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“Great. It’s a date.” He winked at me again, then swaggered out of the bakery like he owned the place.
I let out a huge whoosh of air, sinking down into the nearest chair. This was a complication I absolutely did not need. No, make that two complications. The failed inspection. And the hot-as-hell inspector, who just happened to be my brother’s best friend.
* * *
“Hi guys, I’m here,” I said, announcing my presence to the very empty and very beige living room.
Tossing my purse onto the dark wood coffee table, I hustled down the narrow hallway leading to the kitchen.
“Sorry I’m late, you’ll never believe who showed up for a surprise fire inspection. Quinn McCauliffe, that big jerk! And he failed me, by the way—thanks a lot—so now I’m even more behind schedule.”
I swung into the kitchen, where my family was already seated at the table—my oldest brother Josh and his wife, Sue Ann, plus their two kids, Skip and Joseph; my middle brother, Ben; my dad. And a surprise guest, Quinn, the big jerk of a fire inspector.
Perfect.
Just my freaking luck.
He stared directly at me, eyebrows slightly raised, a twinkle in those slate eyes.
Not missing a beat, he said, “So should I rescind that offer of bumping up your second inspection, since I’m such an, ahem,” he looked at the boys, “jerk?” Cocking his head, he paused, waiting for my response.
“Uh, no, no, I’m good,” I stammered, my cheeks burning as I tucked my hand in my back pocket. Never had I ever wanted to be swallowed up into the yellow floral wallpaper more than I did at that moment. My stomach churned, and was I hitting early menopause? It was so damn hot everywhere I went.
I fanned myself with one hand, turning my back to everyone, and grabbed a plate off the white Formica peninsula. Anything to avert eye contact with this guy. But seriously, how could I know he’d be at my kitchen table? Like, what were the odds, today of all days?
My brother Josh jumped into the embarrassing mess I’d just made. “Don’t worry, Delaney. Everyone flunks their first fire inspection. Right, Quinn?”
“Well, only the ones who ignore fire safety.”
He stared directly at me, and my ears burned in shame. It was bad enough I’d failed the inspection; now Quinn had to be at my table gloating about it. Such a jerk.
Even if he was one of the hottest jerks I’d seen in a long damn time.
Studying him, I could make out the face of the boy he’d once been, the slight cowlick, the dimple in the right cheek. The one who’d spent hours at our house playing video games and teasing me non-stop, perpetually shirtless, like all adolescent boys.
Mortified, I took my place at the table, having filled my plate with food I’d never be able to eat. Nerves zipped through me, making me queasy.
Swallowing hard over the lump in my throat, I turned to Skip. Lovely, safe, six-year-old Skip. “So, how was school today, buddy?”
“Good.”
Great. I’d expected a little more.
“Do anything fun? Learn anything new?”
“Nah.”
I’d never been more let down by Skip.
“Oh, okay.”
“How’s everything coming along at the bakery, Delaney?” Sue Ann asked as she tried to shovel peas into Joseph’s unyielding mouth. “I mean, besides the inspection.”
“It’s coming along fine.” I smoothed my paper napkin on my lap, avoiding eye contact with Quinn, even though he was seated directly across from me.
“Glad to hear it. We’re really looking forward to the grand opening on Friday!” Sue Ann shot me an enthusiastic smile as Joseph spit out a big green pile of smooshed-up peas.
“Yeah, me too. Assuming it all comes together.”
