Quinn was having a blast. He’d always liked the company of women and this batch was hilarious. The wine that flowed freely during the evening didn’t hurt, but he’d likely get a kick out of these ladies whether they were tipsy or sober.

He enjoyed the stimulation of being in the same room with Kendra even if he couldn’t act on the impulses that bombarded him whenever he glanced her way. She didn’t look at him much, but whenever she did, the air crackled between them. No doubt her friends took notice of those hot exchanges.

Judging from the cheerful way everyone treated him, they didn’t mind that he was clearly enamored of their beloved friend. And she was beloved, by those who’d known her for more than forty years and those she’d met recently.

After dinner, the table was cleared so they could make the favors. Faith and Kendra brought out bird seed and drawstring bags with little tags attached.

“We need a volunteer with good handwriting to put Faith and Cody plus the date on the tags,” Kendra announced.

Christine, the tall blonde who’d known Kendra since kindergarten, spoke up first. “Since we have an artist among us, I nominate Quinn for the job.”

“Brilliant idea.” Deidre, the apparent ringleader of the Whine and Cheese Club, focused on Quinn. “That’s if you’re willing.”

“Happy to. I bought some colored pencils today at the Crafty Corner. Let me go fetch them.” He pushed back his chair and stood.

“Perfect.” Christine sent him a smile of approval. “We’ll start filling the bags while you’re gone.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He headed for the front door and grabbed his hat from the coat tree.

“Why don’t you go with him, Kendra?” Jo said casually.

Thank you, Jo. Great suggestion. He paused, his handle on the knob, and glanced back at Kendra.

She looked adorably flustered. “I doubt you need help carrying a box of pencils.”

“I don’t, but I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“Then, sure, I’ll go.” Color high, Kendra left her chair and started toward him.

“But don’t forget to come back.” Faith smiled at Quinn. “I want fancy writing on the tags.”

“We’ll be back.” He opened the door and followed Kendra outside.

She turned to him after he’d closed the door. “They can’t resist,” she said in a low voice.

“Do you mind?”

She gave him a cute little smile. “Truthfully? No.”

“Temperature’s dropping. Think I’ll grab my jacket along with the pencils.”

“Maybe I should go back and get my—”

“No need.” He put his arm around her shoulders and started toward the steps. “I’ll keep you warm until we get to the cabin. You can wear mine on the return trip.”

“Um, okay.” She slipped her arm around his waist and tucked in closer.

Her warmth and the sweet aroma of her body nearly undid him. Somehow he managed to make pleasant conversation. “Thank you for letting me come to this party. It’s a great group.”

“They’re pretty happy with you, too.”

“I’m glad they are. I have a suspicion that if they weren’t, my chances with you would suffer.”

“I’ve known my girlfriends a long time. Mandy and April, too. The others are more recent, but Faith is like a daughter to me and Olivia’s a trusted friend. Nicole inspired Bryce to take up his guitar again, which I’m incredibly grateful for. I love them all so much.”

“They love you right back. But it’s no wonder. You’re like a magnet drawing out the good in people.” In his case, she also inspired a hotter, more potent energy, one that swirled around them now.

“Thank you.” She sounded breathless, but then again, they were climbing the slope to the cabin. “By the way, in case you wondered about Trevor showing up at the GG and wanting to discuss—”

“My mustache? Yeah, what was that all about?”

“Months ago he made this prediction that a mustache-wearing guy would ride into town on a motorcycle and sweep me off my feet.”

“No kidding?” He laughed. “That’s wild.”

“Wait, there’s more. I mentioned this to Ingrid and Abigail in February after I met you, which is why Ingrid called Roxanne while you guys were eating lunch at the GG.”

“And asked if I had a motorcycle.”

“Right. It’s also why she suggested that you grow a mustache.”

“Oh, man.” He shook his head. “I had no idea all that was going on.”

“But my boys didn’t know you were clueless. They thought maybe you’d added the mustache on purpose, to fit the profile.”

“Do they still think that?”

“I doubt it. That’s why I took Trevor aside today, to set him straight and ask him to pass the word.”

“Thanks.” He glanced down at her. “You said he came up with this scenario?”

“Uh-huh.”

“What did you think of it?”

“I was intrigued.”

“And now?”

She smiled. “Even more intrigued.”

“Guess I owe your son a debt of gratitude for paving the way for me.”

“Don’t tell him that.”

He chuckled. “Wasn’t going to.” Clouds and the shadow of tall pines darkened the path and he walked carefully until they stepped into the glow from the porch light. He’d left a lamp on inside the cabin, too.

The place always looked cozy, but never more so than now, with Kendra by his side. “If I hadn’t promised to go back and decorate those tags and you weren’t the hostess of the party, I’d invite you inside.“

“But you did and I am.”

