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Shelley was delighted with these new discoveries. She never imagined that a family as wealthy as the Rockwells would be content living in such a moderately sized home. Yet again she chided herself for lumping all wealthy people together. Especially since that was the stereotype she’d spent her life trying to avoid.
Quinn held tightly to Shelley’s hand, looking handsome in a pair of jeans and a collared shirt. “Are you nervous?”
“Not really nervous, just…” She trapped her lower lip between her teeth. She’d anguished over what to wear and had changed her clothes several times before finally deciding on a colorful halter dress and a cute pair of strappy sandals. “Okay, maybe I am a little nervous.”
He nipped at her lower lip that she'd been biting, sending heat pouring through her as he said, “My mom and dad and Sierra and Trent already met and really like you. Dinner tonight will give you a chance to get to know everyone better and for them to fall for you just like I have.”
Fall for you. She’d never tire of hearing that. Just like she knew she'd never grow tired of his kisses, or holding his hand.
Shelley yelped at the feel of a cold, wet nose against the back of her thigh.
“Chugger!” One of Quinn’s brothers came around the back of the house and knelt to call the rambunctious pup. “Hey, guys. Glad you made it.” He rose to his feet and eyed his dog. “Sit.” Chugger sat beside him, wagging his tail excitedly.
“Hi. I’m Ethan. It’s great to meet you.” He was as broad and tall as Quinn, with wavier hair and thick scruff covering his strong chin. Ethan’s eyes were as dark brown as Quinn’s were piercing blue, and while Ethan had a naturally relaxed gaze, Quinn’s was darker, more serious.
Seriously sexier.
Still, Shelley understood why Quinn had reacted so strongly to her joke about being interested in Ethan. He was a very good-looking guy, but Quinn needn’t worry. There wasn’t a man alive who could draw her attention away from him.
“I’m Shelley, and it’s great to meet you, too. Although I already met Chugger the other day.”
Ethan looked surprised. “You did? Where?”
“He was on the beach with your grandfather and Didi.” She crouched to pet Chugger, and the pup licked her cheek. “Aren’t you adorable?” She’d always loved dogs, although they’d traveled too much for her to have one when she was a kid, and as an adult she’d been too busy to make the time for one. Maybe once she was settled on the island she’d consider adopting one.
“You met our grandfather?” Ethan asked. “That must have been a joy.” He turned to Quinn. “You didn’t rescue her from the old man’s bite?”
“I didn’t need rescuing, actually.” Shelley rose to her feet. “Your grandfather seems stern, but…” She looked at Quinn, remembering the softening around Chandler’s eyes when she’d said she was falling for his grandson. “I think below his gruff exterior there’s a warm heart. It’s just buried deep.”
“Really?” Ethan didn’t look particularly convinced. “Well, I suppose it’s good that someone thinks that.” The brother Sierra had called the “strong and silent” one gestured to the backyard. “Everyone’s outside. Sierra and Mom have been talking about you all week, Shelley, so I know everyone’s dying to spend some time getting to know you better.”
White lights were strung from tall iron poles around the stone patio, giving the gorgeous evening a festive glow. Sierra was leaning over a table set for eight, fiddling with a vase, when she noticed Quinn and Shelley.
“You’re here!” She ran over and hugged Shelley.
Shelley couldn’t hide her smile as she wrapped her arms around Quinn’s sister. Maybe it was crazy, but even though they hadn’t known each other very long, she felt like they had already become close friends. Then again, that wasn’t any crazier than falling head over heels in love with Quinn so quickly, was it?
“Hey, sis,” Quinn said to Sierra as he gave her a warm hug.
Ethan called out to Quinn to come take a look at something, and as soon as Sierra and Shelley were alone, Sierra said, “I heard you’re thinking of buying the gristmill.”
“News travels fast,” Shelley said with a smile. “I’m just waiting to hear from the town, actually.”
Over her shoulder, she could see Quinn asking her the silent question: Are you okay? She nodded, smiled, and turned her attention back to Sierra just as Griffin and Abby headed their way.
“Shelley, welcome.” Abby opened her arms and embraced her.
Shelley was struck once again by how different Abby was from her own mother. Quinn’s mother had a warmth about her that put Shelley instantly at ease.
“Abby, thank you so much for allowing me to crash your family dinner.”
“Crash all you’d like. The more the merrier in this house. Especially when I can see how smitten my son is with you.”
