Hot 4 (Multiple Love)

"So, we better get shopping. See you later," Kane says. I forgot that they're on shift overnight. It's going to be the first time I sleep alone in that huge bed. I reckon I'll look like Jack sleeping in the giant's residence.

"Yeah. Later." Logan nods, which is about all he can do because his hands are otherwise engaged. We make our way in the opposite direction, into the market. The air is scented with a mixture of earthiness and freshly baked bread. Holden is the first to approach the main vegetable stall, selecting the fresh items we need. Everything looks delicious, still dusted with the earth it grew in. So different from shopping in sterile supermarkets as I did in my old life. There is no plastic wrap here, just paper bags. Harris lets my hand go and begins to take the bags from Holden. There's a woman at the end who rings everything up. I stand watching for a while, then gaze around at the rest of the market, spotting the woman famous for her chocolate and meat concoctions. I want to drift in that direction, but I stay where I am, waiting for this part of our mission to be completed. Just before Holden is done, I make sure he's brought some key ingredients that I need for a meal I'm going to attempt to cook later. The boys have been feeding me so well that I feel bad for my lack of contribution the catering arrangements.

We drift along to the next stall, which has meat products displayed in refrigerated displays. Kane takes charge here, choosing some excellent-looking steaks, chicken, and sausage. It's a veritable meat feast. Further along still, the bakery stall has pretty artisan bread. There are even long sticks of baguette, which I adore spread thick with butter. I point to one, and Karter asks for two to be bagged. He purchases croissants and bagels too, and a large loaf of sourdough bread that will be amazing toasted with avocado.

Holden begins drifting to Darlene's stall, and I follow him, drawn by the scent of sweetened buttercream that is drifting on the wind. The cake stall is an explosion of pink, dressed in balloons and fake flowers. There is an array of different cupcakes labeled with chalkboard signs. There is even a section for cakes from around the world, which I lean in to view in more detail. "The Lamingtons are delicious," Darlene says, pointing to some square sponge cakes covered in coconut. “They're an Australian specialty. And the Battenberg is also a great choice if you like marzipan.” She points to an exciting-looking cake that is made up of pink and yellow squares wrapped in marzipan. "I'll take both," I say, grinning at Holden.

He screws up his face. "Marzipan?"

"Yeah...it’s yummy!"

"I think I'll stick to cupcakes." He grimaces.

"The usual?" Darlene asks.

"Sure, why not. But can you count in batches of five?"

Darlene smiles, grabbing a huge cake box from behind her. "Do you have a houseguest?"

"A permanent one." Holden throws his arm around my shoulder, kissing the top of my head to illustrate the point.

"Ah. You got yourself a girlfriend." She leans in, cupping her mouth conspiratorially. "Your brothers will be jealous, but at least there are still three of you for the town's single ladies. You know you guys are still the most sought-after bachelors in these parts."

"Don't tell Logan that," Holden laughs. "And sorry to disappoint, but we're all committed."

How adult does that sound, when inside, I want to bring both of my hands to my face and giggle uncontrollably?

"Well. That's great." Darlene beams, but her eyebrows are raised as though she doesn't really understand what she's congratulating.

Holden pays for the huge box of cakes, and we wander around the rest of the market, gathering more yummy items. At the end of our trip, as we're making our way to the exit, I notice Summer from the coffee shop and curse internally. We almost made it out of this place without there being a scene. "Don't look now, but Summer just noticed us," I hiss between my teeth. Holden's head jerks and he mumbles “shit” under his breath.

I plaster a fake smile on my face as we make our way out of the market, while I silently pray that there is no drama in this very public place.

Glancing quickly to the side, I see that Summer has disappeared. "I can't see her anymore," I whisper to Holden who's keeping close.

"She's making her way over. Harris, take Connie to the car. I'll deal with this." Before I can agree or object, Harris has grabbed my arm and frog-marched me to the car. I crane my neck, searching for Holden and Summer, but the crowd seems to have shifted around them. Either that or Holden has had to take Summer somewhere less public.