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since before the kids were born, so this was all new to her, new and a bit uncomfortable. The guy had better be worth the anxiety she was feeling. If it turned out he wasn’t, she’d make Natalie promise to give up on her matchmaking efforts. She didn’t think she could go through this again and again. Her emotions couldn’t take it.
    Satisfied with how she looked, Destiny climbed out of the car and followed the sounds of laughter, chatter, and music to the back of the house.
    â€œDestiny,” Natalie called out, as soon as she rounded the corner. “I’m glad you came.” She leaned in and gave her friend a brief hug. “Did your kids get off all right?”
    Destiny nodded. “I came here straight from the airport.”
    Natalie rubbed her hand down Destiny’s arm. “How are you holding up?”
    â€œLet’s just say I’m glad I had somewhere to go after leaving the airport. Returning to that empty and much-too-quiet townhouse would be a bit much right now.”
    Putting an arm around her shoulder, Natalie said, “Come on then. There are some folks I want you to meet.”
    Destiny chuckled. “Some folks, huh?”
    Natalie rocked her hip against Destiny’s side. “Okay, one person first, but I promise there’ll be other folks later.” Natalie stopped when she reached her apron-wearing husband and an attractive bronze-skinned man in jeans and a paleblue polo shirt. “Food ready?” Natalie asked to get her husband’s attention.
    When Gavin looked up and saw them, he said, “Speak of the devil.”
    â€œYou two are the only devils I see here,” Natalie said, grinning. “What have you been saying about me?”
    Gavin inclined his head toward Destiny. “Not you. We were talking about Destiny.”
    â€œAll good, I hope,” Destiny said, meeting Daniel’s gaze. He was a tall guy, about six feet two, with a killer smile. So far so good. If he passed the conversation test, she’d have to tell Natalie she’d done a good job.
    Gavin leaned over and kissed Destiny’s check. “What else could it be?” he asked. “I was just telling Daniel here that he needed to be on his A game if he wanted any chance at winning your heart.”
    â€œMy heart?” Destiny repeated, glancing again at Daniel. “I’m thinking of keeping my heart to myself.”
    Gavin turned to the man next to him. “She’s everything I said she was, isn’t she?”
    Daniel extended his hand to Destiny. “I’m Daniel Thomas,” he said. “You’ll have to forgive my buddy here.”
    â€œI feel your pain,” she said, taking his hand. “My girl here is just as bad.”
    â€œWell,” Natalie said, with fake upset, “I guess that’s our cue to leave, Gavin. These two seem like they were made for each other.”
    â€œI’m right behind you, babe.” He winked at Destiny as he passed her. “I can tell where I’m not needed or wanted.”
    Destiny chuckled. “They mean well.”
    Daniel laughed. “I know, but haven’t they heard of subtlety?”
    Destiny laughed with him. “Apparently not.”
    â€œDespite all their plotting and scheming,” Daniel said, “I’m glad to finally meet the mysterious Destiny.”
    â€œMysterious?”
    â€œIt was like pulling teeth to get any information about you. They only told me that you were wonderful, and the rest I’d have to find out on my own.”
    Destiny chuckled. “Well, that makes you the mysterious Daniel because Natalie has told me very little about you.”
    He flashed that killer smile at her. “That’s easily corrected. I’m in need of a meal companion. If you’re hungry, we can get some food and then sit and get to know each other.”
    â€œSounds good to me,” Destiny said.
    After they filled their plates, Destiny