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MATCH MAKING MAGIC

LUKE

I’m not big on weddings. Never have been.

I went to a few in my twenties, stood up as a groomsman in my sister’s a few years ago, but otherwise?

I dodge the open bar and tiny quiche scene whenever I can.

But when Mason, one of my route setters, handed me an invitation and looked like he was trying not to shake, I couldn’t say no.

Mason is responsible for designing the rock climbing routes for Squeaky Climb.

He’s been working for Ray for years—on a consulting basis, since he was based in Indy.

I was able to get him to sign on full-time when I told him we were coming to Indy.

He’s a good dude. I guess when you’re the boss and your employees invite you to life-changing events—like weddings—you’ve gotta go.

Turns out, the guy's ridiculously in love, and that’s hard not to respect.

The wedding is set in a quiet little garden on the outskirts of downtown Indy.

There are string lights and flowers and the kind of romance that makes you feel a little lonely if you’re not part of it.

I keep my sunglasses on and take a seat toward the back, fully planning on doing my due diligence and sliding out before the garter toss.

But then I spot her.

Stella .

Camera in hand. Hair swept back. That signature look of concentration on her face—like the world could be burning down and she’d still be adjusting her aperture. She's dressed in black, like most photographers, but it still somehow looks effortless on her.

Classic. Clean. Quietly hot.

For a moment, I forget I’m at a wedding, and I spend most of the time watching her.

I have to practically tear my gaze away from her to focus on the ceremony—which passes in a blur of vows, tears, laughter…

the works. I keep one eye on the couple and the other on her, tracking her movements like I'm the one behind the lens.

When the ceremony ends, I walk up to her as she switches out a lens.

“So… we meet again.”

She looks up, her mouth twitching at the corner. “And here I thought you only did climbing gyms and meatball bars.”

“I’m expanding my horizons.”

She tilts her head as she looks at me briefly, but then glances back at her camera. “Well, I’m working, so…” She gestures to her camera, stepping back into the crowd like our brief interaction never happened.

Right. Work mode.

She warned me about that.

Standing with my hands in my slacks, I can’t help smile. I know I should be worried—or maybe offended by her lack of interest, but at the very last moment, she looks over her shoulder at me. She gives me a quick smile, and that’s when I know her disinterest isn’t winning out.

We’re an hour into the reception, and I’m itching to leave.

I’d planned to duck out as soon as possible, but with Stella here, I’ve ended up sticking around longer than I wanted.

There are a few Squeaky Bum employees here, so I’ve been chatting with them.

I may be the boss, but I’m not a dick. I encourage everyone that works in my facility to become friends.

The garden is buzzing with champagne flutes and mediocre DJ transitions. I find myself hovering near the bar, nursing a beer, wondering if Stella is avoiding me or if I’m just reading into things again. I was all confidence earlier, but she hasn’t spared me a single glance since.

Trying to decide if I want to seek her out or leave, I spot Ruth on the other end of the bar.

The elegant woman is dressed to the nines, sipping something bright pink. She’s locked in conversation with a woman I recognize from somewhere but can’t quite place.

I make my way over to say hello when I realize I may not recognize the woman other than seeing her around tonight, clearly in charge of things.

She must be the wedding planner.

Ruth sees me coming, her grin spreading wide when she realizes I’m approaching.

“Ruth, it’s nice to see you,” I tell her as I come to stand in front of her.

“Luke, darling, don’t you clean up well!” There’s something about this woman. I feel as if I should lean in and kiss her cheek—like I need to be more of a gentleman in her presence. I’ve only met her a few times, though, and I don’t normally go around kissing women’s cheeks and hands.

Ruth’s eyes flick from me to across the room where I know Stella is. Something in her eyes tells me something is about to happen.

Smiling innocently, she says, “Luke, have you met Cassie? She’s the amazing wedding planner who made tonight just perfect.” I grin and shake Cassie’s hand.

“Hello. It was a lovely wedding,” I tell her. And it was, but I feel like it’s a standard compliment.

“Thank you,” she says.

“Cassie is quite wonderful, isn’t she? You should never expect less with a Happily Ever After, Inc. wedding,” Ruth says, taking a sip.

“Well, If I’m ever in the market for a wedding planner, I’ll be sure to look you up,” I tell her, trying not to laugh. I don’t want to be rude, but Ruth is something else.

“You know, I’d be happy to work my matchmaking magic. If you’re in the market…” Ruth says, and for a moment, I’m actually caught off guard.

A matchmaker? Is that a thing?

Cassie laughs. “Ruth, you never stop, do you?” She elbows the older woman next to her and focuses her attention on me. “Don’t mind her. She’s always looking for a project. Are you here for the bride or groom?”

“The groom. He works for me,” I tell Cassie.

Ruth, unfazed, adds, “Cassie runs this magic machine of a business. You two should talk.” She lowers her voice like she’s telling a secret. “You both know Stella, after all.”

Ah. I was wondering when she’d bring up Stella. Cassie eyes Ruth.

Ignoring the odd tension, the woman continues, “What a small world that my client Mason works for your rock climbing gym, Luke,” she says.

