Page 43 of The Prettiest Outlaw

“Thank you.” I gave her a genuine smile. “I test recipes all day long. I thought I had finally perfected that one.”

She popped the last of the cupcake into her mouth.

“You have.” She eyed me. “I’m gonna need to hide a few for me and Ty to eat later.”

“Make sure you get a few cookies, too.”

She went to a different cabinet and grabbed two Tupperware containers.

“So, how long have you and my cousin been seeing each other?” She chose to continue looking down at the baked goods as she asked that question.

“We’re not seeing each other.” I corrected her. “I mean, not like that. We’re mostly just friends…kinda like in-laws, maybe?”

“Kinda like in-laws? How does that work?” She clasped the lid on the container holding the cupcakes, and went to work on filling the other one with cookies.

“His brother is married to my sister.”

“Oh, you mean one of his half-brothers?”

“Yes. Dolton. They have the same father, Briscoe Hill. Anyway, Dolton Hill is married to my sister.”

“Did you know him before that?”

“Nope. I’d never even heard of him. Now, look at us…hanging out.”

She closed the second Tupperware container. “Nico’s a good guy.”

I watched her walk toward what I assumed was the pantry.

“He is.”

“You like him?” She eyed me conspiratorially.

Before I had the opportunity to respond, not that I even planned to respond, the doorbell rang.

“Saved by the bell. Come on. Let’s go greet the guests.”

I wanted to remind her that those were her guests, and I didn’t know those people. Instead, I just followed her to the front door.

* * *

I had a good time at the housewarming. It was a small, intimate affair. The conversations had been lively, and my baked goods had been a hit.

“You going home tonight, or you staying with me?” The question was asked casually, even though the implication was large.

I’d been spending a lot of nights at Nico’s place. My place was cozier, but his place had…him. I liked snuggling up to him and falling asleep to the rhythmic beat of his heart. But I didn’t know if our dynamic was sustainable. At some point, he would get a woman, and I was positive that she would put her foot down and put an end to our little sleepover situation.

“I don’t know, Nico.”

“Why? It’s basically an either-or question. Either you’re going home or coming with me.”

“I know.” I sighed softly.

He sighed heavily. “You’re overthinking it, lil bit.”

“I didn’t bring my little bag with the extra clothes and stuff.”

We rode to my place in silence. Nico broke it when he pulled to a stop in front of my townhome.

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