Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
"Let's turn it into a competition. Whoever matches the most couples, gets crowned Queen of Matchmaking for the year."
A chorus of approval rose from their table, and my heart plummeted. As a twenty-seven-year-old lifetime resident with no plans to leave, I'd be their prime target. I placed my order, ignoring the knowing smirk from the teenage cashier.
I fled the deli, clutching our lunch like a shield. Back in the bakery kitchen, Nix took one look at my face and raised an eyebrow.
"What's got you looking like you've seen a ghost?"
"Worse. The Matchmaking Brigade is back in action, complete with a competition to crown the Queen of Matchmaking." My voice cracked with panic in the empty kitchen.
She chuckled, but her eyes were sympathetic. "Would it really be so terrible to let them play matchmaker?"
"Yes!" I buried my face in my hands. "They'll pair me with Jordy Wright, who still hasn't outgrown his nose-picking habit from second grade. Or Bobby Nelson, who thinks a woman's place is barefoot in the kitchen, popping out babies."
"What about Mac?"
Mac Lancaster was Nix's boyfriend's brother. And we had all met around the same time Nix and Lee were hooking up last Christmas.
"The touring rock star isn't exactly local boyfriend material," I sighed. "Besides, we tried that already."
"Really? I always thought there was something there."
"Nah. We kissed once, but the chemistry was more dead than last week's sourdough starter. Which is completely unfair given how ridiculously attractive he is. Now I'm just friends with a rock star."
"Congratulations?" She slipped the last batch of cookies into the oven. "But being Mac's platonic friend won't save you from the Brigade."
"No, it won't." I slumped against the counter, mind racing through possibilities. "But I'll figure something out. I have to."
"Let me know if you need backup." Nix gathered a stack of bakery boxes. "I need to make these deliveries before heading to Lee's, unless you need anything?"
"Go ahead."
"Shoot." She patted her pockets. "Left my keys at home when Lee picked me up."
I straightened, seeing my escape route. "I'll get them!"
Nix frowned. "That makes zero sense."
"I need to clear my head before the Brigade strikes. I'll grab the keys while you work your magic with those sandwiches."
"Fine," she conceded.
"You and Lee really should move in together. Living on opposite sides of town is ridiculous."
"We're discussing it. Lee's ready, but I need to talk to Ryan about the house first." She bit her lip. "He should be home soon."
The cool January air cleared my head as I drove my little blue sedan toward Nix's farmhouse. The familiar route calmed my racing thoughts, though I still hadn't crafted an escape plan by the time I pulled into her gravel driveway.
The key bowl by the door was empty, sending me on a scavenger hunt through the living room, kitchen, and laundry room. Nothing. "Great." I trudged upstairs, mentally listing potential solutions to my Valentine's Day predicament.
Lost in thought, I collided with what felt like a warm brick wall. Only this wall was breathing, scarred, tattooed, and rippling with muscle. A towel hung precariously low on sculptured hips, and droplets of water traced paths down abs that belonged in an anatomy textbook.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the magnificent sight. Who needed art museums when this masterpiece was right here?
"Torey?"
The deep, amused voice finally registered, forcing my gaze up past the broad chest to familiar green eyes dancing with mischief.
"Ryan."
My best friend's older brother stood before me in nothing but a towel, and holy hell, the years away had been very, very good to him.
Was I enjoying the show?
Absolutely.
Chapter 2
Ryan
When I rolled into Holiday Grove an hour ago, the absolute last thing I expected was to be ogled by my sister’s best friend. Torey’s blue gaze darkened as it raked over my body, wrapped in nothing but a towel. She licked her lips and continued her slow perusal, sucking in a sharp breath.
“Torey,” I growled to get her attention, but she was transfixed. That was the word—she was transfixed by my body. I couldn’t deny the pride that swelled at the way she looked at me. I worked hard to stay in shape; my job required it. But this level of appreciation had my body reacting. “Enjoying the show?” I asked with a hint of amusement to hide the instant attraction that shot through my veins.
If she stared any longer, I wouldn’t be able to keep my body’s reaction to her a secret. Dammit. And when the hell had Torey Jones gotten so beautiful? I’d only seen her in passing during the few trips I made home when I was on leave, but I never remembered her looking like this. A raven-haired bombshell with sapphire blue eyes and the kind of curves that made men start wars. The pale blue sweater she wore hugged her D-cups perfectly, and even thinking about them made my cock stir.