Fixer-Upper (Spinning Hills Romance 3) by Inés Saint Page A

clapped her hands together, looking delighted.
    Marissa nodded. “I think it was more because Marty is one of the best men and they knew Melinda and I were moving back, so they invited us both, but I met Holly last year and we got along great.”
    The other two women were now chuckling at the idea of anyone comparing the Amador boys to angels, but Ruby seemed happy to ignore them. “You must ask Holly to create a perfume for you.”
    Marissa smiled. “She already did. Marty got me a gift certificate last year for my birthday. That’s when I met her. It was a lot of fun.”
    “Speaking of weddings, have you and Brian set a date?” Sherry asked.
    “We’re thinking about December.”
    Abuela Rosa’s eyes widened. “Why so soon?”
    Marissa shrugged. “When you know, you know. And I’ve known exactly what I wanted in a relationship for a long time now.”
    “But you two have been in a long distance relationship for a year, and you haven’t had time to really get to know each other.” Her grandmother’s tone softened.
    Marissa laughed. “I’ve known him my whole life!”
    But there was something else in her grandmother’s eyes. “What?” she asked, sobered by her grandmother’s anxious look.
    She watched as her grandmother’s throat worked, and Marissa knew she was considering her words. It was a first. “Your head is set on him. We all know that. We’ve heard you recite your list. But what about your heart?”
    “My heart always leads, Grandma, but I’ve worked hard to teach my heart to slow down and let my head catch up. Everything works out so much better when they’re working together. With Brian, I let my head lead and my heart follow. It’s the same thing.”
    Sherry shrugged and looked over at Abuela Rosa. “That works, too, you know.”
    “I know.” Abuela Rosa nodded and patted Marissa’s hand. “As long as you’re sure they’re working together.”
    Ruby placed her hands on the table and pushed herself up. “And I know how we can find out! Now, what dessert will it be for you today, Marissa?”
    Marissa laughed and glanced over at the chalkboard menu. One item sounded so good it made her mouth water. “Dark chocolate cream pie.”
    “That’s funny.” Sherry chuckled and turned to Ruby. “Remember how last year . . .” But her voice died away as she and Ruby exchanged surprised looks.
    “What?” Marissa asked with a faint smile. But they were now looking at her grandmother. Sherry’s eyebrows were raised, her grandmother was shaking her head, and Ruby was nodding yes.
    “What?” Marissa asked again, bewildered.
    Her grandmother’s head swiveled her way. She met Marissa’s gaze so steadily, it was impossible to flinch or look away. “Where were you the night of that infamous masquerade party?” she suddenly asked.
    Marissa froze.
    “Does this mean you finally believe?” Ruby asked Abuela Rosa.
    “Ruby, this is not the time!” Sherry slapped Ruby’s hand while looking at Marissa with the same urgent expression her grandmother was wearing.
    Ruby nodded. “Right. Where were you?”
    Marissa let out a nervous laugh. “How am I supposed to remember where I was that night? It was a year ago!”
    The three women frowned at her in disbelief. A change of subject seemed best. She turned to Ruby and smiled. “So. About that pie. I can’t wait. My mouth is watering . . . What craving will dark chocolate cream pie fulfill for me?”
    “Sweet lust,” Sherry said with relish.
    Marissa’s eyes widened. Sweet lust. That sounded good. Except the simple words brought her back to the night of the elevator and the wonderful, sweet torture she’d felt at the mercy of the stranger’s hot hands and mouth. Except he wasn’t a stranger, was he?
    She mentally shook herself. “Well then, one sweet lust to go, please. Mom’s expecting me at five sharp.” She started to get up, but Sherry covered her hand, in a move that told her they weren’t done with her. The fun and comfy