Page 57 of One Sweet Match Up

She joined Donovan in the kitchen, the delicious cinnamon aroma filling the air. He reached over to the counter and picked up a Star Lite coffee cup, handing it to her. “Betty says, ‘break a leg.’”

“Thank you.”God, this man was so thoughtful.He had to have so many things on his mind, least of all keeping her caffeinated. She took a huge sip. Still, she appreciated it. “What are you making?”

“An apple-spice breakfast soup. Once the crowd started to form, I thought we could hand out some samples. Keep them warm while they wait.” He gave his soup a stir.

Again, thoughtful. Not a word she would have associated with Donovan. “That’s a great idea.” Had he always been this generous and she hadn’t seen it?

She drank her coffee in silence. How could she see anything but his ability to fly off the handle when provoked? He never gave her a chance to stick around and see his business sense, his creativity, his kindness . . . No, she only got to see the bad side to Donovan Foster.

And by “see,” she meant firsthand experience.

But now that she was witnessing his other sides, it was clear there was more to him. Maybe somethingcouldhappen withthisguy? It’s all she thought about last night as she tossed and turned.

Perhaps if she confessed how they knew each other it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.

In the early morning hours, she’d half convinced herself that being honest with him wouldn’t backfire.

But only half. The other half of her that was incredibly insecure won out. This was Donovan, a man who cast her aside the minute he thought she did something to taint his reputation. She’d keep her secret a little longer. Eventually, it would come out when Marc came to town. According to Donovan, she had a few months.

Maybe by June Heavenly Soups would be such a huge success that Donovan would forgive her for keeping this secret. Even her insecurities agreed that time might be on her side, especially if they could keep crowds lined up outside the shop.

Maybe by then he’d also fall head over heels in love with her.

She bit back a smile, watching him maneuver around her kitchen while singing to himself. Just the thought of Donovan falling for her warmed her insides. Feeling flushed, she set down her coffee, peeled off her jacket, and replaced it with her apron. “What can I do to help?” she asked.

He pulled out a package of sample cups and handed them to her. “Mind arranging these for me?”

“Sure.” She took the package from his hand and opened it, pulling out the cups.

He moved in closer, his spicy scent tickled her nose. “So, about last night.”

She dropped one of the sample cups. She quickly bent down to retrieve it.Oh, God. He wanted to talk about it. “I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye. I realized I had to get home. My dad . . . um . . . was . . . calling me. I mean Skyping me. I had to be in front of my computer.”

He folded his arms for a second, a glint in his eye that told her he wasn’t buying it. “And it was faster to walk back to your car that was parked here than to let me drive you back?”

“Yep.” She grabbed her coffee cup and crossed the kitchen. Fibbing wasn’t her forte.

But keeping her secret was.

“Next time let me take you home or to your car.” He chuckled. “Wherever we started from. Deal?”

Next time.Her heart picked up its beats at that thought. “Deal.”

His gaze locked with hers, and her limbs went weak. She tried to think of something to say . . . what were the perfect words to tell him she had a good time and that she was falling for him? Before she could say anything, he reached out and touched her arm.

“Look, Zoe. I didn’t mean to cross the line. It was a mistake. I’m really excited about our new venture.” He stepped back and leaned against the counter. “I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.”

Disappointment slammed into her. He wasn’t interested in her. “Right. Our new venture,” she deadpanned. How could she have been so stupid to think he might have feelings for her? “I agree. It’s better if we keep things professional.”

“Agreed.” He stepped back to the stove, picking up the silver soup ladle. “Shall we get started?”

“Okay.” Was that it? Was the attraction she thought they both were fighting easily settled just like that? She fetched a tray from under the prep table and pretended she wasn’t the least bit rattled by his apparent disinterest.

Donovan placed all the sample cups on the tray. “That should tide them over. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to start serving lunch beginning at ten thirty.”

“Yeah . . . um . . . that’s fine.” She grabbed the tray with both hands. “I’ll go take these outside,” she offered, wanting to get out of the kitchen STAT.

She pasted on a smile and carried the tray to the front, pushing open the door with her back.

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