Page 26 of Crushes and Confections

Vance: I’m not surprised. I find it hard to keep my hands to myself when I’m around you. Be safe for us so I can make good on that, Peach.

Claire: Don’t worry, I didn’t dance with them. I just pictured dancing with you guys. Hence the need to cool down. My thoughts got a little carried away ;)

Vance: I like where this is going

Lindsay was right, I’d likely regret this tomorrow, but tonight it was nice to not overthink and say what I felt. They’d all told me they were interested and I tried to make it clear. If our talk didn’t, this definitely did.

Maybe with a little red lipstick, a sexy dress, some confidence, and a little Hollow magic, I could convince them I didn’t need to take baby steps.

CHAPTER 10

Vance

“What do you think?” I asked Adrien as I stood in front of the floor length mirror in our bedroom.

“Magnifique,” Adrien said, his hands coming to rest on my hips possessively. “If I didn’t know any better I’d think you’re trying to drive a certain omega and beta crazy.”

“You too,” I replied, covering his hands with mine. “Always you too.”

His teeth nipped against the fabric of my shirt where his bite lay underneath.

I wore light chinos and a fitted sky blue button down, my waves semi-tamed and brushed to the side while Adrien was rocking his dressy casual vibe, tight black pants with black button down, everything tailored to perfection.

“I’m not worried, mon chéri,” he said, the amusement in his voice clear. “I own you just as much as you own me, now let’s go. Apparently we may have to fend off people at this auction.”

Claire’s text had driven us crazy the other night and it wasn’t until Riley had confirmed she was safe and back at home that we had rested a little easier. Of course that meant going at each other with a ferocity that left marks on both of our skin.

It was a difficult thing knowing someone, well someones, were exactly right for you, meant to be, but knowing you couldn’t rush into things. Adrien was on board, he couldn’t deny their pull any more than I could, but we still had a long way to go in terms of wooing and getting to know them.

We were playing for keeps, for forever. Which is why we’d both agreed that her and Riley needed to find their new balance before trying to add ourselves into the mix.

Of course that was easier said than done when he looked up at us through those thick lashes and she smirked at us, the two of them smelling so damn good I was surprised my brain had any blood left for rational thoughts.

By the time we’d arrived at the auction, I was brimming with excitement.

It was the first time Adrien and I had attended one of Holiday Hollow’s functions together and it felt like a monumental step.

Hiding our relationship had become the default the past decade, and while we weren’t holding hands or touching, having him by my side meant the world.

“I love seeing you like this,” he said softly as he led me into the banquet hall.

“There’s something special about this place, Ady,” I said just as quietly as I took in the decorations. Everything was covered in varying shades of pinks and reds. Despite the contrasting colors and patterns, Janet had tied everything together perfectly. For once, the hearts and balloons didn’t bother me. With a pack to form… well Valentine’s Day might be a little more worthwhile. “I think it’s time we give it a fair shot.”

He hummed underneath his breath as Janet came up to us. Thankfully there were no trumpets in sight, I hadn’t heard the end of that little festivity for days.

“I’m so glad you made it!” she said. “Thank you again for your donation! We’ve already had bids on the baskets. Are you two planning to stay for the auction?”

“We came to check out the spread and maybe bid on a basket ourselves,” Adrien answered.

“Well, we have a bunch of guys and gals who are also going to be up for grabs for a date, and they have a variety of skills that could be useful! In fact, to my surprise, Claire actually agreed to be part of the auction this year. You could always bid on a date with her, and you two could create some kind of signature Holiday Hollow confection. Oh, that would be lovely!”

“Wait,” I said, my attention wholly focused on the omega now. “Claire is going to be in the auction? I thought she was just donating.”

“I guess she’s not the only one who misunderstood,” she said with a chuckle. “You were there in the shop that day when she agreed. She’s already in the line up. Thankfully when I saw her earlier, Autumn had already convinced her to give it a go.”

“Do we need one of those paddles if we’re going to participate in the auction?” Adrien asked, running his hand through his neatly trimmed goatee.

“You do,” Janet said with a knowing smile, passing him one without another word before leaving us be.

---