“Josh’s right, Quinn,” Alex says as he joins us. “If at first you don’t succeed, you just try again.”
“So you think I should do it?” I ask, still feeling apprehensive about taking on such a big task.
Both Dad and Alex nod, then Alex says, “Besides, we’ll all be here to help.”
“Yeah, and I have some savings set aside to help with the store’s rent the first couple of months,” Dad offers.
“We’ve got that covered,” Eli jumps in as he hands Dad and Alex each a beer. “With the sales Quinn’s already made, she’s saved up a neat amount.”
“Yeah?” Dad gives me a proud look. “Look at my baby girl becoming a successful businesswoman.”
“Dad,” I mutter, another blush creeping up my face, “I’m far from successful.”
“I’m getting really good at painting, so if you need a painter for the store, I’m your man,” Ethan says.
“You’re her man?” Eli comments, giving his brother a scowl.
“God, don’t start,” Nina chuckles. “Everyone knows Quinn’s yours.”
My eyes dart to Dad’s face, but seeing him grinning at Eli and Ethan’s bantering sets me at ease.
Getting up from my chair, I say, “I’m going to check on the cake.”
We’re also celebrating Eli’s twenty-fifth birthday that’s four days from now, and I’m baking him a chocolate cake. I’ve been checking on it every ten minutes because this is the one cake I can’t mess up.
Walking into the kitchen, I crouch and peek into the oven. I also glance at the turkey Alex is making for dinner.
Satisfied everything’s okay, I stand up, and then Eli’s chest presses against my back, and he kisses the side of my neck.
“Stop worrying about the cake.”
I turn around in his arms, placing my hands on his chest. “It’s my birthday gift to you. It has to be perfect.”
Eli kisses the tip of my nose. “You’re already the best gift I could’ve asked for.”
Whenever I think I can’t love Eli more, he says or does something to make the emotion grow even more.
I move my hands up, wrapping my arms around his neck. “There is one more gift I still have to give you.”
His one eyebrow lifts. “Yeah?”
Grinning playfully, I say, “My virginity.”
Eli instantly lets go of me, putting space between us. Shaking his head, he says, “You know you can’t say things like that when our parents are close by.”
I let out a chuckle, my eyes lowering to his cock.
“Quinn,” he murmurs, a tone of warning lacing my name.
“Just saying,” I shrug. “I’ll even wrap a ribbon around my neck and put on some sexy lingerie.”
Eli stares at me for a moment, desire making his eyes look like melted ice. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
I nod, closing the distance between us. “You were the one who taught me it’s all about the anticipation.”
“What are you anticipating?” Dad suddenly asks as he comes in via the backdoor.
Eli quickly takes a seat at the kitchen table, and I have to swallow my burst of laughter.
Eli clears his throat before he says, “Ah… Quinn’s just telling me how the anticipation’s building to open the bakery.”
“Have you gone to look at any available stores?” Dad asks.
I shake my head, then Eli says, “The Green Leaf is still empty.”
The smile drops from my face. “No.”
“It would be perfect,” Dad agrees with Eli.
I shake my head hard, and walking back outside, I snap, “I said no. Don’t mention it again.”
Sitting down next to Nina, I have to force a smile back to my face as the guilt and sorrow whirl inside my chest.
Last week I realized I’m thinking less and less about Katie. But when she pops up in my mind, it’s one hell of a blow to my heart, and I feel guilty for the moments of happiness I find with Eli.
I try to listen to the conversation, but my mind drifts off until I’m staring blankly at my hands in my lap.
Nina’s hand settles on my back, and when my eyes dart to hers, she gives me a comforting smile.
I’m reminded of everything she shared with me, and taking a deep breath, I push my sorrow and guilt down and focus on the people around me.
ELI
Making sure all the doors are locked, I head upstairs.
When I walk into the bedroom, Quinn’s in the bathroom, brushing her teeth.
I join her at the sink, and putting some toothpaste onto my toothbrush, my eyes lock with Quinn’s in the mirror. I can see she feels terrible about snapping earlier, and I wink at her to show her it’s okay.
After we’re done rinsing our mouths out, I take her hand and pull her to the bed. I sit down, turning my body to face her, and keeping her hand in mine, I ask, “Gonna talk to me?”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers.
I shake my head. “I’m not upset you snapped, Quinn. I just want to know why.”