Daughters Of The Bride(64)

He moved in and out. Faster and faster until she had no choice but to surrender. She cried out as she came, then wrapped her legs around his hips to pull him in deeper. She held on until he, too, gasped his release and was still.

She wasn’t sure what to say afterward, or even how to act. Quinn solved the problem by pulling her close and kissing her.

“Want to stay the night?” he asked.

An unexpected question. “Yes.”

“Good.”

It was good, she thought as she snuggled next to him. Unexpected, but very, very good.



The house for sale was a small three-bedroom ranch. It had been built in the 1950s and had only minimal updates. According to the brochure, there was a peekaboo ocean view from one corner of the backyard, and the local elementary school was only three blocks away. Perfect for a growing family.

Sienna walked through the light, bright living room and into the kitchen. The countertops had been updated, but the painted cabinets looked original. They would be made of real wood, she thought. When stripped down and stained, they could be gorgeous. The stove was newish, maybe eight or ten years old. She wondered if the new owners would consider buying one of those vintage stoves. That would look great in this house.

She saw Jimmy talking to a young couple in the dining room. Their conversation seemed intense, so she didn’t interrupt. When Jimmy caught sight of her, he winked.

She explored the bedrooms and the single bathroom. It retained its 1950s flare with medium blue-and-turquoise tiles. Talk about retro. Although she had to admit she wasn’t sure if she would want to change the look. It was oddly stylish. But the house did need a second bathroom.

She went out into the backyard. It was huge, with a few mature trees and a nice fence. A picnic table stood by a barbecue. She took a seat and allowed herself to simply be in the moment. There was no rushing, no hurrying to do something. Just sitting in the sun on a warm spring day.

Her mind raced with all kinds of thoughts. She ignored them and focused on her breathing. Gradually, she started to relax.

She hadn’t meant to stop by the open house, but when she’d seen the signs with Jimmy’s head shot on them, she’d found herself turning into the residential neighborhood and parking in front of the house. Now she was glad she had. These few minutes of quiet had renewed her.

She heard someone come up behind her.

“What do you think?” Jimmy asked.

“There’s room for an addition,” she said as she stood and smiled at him. “I’d add a master suite, which would mean an extra bathroom.” She turned and pointed to the other side of the house. “There’s room for a second addition there. A family room along with a half bath.”

“You’re practically doubling the square footage of the house. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Based on the sizes and prices of homes in this area, yes. It won’t be the largest or the most expensive house in the neighborhood. Not even close.”

Jimmy grinned at her. “You’ve learned well, grasshopper. Want a beer?”

“You drink at your open houses?”

“Naw. I’m just kidding. But I do have some lovely imported bottled water, if you’re interested.”

“Thanks.”

She followed him back into the kitchen. The open-house signs were gone from the lawn and all the potential buyers had cleared out. She took the water he offered and unscrewed the top.

“You had a big crowd,” she said.

“The whole three hours. We’re going to get at least one offer on the place, maybe two.”

“That’s great.”

He looked good, she thought as she studied him. Dressed for business, but not stuffy. He had on khakis and a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He wore a tie, but it was loose. He was a small-town success story.

“How were the waves?” she asked.

He grinned. “I haven’t been surfing today. I had paperwork to do.”

She gasped. “Say it isn’t so.”

“I wish I could. But a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

“I remember when surfing would have been the priority.”

“We all grow up,” he said easily. He nodded at her ring. “Congratulations.”

Her good mood evaporated. “Thank you.”

“Will you and David be buying a house in town?”

She took a drink of water. “I honestly have no idea.”

“Do you want to stay in Los Lobos?”

That wasn’t the right question, she thought. The right question was what the hell were you thinking? But no one seemed to be asking that. At least not to her face.

“I’m not sure what will happen,” she said, evading the question.