bakery?” Jordan asked. “I’ve been jonesing for them now that I don’t work there anymore.”
That’s where she knew the redhead from. “You own Fancy Pants Bakery.”
Violet nodded. “I remember you came in for a cupcake a couple weeks ago. I hope you liked it.”
Quinn could feel her face burn. “It was delicious. Actually, that’s how I really started talking to Baby. He helped me eat my cupcake.”
Riley grinned. “Oh, please tell me that is as dirty as it sounds. He ate your cupcake.”
Quinn’s face was literally on fire—it had to be. There had to be actual flames her cheeks were so hot.
“Oh my God!” Riley slapped a hand over her mouth. “It is that dirty.”
“Gross,” Wavy said. “He is my brother, people. I do not need to hear anything about my brothers’ sex lives.”
Quinn wanted to melt into the ground.
“I have news, ladies.” It was Anne, now wearing her red boots, who rescued her.
Thankfully, all the eyes spun to Anne, except for Riley, who was still smirking at Quinn.
“I know you’re not pregnant because I’ve already seen you drink two glasses of wine tonight,” Charlie said.
“Nope, not pregnant. Zac and I picked out a date for the wedding. Valentine’s Day.”
The room erupted with whoops and whistles as everyone raised their glasses in a group toast. “I hope we’re not in the middle of a blizzard when that happens.”
“You won’t be because we’ve decided not to get married here. We’re all going to a private island off the coast of California, so everyone mark your calendars.”
The celebration grew louder.
“Well, since we’re sharing news...” Riley raised her glass of wine higher. “Boy Riley finally wore me down. He and I are going to get married, although we haven’t set a date yet.”
That called for more wine, joyous laughter, and hugs all around.
What better time to take this party on the road?
Quinn wasn’t sure if this was the biggest mistake she’d ever made or the most fun she’d ever had.
Maybe both.
Her future sister-in-law hadn’t been willing to take no for an answer when she’d insisted Quinn come along on girls’ night out. Not that Quinn had been that hard to convince. After hiding her presence in Oak Creek for so long, it seemed doubly rude to turn down the social request.
So here she was with a group of women, most of whom she barely knew, about to walk through the door of the Eagle’s Nest. And not to wait tables. She let out a deep breath and walked through the door.
She was fascinated by the interaction between the women and men from the onset. The women didn’t go over to talk to their men or really acknowledge them in any way, but they were all very aware of their corresponding males watching them. It was almost primal, animalistic. A give-and-take of who was in control.
The men didn’t impose on the women’s freedom either. But they watched. And the women definitely knew they were being watched.
Quinn knew Baby was watching her too. But unlike the other women, certain of where all of this would lead at the end of the night, Quinn wasn’t exactly sure why he was looking at her in that same way.
She didn’t have to wait long to find out. As the women danced to the 80s pop music blaring around them, she felt a strong arm slide around her waist.
“Dance with me, Cupcake.”
She caught Girl Riley’s grin as Quinn spun around to face him. “I’m already dancing.”
He grabbed her one hand in his and pulled it up to his chest, then slid his arm fully around her waist, anchoring her against him—just like they had danced at Bandits.
Even though the music was more upbeat, he moved them slowly.
“I thought you were out-of-pocket.”
He sighed. “What I am is an idiot who let himself be talked out of following his instincts.”
She peered up at him. “And what did your instincts tell you?”
“To go find you and finish what we started in my truck.”
She knew a blush had climbed her cheeks again. “Which time?”
His fingers around her waist tightened. “Both times.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I let myself be talked into keeping my distance, taking it slow, being sensible. You’re always so sensible; I thought it might be the best thing.” His eyes never left hers. “Like I said, I was an idiot.”
“I thought maybe you’d come to your senses.”
“Oh, I’ve come to my senses.” If possible, he pulled her more tightly against him. They continued to dance slowly as everyone bounced around them.