “I’m sorry, I—”

“It was my idea,” Donovan cut her off. “I’m the one that took the spoons out of the safe. I take full responsibility. We were looking for something to do to pass the time. I suggested we make cupcakes with the spoons.” He glanced over at Zoe. “Dumb idea. We were just having fun.”

“Right. Fun.” Zoe nodded, gobsmacked. Was he referring to their steamy kiss as “just having fun”? Her lips heated, feeling his mouth on hers from memory alone. It’d been more than simply having fun for her.

But there it was. His admission that their kissing that night was only really about passing the time. God, he was a jerk.

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