Page 33 of Crushes and Confections

Unfortunately my stomach chose that exact moment to rumble.

“We want to do things the right way with you both,” Vance said, finally stepping back and breaking our bubble.

“Let us take care of you in a different way,” Adrien said. “We thought you might be hungry, so we brought you breakfast. Plus, this is a wonderful time to celebrate. I know you’re the morning pastry expert, but there are a few things I know how to make to perfection.” The fact he bragged so casually meant he was confident, not arrogant, and I loved that he knew his abilities and could be proud of them.

My curiosity was piqued, and I walked over to peek at the counter where the travel container rested. Adrien obliged me, opening it up, so the smell of vanilla, chocolate, and custard hit me full force. The groan was involuntary, and I felt like a hungry cartoon character, their body floating toward the scent automatically.

“Well, I’d say you’ve got her approval,” Riley laughed as he pressed a warm mug into my hand. “We never shy away from good food around here.”

“Noted,” Adrien said.

“And I’ll leave that up to Adrien. I can make basic food, so I’ll keep dinner on the table, but fancy desserts, pastries, and even coffee is not my best skill,” Vance admitted.

“The dinner the other night was amazing, I’d say you’re quite skilled,” I offered with a smile. He smirked at the words, and I had a feeling he was biting back a teasing ‘I’ll show you how skilled I am’ type of comment.

“Then shall we dig in?” Adrien offered as he cleared his throat pointedly. Riley grabbed dishes while I went to our fridge and pulled out fresh berries, rinsing and cutting them and putting them on a serving dish alongside our treats.

Adrien slid a plate toward me as he dished up the mille-feuille and I didn’t hesitate to take a bite and pop it into my mouth. It was rich and creamy and bursting with flavor, such a perfect morning pastry since it wasn’t overly sweet.

“This is incredible, and definitely a treat. Usually, I eat random bites at the cafe or grab a granola bar,” I admitted.

“Consider it one of many,” Adrien said evenly. Both Riley and I looked up at him. We’d talked about seeing where this would go, but his statement was so blunt that it took me by surprise. He smiled softly and looked at Vance.

“We want to officially start courting you both,” Vance explained. “We’ve discussed it, and after how well we all seem to be getting along, we’d like to take it further. If you are also wanting the same?”

Riley’s little snort of laughter had me biting back my own. I knew damn well where his mind was going.

“He said the c-word,” Riley sang out. That alone had my laughter escaping, and both alphas looked downright shocked.

Before they could be hurt by our laughter, I explained the reason behind it.

“Courting in Holiday Hollow is not for the faint of heart. On top of that? Meeting our families is also not for the faint of heart. You’ve opened a whole can of worms you might not be prepared for. Are you positive?”

Despite their confusion and our reaction, both alphas nodded without missing a single beat.

“Of course we’re positive. We’ve survived French culinary school, moving out of the country, and our families. How bad can this be?” Adrien mused.

“If they’re laughing this gleefully? I’d say we better strap in for a wild ride,” Vance laughed and adjusted his glasses. “I’ve met his sister once. She saved us from meeting his mom.”

“By saved, he means practically shoving us out of the door,” Riley countered. “And mom is amazing. She’s just a lot to take in if you don’t know her.”

“Well, as long as they aren’t judgmental and rude, I’m prepared to handle anything.” Adrien’s declaration had a bit of vulnerability coloring it.

“They aren’t that at all,” Riley promised. “And our parents are best friends. We’re all practically family. Prepare for a huge meet-the-parents dinner in your future. If you’re courting us, then you’re meeting them as well. It’s the proper way to handle it. Right?”

“Right,” Vance said slowly. As if he was now officially worried about how this would go. In truth, they’d both love our parents. And our parents would love them. The fact they were two alphas would have no bearing on any of our family’s opinions.

“Honestly, if you bring an offering of chocolates, they’ll never stop praising you,” I promised. “My mom has a huge sweet tooth. The only one who can rival it is Riley’s mom. The two of them together on movie nights is almost worth documenting.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Adrien said with a grin. “I’m just relieved you two have finally expressed how you feel to each other and that you’ve agreed to the courting. We are trying to take it slow, but we can’t seem to get you out of our heads.”

“Couldn’t be that naughty little picture we sent last night, could it?” Riley asked with mock innocence that they both easily saw through. Both of their eyes darkened, and Vance let out a little growl that had me squirming in my seat.

“Let’s focus on more immediate things. Like, what are your plans for today?” Adrien said, steering us back to safer conversation. We’d just agreed to courting, and if we continued on this flirty path, it’d be the quickest courting known to man.

CHAPTER 13

Adrien

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