Page 80 of Stupid Matchmaking Love

When we finally break apart, her breath catches, syncing with mine until the whole world feels like one heartbeat.

“Rhett—” Her voice comes out scratchy.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“That was . . .” She trails off, like she can’t find words.

“Yeah,” I agree. “It was.”

I see it in her eyes—the same thing I’m feeling. That wasn’t pretend. Not even close.

The moment stretches, both of us caught in it, and then the Ferris wheel jerks back to life. Cristina shudders and turns to face forward, staring out at the town below.

I wrap my arm over her shoulders, telling myself it’s for the camera. She leans into me. Just slightly. But enough.

I ask myself—when will I stop lying? Because this is the most real thing that’s ever happened to me.

Chapter 25

Cristina

All I can think about is that kiss. I swear Rhett’s lips are branded onto my mouth. I went to sleep dreaming of that kiss and woke up wanting more.

What is wrong with me?

Because it feels like he lit a sparkler inside me. Yes, I was dreading the kiss. But I figured we’d do a quick peck and it would be over. That’s what I hoped for.

But that isn’t what happened. He kissed me like I’m all he needs.

It flipped me upside down, even more than Glen’s texts.

And now it’s time for us to take part in the messy challenge that Mina teased at the nail place.

The ten of us walk into the tent, and before us sit five stations—a wheel, some clay.

Got it. We’re making pottery.

Good. I have a little experience with this. Not much—only a one-day workshop where we made bowls.

“Welcome, y’all, to challenge number two in our quest to find Mystic Meadows’s perfect match.”

Mina claps and we follow suit.

“Before we begin streaming, you’ll get a quick mini session on how to center the clay and use the wheel.” She turns to the man standing beside her. “Roger, they’re all yours.”

Roger takes a seat at a wheel set up just for him. Over the next half hour, we go over the basics, which is a great refresher.

When he finishes, Rhett leans down and whispers in my ear, “So, center the clay and grab the smallest piece. Got it.”

Mina thanks Roger and tells us it’s time to start. She takes her place at the head of the room and greets the audience. “If you’re watching from home, don’t forget, you can vote on your favorite couple. This isn’t an elimination competition, but we do love to know who you’re rooting for.” Mina grins at the phone that’s running the live stream. “As many of you may have seen, our very own Rhett and Cristina had their first date last night.” She covers the side of her mouth. “They also shared their very first kiss. Was it hot or was it hot?”

Mina fans herself and giggles while warmth floods my entire body, from my head to my toes.

Thanks for embarrassing me on the live stream, Mina.

“But enough about that. Y’all aren’t watching to remember the spicy moments. Well, maybe you are. But that’s not what’s happening tonight. Tonight, ten contestants will be reenacting one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.”

Worry pulses in my body. The pottery wheel. The bench. The clay.