Chasing Temptation (Chasing Love 2)

“We were just across the street, helping Alex with a basketball crisis,” Bass said, then glanced at Huck. “Well, some of us were helping. Others were concerned with their biceps.”

“Hey, I was testing the equipment,” Huck said with a smile, flexing the bicep in question. “Don’t worry, the weights work really well.”

Penny laughed. “Good to know.”

“So what are you two doing?” Huck asked, looking between her and Bass.

“I was just getting the last thing I needed and heading home,” she said.

“What’s the last thing?” Sebastian asked.

“Vodka.”

Huck looked in her basket and smiled. Sebastian, however, kept his eyes on hers.

“Judging by your items there, looks like you’re having a party,” Huck said.

“Party of one mostly. I’m making some desserts for Jenna to try later. I put vodka in the pie crust. Makes it flakier.”

“Awesome, well I’ll see you at the checkout then,” Huck said. Penny followed in the same direction.

“Penny,” Sebastian called after her in a low tone. She turned to face him. “I’ll see you later.”

She nodded. She didn’t know what later meant in Sebastian-speak. Could be tomorrow, a week from now, who knew. But she loved the idea that it would happen.

“Well you know where to find me.” She looked at her basket, then at him. “Whip cream and all.”

…

“These tarts are great,” Jenna said, taking a bite of one of the many desserts Penny had made.

“I was thinking we could do a few mini desserts at the rehearsal dinner to keep it lighter and give more options.”

“I love it!” Jenna said, shoving the rest of the tart in her mouth.

Penny’s kitchen was a disaster, and it was pushing nine p.m., but baking samples for Jenna had finally given her mind something to focus on other than the memory of Bass staring her down at the grocery store today.

“Oh my God, are these tiny chocolate cream pies?” Jenna took one and shoved the whole thing in her mouth. A resounding “mmmm” followed. She nodded and gave a thumbs up while she processed the massive bite.

“Well I’m glad you like all this. I was thinking of putting out trays of the various kinds of desserts at each table after dinner. Then people can pick and choose.”

Jenna swallowed the rest of her bite. “Love it even more! Speaking of the rehearsal dinner, do you have a date for it?”

“No. Figured I’d be pretty busy overseeing the dinner and—”

“You said you have staff for that. You’re in the wedding party. I want you to have fun.”

“I will. I’ll just be in the background, making sure the food is prepped and getting out and all that.”

“As long as you actually interact with us and don’t spend all night behind the bar.”

“I won’t.”

“Good, so a date then. You still need one.”

“I didn’t say that. I’m just going to hang with Lily and the guys.”

“They all have dates,” Jenna said, like Penny was an idiot for not knowing such a thing.