“So you’re blackmailing us into liking you with desserts.” Sabs sinks her teeth into a cream puff, then says with her mouth full, “Damn, they’re so good, it may actually work.”
Kady rolls her eyes, but I see her resolve softening as she tucks into her tart.
“I may have replaced the neon sign with a less flashy one too,” Jagger tells me. That sign totally didn’t go with the charming bakery. “Even though you should have your name upin lights, I could tell you didn’t like it, so I picked out something a little more… authentic.”
“Thank you,” I breathe. “Neon definitely doesn’t match the vibe of the place.”
“You’ll have to visit again soon,” he says before helping himself to a slice of watermelon.
Watching him bite into it and seeing the pink juices drip down his chin sends tremors between my thighs. I quickly avert my gaze. Who knew him eating some fruit could be such an arousing experience?
“We’ll all have to go!” Sabs declares, and Tae hums in agreement.
My heart does a little happy dance as I gaze around, surrounded by all of my favorite people.
“We’re so lucky to have found our matches.” As if she can sense what I’m thinking, Faye wistfully leans her head on my shoulder while Nash fusses around with plates and Tae makes a drink for Kady.
“Yes.” My eyes mist over. Tonight has been everything I didn’t know I needed. “We are.”
It could be the earlier cocktails messing with me, but I’m starting to see these guys as mine.Jagger, Tae, and Nash. The tortured artist, the grizzly who is a secret softie, and my sunshine beta. Being in their presence just feels right, and I can finally see what a life with them could be like.
“I didn’t realize how late it was.” Kady glances at her watch. “I asked Hale to pick us up at ten. I need an early night before classes tomorrow.”
“I’ll open the gates for his car.” Nash disappears into the hallway to tap a few buttons on a panel on the wall.
Faye stretches her arms, stifling a yawn. “Tae’s amazing cocktails and all that food have made me pretty sleepy.”
“Do you want to take the rest of the cake with you?” Jagger offers.
“Oh…” Faye plays with the hem of her dress. “I don’t know if I could…”
He’s already stuffing it into a box and handing it to her before she can say anything else.
“Thanks, Jagger.” She beams up at him. “I’ll share it with my guys.”
“I bet they’re all waiting up, pining for you,” Sabs teases. “They’re like lost puppies when you’re not around.”
Faye swats her shoulder but doesn’t argue.
“You should take some back to Stella House too.” Jagger grabs boxes then stuffs them full of treats for the others. “Here you go.”
The girls head for the exit, but I hang back.
“Del?” Sabs pauses. “Are you coming?”
“I think I’ll stick around a little longer.” My cheeks heat, turning to the guys. “If you don’t mind?”
“Mind?” Tae is practically bouncing. “Of course, we don’t mind. You can stay as long as you’d like.”
“Our home is your home.” My skin tingles in response to Nash’s growly voice.
“We won’t wait up.” Sabs pulls me into a one-armed hug while she balances the bakery box in the other. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Remember what I said.” Kady points a finger at the guys. “Hurt her, and you’ll have us to deal with.”
Their heads bob up and down in agreement.
“Thank you for a lovely evening,” Faye says. “You’ll have to come over to ours for dinner soon.”
