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“You want a table or a seat at the counter, Quinn? I think there’s two left,” Piper called to her.
“Ah, counter is all good, thanks,” she said as her eyes fell on him.
Luke knew she wished she’d gone for table now.
Clearly he wasn’t alone in whatever the hell this was humming between them.
Today’s jeans were black and fitted, showing off her long legs. On top was a navy ribbed sweater. Her boots were the same old and worn leather ones, and the tail of her hair was through her cap.
Sweet.
He made himself pick up the coffee Pip placed before him. Made himself look away from her.
“Hey, Quinn,” Jack said. “Take a load off, sweetheart.” Jack turned on what had once been his panty-melting smile. “You been shopping?”
Quinn carried a box and carrier bag, which she lowered to the floor before taking the seat.
“Not for me.” She offered a small smile.
“You want a coffee?” Piper asked her.
“If it’s not too much trouble?”
“It’s a café, so coffee is kinda their thing,” Joe teased. “You should try the triple-layer chocolate and raspberry cake too. With cream. You get chocolate spiders on the side at this time of year.”
“I’ll take a slice of that too, please, Piper.”
Luke swallowed his smile. Quinn Harper had a sweet tooth.
“So you married to that city slicker yet? Seems your mom and Pearl were keen on the match,” Joe said.
Quinn choked on saliva.
Luke laughed.
“No,” she managed to get out after drinking the water Pip handed her.
“Shame. You guys would have made great babies.”
The lance of jealousy was fast and unwelcome. Luke ignored it.
“Very amusing.” She smiled. The woman packed a punch even when she was looking uncomfortable. “And I think in order for me to marry a man like Sam it would have to be the only option left to save the world.” She said the words in a slow, precise way.
“Yeah, he was a real peach,” Joe said.
“So what have you been buying?” Jack asked, his usual nosey self.
“A part for Dad. One of his machines has broken down.” She frowned.
“He’s having a tough time of it lately,” Jack added. “The fall and broken leg, and then the fire.”
“Yeah, it’s been hard on him.”
Luke was fairly sure there was something else going on behind those eyes, but she didn’t add anything.
“And wool for Mom. The knitting club is coming over in a few days apparently,” Quinn added.
“I got that email. I may have to come, seeing as it’s your place.” Jack smiled.
