“You are?” Marcus questions. “What are you doing?”
“Yeah, big plans?” Noah asks, arms crossed with a knowing look on his face.
“Zucchini needs me home.”
“That’s it?” Noah cocks his eyebrow at me.
“What’s wrong with going home to my cat?” I fire back at him.
“You seem to be in a hurry to get home to yourcat.”
The fucker. Based on the conniving look on his face, he knows exactly what he’s doing. So what if I haven’t told the other guys about Quinn yet?
This whole thing could blow up in my face and what then? I’d have to backtrack it? Not that I think that’s going to happen, but considering tonight is going to be only our second date, I don’t want to push the boundaries just yet.
“Leave him alone.” Graham slaps Noah on the chest. “If he wants to go home to Zucchini, let him.”
Graham gives me a sympathizing look. One that tells me Noah has filled him in. Which, to be fair, I didn’t fill Noah in after I met with Quinn, so for all he knows, nothing has happened.
Being superstitious about things sucks.
“Maybe we can have a fowling night in a few weeks,” Marcus says.
“I’m sorry, fowling? What the fuck is that?” I ask, pulling on my jacket.
“It’s like bowling, but you use a football to knock down the pins. The girls played it at a friend’s house and it’s all they can talk about,” Marcus says.
“It might give us a more even playing field,” Bode gripes. “I’m in.”
“Let me know when. I’m ready to kick your ass again.” I shoot him a cheesy grin.
“Way to hit below the belt, Jasper,” Bode says.
“I try.” I toss a wave behind my shoulder. “Until then, see you guys later.”
I’m off to see my good luck charm.
Chapter Thirteen
QUINN
The mood is set. The lights are low as I sip on a glass of whiskey. A vinyl record plays in the corner—something slow and sultry. I slipped into my sexiest lingerie, something I know will drive Jasper crazy, and covered up with an oversized cardigan. No need to give it all away the moment he walks in the door. My hair is down and I put on a light coating of makeup. Nothing over-the-top.
The game ended an hour ago. He should be here any time now.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so…excited. I was tempted the other night to break my rule—not sleeping with someone on the first date. The only time I’ve done it was with Eric. That didn’t turn out how I planned, so I made myself go home.
Leaving Jasper there when I wanted to stay? It was an exercise in self-control. My body tingles with need at how much I want him.
A soft knock comes from the front door.
Finally.
Giving my hair one last fluff, I cross the living room and pull the door open. My eyes rake over Jasper. The porch light illuminates him in his suit.
Scruff lining his jaw.
Hair pushed back from his face.
