Page 23 of Summer Brew

I notice Greylin, Meadow, and Mayer holding up their own paintings with smiles on their faces. They’re looking at Gemma who is standing in the middle of the space and glowing.

“I’m glad everyone had a great time tonight,” Gemma’s voice rises over the noise.

Everyone cheers and my smile grows so wide that my cheeks start to ache. When her eyes find me, something changes on her face. She sparkles even while a blush steals over her cheeks. I can’t look away.

I don’t want to.

“I’m sure all of your masterpieces will find a prominent place in all your homes,” she teases.

Even though Gemma tries to focus on the room, her eyes keep darting back to me. Watching her get flustered does something to me. I want to wrap her up in my arms and kiss her until she’s breathless.

“If you haven’t signed up to get our newsletter about upcoming events, you can do that on the way out or use the QR code on tonight’s pamphlet,” Gemma reminds everyone brightly. “I hope to see you at another event.”

There are murmurs of agreement as people start collecting their bags along with their new art. I slide further into the room to be out of the way as everyone starts to file out. After everyone is gone, the girls circle Gemma, clearly proud of her for another successful event.

Then they see me and the grins on their faces border on terrifying. I would take a step back if I wasn’t already leaning against the wall. Gemma walks toward me with hesitant steps, but her smile is sweet.

I almost reach for her, but I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. Being unsure isn’t a feeling I’m used to and it makes me uneasy.

Her voice is soft when she reaches me. “Hi,” she looks up at me shyly. “Are you sure it’s not too late for you to pick me up?”

The way she worries her bottom lip makes my cock harden behind the fly of my jeans. “I’m sure,” the words leave my lips as a rasp.

“Is he going to say it’s never too late when you’re involved?” Meadow’s question is full of teasing as the women approach us.

I hold my hands up in surrender. “It’s true and you said it not me.”

“Aww,” Greylin holds out the sound. “That’s so sweet.”

“You two are too cute,” Mayer adds in, her voice deadpan with a hint of careful consideration.

With every word, Gemma’s face gets a little pinker and then passes over into red. I barely glance at her friends because looking at her feels like the warmth of the sun on a perfect summer day.

“It looks like you ladies had fun tonight.”

“Of course we did,” Meadow chirps and wraps an arm around Gemma’s shoulders. “Gemma makes the night fun and always chooses a great activity.”

Warmth fills my chest as I look at my Gem. My woman. I know it’s true, even if it means risking a lifelong friendship. She’s worth it.

“Can I help clean anything up?”

Gemma’s eyes widen like she’s surprised I even suggested such a thing. She looks back at the tables where paint and brushes are just part of the mess. Before she says a word, she’s already shaking her head.

“You don’t need to do that. It won’t take me long to get everything put away,” she assures me, but there’s a thread of uncertainty in her voice.

Is she worried about me waiting for her? I get it, but it’s not a problem. I’ll happily wait for her, and I’m more than willing to help.

“No way,” Greylin pipes up.

“We’ve got this,” Mayer’s voice is firm, like she already knows my Gem is going to put up a fight.

“What are you talking about?” The bewilderment in Gemma’s voice is adorable, “I need to get everything put away.”

“We can clean everything up,” Meadow tells her. “You are going to walk out of the door with Keaton and let him take you wherever he’s going to take you.”

“Tomorrow you can make a list of everything we don’t put in the right place,” Greylin teases my woman.

“You always want to do it yourself and never let us help,” Meadow says it like she’s been truly wronged. “Not tonight.”