An Unlikely Match (The Match Series - Book #1) by Barbara Dunlop Page B

said Sam , but something in his tone made Morgan feel he’d given the wrong answer.
    “Are you busy later? ” Sam asked. “Could we get a drink or something?”
    “Happy to,” Morgan replied with some surprise.
    “Maybe even dinner if you’re not too busy?”
    “Of course.” Morgan could almost feel Ryder’s keen eagerness beside him.
    “Something casual would be best,” said Sam, with another glance around. “I have a feeling I’m going to be tired after this.”
    “Casual is good,” said Morgan, wondering if there was a way to politely include Ryder.
    “Maybe eve n at your place?” Sam suggested. “I’d be happy to pick up beer and pizza.”
    The suggestion surprised Morgan all over again. “Sure,” he quickly answered. “Perhaps Ryder could join us?”
    Sam smiled. “Sounds perfect. I promised the president I’d circulate a bit. Can you track me down when you’re ready to head home?”
    “I will,” Morgan promised.
    Sam made it no more than two steps away when he was approached by three other people.
    “I owe you one,” Ryder told Morgan. “Seriously.”
    “ Don’t worry about it.”
    Morgan was doing enough worrying himself. It was Monday night, which made it unlikely Amelia was working, which meant there was a good chance she’d be home. She might very well see Ryder. And Ryder might mention the reunion date. Not good.

Chapter Six
     
    In her front hallway, Amelia kicked off her shoes and groaned as her bare feet hit the soft carpet. It had been a brutally long day, and all she could think about was pouring herself a glass of the bargain chardonnay in her fridge and looking for some happy news from her friends on social media. She’d gone to three open auditions today, waited her turn in the stuffy hallways, and poured her heart out in the monologues.
    Deep down inside, she knew she wouldn’t get a callback. She had been able to tell by the expressions on the casting staffs’ faces that she wasn’t right for any of the parts. She knew she had to shake it off, told herself each and every part was a crapshoot. There were so many things outside her control, and not getting any particular part didn’t mean she wasn’t a good actress. She had to be patient, and she had to maintain confidence.
    Okay, so right now what she had to do was have a glass of wine. Maybe the confidence would come later. She moved to the small kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator door. A half-full bottle of wine was one of the few items inside. She kept meaning to pick up a decent load of groceries, but it was difficult without a car.
    While she poured the wine, she heard voices outside, male voices, along with male laughter. Morgan obviously had some friends over. And they were obviously having fun.
    Why wouldn’t he be having fun? He had a good job, a great career, all the furniture one man could want. And he always seemed to have delicious food in his kitchen. Her stomach rumbled gently around the wine.
    Curious, she moved toward her patio door, intending to sneak a peek without bothering them. Leaving her living room light off, she squinted through the glass, focusing on one man, then another, then Morgan in profile. Her chest gave a funny contraction at the sight of him. He was wearing one of those ghastly plaid shirts and his glasses. But his hair looked terrific.
    Then the older of the three men seemed to catch sight of her. He said something to Morgan, and Morgan looked over as well. She quickly drew back, embarrassed to be caught spying.
    Her mortification grew exponentially when Morgan stepped over the low fence and crossed her patio. She’d been caught, and there was nothing to do but own up. She pulled open the sliding door.
    “I heard voices,” she defended her behavior.
    “Hey, Amelia,” he greeted with a friendly smile.
    Warmth shimmied through her at the gravelly sound of his voice , and she stopped caring about being embarrassed. She was simply glad to see him. In fact, she wished she