The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker
Lisa Plumley

Someone Was Matching Up Men And Women All Over Town–And, Tarnation! It Had To Stop!Marcus Copeland had been elected to "investigate" the most likely suspect. But he didn't have time to romance any secrets out of the unconventional Molly Crabtree. He had a lumber mill to run. And besides, this buxom, beautiful baker was proving to be one tough cookie!Coming from a family of freethinkers, Molly Crabtree knew she'd be a success if only someone would take her seriously. But who'd ever have thought it would be the arrogant Marcus Copeland? And was his proposition strictly business–or secret pleasure?Only the matchmaker knew for sure…!

“I don’t want fritters.”

Frowning, Molly regarded him. “Tea cakes then?”

“No. Something more.” His grasp loosened, became more of caress. His thumb stroked over the sensitive skin at the underside of her wrist. “Something…sweeter.”

Molly trembled. Staunchly she made herself stop gawping at the lovely contrast between Marcus’s big, sun-browned hand and her lace-trimmed gloves. He’d magically found the one gap between those gloves and her long-sleeved dress, and he toyed with it even now. The sensation caused by his thumb against her bare skin made her want to close her eyes to savor it. Instead, she summoned all her will to address Marcus directly.

“Perhaps a dumpling, then? They’re quite fresh.”

So are you, Marcus’s teasing expression said.

“No. Sweeter.” He tugged her nearer.

It was true, then. He did have more in mind than mere delectables…!

Praise for Lisa Plumley’s book

THE DRIFTER

“A sweet Americana tale…

this gentle love story will touch your heart!”

—Romantic Times

“In this charming tale of acceptance Ms. Plumley has

touched a universal chord. Sparked with whimsy and

humor, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book!”

—Rendezvous

“The Drifter will have you smiling often…I heartily

recommend it for a pleasurable, romantic read!”

—Romance Reviews Today

“There’s a lot to like in The Drifter. If you’ve missed

those wonderful romances by LaVyrle Spencer,

you might want to check it out!”

—The Romance Reader

The Matchmaker

Lisa Plumley

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

To Melissa Endlich, with many thanks.

And to John Plumley, with all my love.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen