I looked up and found both women staring at me with interested expressions. Too interested, I realized, and that’s when I knew I’d been duped. They weren’t here for volunteer duty. They were here for gossip. “Rumor? What a boring thing to gossip about.”
Edith groaned and rolled her eyes. “Not the coffeeandpastries, but the handsome bachelor,” she said, each word slow as if I were an idiot.
“Rich bachelor,” Jane added with a grin. “Two things a hot single woman like you might find interesting.”
I sighed heavily, knowing I wasn’t getting out of this conversation unless I faked a heart attack or a brain injury. “His name is Brock, and he’s a friend of Lee’s. I met him at the fountain, and he seems like a nice man.”
“The fountain?” Edith latched onto that detail. “Were you wishing for true love?”
“No. Nope. Absolutely not. I’m done with love.” It was more accurate to say that love was done with me. My last relationship was a lesson I refused to repeat.
Edith and Jane shared a look and then turned to me. “Tell me more about this Brock. Is he handsome?”
I nodded. “Incredibly good-looking,” I said and gave a description that didn’t give away my attraction. “He was well-dressed and a gentleman.” And that was all I was prepared to say about Brock.
Jane sighed and put a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t let your ex get you down, Sela. He never deserved you. He was too slick and only saw you as a pretty thing on his arm. You’re more than that.”
“Thank you, Jane.” I wasn’t sure I believed those words, but I was glad someone thought so. The truth was, Adam had a good job with plenty of room to grow, which was why he needed to leave Holiday Grove. He’d gotten a job offer and left me behind, even though he’d say I refused to go with him. But how could I pick up my whole life and move for a man I dated for seven months? I couldn’t. “I think maybe I’m just better off alone.”
“Nonsense,” Edith shouted. “God wouldn’t have made you such a knockout if He didn’t want you to find all the love you deserve in this world.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” I grumbled. “Men like Adam just want a decorative ornament, not a real person with wants and needs, hopes, and dreams.” Maybe I was only good for being someone’s ornament, which was depressing but a thought I tucked away to explore later when I was alone.
“The right man will see all that you are,” Edith promised. “Now get on out of here and enjoy being young before your shift starts. I hear Antonio has another signature drink tonight, and I can’t wait to see him make it. I mean, I can’t wait to taste it,” she corrected with a coquettish giggle.
“You’re bad,” I teased lightheartedly.
“No point in living to this age if you’re not gonna enjoy it, honey.”
“I can’t wait,” I said, and I really meant it. I was tired of always doubting myself, always wanting to be something else. Something more. “Anyway, I think I’ll take you up on that offer and head home.” There was just enough time for a quick nap before I got ready for my shift.
I absolutely did not dream about Brock during my short nap. I did not imagine the way his full lips would taste if I let him kiss me or, better yet, if I initiated a kiss with him. I did not think about running my hands over his shoulders and down his back to what I imagined was a firm ass, perfect for grabbing as he thrust into me.
“No!” I sat straight up, suddenly wide awake, my chest heaving and my legs tingling. A burning hot shower helped, some, but I couldn’t shake his handsome face from my mind.
Was I really so shallow that all it took was a pretty face and hot body to make me rethink my stance on men and romance?No, it was hormones, plain and simple. I hadn’t been with a man since Adam, and I was just hard up. Horny.
Feeling better now that I knew this was just a physical thing, I settled into my pre-work routine, which consisted of choosing an outfit to maximize tips and then shoes and accessories before I started on my makeup. I noted a few signs of aging around my eyes and my mouth, noting my eyes weren’t as bright as they used to be.You’re never going to be prettier than you are today.It was a sad truth we all had to face, but most people had more going for them than the way they looked.
I told myself to stop obsessing about it. I needed to put on a happy face and do my damn job. So I slicked on a deep red matte lipstick and smiled like I meant it, hoping beyond hope that eventually, I would mean it again.
Chapter 4
Brock
“Didn’t realize you missed me so much.” I patted my full belly and pushed away from the giant wooden dining table with a wide smile. “I could get used to a feast like this every night.”
Lee grunted. “Don’t get used to it. This was just the hook to reel you in.”
I laughed. Lee was one of my oldest friends, and he was an ornery bastard who only got away with it because he was a damn good businessman. “Maybe I’ll add this to our contract terms.” I had money, plenty of money. I’d grown up with it and a private chef, but as an adult, I didn’t like the idea of having too many people in my home. So I ate out a lot and ordered in on the nights I didn’t feel like being surrounded by people.
Mac, Lee’s rock star younger brother, laughed. “This town is crazy about two things: holiday festivals and matchmaking. Say the word, and you’ll have more food than you can eat every day of the week.”
I squirmed uncomfortably at those words. “No thanks. I want this food, not casseroles.”
Ryan laughed. “Don’t knock the power of a good casserole,” he warned. “They reheat easily and last for days.” He wore a satisfied smile that was contagious.
“Festivals?” I sipped the top-shelf whiskey and watched as the men’s faces lit up. “I heard something about the Week of Giving Thanks, but what is it?”