Client. Does that mean Mason used a matchmaking service?

Interesting.

Cassie’s eyes widen just enough. “Wait. You’re Luke?”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’m gonna assume there’s only one?”

She lets out a quiet laugh. “I didn’t put it together. You’re the climber. Lilly’s instructor.”

I nod. “Guilty.”

She glances over at Stella, then back at me, expression shifting into something like realization… and delight.

Murmuring, Cassie says, “Oh, it makes sense now.”

Before I can press her on what that means, Ruth clinks her glass against my beer and wanders away, muttering something about matchmaking and never taking a day off.

Stella catches my eye across the dance floor. She glances at Cassie next to me, and I see the woman wave at her as Stella shakes her head.

“I’m not sure she’s thrilled I’ve found you,” I tell Cassie.

The woman lets out a delighted laugh. “I’m guessing it’s probably the other way around.”

I cock my brow.

“You see, Stella has been my best friend for a decade, and she likes to keep juicy details from me. And you, Mr. Climber, are a juicy detail worth knowing about.” Cassie is watching Stella with interest as she makes her way over to us.

This is all so interesting. If I can impress the best friend, maybe I’ll have a better shot at getting more time with Stella.

Stella is close now, stopping to get a shot of the ring bearer and flower girl lying in the grass while coloring. Cassie takes the opportunity to look at me and issues a piece of advice.

“If you want a shot, don’t let her push you away. She’ll try, but she’s worth it not to give up.” I watch Stella in her element and take the words to heart. I nod to let Cassie know I’ve heard her.

“Stella, look who I found!” Cassie sings-songs as Stella finally joins us.

“I see that,” she says to Cassie, giving me a brief look.

“What a wonderful night. My bestie shooting one of my weddings and meeting the sexy climber I’ve heard all about? Perfection!” Cassie says.

I grin. Stella’s face pinkens.

“To be clear, I never said sexy,” Stella mutters.

Cassie winks at me and turns, grabbing a bottle of water from the bartender. “You should take a break. Catch up. I’ve got to run. Duty calls. It was nice meeting you, Luke.” She winks at me and is gone in a flash.

“Well…” I say.

“Lilly talks about you all the time. As does Ruth. Don’t let your ego inflate. I never called you a sexy climber,” Stella tells me, obviously embarrassed but trying to pretend she isn’t.

I let it go, because I’m starting to figure out how Stella works.

“We seem to keep running into each other,” I say,

“Small world,” she mumbles, looking everywhere but at me.

“It is. I like it,” I tell her.

She fights back a smile as she shakes her head.

“Come dance with me,” I say, offering her my hand.

She hesitates for a second too long, like she’s internally checking a list of reasons not to say yes.

“I’m not setting my camera down.” She lifts it up, reminding me that it hangs around her neck.

“That’s okay, you can use it as a buffer between us,” I tell her. I want this dance. I’m not about to let her come up with excuses.

Her eyes narrow, but before she can reply, Cassie swoops back in.

“Oh! You two should dance. I’ll take your camera, Stell.” She nearly starts removing it from Stella’s person. Slightly taken back, Stella goes with it until Cassie carefully hangs the expensive camera from her own neck. “Look, safe with me.” She sends Stella big, encouraging eyes.

I reach my hand toward her, chuckling at Cassie’s eagerness as she not-so-subtly nudges Stella forward from the edge of the dance floor.

Stella shoots a menacing glare at her friend, but it’s light-hearted. She takes a slow breath, finally looks at me, and then, surprisingly places her hand in mine.

The song playing is slow. Not cheesy-romantic. The kind of song that fills the quiet without demanding attention.

I settle one hand at her waist, the other gently holding hers. She lets me guide her. No camera, no sharp-edged quips, just Stella. Here.

With me.

And it feels so damn good. So easy. Like maybe I’ve been waiting for this without even realizing it.

I let a beat pass before I lean in.

"So what do you think? This crowd’s got nothing on our meatball nights."

A smirk tugs at her lips.

"It’s missing the IPA pairings."

We laugh. And for a moment, the space between us feels nonexistent.

The song fades out, and before she can pull away, another slow track starts. Different rhythm, but the same gentle pull.

She hesitates, just for a breath, then stays in my arms.

This time, we’re closer. Her cheek brushes my shoulder for a second, and I swear my heart stumbles.

I speak—low and careful.

"Come over tonight."

She doesn’t stiffen. She doesn’t step away.

"Luke..." She leans back slightly, her eyes finding mine. There's no sarcasm there now, just clarity. "You’re not a one-night stand guy."

"You figured that out already?"

"You were never supposed to stick." Her voice is barely above a whisper. “I don’t do lasting things. I don’t trust anyone who promises to stay. I move. I leave. It’s all I know.”

I nod slowly. “And if this is different?”

She shakes her head, gentle but firm, even as her fingers linger on my shoulder like she doesn’t want to let go.

"That’s what scares me the most."

And just like that, she slips her hand from mine.

“I’m on the clock still. I need to get back to work.” She gives me a sad smile as she breaks our connection.

It’s a soft exit. Not cold, just protective.

And then she’s gone.

Again.