Page 40 of Scotch & Shortbread

26

Ice Cracking and Pleasantries

Thesmellofdinnermade her stomach growl. She padded down the hall to the kitchen with Alex behind her. She was far too aware of the man, and she couldn’t help but think of the moment before all hell broke loose when his lips had touched hers so tenderly. She was sure she could relive that moment a thousand times and not tire of it.

“Have a seat.” Alex gestured to one of the chairs at the old wood kitchen table. Quinn took in the sight before her as she sat down. Their meals were plated, and in the middle of the table, Alex had lit a new red candle. It felt romantic, or maybe more charming than romantic. She was certain he didn’t intend to woo her.

He sat across from her, and they briefly looked at each other over the candlelight.

“I’m sorry, lass, for getting so angry. It wasnae fair of me.”

Quinn felt an instant relief hearing his apology. “I’m sorry, too. I truly didn’t mean to go through your private things. That’s the only thing I looked in. Otherwise, I was a perfect angel.” She grinned at him.

Alex scoffed as if he doubted the angel part. Clearing his throat, he added, “I’m sorry too for when I first came in.” His voice was strained. “I didn’t mean to…” he paused, looking up at her. “It willnae happen again,” he said with finality.

Nooo. Quinn’s mind rebelled against his words. Her most feminine parts desperately wanted it to happen again and then some. She couldn’t help the stab of disappointment. If she thought he was actually married, she’d feel guilt and his lips would not be on hers again, but there was something fishy about the photo and his reaction.

She was certain that he wasn’t married to the woman, at least not anymore. And the kids? Well, she really had no idea. But why was he so secretive about it all? It wasn’t like he had to divulge every detail, but could he not just give her theColes Notesversion of events?

Although she still didn’t know the situation with the woman in the photo, she did believe him when he said he wouldn’t have kissed her if he was married. Which was a giant relief, because the fireworks she felt would be very hard to keep at bay.

She cut a small piece of steak, picking it up with her fork. “I wouldn’t mind if it happened again,” she said quietly as she slid the fork into her mouth without looking up.

She felt his eyes shoot to her. Good. She’d surprised him. She guessed he’d thought he’d thrown her off track.

“Quinn.” He sighed.

As she chewed her cooked-to-perfection steak, she noted his brows had knit together in frustration. “Well, it wasn’t the best kiss,” she fibbed, pinning her hands together under her chin, “but I suspect if we tried again… I mean we are stuck here together.”

Alex could hardly believe what he was hearing. She wanted a fling with him? And the kiss he’d barely begun, but Christ, his blood had roared. Was she that unaffected? There was a part of him that wanted to show her exactly what he wanted to do being stuck here alone with her.

God, he’d love nothing more than to strip her of his clothes, handcuff her to his bloody bed, and kiss every square inch of her body before he slid his cock into her slick, tight wetness. Jesus. What was he thinking?No. No. No. No good would come of it. He knew that damn it.

He cleared his throat. “I dinnae think that’s a wise idea.”

“Why not?” she challenged, her big brown eyes sparking. “You’re not married, right?” she said casually, to confirm once and for all.

His eyes shot to hers. He wasn’t used to someone pushing back, and the truth was, he didn’t have a good answer for her. Before he thought better of it, the lie was out of his mouth. “It’s because I’m not attracted to you that way.”

She threw her head back, rolling her eyes. “Oh right, I remember now, you wouldn’t sleep with me even if I begged. How could I forget? I suppose that explains the shitty kiss,” she added as she nibbled a carrot off her fork, appearing unbothered.

Alex didn’t know what to say. He was damned either way, so he kept his mouth shut. It irked him, though, about the kiss.

At a standstill, they silently ate.

“Mmm, that was delicious,” Quinn said satisfied as she finished the last bite of her steak. Alex noted she’d eaten everything on her plate. “Guess you are a good cook after all.” Her grin was sly.

Alex eyed her, amazed at how easily she could let things roll off her. It seemed she wasn’t one to hold a grudge or stay angry. It was another trait he found he admired in her. It was like she couldn’t be bothered wasting time with bad moods.

“Aye, I’m no’ so bad in the kitchen. My mam is a great cook, she taught me a few things.”

“You must miss her cooking. I assume your parents are back in Scotland?” she hedged. He could tell she was testing to see if he’d shut down the conversation. It seemed like a safe one, so he answered.

“Aye, they are still in Scotland.”

“Have they come to see you here?”

“No. Maybe they will one day. I know they’d love it here.”

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