Page 36 of The Sexy Part
I nod through watery eyes.
“I’d do it, but I like to do a meditation session before meeting a new client. Helps me get into a Zen state.”
“Yes, of course.” I am the assistant, after all. Time to assist. It’s just that I’d hoped not to run into Cooper for at least a week. Then enough time would’ve passed for us both to pretend that kiss never happened.
I push back from the table.
She holds up a palm. “You can finish your lunch. It’s not that much of a rush.”
My appetite deserted me when nerves took over. “I like to check things off the list as soon as they land on it.”
“That’s good to know. I’ll have to be careful when I ask you to do something. From now on, I’ll wait until you finish your lunch.”
I nod once and clear my dishes, putting the plate, silverware, and my glass in the dishwasher like I saw Cooper do the last time we were here. Cooper with the warm brown eyes, the scruffy jaw, killer smile. Not to mention the bod—
His mom interrupts my dangerous line of thought. “Oh, remind Cooper the kids are stopping by on Saturday to paint the windows for Halloween. It’s a town tradition where the kids from the middle school paint spooky scenes on the shop windows on Main Street. It’s temporary paint. They’ll come by again in December to paint a winter scene.”
“No problem.” I head for the door.
“You’re just the kind of woman I’d pick for him.”
I stop and slowly turn around. “Excuse me?”
She waves that away. “Not that I have any say in my children’s love lives. But you would be a good balance. Type A to type B. Not to mention, you’re kind and smart, and you have grit.”
“You got all that from planning my wedding and working with me for one day?”
“I got all that at our first consultation. I can read people. That’s what makes me such a good wedding planner. I anticipate people’s needs and match them.”
“Cooper mentioned you were a matchmaker.”
She tosses her long strawberry blond hair over one shoulder. “Yes, well, I guess my reputation precedes me. I love love. Obviously, or I wouldn’t run Love Junkies. Did you know we also offer sologamy ceremonies? That’s marrying yourself. It’s all about self-love and empowerment. Ally started that service years ago, and it’s continued to this day.”
My mind is about to explode. I don’t know if I should focus more on the odd concept of marrying myself or the fact that she’s trying to match me with Cooper. Definitely that last thing.
“Cooper’s a great guy—” I start.
“I’m glad you see it too.”
“But I can’t get involved with him or anyone. It was only nine days ago I thought I was going to marry someone else.”
She sighs. “Love can be so inconvenient. Trust me, I know. I never thought I’d fall madly in love with Josh, especially after he baited me night and day. The man was a beast.”
I can’t help my smile. “Cooper told me. The legendary frenemy war.”
She huffs. “Off with you. I can’t believe people are still telling that silly story about me and Josh. It’s old news.”
“Not to me.” I walk off, smiling to myself.
* * *
Cooper
I’m slicing limes at the bar at the beginning of what promises to be another long, dull Monday shift whenshewalks in. I haven’t been able to get Rowan out of my mind. I went to bed thinking about her and that kiss. Woke up thinking about her too, in a much more carnal way. Took care of that in the shower.
I smile. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Her voice comes out high. Classic sign of distress in a woman. Her cheeks are flushed pink too. I’m not the only one thinking about that kiss.
