Page 22 of Seduced By the Werewolves

When I go on my run the next morning, I’m surprised when the Lupine Landscaping truck is missing out front of the big white house on the corner. The yard is still dug up, and it looks like some hoses have been placed under the ground, but the landscapers are nowhere to be seen. I wonder if something happened and they won’t be working on this property anymore.

I hope they’re okay.

After that, my day is a drag, just counting the hours and minutes until I can go home and get ready for my date. At least Mr. Bosley doesn't hassle me, too busy arguing with someone about expenses and don't tell me how to run my business. I’m buzzing with excitement by the time I clock out and head to my car.

Since we’re going somewhere more upscale, I decide to doll myself up a little. Yeah, I want to impress Jace. I want him to look at me and lick his lips like he’s about to eat the perfect burger.

Does that make me the burger?

After taming my curls into ringlets and putting on a solid dose of mascara, I change into a black dress with a slim waist and flared hips. It accentuates my curves perfectly, but my tits are somewhat reined in. I make sure to wear my cutest lingerie, which I haven’t worn in years. Just in case.

The bar is a hip little place with rock music playing and neat, high tables arranged outside. I’m waiting for Jace to arrive, shifting from one foot to the other, when the Lupine Landscaping truck pulls up.

“Awoo!” Quinn howls out the window.

Before Jace can escape the front passenger seat, Quinn throws the back door open, hops out, and jogs over to me. I don’t even have a moment to react as he grabs my hands in both of his and squeezes them.

“I’m sorry about the other day, Tiff,” he says. His hair is longer than his brothers’, and it falls into his face as he urgently tries to get his message across. “I really am. I didn’t mean to come on so strong.”

Quinn is hot to the touch, surprisingly so, and his hands are rugged and calloused around mine. His face is so earnest and regretful, I have to sigh. He reminds me of a cute puppy desperate for approval.

Besides, what do I have to lose? Jace and Leon are both such nice guys, their little brother can’t be all that different. I feel like I should give him a break.

“It’s okay,” I say, offering him a smile. “I won’t hold it against you.”

Quinn grins with relief but doesn’t release me. “The offer still stands,” he says, winking. “I’d really love to take you out.”

I’m so stunned by the proposition that I can’t manage an answer right away. Jace plucks my hand out of Quinn’s and wags a finger at his little brother.

“Don’t overwhelm her,” Jace says. “We talked about this.”

Quinn rolls his eyes. “Fine. I just thought I’d shoot my shot.”

He is cute, in a younger guy kind of way. I like how his hair curls, and the addition of the puka shells gives him a kind of surfer look. He has the same strong jaw, pronounced chin, and upswept nose as his brothers, but a much more carefree attitude.

I shake my head to clear it. I’m ridiculous. Of course I find him hot, since I also find his brothers hot, and they all look alike. That doesn’t suddenly make him an option for me.

“Can I at least get your number?” Quinn asks, and Jace shoots him a deadly look. “What? It’s innocent. If she’s going to date you guys, I want to get to know her, at least.”

Leon stands next to the hood of the truck, watching us with interest. The only one who hasn’t emerged from the truck is Eli, the skinniest of the brothers. He’s got his arms crossed, drumming his fingers on his biceps like he’s waiting impatiently to leave.

I glance sideways at Jace, asking him with my eyes, What should I say?

He shrugs. “Go for it if you want, but don’t let him pressure you.” Jace shoots his little brother a chastising look, and Quinn shamelessly shrugs in return.

“Okay, okay,” I say. “Give me your number.”

Once I have his digits entered into my phone and he’s got mine, Quinn hops back in the truck next to Eli, who’s staring straight ahead with a dark look on his face. I wonder what that’s about. He’d seemed so nice and friendly before.

But I don’t have time to ponder it when the truck speeds off, leaving Jace and me alone on the sidewalk.

“Shall we?” He loops his arm through mine. I’m so happy to see him again that I feel myself grinning like an idiot, and my heart starts beating faster.

“We shall.” With an imperious nod, Jace tucks me tight against his side and leads me into the bar.

Chapter Nine

Once we’re seated at one of the high tables out on the sidewalk, Jace flags down a waitress.

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