One fateful night brings Maddy and Quinn together, a night full of promises and regrets. Will these two find out the true meaning of love? Or will their paths separate, never to see each other again.
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Maddy's Pov:
"Did you know a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance?" Jack says, his voice muffled as he checks the pie in the oven.
I don't respond, just furrow my brows and purse my lips, staring blankly. Jack pouts when he notices.
"You're no fun."
"I'm not trying to be. I just need this pie to turn out well so I can impress your family," I reply, rolling my eyes as I brush past him. I'm in a mood, to say the least.
Sure, a normal person wouldn't be baking an apple pie hours after finding out their father is dead, but my dad has been dead to me for years. It's just official now. It's late at night, and I helped Ellen prepare a few dishes for tomorrow. Surprisingly, our conversation was easy and light. She didn't pry too much, but I shared a bit about my past. I can't stay a stranger forever. Quinn, Jim, and Luke left an hour ago to get the turkey—everyone had forgotten about it, and my fainting was a good reason for that. Jack is helping me with the pie while Ellen showers.
"Okay, I have to ask—were you and Quinn l fucking earlier?" Jack's voice goes high-pitched. I freeze, my jaw dropping.
"No! What?" I exclaim, smacking his arm with my oven mitt.
"Yeah, I don't believe you. There was definitely something going on before he let me in." Jack argues, narrowing his eyes. I prop my hand on my hip, holding his gaze.
"No, you're imagining things. He was comforting me. That's all." Jack doesn't reply, but the corner of his lips lifts, clearly amused.
"Comforting? By sticking his tongue down your throat? Or maybe his fingers—" I gasp and throw the other mitt at him. Grabbing a spatula, I run towards him.
"Jack! I swear—"
"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! Stop chasing me." I jump onto his back, squeezing my arms tightly.
"What the—" We both freeze as Jack slowly turns to face the front door. With me still on his back, I lock eyes with Quinn, standing beside Luke, who looks like he's holding in a laugh.
"What's going on?" Luke asks, glancing between us. I pinch Jack's shoulder, and he winces, letting me down. I huff, adjusting my top that almost slipped too far down.
"Nothing. I was teasing Maddy about her... interactions with Quinn earlier, and she attacked me." Jack shrugs casually. I slap the back of his head and return to the kitchen, leaving Quinn to handle the situation.
I hum to myself, drowning out their hushed voices. Boys, I think, scrubbing the last of the dishes. Lost in my humming, I don't realize I'm no longer alone.
"What song? Something by T-Swift?" I spin around, surprised to see Quinn leaning against the doorframe, smirking. He's wearing grey sweats now but kept the black shirt on.
"No," I reply, licking my suddenly dry lips. I exhale, turning back to the oven. I feel Quinn moving closer until his arms cage me in. With my back to his front, he moves my hair aside and blows warm air on my neck.
"I thought we were on the same page, Maddy. No going back, remember?"
I shiver, my eyes fluttering shut. Damn, his voice is my weakness.
"We are, but I thought we were keeping this quiet. Just figuring things out ourselves before telling anyone, especially your family. Who, by the way, is right in the next room." I add quickly when his fingers start tracing my waistband. I suck in a breath and lean back against him.
"Soon, Maddy, I'll show everyone you're mine." His voice is low, sending chills through me.
"I can't wait, Quinn," I whisper, my voice breathy. My hand reaches back to grip his hair as I press further against him. I tilt my head, giving him access, and he captures my lips. Just as I start turning to face him, a voice interrupts.
"So I was right, then?"
We both freeze, looking like deer caught in headlights.
"Pay up, Lukey." Jack's voice is full of amusement. I glance at Quinn, who looks annoyed despite his indifferent expression.
No one moves for a moment. Reluctantly, Quinn steps back, giving me space to move past him.
"Well, this is awkward." Luke says, his face turning red.
"Is there something you two want to say?" I ask, crossing my arms. The brothers exchange looks—Quinn to Jack, Jack to Luke, and Luke nervously glancing between them.
I roll my eyes. It's out in the open now, so I might as well see it through. I turn back to Quinn. He gives me a questioning look. I smile, grab his shirt, and pull him into a kiss.
His hand wraps around my waist, and the other tangles in my hair, pulling me closer. It's not a long kiss, just enough to make a statement.
"Okay, so I'm officially scarred for life. I thought Maddy was a prude—guess I was wrong." Jack's voice is muffled as I focus on Quinn.
Without breaking eye contact, Quinn barely acknowledges his brothers. "Both of you, get out." His voice raspy.
"Don't have to tell me twice, though you should know, Mom is on her way down," Luke says. My eyes widen, and I pull back from Quinn.
"Good to know," I say, narrowing my eyes at Jack. "You were supposed to be helping me. Can you take the pie out of the oven?"
I turn to Luke. "And you—help him."
They both grin, but I'm not done. I cross my arms and glare.
"And stop teasing your brother. We're adults; newsflash—people kiss and fuck all the time."
Their jaws drop.
"Is that what we're doing, Maddy? Kissing and fucking?" Quinn murmurs in my ear.
"No, at least not yet," I manage to say.
"Kids!" Ellen's voice booms from the living room. I practically run from the kitchen, but before I leave, I point to the oven. Jack salutes sarcastically. I catch Luke putting Quinn in a headlock. I shake my head and walk away.
