Page 49 of Better Together

Zeke reached into the box and confiscated a frosted brownie. “Do tell.” He’d figured his grandma would spy on the other house, and it surprised him it took her this long.

The matchmakers, as Zeke fondly referred to his grandma, her twin, and the owner of the town’s only diner, strolled into the kitchen and set the confectionery delights onto the large island. It didn’t take long for the rest of the crew to stop for a late-morning break.

“Well,” Rosie began, “They were so sweet to show us around. It really will be a beautiful house when they’re done.”

“Hello, hon,” Elsie greeted Alexis and Maggie as they stopped at the counter and peeked into the boxes of goodies. “Alexis, dear, did you do something different to your hair?” Elsie eyed her. “No, that’s not it. Are you wearing lip gloss?”

She let go of the box flap and looked at Maggie.

“I think she’s glowing,” Maggie said and chose a slice of banana bread.

Elsie and Rosie looked to each other and smiled.

Zeke noticed the blush coloring Alexis’s cheeks. “Ha! That’s probably just sweat,” he teased.

“Thanks for the treats. What a lovely surprise.” Alexis recovered quickly and chose a Rice Krispies bar.

Zeke’s smile widened, showing off his dimple. “These three have been spying on our competition,” Zeke announced to take the attention off Alexis. He winked at her.

The women all grinned like a litter of Cheshire cats, but Emma spoke up. “We might have interrupted a little squabble between Ryan and Raven.”

“I have to say . . .” Elsie eyed both Zeke and Alexis. “You two are definitely better together.”

Zeke had to agree with his grandma. They weren’t just better together; they were great together. Why hadn’t he seen it before?

James entered the kitchen, camera in hand, and spied the box of treats.

“James, I didn’t see you there. Please, come get a treat. How long have you been here?” Zeke asked.

“All morning.” James chose a chocolate chip cookie and set his camera on the counter.

Zeke shuffled his feet. “Did you happen to catch the skeleton planted in the closet?”

“Oh yeah. Classic.” James chuckled. “Another great outtake for the website.”

How did he not see James filming? He glanced in Alexis’s direction. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. Crap. He’d have to take James aside and find out what else he’d captured on film.

Maggie cleared her throat. “So, tell us what you discovered next door. Do we need to worry?”

James picked up his camera and made for the door. “I can’t hear this,” he said with a smile at Maggie and the matchmakers. He grabbed another cookie. “Thanks again. Delicious as always.”

Elsie, Emma, and Rosie shared with the team that they had nothing to worry about, but they weren’t allowed to divulge anything.

Sean walked into the kitchen. “Alexis, the patio door arrived, but they delivered the wrong one.”

Elsie pulled Alexis down to her height and placed a kiss on her cheek. “It’ll be fine. Don’t let anything spoil your glow.”

Alexis managed a smile to mask her worry. Not just for the door mix-up, but the possibility of James getting the earlier exchange between her and Zeke on film. “Thanks. I’ve got to take care of this.”

“Go,” Elsie said.

Alexis had spent hours on the phone, trying to figure out a solution, when Zeke came up behind her. “What did you find out?”

“They emailed me a copy of the purchase order, and I’m the one who screwed up.” She ran her hand through her hair. “Apparently when I placed the order, I was temporarily dyslexic.”

Zeke placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, “If I could, I’d wrap you in a hug right now. I’d kiss that delectable mouth of yours and run my fingers down your spine. I’d tell you everything will work out.”

Alexis met his smoldering eyes and blinked. Words on her lips, she inhaled. “I’d let you hold me and nibble on my neck until I cried out. I’d welcome your strong fingers gliding over my skin . . .”