“Then you’d better wait on the porch.” He kept her tucked against his hip as they climbed the steps. “I’ll be right out.”

“Is the cabin working well for you?”

“I love it.” He released her and ducked inside before his noble intentions vanished in a wave of hot desire. He didn’t dare spend time with her in such close quarters, especially when the space included a bed.

Grabbing the box of pencils and his denim jacket, he stepped outside.

She stood with her arms folded and her back to him, gazing down through the trees to the ranch house, its windows alight and the faint sound of animated voices and laughter drifting on the breeze.

He paused, struck by the image of Kendra as a precious jewel in a perfect setting—Wild Creek Ranch. She was the heart and soul of this place. Regardless of what happened between them, he’d be wise to keep that in mind.

He closed the door with a muted click and she faced him with a soft smile of welcome. The porch light caught the intense blue of her eyes and the sprinkling of silver in her hair. Damn, she was beautiful.

Shoving the box of pencils in his hip pocket, he shook out his jacket and held it for her.

“Thanks.” She pivoted and slipped her arms into sleeves that hung down past her hands. “You know, I halfway expected you to ride into town wearing a black leather one.”

“Was that part of Trevor’s prediction?” He lifted the jacket onto her shoulders. He could fit two of her in it.

“We didn’t get into clothing choices.”

“I have a leather one but I’m partial to denim.”

“Me, too.” She turned back to him and pushed up the sleeves. “Thanks for the loan.”

“Anytime.” He nudged back his hat. “Just so you know, I don’t plan to leave this porch without kissing you.”

She closed the gap between them and rested her palms against his chest. “I was hoping you had that in mind.”

“Always.” Easing his hands inside the unbuttoned jacket, he drew her closer.

She gazed up at him. “Your heart’s beating really fast.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“All right.” She took a quick breath. “Mine’s beating even faster.” She wound her arms around his neck.

“Glad to hear it.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth. Mm. He settled in, exploring and savoring the moist warmth and sweet taste of her with a smooth slide of his tongue.

So good. And getting better. He shifted the angle and went back for more. She was deliciously eager. Blood pounded in his ears, blocking out everything but her whimper of pleasure when he nibbled on her lips and her gasp of excitement when he thrust his tongue deep.

The rapid pace of her breathing matched his and her arms tightened, crushing her breasts against the wall of his chest. He cupped her bottom and pulled her firmly against his needy package. It was a wonder he didn’t set her jeans on fire.

Lifting his mouth a fraction from hers, he gulped in a breath. “We’d better stop.”

“I know.” She swallowed. “We can’t…this isn’t…” She moaned and pulled his head down.

He surrendered to her hot mouth as flames licked at the edges of his control. Pressing his fingers into her taut behind, he rocked his hips forward. Desire battled duty. A bed was only steps away.

Duty won. He lifted his head. Struggling for air, he took a step back while holding her steady so she wouldn’t fall.

Slowly her eyes opened, and the heat in those blue depths made him tremble. She sucked in a ragged breath, moved back and leaned against the porch railing. “I’ve come to a decision.”

He waited, heart pounding.

“I want to make love tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow night?”

“Yes, please.”

“Why not—” He stopped himself from saying it. Maybe she needed twenty-four hours to adjust to the idea. If so, he’d honor that.

“Were you about to ask me why not tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am, but if you need time, that’s perfectly fine. No worries. Tomorrow night it is. I’ll look forward to it.” Gross understatement. He’d be counting the seconds.

“I’m not the one who needs time, but I thought you would.”

“Me?”

“You know.” She looked at him as if he was one donut shy of a dozen. “To go shopping.”

“Shopping?” He stared at her in confusion. “Would you like me to bring you a gift?”

“Good grief, no. I’m talking about condoms.”

“Oh.” Blew that call.

“If you have some on hand I’ll be very surprised. You don’t seem like the type to be constantly prepared.”

“I’m not. It’s been years since my last…anyway, Anne and I decided four kids was enough so I had the procedure.“

“I see.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Well, that’s good to know.”

“I’ve got a clean bill of health, but I can pick some up tomorrow.”

“Not necessary.”

“So, um…how does that affect the timetable?”

Her breath caught. “I guess we don’t have to wait, then.”

“No.” He hesitated. “But we don’t have to barrel forward, either.” Much as he’d like to. “This is a big step for you.”

She nodded. “When we’re kissing, I’m ready to rock and roll, but—”

“We’ve just had the talk, which can be a major buzz kill.”

“You really want to, though. I can tell.”

“Yes, I really want to. But that’s not your problem.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go back, finish making the favors, and take things as they come.”

She laced her fingers through his as they started down the porch steps. “You’re a good guy, Quinn.”

He gave her hand a squeeze. “Thanks, but I’m no choir boy. If kisses make you want to rock and roll, I’ll be sure and steal a few before the night’s over.”