Spring River Valley: The Winter Collection (Boxed Set) by Clarice Wynter

you someone normal.”
    “I thought matchmakers were all old mystical women who read your tea leaves and speak in heavy accents.”
    Harper tossed the card at Audrey. “What could it hurt?”
    Audrey glanced at the card then tossed it on the table. “I don’t think I’m desperate enough for a matchmaker yet.”
    “I’ll call her for you.”
    “Don’t you dare! Now let’s get back to talking about you and Grant.”
    “There is no me and Grant.”
    Audrey winked. “Not yet.”

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Grant dialed Harper’s cell number slowly, pausing between each number to consider exactly what he was going to say to her. The call was official business. Mrs. Moriarty, President of the Women’s Auxiliary Club, wanted to meet with her to discuss centerpieces and gift basket designs for the annual dinner, so he had a good excuse. He just couldn’t decide if he should lead with congratulations for getting the design contract or an apology for his clumsy attempt at an unwelcome pass the other night.
    She had told him to call her, so he really didn’t expect her to hang up on him. He would have given anything to erase the three stupid little words he’d said to her. I want you. He hadn’t been lying. In that moment, with her in his arms, he’d wanted nothing more than to carry her to the velvet couch in the bridal suite and peel off that hideous janitor’s jumpsuit. The thought of her naked beneath the rough material had him hard even now, and that made him stop dialing altogether. He hung up and took a deep breath. “This is business. Just business.”
    He dialed again, faster this time. It was just after noon, so he expected she’d be on her lunch hour from her regular job. He didn’t want to disturb her at work and add yet another infraction to his growing list. He really wouldn’t blame her if she bailed on their little partnership. He’d been totally out of line the other night.
    He’d just convinced himself to hang up again when she answered. Her cheery hello made him wonder if she’d checked the caller ID. Maybe she sounded so chipper because she didn’t know it was him.
    “Hi, Harper? It’s Grant. I’m sorry to bother you if you’re at work.”
    “It’s all right. I’m just heading to my car for lunch. What’s up?”
    Me. He bit his tongue before that confession came out. “Are you available tomorrow evening?” Ugh, that wasn’t how he wanted to lead. He should have mentioned Mrs. Moriarty.
    “Um…I guess so. Why?”
    “The President would like to meet with you.”
    “The President? Of the United States?” She laughed.
    “ Sorry—of the Women’s Auxiliary Club. I’m distracted today. Too much paperwork.” Lie, lie, lie. You bastard, stop lying. “She would like to talk to you about ordering decorations for their event at the end of the month.”
    “Oh, that’s great. Sure, I can come by tomorrow. I get out of work at five. What time is good?”
    “How about seven?”
    “Sure. Should I bring anything? More samples?”
    “If you have some photographs of your work, that would be great.”
    “I’ll put something together, thanks. Oh, does Ray need his jumpsuit back?”
    Grant suppressed a smirk. Damn that jumpsuit. “He can wait until tomorrow.”
    “Good. I’ll bring it then.”
    He ignored the million suggestive remarks floating through his suddenly very horny brain and forced his voice to a normal octave. “Thanks. I’ll see you then.”
    She hung up , and Grant stared at the phone for a second. He had to stop thinking about kissing Harper again and get over this crush he had before he scared her away and he was left with orders for centerpieces he couldn’t fill.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Would you like me to leave the door open so you can make a quick getaway?” Harper’s sarcastic inquiry came out before she could stop herself, but she refused to feel guilty. When Brad called her only moments after she arrived home from work that evening, she decided that, while