by Janie Crouch
“For me, not for Gavin,” Baby responded.
“Yeah, usually, unless someone is pretty damned good at hiding themselves, which most people aren’t. Why?”
Baby decided to leave it alone for now. Like Gavin had said, it was probably someone poking their nose someplace it didn’t belong.
But if someone had decided they were going to stir up unnecessary trouble for Quinn here, Baby wasn’t above using Kendrick’s computer superpowers to find out who it was and have a talk with them.
“I might need you to dig into something for me. I’ll let you know.”
Kendrick nodded. “You know I’m always up for getting into trouble.”
He faded off. Trouble had just walked through the door.
Chapter Nineteen
They all met up at Anne’s place, a small but gorgeous studio apartment that ran along the top level of an old barn on Linear Tactical’s property.
“Welcome to pre-gaming, Quinn,” Riley said as she handed Quinn a glass of white wine. “It’s kind of a local tradition where we help each other get gussied up to go out drinking by, well, drinking.”
“Somebody has to help me with this eyeshadow,” Anne, the local emergency room doctor, called out from the bathroom.
“I’m on it,” a woman said then threw back her glass of wine and swallowed it down. Quinn recognized her as Wavy, Baby’s sister. “Wine is a better idea then those damned Electric Smurfs. I swore off those things last time.”
“We all swear those things off every time,” Charlie, Ethan’s mom, said.
“Anne,” Riley yelled, winking at Quinn. “Are you going to wear your red cowboy boots, even though you know it means Zac is going to drag you back here as soon as humanly possible?”
The doctor laughed from the bathroom. “Yes. But I’m going to make him suffer a little first.”
All the women chuckled at that.
“Gabe is already over at the Eagle’s Nest,” a woman said. She’d been mostly quiet, sipping on her wine from a stool near the kitchen counter. If Quinn wasn’t mistaken, her name was Jordan. “He said the guys were already there en masse.”
“They’re worried because of what happened to me last week.” Riley rolled her eyes. “As if there’s another terrorist wandering around the streets of Oak Creek waiting to pick one of us off.”
Quinn had listened, wide-eyed, as Riley had shared some of the details of her ordeal, beyond thankful that Riley had escaped with little more than a few stitches from the knife wound on her arm.
“We have to let our big alpha men be alpha men,” Anne said from the bathroom. “Protectiveness literally runs in the blood. I’ve studied it under an actual microscope.”
Jordan grinned. “You know how they are. They can face torture and death without blinking but put one of us in harm’s way, and they lose all composure.”
Riley smiled. “It’s kind of sweet when you think about it. They don’t know how they would live without us.”
“That’s true,” Charlie took another sip of wine. “They’re going to be all over us like white on rice tonight. Not our normal girls’ night out.”
The women all started talking about the pros and cons of having the men nearby, and Quinn merely took it all in. She’d never had friends like this where everyone talked all over each other and laughed and carried on.
Family. That’s what it was. These women are my family.
“So, you’re the pretty lady I owe for my daughter’s fascination with wallpaper.” A soft-spoken woman with brown hair came and stood next to Quinn as Riley went in to help Wavy with Anne’s eyeliner. “I’m Peyton, Jess’s mom.”
Quinn smiled. “I’m a big fan of your daughter’s. And I’m really sorry about the wallpaper. It’s very big and bright in the house I’m renting.”
“Big and bright is my daughter’s middle name. She is enamored with that wallpaper. She’s also enamored with the fact that her uncle Baby is enamored with you.”
All the talk in the apartment stopped. Everyone looked at Quinn.
Riley had introduced her, of course, when they’d first arrived, but as Boy Riley’s sister who was in town from Massachusetts. They’d all seemed friendly, and a couple of them had mentioned seeing her waiting tables at the Eagle’s Nest.
But this obviously had their attention. With all eyes locked on Quinn, her mind raced as a blush covered her neck and cheeks.
“Oh my God,” Wavy said. “Are you who my brother was kissing behind the Eagle’s Nest a couple of weeks ago?”
The women circled around Quinn.
“Um, yes.”
She wasn’t sure what sort of response to expect from that. Was she going to have to fight Wavy? Was that a thing? Quinn would lose. She didn’t know anything about fighting, girl fights or otherwise.
She was surprised and relieved when Wavy broke into a grin. “Good. He needs someone like you.”
Riley had said something along that same line earlier this evening.
Maybe it was the wine, but Quinn said, “I’m not sure what that means. Do you mean I’m good for him because I’m temporary? Older?” Not as attractive as the other woman he probably dates?
At least she’d had the good sense not to say that last part out loud.
Wavy looked over at Charlie, communicating something Quinn didn’t understand.
“No, not any of those things. We’ve watched Baby get more and more distant over the past couple of years. Withdrawing from almost everyone.”
“I don’t understand,” Riley said. “He seems fine to me. Friendly, always smiling, as usual.”
Wavy nodded. “I know. It took me a long time to see it too. You know Baby, he’s always friendly and laughing and making sure everyone else is doing okay emotionally. But there’s something off. I don’t know what it is, but I know my brother is struggling with something.”
“Not to mention he hasn’t truly gotten close to a woman for a long time,” Charlie interjected. “Finn and I were talking about that the other day. How Baby hasn’t been truly interested or invested in a woman for a while. Years. I don’t know why. At first, I thought it was because he wanted to play the field. Why settle down with one woman when every straight, single female in four different counties throws themselves at him?”
“But he doesn’t date them,” Peyton says. “And he doesn’t sleep with them. I noticed it too, but I was so busy trying to make sure Cade didn’t find out about Jess that I was careful not to get too close to Baby. Baby’s friendly with all those women, and they want more, but I don’t think he’s been interested.”
