“Lucky you,” she said, staring at her reflection again. Her pallor was less apparent with some makeup, but she still wasn’t sure what to do with her hair like this besides tying it back as she had before. No time for a braid. She turned around to face him.

“How do I look?”

He surveyed her up and down and then stepped forward and held out his arms. They embraced and he kissed her cheek. She’d missed the scent of his cologne, and she pulled him closer for a deep nose full and another quick squeeze before letting him go.

He swept his gaze over her again. “You look like a million bucks, as always. Jai’s family won’t know what hit ’em.”

“Are they nice?” Her nerves were rising again.

“They’re super nice. They’re like a damn Hallmark Channel family. But honey, they’re a lot.”

“So Maddie said.”

Stuart’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh? And what else did the two of you talk about?”

She rolled her eyes at him, walking out into the bedroom to get her coat and scarf. “I’m not doing this, Stuart.”

“What?”

She laughed. “You know what. I’m not talking about her when I know your motives. She and I are not interested in each other like that.”

“Oh, really? Cause that’s not what Jai said.”

Her temper flared, and she squared her shoulders, hands on her hips. “What’s that supposed to mean? How would he know? Did Maddie say something?”

Stuart was clearly trying not to laugh, his lips twisting. “Nope. Jai said Joan told him the two of you were very lovey-dovey at the bakery today—feeding each other, staring longingly in each other’s eyes—the whole nine yards.”

“Well, Jai—no, Joan is absolutely—” She held up her hands. “Damn it! I’m not getting into this with you. You’re goading me, and I won’t fall for it.”

Stuart sighed dramatically. “Okay. Have it your way. I won’t say another word.”

“That’s what you said last time,” Ryann said, amused despite herself.

“I’ll try harder. It’s just that the two of you—” He shook his head. “Sorry. Never mind.”

She wanted him to finish his sentence, but he was trying to pull her in again, so she fought the urge to ask him.

“Shall we?” she asked, indicating the door.

He seemed a little put off by her lack of follow-up, but he led her outside and down the stairs to his car. His car and driving together was also a new thing for them.

“I didn’t even know you could drive,” she said, getting in.

“I couldn’t! Maddie taught me, actually, in that big-ass truck of hers. Before that, I was using Uber and the bus. But Uber was getting expensive, and the busses don’t run very often.”

“A car is cheaper?”