Page 64 of Crushes and Confections

My eyes went right for Adrien, expecting him to back down from the idea. Instead, his eyes lit up, and a smile spread across his face. It was as if something changed in him today. His parents came for control, and instead they gave him closure.

Along with that closure, the stress and tension he always carried, even if under the surface, had melted away.

From a brighter smile to the mischief in his vibrant green eyes, he took my breath away.

“Let’s do it,” Adrien agreed.

“And I can pay?” Riley questioned with one perfectly manicured eyebrow raised.

“Absolutely not,” Vance laughed. “I don’t even get to pay.”

“Fine, then we get to pick the restaurant,” Riley relented. “And don’t think this fight will end so easily every time.”

“Which restaurant would have the best view?” I wondered out loud. “The diner has a view of the inn. But Al Forno has those huge windows. I bet I can trade some pastries to Aria for a reserved table.”

“Yes!” Riley gasped. “That’s genius. Everyone go get ready, dinner is about to be amazing. And they have some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had.”

“And I get to show off my pack,” Adrien said proudly. “Is it petty of me to do this?” He sounded more amused than truly worried.

“Petty is my favorite color,” I said with a wink before disappearing into the guest room. Riley and I had started to move stuff in here, but Adrien and Vance wanted us all in the same bed. He even talked about ordering a bigger one if we needed it. I happened to enjoy the four of us in the California King. It was guaranteed snuggle time.

So this room was more of a second closet, as we couldn’t fit half of our stuff in theirs, not to mention all the courting gifts the two seemed to have for us every single day. Moving in wasn’t the full intention, but somehow it had turned out that way. It was a slow, ongoing process, but thankfully I had enough clothes that I had nearly a full closet here.

“Wear the black dress,” Riley suggested. “We’ll look sexy as hell together with my black, button-down.”

My brain broke for a moment as I watched him rip off his tee and start changing. It didn’t matter how many times I’d seen him half naked or how long we’d been friends, he was just as gorgeous each and every time. Between the three of them, I was turned on at least seventy-five percent of my day, if not more.

“Come on, a show is waiting,” he teased.

“There’s a show right here, beta,” I said, with a smirk.

I had to force myself to turn away so I could think again. Of course, the moment it was my turn to change his eyes were back on me, burning into me as I pulled on the dress he’d chosen for me.

Riley was right, though, the idea of seeing this spectacle first hand was far too enticing. Once I was ready, I slid on my boots and pulled out my phone, calling Aria.

“Al Forno, how can I help you?” Aria’s thick accent was easy to distinguish.

“Aria, it’s Claire. Do you have a window seat you can save for me tonight?” I asked. “If you do, there’s an entire box of cookies and those danishes you love in it for you.”

“Oh, you naughty girl,” she laughed. “Bribery will get you everywhere. A couple is finishing up then I’ll block it from the list just for you. Will you be coming soon?”

“Heading out in a few minutes, so we could be there in about fifteen minutes?”

“Perfect.” She didn’t bother with goodbyes as she hung up, but the moment I gave Riley the thumbs up, he let out a whoop and ran from the room. His energy chased away any sleepiness from my day that lingered, and the prospect of seeing Adrien get justice had me grabbing my purse and following him out.

“You look beautiful, Peach,” Vance practically purred when he saw me, pulling me in and breathing deep.

“Stand down until after dinner,” I warned him. “We’ve got a reservation.”

“Just a little taste,” he said before bending down and stealing my breath.

Damn, I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of his taste or his cherry and lime scent wrapping around me. When he pulled his lips from mine and rubbed his head against me, scent marking me, a whine left my mouth.

“Alpha.”

“Don’t worry, omega, we’ll take care of you,” Vance promised. “Let’s feed you first. You’re going to need your strength for tonight.”

He linked his hand with mine, leading me to the garage where Adrien and Riley were already waiting, the two of them locked in a kiss of their own.

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