A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery Page 0,16

rumors she was an assassin. You know, getting close to a man, then killing him with a credit card. It’s all very hush-hush.”

He struggled to his feet, then held out his hand to pull Abby to hers.

“I was wrong,” he said. “Arrogant and painfully wrong.”

She smiled. “Actually, the pain is worse tomorrow. If you have a tub in your room, you’ll want to take a bath and soak in it before you go to bed. Otherwise, you won’t be able to move tomorrow.”

“Excellent advice. I’ll take it.”

They limped out of the building and made it to the car. Joaquin winced as he settled in the passenger seat. “She did most of the stuff with us and she didn’t even break a sweat. How is that possible?”

“I know, right? Come on. I know something that will make you feel better.”

Joaquin looked at her. Something flashed in his eyes—something that made her insides clench and her nerve endings quiver.

No, she told herself. She was misreading him. There was no way he was interested in her as more than a friend. She would be foolish to think otherwise. He was a successful doctor guy and she was just some small-town teacher. They barely knew each other. Just because she was having a case of OMG, you’re amazing didn’t mean he was.

“I’m open to suggestions,” he said.

She drove into town and parked in front of a newer business. He glanced at the sign.

“Juicy Joy?” he said, reading the sign. “You’re going to make me feel better with juice?”

“No, a smoothie. The combination of protein powder, antioxidants and sugar is the perfect way to replenish what was lost during the workout.”

“Great, because I’m going to miss my pride if I don’t get it back.”

She was still laughing when they walked inside.

Once they had their drinks, they sat at one of the small tables on the sidewalk. Joaquin raised his smoothie.

“You were right. I’ll never doubt you again.”

“If only that were true.”

“You’re feeling smug.”

“A little, yes.”

They smiled at each other. She felt the connection clear down to her toes, but wasn’t sure what he was feeling, which made her feel awkward. What was it about this guy that got to her? Knowing there was no answer, she searched for a change in topic that would give her a second to regroup.

“You said your parents adopted you, then they had your brother. I’ve heard that happens to quite a few couples. Do you know the biological reason?”

“No. I’ve never studied the reproductive system in-depth. There was some kind of assumed physical problem, but maybe it was something else. That many years ago, IVF was still rare and far too expensive for them. They got me through a friend of a friend who knew a young woman who was pregnant.”

“Do you mind she gave you up?”

Joaquin looked surprised at the question. “No. I would have been too difficult for her. Not that I was a problem child, but my intelligence level made things challenging for two parents, let alone a single mom who was still a kid herself.”

A very accepting attitude. She wondered how long he’d taken to get there. Abby remembered her own shock when her father—serving several years in prison—had given his sister guardianship of his daughters. While legally it had made things easier for everyone, Abby and Melissa had both felt he’d abandoned them. He’d barely stayed in touch and then he’d died. The situation was difficult, but easier for her than most. She and Melissa had always known they had Liz and Ethan to be there for them, no matter what.

“I’m sure your mom would be proud to know how you turned out,” she said, looking at Joaquin. “Even if you aren’t very impressive in exercise class.”

He laughed. “Thank you for reminding me of that.”

“You’re welcome. I think you lying on the mats, gasping for air, is going to be one of my favorite memories of this summer.”

She thought he would tease her back or laugh again, but instead he did something extraordinary. He set his drink on the table, leaned forward and brushed his mouth against hers. Just like that.

The contact was brief and unexpected. There was a sense of warmth and light pressure and happy nerves dancing and then it was gone almost before she knew what was happening, which was so disappointing.

She stared at him. Their eyes locked for three or four heartbeats before she leaned in and kissed him back. She lingered just long enough to feel his lips against

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