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“Thank you.”
“I mean it.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he says, rubbing his neck, two spots of color sitting high on his cheekbones.
“So…” He follows me back to the counter. “I brought you some muffins…and a new mug.”
“What’s wrong with the one from yesterday?”
“I gave you the wrong one. I’ve come to replace it.” I grab the new mug and practically shove it against his chest.
He looks at the mug before looking back at me. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why is it the wrong mug?”
“I umm…we just met, and I was joking, and then, after you left, I thought about it and thought maybe…”
“So you don’t think I’m hot?” he interrupts me, his face serious, but as I peer at his eyes, I swear I can see a smile lurking in them.
I blow out a breath and run my fingers through my hair.
“I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that about ninety percent of the female population would find you attractive.” I widen my eyes at him to emphasize my point. “I just thought it might not be appropriate, seeing that we’re practically strangers. I wanted to apologize if you maybe took offense, and I’d be happy to swap it.”
When did one crappy mug become such an issue in my life?
“No offense taken. It actually made me smile.”
Internally, I do a fist pump. I knew I’d be able to get a smile out of him. I just wish I was there to see it. Amelia’s always called me a people pleaser, and by my reaction, I guess I am.
“I’m quite happy to keep it, but if you insist, I’ll give it back.”
“No, that’s okay. If you don’t feel offended, you can keep it.”
He nods. “Good. I’m keeping it.”
A muffled laugh catches my attention, and my eyes narrow on Andrew standing in the doorway to the back. I have a feeling he’s a lot of trouble.
“I’m sorry I didn’t bring you coffee, but you can pop over any time, and I’ll make you one.”
“Do I also get my own mug?”
I nod. “Of course. And I think I’ve got the perfect one for you.”
His eyes dance with amusement while he rubs his hands. “Can’t wait.”
“Okay, now that that’s out of the way, I have to get back. Enjoy your muffins.”
As I’m walking out, Andrew calls out, “Just for the record, so you do find Kallan hot?”
I throw my hand up, but I walk back to my store with a smile on my face.
CHAPTER FIVE
BAILEY
I WAKEup tired and so damn tempted to close my eyes and go back to sleep. Next to me, Quinn is still asleep, sprawled out on his back and, as usual, taking up most of the bed. I turn on my side, propping my head on my hand, and take him in. After all this time, his features are as familiar as my own. His face is relaxed, the stress lines that have taken residence around his mouth and eyes these past months smoothed out by sleep. His mouth is slightly open, his chest rising and falling with his deep breaths. I want to reach out and touch him, run my fingers across the stubble peppering his face, hoping that he’ll wake up.
