Page 56 of One Sweet Match Up

“Oh my God. I did it!” she shrieked. She spun around and hugged him.

Maybe it was first-timer’s luck, but with her in his arms he didn’t care. He rubbed his hands up and down her shoulders.

“Are you going to take your shot?” She looked up at him, her eyes hooded.

“Yes.” As if it was the most natural thing for them to do, he dipped his head, his lips brushing hers.

Damn, he loved this night. He coaxed her mouth open, his tongue gliding over hers. Their kiss deepened, her hands clutching the back of his jersey.

Lucky number twenty-four.

All of a sudden, a loud ring coming from his pocket broke them apart. “Sorry.” He pulled out his phone and looked down at the familiar face requesting a video chat. “It’s Marc, my former business partner. I’ll get rid of him.” Although his buddy had lousy timing, it’d be fun to introduce him to Zoe. “Hey, buddy.”

“Hey, how’s it going?”

“Good. Thanks, man, for the sweet donation. I can’t wait to see you this summer.” From the familiar chef uniform Marc was wearing, it was clear he was at the Rocky Top. “Business good?”

“You know it. Hey, you didn’t tell me you were trying out for the Knicks. You should have negotiated for a looser-fitting uniform.”

Donovan touched his chest. “Ha, ha. I scored many points in this jersey.”One just now that you interrupted.“Hey, I want to introduce you to my new business partner.” He turned around to introduce Marc to Zoe.

His body spun in a full three sixty. Well, that was weird. Where did she go?

“Zoe,” he called out, her name echoing throughout the empty gym. He ran over to the doors, pushing them open. The hallway was empty. She’d definitely run out on him again.

Why would she leave without saying goodbye? Had he misread their kiss? Maybe Zoe didn’t want it to happen again.

Realizing Marc was still on the phone, he finished their conversation, his thoughts easily distracted. How was he going to get Zoe to stop running?

13

Zoe maneuvered through the crowd, greeting everyone she could with a warm hello before finally reaching the Ice Heaven’s front door.

Her front door.

She took a deep breath, letting the cool air jolt her lungs, but she didn’t really need to be forced awake. No. She was on a natural high from seeing a crowd around her entrance. All these people were waiting in line to get into the Ice Heaven, and it was only 9:00 a.m.!

Sure, those wonderful prizes that Donovan was giving out probably drove them here, but so what? They’d have to buy something in order to see if they won, and thatwasgood for business.

Donovan had shared his plans last night. He’d mark the bottom of two cups each day, picking two of the many donated items to give out. With at least one purchase, customers could also enter the raffle for the thousand-dollar grand prize drawing to be announced in two weeks.

Jason Levine, the town paper’s reporter, was even doing a story and promised to push it out to all of his western New York contacts.

Things were looking up, and it was all due to Donovan. He’d really come through big time with a clever way of getting people into her shop. She also knew that once they tasted his food, they’d come back for more. Regardless of her feelings for and history with Donovan—albeit a history he couldn’t even remember—becoming his business partner might prove to be the best decision she’d ever made.

And it all started today. She pushed the key in the lock and turned, opening up the glass door. “I’ll see you all inside,” she said to the crowd before ducking in.

Pulling off her pink knit hat, she maneuvered through her shop, her gaze resting on Donovan who hovered in front of the stove. Loud rock music filled the air. He glanced up with a warm smile. “Mornin’.”

Her breath caught, because once again he was as sexy as ever, this time in a black shirt and white chef pants. Her mouth went dry, but somehow, she was able to push out a “Good morning” back.

Last night had been absolutely perfect. Announcing their business to all those people . . . staying after and watching the game . . . getting to know Donovan a little better . . .

And talk about that kiss. Holy hotness. It was as intense as their lip lock in the Sugar Spoon, but longer. She could have stayed in his arms for hours . . .

Stupid Marc.When Donovan tapped his phone, and she caught a glimpse of the owner of the Rocky Top, she’d full-on panicked. There was no way she was going to stick around for Donovan to introduce them via a video chat. What if Marc remembered her? He was the one who hired her, after all.

So, in typical fashion, she bolted. It was starting to become her signature move.

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