Page 123 of Stupid Matchmaking Love

That tiny thought makes a warm feeling spread across my stomach.

Then I snap off the light and head back downstairs to him.

Chapter 40

Rhett

Five minutes earlier

Soon as the ladies leave the table, my cousins give me the look.

“What’s that for?”

“Nothing.” Stone scratches Flame behind the ears. “No looks here. Neither of us are wondering how things are with your lady.”

“Yeah, we just invited the two of you over so we could decide if you’re good enough for her.”

My jaw drops. “What are y’all talking about?”

“Last year you were a real grump when we were building the resort,” Stone clarifies.

“You’re kidding me, right? Stone, you had amnesia and were pulling all kinds of crazy shit—reworking plans, ordering new materials.”

“Fair point. But Cristina is Rowe’s and Coco’s best friend. So we want to make sure you’re treating her well, that we won’t have to, you know—”

“Break your kneecaps,” Pane finishes.

I laugh. “Trust me, you won’t have to break anything on me. I think she might be . . .”

I trail off, my throat tightening the smallest bit. Cristina’s too important to let something stupid like fear get in the way.

“I think,” I continue, “this might be it—that a damn quilt picked the woman of my dreams.”

“Holy shit.” Stone picks up Flame and says to her, “Did you hear that? Your mean cousin Rhett is in love.”

“And a fool for her,” I add.

“That’s the best kind.” Pane shoots me a smile. “It shouldn’t be any other way, and I’m glad she got over that Jace guy. He was a real asshole to her.”

The way he says it makes me think Jace has done worse things than calling Cristina a stalker. “How’s that?”

“Just between us, the guy told her that she could be his first wife.”

My body instantly reacts—my hands curl into fists, my abs harden.

“What a dick,” Stone mumbles. “Good thing he’s in, what? Last place in the competition?”

“Something like that.” Maybe Jace and Holly are better matched than I thought. “Speaking of challenges, do y’all have any idea what’s coming next? Not that I want to know, I just thought maybe a tiny hint wouldn’t hurt anybody . . .”

“Yeah, yeah. You want a leg up.” Stone says, popping an olive into his mouth and chewing. “Don’t worry, we’re not telling.”

“You and Cristina will be fine.”

“Personally, I’m rooting for Clarice and Beau.”

Pane laughs. “I admit, I had my doubts about them at first.”

“It’s a real May-December romance.” Stone strokes Flame. “That’s why they’re my top pick. But you’re second, cousin.”