The Billionaire's Bridal Bid by Emily McKay Page A

steady at her back as he guided her through the double doors.
    But she stopped stone still when they stepped inside. The restaurant was empty. At seven o’clock on a Saturday night. She turned to Matt in confusion. “How is this—”
    But a woman’s voice broke through her confusion. “Welcome to Market.”
    And there she was, Suzy Greene, walking across the empty space, arms wide and welcoming. She was shorter than she looked on TV, a petite little ball of energy with no-nonsense pixie-cut blond hair and a sassy smile.
    She greeted Matt warmly with a kiss to his cheek before shaking Claire’s hand. “Matt tells me you’re a restaurateur, as well.”
    “As well?” Claire muttered. When confusion flickered across Suzy’s expression, Claire felt obliged to explain. “I own a small-town diner. I wouldn’t lump Cutie Pies in the same category as Market.”
    “Ah,” Suzy nodded, smiling again. “But I’m sure the hassles are the same. Managing staff, keeping the customer base happy. The long hours. The relentless work.” Then she leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially. “Balancing no time to exercise with an intense love of high-calorie food.”
    Claire had to laugh. “Yes, I do have that problem, as well.”
    Suzy linked her arm through Claire’s and gave it a pat. “I can tell we’re going to be friends.”
    Friends with Suzy freakin’ Greene? She didn’t think so. But the other woman was so nice, Claire could hardly protest as she was led to table set with large rectangular plates.
    “That’s why I knew I had to do something special for you when Matt told me about your date.”
    “Something special?” Claire looked again at the empty restaurant, her suspicion taking root.
    “He’s a very good friend,” Suzy continued, ignoring Claire’s question. “It’s not everyone I’d let reserve the restaurant on such short notice.”
    “You shut down Market? For Matt?” Then she did a mental head slap. Obviously, the restaurant had been shut down. On a normal Saturday night, a place like this would be booked solid.
    Then Claire started counting the days. It had only been two weeks since the benefit in Palo Verde. Even if he’d started planning their date the second he got back to town, that was less than fourteen days.
    “That’s crazy,” Claire protested, shooting a look at Matt and then Suzy. “How on earth did you arrange this on such short notice? People must have had reservations for months now.”
    Suzy laughed. “They were very understanding when I explained. Besides, Matt offered to pay for their meals if they rescheduled. It’s such a romantic story, how you two met again after all these years.”
    “Matt told you? About how we met again?”
    “What a great story.” Suzy sighed. Then immediately clapped her hands together. “I’ve had such fun planning the meal. I have a seven-course tasting menu that you’re just going to love! I’ve paired each of the courses with a local wine. It’s the most fun I’ve had all year. It’s not often I get to play with no concern for budget at all.” Suzy gave Claire’s arm a squeeze and practically squealed with excitement.
    “Oh, you shouldn’t have,” Claire said drily.
    Suzy waved aside her protests. “I got to give most ofmy staff the night off. They were thrilled.” She gave a playful wink. “Don’t worry, he’s compensating me.”
    “No. Really. He shouldn’t have.”
    A moment later, they were seated at the table with a plate of amuse-bouche between them. After explaining what each of the tempting nibbles was, Suzy excused herself to put the finishing touches on the next course.
    As soon as they were alone in the dining room, Claire leaned forward and hissed, “I can’t believe you lied to Suzy Greene to get her to clear out the restaurant for us. Suzy frickin’ Greene! That’s despicable.”
    Matt popped a micro-slice of cheese-topped asparagus into his mouth. “I didn’t lie.”
    “Well, you clearly didn’t