Page 43 of Stupid Matchmaking Love
That’s what I meant.
I splash some water on my face and button the second shirt. Then I head out.
“I’ll meet you downstairs,” Cristina tells me through the suite door.
“You sure? ’Cause I can wait a few minutes.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
“All right. See you down there.”
The hallway seems to stretch on forever as I make my way to the elevator. As I wait for it to arrive, Callie and Jeff come out of their adjoining suites. Callie’s giggling about something. Jeff’s grinning like a fool in love.
These two probably knew each other before today.
“Hey,” Jeff says.
“Hey.”
Callie looks around. “Where’s Cristina?”
“She’ll be down in a minute.”
“Isn’t this crazy?” she says as the elevator doors open and she walks in first. “Being matched with your soulmate?”
“Yeah, it’s crazy, all right.” When we’re settled in and Jeff pushes the button for the main floor, I ask, “Did y’all know each other before this?”
They exchange a look, and Jeff shakes his head. “No, not at all.”
“We spent the last hour talking,” she explains. “Getting to know one another.”
“Figured we might as well since we’re soulmates and all,” Jeff adds.
“And what’d you find out?”
Jeff shoots Callie a flirty look. “Let’s just say the quilt might be onto something.”
As I follow them out of the elevator, it feels like a fist is sitting in my throat.
The quilt might be onto something.
Of course I know that. That’s the problem.
Cristina arrives about fifteen minutes later, and the sight of her in a simple black dress makes something shift inside my chest.
But it’s her eyes that stop me cold. Red-rimmed, makeup a touch heavier.
My stomach drops.
She’s been crying, and what I said about temptation was hours ago. This is something else.
I rise as she approaches and pull her chair out for her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
We’re seated in the main restaurant, which is perfect for romance. A candle flame dances on the table as I return to my seat.
