Luke walks over at that moment.“Who’s disgustingly adorable?”
“Damien and Quinn,” Skye says.
Luke squints at me.“Yeah, that checks out.”
“Why is everyone analyzing my relationship?”
“Because we like Damien and we like you,” he says without preamble.“And we enjoy happiness.”
“That’s suspiciously wholesome for someone with as many muscles and tattoos as you have.”
“We are more than what you see on the surface,” he says honestly.“We have layers.Besides, I have kids so I have to be somewhat wholesome.”
I shake my head, smiling.Across the shop Damien finishes with the new clients and walks back over.
“What did I miss?”he asks.
“Relationship analysis,” I say.
He groans.“I knew leaving you alone with them was a mistake.”
“Too late now.”
He slips his arm casually around my waist and the gesture feels natural and easy.The warmth of his hand against my side sends that familiar little spark through my chest.
“You ready to head out soon?”he asks.
“Where are we going?”
“Dinner.”
“That sounds nice.”
“Then maybe a walk.”
“Also nice.”
“And if you’re lucky...”He leans closer.“...dessert.”
I laugh.“You’re bribing me with dessert?”
“Cupcake diplomacy.”
“That’s my strategy.”
“I’m learning from the best.”
We say our goodbyes to the crew a few minutes later.Skye hugs me, Alistair waves, and Laine gives Damien a knowing smirk that I pretend not to notice.
Then we step outside into the cool evening air.The sky is turning a soft shade of purple as the sun sinks below the trees.Damien holds the door open for me.
“After you.”
“You’re very polite.”
“Still have that good mother.”
“I should thank her someday.”
