“I did. So if there’s anything you want, let me know. And I’ll be taking custom orders as well, so I can always make something for you.”
“You know,”—I smile at her, examining a gold ring with a large black stone set in it—“I don’t have anyone I could give this to, but can I buy it to support you?”
Tears well in her eyes. “You really don’t have to do that, Jasper.”
“I want to.”
I have no idea if it will fit Quinn or not, but we’ll see.
“What are you buying?” Noah asks, dropping his elbows onto the counter as Chloe rings me up.
“Would you quit it?” I hiss.
“Quit what? I’m only asking you what you’re buying.” He waggles his eyebrows at me.
Chloe eyes the two of us, but passes over the bag as she takes my card and runs it through the machine.
The rest of the guys are standing around together in one corner as a few people drift inside. I head over to them, doing my best to ignore Noah and his not-so-subtle hints.
“What’d you buy?” Marcus nods at my bag.
“A ring. Wanted to support Chloe, even if I have no one to give it to.”
“Maybe I can find a teacher at school to set you up with,” Harper says. “A guy like you? They’d love you.”
“Maybe,” I say, not putting much effort or commitment into my answer.
I don’t want to jinx anything. It’s still early. With both of us in the public spotlight, our relationship is going to be under a microscope the minute we’re seen together. Me? I’m not that big of a draw. It’s all Quinn.
Right now, it’s easier to let this thing grow, just the two of us. Even though the guys will be supportive, I still want to keep this to myself.
What we have is special. And I’ll protect it as long as I can.
Chapter Sixteen
QUINN
“You have a lot of bags for someone who can’t spend the night tonight.”
Jasper is loaded down as he comes in my front door, one oversized bag in his right hand and a tiny bag, stamped with a store logo, in the other.
“Hi to you too.” He leans down, dropping a kiss on my lips.
“Hi.” I take the large, canvas tote from him, hearing items knocking together as I set it on the counter. “What is all of this?”
“Well, this”—he hands me the small bag—“is for you. The other is what I plan on doing tonight.”
Pulling out a piece of pink tissue paper, I open the jewelry bag and a gold ring drops into my palm. “Chloe made this?”
“She did.” Jasper takes it from my hand and slides it down my middle finger. A perfect fit. “I got it under the guise of wanting to support her. Noah is about ready to burst and tell the guys, but he’s keeping it in check.”
“Are you sure?” I wiggle my fingers, letting the light catch the black gemstone.
“We’ll see.” Jasper scoops me up and kisses me.
Properly.
Teasing ever so slightly, I open for him. The sweet taste of mint lingers as our tongues fight for control.
