Stroke of Luck

“Austin has them. Remember?”

“Right. And the black ones you wore in the pool still aren’t back?”

“Apparently, they got damaged in the wash. But you don’t really want me to wear panties anyway, do you?”

He grinned. “Well, that’s true.” He stepped close and slid his arms around her waist, drawing her close to his body. “But you really should get some new ones. And some clothes, too. I love this dress, but you need something else to wear.”

She drew away from him, a little stiff.

“That would be nice, but I don’t have any money.”

He could feel her withdrawing from him, and he hated it. She tried to step away, but he caught her hand.

“You know, I’m happy to pay for some new clothes for you.”

She drew her hand free and put a little distance between them.

“I’m not borrowing more money from you.”

“Sweetheart, be reasonable. You can’t go an entire month with just one dress and no underwear.”

She drew in a breath and shook her head, but he caught her quick glance in the mirror and the doubt flickering across her eyes. He wanted to insist, but now was not the time.

“When did you say we’re meeting Austin?” she asked.

He glanced at his watch. “In about three minutes.”

She arched her eyebrow. “You should get cracking then.”

Quinn walked to the closet and retrieved a fresh shirt, then donned a charcoal-gray suit and a silk tie in a gray and violet pattern. He offered her his elbow. She curled her fingers around it and accompanied him to the door.

They’d have a nice evening, then in the morning, he’d ensure that one way or another, she had some nice things to wear.

* * *

Austin saw Quinn and April walk toward the table, accompanied by the hostess. April had a subtle glow, and Quinn seemed more relaxed than Austin had seen him in … forever.

“I’m sorry we kept you waiting,” April said as she sat down.

“It was my fault,” Quinn said. “I was a little slow getting dressed after our nap.”

Austin smiled. “If I had been napping with April, I would resist getting back into my clothes, too.”

The waitress appeared and set two drinks on the table.

“I went ahead and ordered drinks for you,” Austin said.

“Would you like a refill now, Mr. Wright?” the waitress asked.

“No, I’m good, thanks.” Austin’s glass was still half-full.

“This doesn’t have the same liquor I was drinking last night, does it?” April asked, eyeing the cocktail.

“No, I didn’t think you’d want something that strong tonight. I ordered you today’s special, which has mango, pineapple, and vodka. If you’d rather have something else, we can change it.”

“No, it sounds delicious. Thank you.” She sipped it, and the look of delight on her face made him smile.

“I thought we might catch a show after dinner,” he suggested. “I hear they have a great new magician.”