as their conversation grew.
The time inside wasn’t long, but by the time Elizabeth had stood, Amanda’s expression had softened and lost the worry she’d entered the house with.
He pulled out a bagel he’d stashed that morning from the breakfast and settled into the chair in the corner of his room. He had a couple hours to wait until he had to be in town. He’d spend it looking at the pictures. There were worse things he could do with his time.
The minutes passed quickly and soon he drove into town to meet Amanda for their afternoon session.
She’d said to come to the Dean Matchmaking Offices on the west side of town.
The quaint building was decorated for Christmas with lights strung along all the lines of the trim and garland in various greens, reds, and golds wrapped around every porch column and railing.
He climbed the steps, glancing around like someone might be watching him. But no one else walked on the street. The small town’s features were mostly in the center of town during the holiday season.
Based on the information Tommy had been able to gather while doing some foundational research, Christmas ran year-round in Mistletoe and people took the holiday seriously. Tourists from all over the world came to the town not just for a sprinkle of holiday cheer but also to possibly find the love of their life.
Tommy didn’t believe in all that, but he couldn’t deny the profitability of romance and Christmas in the very air of the town.
Knocking on the door, Tommy glanced down at his clothes. Was he dressed appropriately?
Were jeans too casual in a town that almost worshiped Santa? Or maybe his button-up shirt under a dark green sweater dressed the jeans up. He definitely had his doubts about any of the things he was trying to pass himself off as.
Before he could talk himself out of staying for the appointment, the door opened and an attractive red-head smiled at him, her large green eyes similar to Amanda’s in shape, but not color. Nothing compared to Amanda’s blue eyes.
“You must be Tommy. Amanda said she was expecting you. Come on in and grab the first door on the right in the hallway. No one should bother you guys in there.” The woman turned toward a modified kitchen and turned back, snapping her fingers. “Sorry, I’m not normally that rude. I’m Tanya. One of her very attractive sisters in case you have a brother that looks anything like you.” She winked; her smile wide as she turned away to leave him to it.
Tommy couldn’t control his answering grin. While Tanya wasn’t his type, he could see how she’d be snatched up in no time with her frank boldness and bewitching good looks.
No, Tommy’s type seemed to revolve around curves and dark, ebony burnished curls. Not that he had a specific type or was looking or anything.
He entered the door to the office Tanya had told him about and stopped halfway in at the sight of Amanda staring off into space on the opposite side of the table from where he stood. Her pert nose and strong cheekbones were hard to ignore while they seemed to bring the focus to her eyes and full pouty lips. Tommy hadn’t had enough time to stare at her pictures apparently. And something to note; the images hadn’t done her justice.
He reached out, shutting the door behind him and the sound startled her.
She blinked and turned in her seat toward him, smiling when she recognized who it was. “Tommy, look at you. On time and everything. I’m surprised you’re not married with ten kids at this point.” Her cheeks flushed and she glanced at the table as if she’d said something she hadn’t meant to.
Tommy laughed and sat across from her, setting his folder and pencil in front of him. “I’m on time probably because I don’t have other responsibilities. I’ve noticed kids tend to eat into normal life.”
Amanda laughed. “Yes, my sister Taylor has that problem. She used to be a by-the-minute planner, but she’s getting more and more relaxed. I would even say she’s now just a by-the-day planner. Don’t tell her I said that though.”
“Of course not. Before we get started, would you mind if I asked you a question?” Tommy waited for her nod before continuing. “Can you recommend a realtor in this area that can help me with a business site? I tried doing it myself but my pride has taken a beating.” He laughed and