Love Contract (The Match Broker) by Lisa Watson Page B

work at Anderson Realty.”
    “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”
    “Yes. My mother wasn’t wrong. I am looking to expand my client services and I think you’re just the caliber of designer I’ve been looking for. You would be a valuable asset to my company.”
    “I don’t know—”
    “Just say you’ll think about it. That’s all I’m asking—for now.”
    Milán was silent for a few seconds before she said, “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
    Heathcliffe and Norma Jean came out to find Milán and Adrian debating the advantages of landscaping on resale value.
    “Would anyone care for coffee?”
    “No, thank you, Jeanie.” Milán stood up. “I have to go.”
    “I’m glad you joined us this evening.” Norma Jean grasped Milán’s hands. “We loved having you.”
    “Thanks for inviting me. It was fun.”
    “Anytime, little lady.” Heathcliffe gave her a hug. “We’re huggers in this family. Hope you don’t mind.”
    “Not at all.” She laughed. “We’re huggers in my family, too.”
    Norma Jean led her friend down the deck steps. They walked along the brick pathway that led around front. “You’re welcome anytime.”
    Milán’s eyes misted over. “I didn’t realize how much I missed my family until I was here with yours.”
    She squeezed Milán’s hand. “I bet you’re as close-knit as we are.”
    “We are.”
    Norma Jean hugged her again. “Goodbye, dear.”
    Milán opened her eyes to find Adrian standing next to his mother. She released the older woman. “Goodbye, Jeanie.”
    “I’m leaving too, Mom. Thanks for dinner. It was...enlightening,” he teased before kissing her on the cheek.
    “You’re welcome, sweetheart. We’ll talk later,” she warned her son.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Waving to both of them, she turned and headed into the house.
    Adrian held up Milán’s sweater. “Dad said you left this.”
    “Oh. I completely forgot it.” She reached out to take it. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. I’m glad you stayed.”
    “There was no way I’d be rude to your parents,” Milán said seriously. “Besides, I can tolerate anyone for a short amount of time.”
    Adrian’s hand came up to his chest. “That’s good to know. Say, would you like to remove the knife you just slid into me?”
    She laughed at his joke. “You know what I meant.”
    “Yeah. I’m also glad we were able to get past our differences.”
    “Who said we’re past them?” she countered. “I still think you’re way too full of yourself.”
    “And I still think you’re a hothead, so I guess we’re even.”
    Suddenly, Adrian’s arms encircled Milán. She instantly stiffened.
    “Relax,” Adrian whispered in her ear. “I’m not going to kiss you.” He gave her a big hug, and then released her.
    “I didn’t think you would,” she retorted. “I just wasn’t expecting it. What was that for, anyway?”
    “Both our families are huggers, remember? And since we agreed to try being civil to each other, I suppose it’s a way of sealing the deal.”
    “Thanks for explaining that. I’d hate to have to hit you again,” she mocked.
    Adrian followed her to the curb. His gaze traveled over her red Volkswagen Eos.
    “A convertible. Somehow that’s not surprising. And candy-apple red, no less.”
    “Actually it’s called salsa red.”
    He opened her door. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”
    Her eyes shot upward. “Are you ever wrong?”
    “Uh, no. I don’t think so—and it suits you, by the way.”
    She eased onto her seat as he shut the door. “Really? Something about me just screams sporty and fun, huh?”
    He bent down until he was eye level with her. “Something like that.”
    She slid her key in the ignition and started the engine. “Considering you’re never wrong, I’ll take that as a compliment and say ‘Good night, Adrian.’”
    He stood up and moved back. “Good night, Milán. Don’t forget to think about my job offer.”
    “When did I give you permission to