“To be a given,” she said, doing a happy dance inside. “But if you want time by yourself or with friends, I’m okay with that, too. I’m used to being on my own, and I’m not going to get jealous or clingy. It’s not that I need you with me every second or need to know what you’re doing every minute. I just like being with you. I guess I never realized I’m such a planner, but I’d like to know if we’re going to see each other or not.”

Angela walked back into the room and said, “Okay, you two. Time to wrap it up. This dance isn’t going to choreograph itself.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Roni said to Quincy. “Back in a minute, Ang.” She walked Quincy out to his truck, so relieved she had a bounce in her step.

“Get in here, beautiful.” His arms circled her, and he said, “I don’t ever want you worrying. If you’re concerned about something, talk to me. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big communicator. It helps me keep a clear head.”

“I will from now on. Promise.”

“Good. I have to get back to work, but I wanted to ask you one more thing. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I know it’s your first holiday without your grandmother and it might be a tough one, so we don’t have to go anywhere if you’d rather spend a quiet night in. But Dixie and Jace are hosting Thanksgiving at their new house, and if you want to be around people, everyone will be there—the Whiskeys, Tru and Gemma and the kids, and almost everyone else we hung out with after the scavenger hunt. Lila and Bones share a birthday right after Thanksgiving, so we celebrate their birthdays that night, too. Nothing fancy, just presents and cake.”

Thanksgiving was about two weeks away. She was touched that he’d thought about her feelings and couldn’t believe he was willing to forgo seeing all the people he loved to be with her. “I would love to go with you. It will be sad without Gram this year, but I’ll make her famous apple pie, and you and I will be together, which will make it much better. This will give me a chance to get to know your friends better, too.”

“Great. How about we make the pie together?”

She fluttered her lashes flirtatiously and said, “Does that mean you want to get your hands dirty in my kitchen?” She could hardly believe how open she’d become in the last few days. The sexy things she said and did with him felt so natural, she wondered if he’d discovered hidden parts of her, or if his loving attention caused her to grow as a woman. She figured it was probably both, and she hoped they’d continue down that path for years to come.

“I want to get you dirty in your kitchen,” he said, eyes brimming with the sinfulness she adored.