Page 27

Cullen gives her a grin and goes to lean against the wall, bringing me along with him. He tucks me close to his side, hand still plastered to my waist. His thumb draws lazy circles on my skin through the soft material of my top, and it causes my brain to short-circuit.

When he does things like this, it’s hard to remember the reason why I’m trying to keep some distance between him and my heart. I’d told him the other night that I prioritize dating guys who would spend quality time with me and who affirmtheir affection through words, but I’d left out how physical contact also makes me melt.

Who am I kidding? I am a poster child for every single love language under the sun. There isn’t one better than another. I am greedy for them all, and maybe that’s why I always end up with men who are completely devoid of them.

Except Cullen seems to be steadily checking all the boxes, and that makes me worry for my sanity. As the odds keep stacking in his favor, I can’t help but wonder what fault he is secretly hiding.

“Is everything all right?”

A gorgeous brunette in a soft peach-colored apron pushes through the double doors, her brows pulled together with concern. Tendrils of hair have escaped her bun and are sticking to her forehead, and a light dusting of what is probably flour and jam sticks to her forearms.

Doris inclines her head toward Cullen, and the brunette’s frazzled expression morphs into one of pleasant surprise.

“Cullen!” She gives him a stunning smile, and my stomach immediately sours. But her warm greeting is short-lived as that frown reappears. “Seriously. Do you have any idea how busy I am? It’s peak rush hour, and I have a fresh batch of maple bacon donuts waiting to be glazed. This better be important.” She swats him with the back of her hand, leaving a smattering of flour on his shirt sleeve.

“Ah, yes, I missed you, too. I’m doing well, thanks for asking. Work is nuts, and I’m getting ready to move into the new apartment at the end of the month, not that you’ve offered to help, but I still wanted to come see you.”

“You’re acting like you don’t have a fancy moving company helping you.” She purses her lips and crosses her arms like an upset child. It’s then that her hazel stare lands on me, and her right eyebrow rises slightly. Her attention dips to where Cullen’s hand squeezes my waist, causing her lips to part slightly.

“Chloe, this is Verity. Verity, this is my sweet sister.”

Oh.

Oh,duh.

Now that I’m not viewing her as a potential unrequited lover, the family resemblance is glaringly obvious.

“Hi.” I stick my hand out awkwardly.

Chloe wipes her palm on her apron before placing her hand against mine. “Hi, it’s lovely to meet you. I didn’t know Cullen was dating someone.”

“Oh, we’re not—I mean, we—” Well, we’re on a date, our second date, which means that technically we are dating. But there are so many different interpretations of what dating means. I wouldn’t consider Cullen and me to bedatingdating, not yet. And that’s also totally not something I would say to his sister that I just met. “We’re not dating.”

“You look awfully cozy for people who aren’t dating.”

It’s the same thing Sonny said, and I start to wonder exactly what people see when we’re together. It’s kind of nice to know that people look at us and assume we’re a couple—it means the connection I feel isn’t totally in my head, that other people see it as well.

“We’re not datingyet,” Cullen corrects. “I’m trying to convince her. Which is why I wanted to show off with your donuts.”

“Oooh.” Chloe draws out the word with a conspiratorial grin. “I see.” She claps her hands together. “Okay, wait a second.” She disappears back through the double doors.

I give Cullen a nudge with my elbow.

“Yet?”

He leans his head down, so there are just a few inches between us and whispers, “Yet.” The single word holds a deep, carnal promise in it that skates over my skin and causes me to shiver.

Chloe pops back out and hands us a large white paper bag.

“Here, I got you a fresh batch of everything. I would love to chat a bit more, but I really do need to get back to the kitchen. I hope to see you again, Verity.” She gives me a wink and a wiggle of her fingers before slipping back into the kitchen.

“It was great seeing you, too,” Cullen shouts at the swinging doors.

“Come on, let’s not bother her more.” I drag Cullen back through the throng of people, keeping my focus on our escape instead of the rapid beating of my heart.

There’s a small park on the opposite side of the street, and we make our way over to one of the spare green metal benches.

We take the box out of the bag, and I have to tamp down my squeal when Cullen opens the lid to reveal the glistening goodies inside. Chloe went all out, giving us three of her signature crème brûlée donuts plus three additional ones of differing flavors. One has a white frosting top with crumbled Oreos, another has a pink glaze with freeze-dried strawberries and a chocolate drizzle, and the last looks like it’s a peanut butter and jelly concoction. I’m in heaven.