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“Really?” I raised a brow, surprised and secretly pleased.
“Definitely. I’m sure you know he can be a bit...I’d say gruff would be a good description.”
I thought back to the fire inspection at the bakery and chuckled. “Yes, that does sound familiar.”
“Well, you’ve had a positive effect on him. He’s a lot more chill now. We all thank you,” Bree said, laughing.
I smiled.
“And not to pry, but things between you two seem pretty serious, if I’m reading the room correctly?” Her honey voice ticked up at the last word, turning the statement into a question.
A hot blush crept down my neck, my heart hammering in my chest. I swallowed over the dry lump in my throat. “I mean, I think so. For me, anyway. We haven’t really talked too much about it, to be honest, but it seems like it’s headed in that direction,” I said, babbling, my hands clammy on the scrub brush.
Bree moved a touch closer to me, leaning in. “Oh trust me, this is Quinn we’re talking about. He’s serious about you. Quinn doesn’t date. The fact he brought you to family dinner is huge.”
I fiddled with the brush, swishing it in the water, marveling at that soap bubble still clinging to the surface of the water. My heart flip-flopped in my chest at her words, even as a cold snake of anxiety wriggled in my gut. I still hadn’t mentioned Holden to Quinn and now I’d shared Sunday supper with his entire family.
“You’re all in, right?” Bree asked, a perfect brow arching high above her eye.
I took a breath of air, the lingering smell of garlic stinging my nose. “Yeah. Yes. I am,” I said, even as I flashed back to my conversation with Holden.How was I going to resolve this mess?
I locked eyes with her, and she nodded.
“He’s a good guy, Lanie. A little stubborn, tough on the outside, but he truly has a heart of gold. You’re perfect for him, in my opinion. Do you want some more wine?” Bree asked, grabbing for our glasses as she changed the subject.
“Sure. Thanks.”
She headed towards the fridge, leaving me standing at the sink, contemplating her words. A lot was on the line with this relationship—Quinn’s feelings, his friendship with my brother, not to mention an entire town full of gossips with nothing better to talk about, especially if things went south. Pressure built in my chest, a heavy feeling making it hard to breathe. I took a quick breath of air, trying to displace the panic.
I was a grown-ass woman. I could do this. My relationship with Quinn was good, solid. And frankly, nobody else’s business.
Glancing down, I exhaled hard into the dishwater just as the rainbowy soap bubble bobbled off the tine of the fork, exploding.
* * *
Two hours later, buzzy with the wine and the family time, I had all the Christmas feels. I hadn't been this happy in a long time, even if Manhattan bounced across my mind every now and again.
“You ready to get out of here?” Quinn whispered in my ear, sliding his arm around my waist.
His touch sent a shiver of excitement tiptoeing down my spine. I glanced over my shoulder as I hung another silver ornament on the tree. “I guess. I was having a good time with your family.”
“But you’ll have more fun with me,” he said, nuzzling my neck. Luckily we were at the back of the tree, hidden in the corner. I would die if Gigi saw us.
“True...”
“So that’s a yes?”
“Yes.”
Quinn’s lips met mine and he kissed me softly right there in the den, behind the Christmas tree. Then he laced his strong fingers with mine and announced we were leaving.
“Uncle Quinn! I don’t want you to go yet!” Charlie said, pouting.
Quinn squeezed his shoulder. “I know, little man, but it’s late and you’ve got school tomorrow. And I have to go to work super early, so I’ve got to get some sleep, just like you.”
Charlie crossed his arms over his chest.
“He’s right, bud. It’s time for us to go, too. The tree’s practically done. Gigi and Pops can finish it up. You’ve got to hit the shower,” said Ryder.
