Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
“Don’t be ridiculous. They’re going to love you.” Caroline flipped through several tops, then pulled out another sweater. “Besides, Q is crazy about you, and that’s all that matters.”
“I wish that was true.”
“Of course, it’s true. They want their brother happy, and you make him happy. Simple as that.” She tucked the sweater under my chin, then nodded. “I think we have ourselves a winner.”
“Are you sure?” I held it to my chest as I stepped over to the mirror, and I was pleased to see that it didn’t look absolutely hideous. “Hmmm. I think you might be right.”
“I know I am.” She walked over and plopped down on the bed. “You just need to fluff up your hair and put on those hip-hugger jeans you keep hidden in your bottom drawer.”
“You sure? Cause he’s going to be here any minute, and ...”
“It’s perfect. Now, get dressed so we can get started on your hair.”
I started to undress as I told her, “I really wish you were going with us today.”
“Hmmm, yeah. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, I promised my sister I’d have dinner at her place.”
“I understand, but know you will be missed.”
“I appreciate that.”
I finished changing; then, we worked together to tackle my hair and makeup. Twenty minutes later, I was looking even better than I’d expected. “Hey, this isn’t half bad.”
“Told ya,” Caroline replied proudly. “You’re gonna knock ‘em dead.”
“Thanks, Caroline.” I walked over and gave her a quick hug. “I appreciate you helping me out like this.”
“You don’t have to thank me, silly.” She hugged me back, and my chest tightened when she said, “That’s what friends are for.”
I’d never really had friends—at least, none like Caroline. In the past, I’d just had a couple of close acquaintances from work or school, but none that I could truly trust—certainly none that I could truly confide in, and it felt good to finally have my first true friend.
I gave her one last squeeze, then put on my coat as I told her, “I better get downstairs, or Quinton’s gonna think I’ve gone AWOL.”
“You’re probably right about that.” Caroline slipped on her coat, then grabbed her purse and keys. “I’ll follow you out.”
I grabbed the corn pudding casserole I’d made, then with Caroline following close behind, I rushed out the door, locking it behind me. When we made it downstairs, Quinton was waiting for me in his truck, so I said another quick goodbye to Caroline and hopped inside. As soon as I shut the door, Quinton looked down at the casserole I’d placed between us and asked, “Is that your famous corn pudding?”
“It is.”
“Great, I’m looking forward to trying it.” A smile swept across his face as he said, “You look great, by the way.”
“Thanks.” I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “You look great, too.”
“Only cause I got you by my side.”
Quinton gave me a playful wink, then pulled out of the parking space and started driving toward the clubhouse. Neither of us spoke on the way over, and I was okay with that. I needed time to collect myself and prepare for what lay ahead.
I wanted to be happy about spending Thanksgiving with Quinton and all his brothers, and I was. I was thrilled. It had meant the world to me that he’d asked me to come along, but at the same time, I was nervous. There would be so many people there, and while I’d met most of them at the orchard, there were still many I didn’t know—which was enough to make anyone feel a little uneasy. It didn’t help matters that Lauren and Flynn were going to be there.
I knew I had no reason to be concerned about Lauren.
Quinton had made it very clear that she hadn’t shared his feelings and had moved on with Flynn, but I was worried that us all being there together might be uncomfortable. I didn’t mention my concerns to Quinton. Instead, I feigned a smile and tried not to be freaked out that there were so many cars in the parking lot.
Once we were parked, we got out, and Quinton quickly made his way over to me. “You good?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Just a little nervous.”
“Nervous, huh?”
“Just a little.”
“Well, let’s see what we can do about that.”
The words had barely left his mouth when he reached for me, placing his hands on my waist, and pulled me towards him. Before I had a chance to react, he’d lowered his mouth to mine and was kissing me, soft and seductive.
Enchanted by his touch, I leaned into him, relishing the warmth of his body next to mine. His arms wound tight around me, inching me even closer as his tongue found its way into my mouth. Seconds later, I was completely lost in his touch and no longer worried about the crowd of people who were waiting for us inside.