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No, I didn’t tell your sister we had sex. I only told her we spoke and that it went well so she clearly made the assumption. And what’s all this about Lou and Katy?

It didn’t take long for her to reply.

Crap. Nothing. Forget I said anything.

Okay, so they spent the night together but don’t tell anyone. Lou probably wouldn’t care but I’m sure Katy would.

She didn’t need to worry about me spreading gossip. Other people’s business only ever concerned me if someone was struggling in some way or needed help.

Cooke returned to the table, and we discussed a few more ideas until the doorbell rang, and my chest filled with pleasure because I knew it was Erin. I should’ve texted to let her know her panic was for nothing and that I wasn’t regaling her sister and brother-in-law with a play by play of the events of last night, but selfishly, I didn’t because I wanted an excuse to see her.

I listened as her sister opened the door, greeting her as she came in before footsteps sounded down the hallway. A moment later, she was standing in the kitchen, her chest rising and falling like she’d run all the way over.

“Hi, Cooke,” she said. Her eyes came to me, and I resisted the urge to stand and pull her into my arms, kiss her until she calmed down. “Tristan.”

“Erin.”

A moment of awkward silence ensued before her sister came in behind her, “I’m putting the kettle on if anyone wants some tea.”

“That sounds lovely, thank you,” I said while Erin hovered at my side. Instinctively, I reached out to take her hand, smoothing my thumb over the pulse pounding in her wrist. “Hey, relax,” I whispered, pulling her close until her knees met my side.

“You two are just too cute,” her sister said, and Erin pressed her lips together.

“What?” Sloane asked. “It’s true.”

“We’re both very happy for you,” Cooke said, and Erin made the sexiest little grumble.

“You know, too?”

“Of course, I know. Your sister and I share everything,” Cooke replied, and then Erin groaned in surrender, lowering onto the seat next to mine as she complained, “It is literally impossible to keep anything a secret around here.”

“You might be right about that,” her sister said. “I got a text from Uncle Fred a little while ago.”

“Oh my God. It’s getting ridiculous,” she groaned, and Cooke gave a boisterous chuckle.

“Better just give in now. Everyone’s going to know soon enough anyway.”

Erin cast me a defeated look, slumping back in her seat as she let out the heaviest sigh. “I guess.”

We all shared a cup of tea while Cooke and I went over a final few things in his business plan. All in all, I had every confidence that the venture would be a success.

“Come back some time, and I’ll make my lobster rolls. You’ll be able to sample the product yourself,” Cooke said as I shrugged into my jacket.

“If they’re anything like your coddle, I bet they’re delicious.”

Erin’s sister pulled her aside before we left, speaking in hushed tones before the two women hugged.

“Want a lift home?” I asked.

“Oh, definitely. I think I pulled a muscle speed walking over here.”

I shot her tender look. “Poor baby. I’ll have to massage it better.”

The drive to her apartment was quick, too quick. I wanted to prolong our time together, but I also didn’t want to pressure her by asking to be invited in. I’d told her she could set the pace, and I was determined to keep that promise.

I parked up outside her place, turning in my seat and releasing my seat belt. “I’ll walk you—”

“Do you want to come in?”