The Perfect Blend by Donna Marie Rogers Read Free Book Online Page A

them to sit, then served the cream of potato soup, which looked and smelled incredible. It hadn’t dawned on Matt that Carrie would be a good cook, and he felt like a schmuck for not giving her more credit. Especially since she was famous around town for her pastries.
    Lindy dipped her spoon in and took a dainty taste. Her brow lifted. “This is pretty good. I’m not usually big on cream soups, but I’m almost tempted to ask for the recipe.”
    “I’m glad you like it. And I’d be happy to share the recipe, just let me know. Okay, first batch of fried zucchini’s done.” She scooped the golden brown slices out of the deep fryer, deposited them onto a paper-towel-lined plate, and sprinkled them with a little kosher salt.
    Matt grabbed one as soon as he could pick it up without burning his fingers. After a quick dunking in the ranch dressing, he took a cautious bite. “Mmm!” He looked at the breading. “I don’t know your secret, but these are even better than Nino’s. And if you tell him I said that, I’ll deny it.”
    Carrie winked at him and his heart sped up. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
    Lindy reached for a piece of the zucchini and took a small bite. Her eyes widened and she nodded her approval, popping the rest into her mouth with a thumbs up. Carrie served the ham soufflé next, which was equally amazing, and Lindy ended up asking for recipes for everything. Carrie, not quite as surprised as Matt seemed to be, happily forked them over, even the one for the chocolate mocha trifle she served for dessert.
    “Wow,” Lindy said as she scraped up the last spoonful of trifle. “I think I must’ve gained ten pounds. Hope you’ve got a health club in town so I can work this off tomorrow.”
    “We don’t, but there’s a Y in Morgan, the next town over. It’s about a twenty-minute drive from here.”
    Lindy pushed back from the table and stretched her arms over her head. “Sounds good, I’ll need something to keep me busy. Matt, I’m beat. Can I have your car keys so I can head back to your place? I’m sure Carrie would be happy to give you a lift home later...or tomorrow morning.” A knowing grin curved her lips.
    “I’d be happy to give you a ride home,” Carrie replied without missing a beat. “If you want to stay for a little while.”
    Okay, was she saying what he thought she was saying? She met his gaze, but for once, Matt couldn’t read her facial expressions. Hell, who was he kidding? Didn’t matter why she wanted him to stay, Matt wasn’t going anywhere until she kicked his ass out. He pulled his keys from his pocket and tossed them to Lindy. “Think you can find your way back from here?”
    “I’ll manage.” She caught the keys and stood. “Head back to Salvation, make a right, and then another right at the light. Second house on the left.”
    “Memory like a steel trap,” Matt teased. “Make sure the back door’s unlocked.”
    “Will do, big brother. Carrie, thanks for supper and the recipes.”
    “My pleasure. Good night.”
    Once Lindy drove off, Carrie got up and retrieved what looked like a small envelope from the top of her microwave and handed it to him. “This is for you.”
    “A present? But I don’t have anything for you.”
    She gave a teasing eye roll. “Just open it.”
    Matt arched a brow, peeled the flap open, and shook the envelope over his hand. A key fell out. He looked at her, his heart thumping. What a huge statement she’d made with just that small gesture. Obviously, this was Carrie’s way of letting him know she accepted him as her partner.
    “To the coffee shop,” she needlessly explained. Matt gave a curt nod, overcome with emotion. He wanted to race around the kitchen table and crush her in his arms, kiss her like she’d never been kissed before…Whoa, buddy, baby steps. He’d started to fear Carrie would never fully trust him—or any man—in this lifetime. If he put the moves on her and she wasn’t “there” yet, he’d ruin