Page 58 of One Sweet Match Up

Maybe he was right. Anything else but being his business partner was bound to get messy. Especially when Marc showed up. For now, she needed to concentrate one hundred percent on her business.

Sure, this morning she’d carried into the shop a small amount of hope that last night might have been the start of something special with Donovan. At the very least, they might flirt a little, but keeping things professional between them really was for the best.

At least that was the message she internally sent down to her broken heart.

14

Zoe saton the park bench, staring down at her uneaten Reuben sandwich. She was sure it was delicious because Donovan had made it for her and insisted she take a late lunch break once the customers died down. They’d been working nonstop for the last three days, and he’d noticed she was starting to lose her pep. The Ice Heaven had seen a steady stream of patrons from the time it opened until the last person was served.

The soup was flowing, and her cash register was overflowing.

She leaned back and took a bite, the melted cheese and sauerkraut igniting her taste buds. Just like the one she was holding, Donovan’s sandwiches—and his soups—were an overnight hit. When they weren’t serving customers, they were in the kitchen testing out new combinations, working until the late hours. She’d even got a chance to show off to him her culinary skills beyond frozen yogurt.

It’d been exhilarating working side by side with the master chef and at the same time . . . well, if she was honest with herself, undeniably frustrating. Donovan had been true to his word, acting completely professional around her. There was no flirting, touching, trying to kiss her.

And that sucked.

“Mind if I sit here?”

She looked up to see Will standing in front of her, his black wool coat opened, revealing his suit and tie underneath.

“Sure.” She scooted to the side. “Nice day, huh?”

“It sure is.” The sun was bright, and the temperature had risen way above freezing. She lifted her sandwich. “Care to split Donovan’s Reuben specialty?”

“I’d love it. I’m starving.” He took the half she offered, taking a bite. His eyes rolled back, and he took another. “Man, the guy can cook.”

She nodded. She hadn’t seen Will in a few days, but she’d heard he’d donated an oil change for their prizes. She grimaced thinking back to the car grease on her hands when she’d opened the mysterious trunk back in January and Rachel’s immediate assumption it meant Will was Zoe’s soul mate.

“Not good?”

“Excuse me.” She glanced over at Will.

“The scowl on your face. Do you not like the Reuben?”

“Oh, no. I was thinking about something else. This right here”—she held what was left of her half up in the air—“is perfection.” She paused, adding, “How’s your day going?”

“It’s good. Crazy busy. Emma and her bridesmaids are trying on dresses.”

“That’ll be fun.” No doubt, he’d have his hands full. She’d heard both Abby and Caitlin were in the wedding party. She was happy to hear the wedding was still going on even though Emma reuniting with her dad didn’t go exactly as planned.

Abby had stopped by the Ice Heaven the other day to wish Donovan luck and had elaborated on what Sheila had shared at her house that Emma was heartbroken over never finding her father. Her big dream was that they’d reunite and he’d walk her down the aisle to marry Jason. Still, the summer wedding was moving forward as planned. “I’m sure this afternoon will be a blast.” She gave him him a sympathetic smile.

“Five women on a mission. Yeah. Shoot me now.” Will polished off the half-sandwich. “Abby will be ordering me around while Caitlin gets everyone lit off champagne, no doubt. She called me this morning to make sure I chilled five bottles.” He chuckled. “Maybe I’ll send them your way for Donovan to sober them up with his soup.”

“Please do.” She cocked her head, curious to ask him a question. “Do you like what you’re doing?”

“Working at the boutique?” Will was quiet for a few beats before saying, “You know, I do. I mean . . . When my mom asked me to take over for a few months, I was like ‘no way.’ I miss the guys in the auto body shop and getting my hands dirty. But . . . I don’t know . . . My brother has things under control. I’m learning a lot about the business.” He leaned in. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m going to my first bridal show next weekend in Albany.”

She couldn’t help but laugh envisioning Will amongst hundreds of crazy brides trying on dresses and sampling wedding cakes. “Brave man.”

“So why aren’t you at the Ice Heaven?”

“Lunch.” She crumpled up her sandwich wrapper. “And I needed a little break.”

“Your new boss cracking the whip.”

“My new business partner,” she corrected. “He’s quite intense.”

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