Wavy raised an eyebrow. “Exactly. Keeping them close without letting them close. Making sure they’re okay, without allowing anyone close enough to know if he’s really okay.”
Quinn swallowed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I think he might be trying to do the same with me. He hasn’t been in contact since our date a couple of nights ago. I don’t think he’s interested.”
“Jess said he has heart eyes for you.” Peyton patted Quinn’s shoulder gently. “I know she’s only five, but Jess is more observant than most adults.”
“That’s the damn truth,” Charlie muttered.
“We’ll see tonight,” Wavy said. “With your hair all up in its bun and your pretty wrap dress...”
Violet, the gorgeous redhead, giggled. “You’re like a package he won’t be able to wait to open.”
“Speaking of packages, did you bring any leftover treats from the 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.
The music shifted to something slow, and she laid her head against Baby’s shoulder, but a few seconds later he stopped.
“Can I cut in?”
Baby grimaced and stepped away from Quinn. “Phoenix, you’re the only man in this bar that I’m willing to say yes to. I’ll go dance with Girl Riley.”
Riley pulled her in for a hug before they started dancing at a much more respectable distance from each other than she and Baby had been.
“Hey there, sis. Fancy seeing you here in Oak Creek.”
Quinn’s mom had died before she’d had a chance to remember her. Her dad, an investment banker, had married Riley’s mom when Quinn was five. When she’d turned nine, they’d given her the best present ever, a baby brother.
She mostly remembered Riley as a little boy. He’d always been rambunctious and outgoing and good at every sport he’d ever played, the exact opposite of her. Their differences in age and temperament had meant that they weren’t particularly close, although they’d always loved each other.
Riley had just gotten out of high school and Quinn had been working on her doctorate when both their parents had died in a car accident. By then, Riley’s career as an extreme-sport athlete and YouTube sensation was taking off. Quinn had recently met Peter. Their lives went in different directions and they’d grown further apart.
But he was always going to be her little brother—the one who had tried to teach her how to do wheelies on her bike or flips on the trampoline—both abysmal failures.
“Hey, little bro.”
“I’m not sure if I should be thrilled you’re here or mad because you were here for two weeks without telling me.”
She grimaced and leaned back to look him in the eye. “I know. I’m sorry. It never seemed to be the right time, you know, between you or Girl Riley nearly being killed three or four times per day.”
“Ha. Okay, I’ll give you a one-time pass since it has been an extraordinarily dangerous past two weeks. But, come on, Quinn. You’re the only family I have. There’s nothing I could be going through that would make me not want to see you.”
“I know.” And she did know that. “I needed some time to get my head on straight and your troubles gave me the excuse to keep it all to myself.”
“Riley and I both are here to help you if you need it. No matter what happened at Harvard, you know we’re on your side.”
“Riley filled you in on everything?”
He nodded. “And, just so you know, the police report from the incident came across the sheriff’s desk here. Gavin was waiting for us when we came back from our little getaway. He was concerned for you.”
So it hadn’t been Baby or Kendrick who had told them about the campus situation. She wasn’t sure if that made her feel better or worse.
She hugged him closer. “Thank you for sharing your hometown with me.”
“How are you liking the job at Teton State College?”
“My work at Harvard was much more research-based. Being back in the classroom is different.”
“But good?”
“Yes. It’s been so long since I’ve taught that I’d forgotten how much I actually enjoyed it.”
The song ended and Quinn found herself pulled back into Baby’s arms.
Her brother winked at her and wrapped his arm around Girl Riley’s waist.
“You deserve to have some fun, sis. It’s time to get to know yourself outside the parameters of Harvard. I think you might be surprised at who you find.”
Quinn smiled. At this point, she hoped there was someone there to find at all.
Boy Riley hitched a thumb toward Baby. “And this one is a good one to help you learn how to let your hair down, in your case, figuratively and literally.”
Her hand automatically went up to her bun. She’d been wearing it this way for so long that it h
adn’t occurred to her to leave her hair down, not even to go out.
“I’m definitely up for the job.” Baby’s grin was the most dangerous thing she’d ever seen.
Chapter Twenty
Once Baby got close to Quinn on the dance floor, he didn’t let her out of his sight again. He’d learned his lesson.
Not that she’d tried to get away.
She hadn’t had nearly as much to drink as her birthday, but she was still dancing and having a good time. Every once in a while, she’d shake her head and look around like she couldn’t quite comprehend what was happening around her, and a couple of times she pointed out that she didn’t really fit in with this group. But that was so silly that he hadn’t bothered to respond.
The 80s music kept them all silly, dancing around like idiots. Everyone was celebrating—Girl Riley was home safely, and the Rileys were engaged. Zac and Anne were twisting their arms and forcing them to go to a private island to celebrate their wedding in a few months.
It was their town at its finest.
And for Baby, it was a perfect night.
Right up until the point he realized exactly what Quinn was wearing.
He’d noticed the pretty plum dress as soon as she walked in. How it accentuated her soft curves.
It hadn’t been until after several dances, during which he’d been sliding bobby pins out of her hair each time and pocketing them, that bun becoming looser and looser, that he’d realized she was wearing a wraparound dress.
That pretty little bow tied at her hip? A couple of strategic pulls at it and that dress would be completely off her lush body.
It was all he could do to keep his hands off the material. His fingers itched to pull at the bow.
“There’s that look again.” She stepped a little closer as they danced. “You almost look like you’re in pain. Are you sure you’re all right?”
A bead of sweat plunged a little lower between her breasts as she danced. He swallowed hard.
“I like your dress.”
“My dress? That’s what’s causing that look?”
