Just Desserts

by Tricia Quinnies

  He pulled on the boxer briefs then slipped his tee over his head. “Probably. If I can’t fix it, I can install a new one. How many units are in this building?”

  “Four.” She stepped away from her flowery chair to let him retrieve his trousers.

  “I’ll see if Jake is around. Get him to help me.” He slipped on his pants and then put on his shirt. He buttoned the shirt but didn’t bother to tuck it in. “I’ll give you a call later. Let you know when I’ll be back with my tools.”

  “Sounds good.” She arched her eyebrow. “How exciting. Do you have a tool belt?”

  “Sweetie. Better not keep tempting me. I undress faster than I dress.” He swiped his keys and iPhone off the vanity. Kissing her cheek, he slipped his hand under her leggings and squeezed her butt. “I never realized how delicious dessert could be.”

  She kissed him voraciously.

  When they came out of the bedroom, she glanced back at her door. DO NOT DISTURB was scrawled on it with chalk. “Nice.”

  She watched him as he walked down the hallway.

  At the end of the hall by the entry door he stopped and shook his hips. He pointed to his butt. “This is all yours, Sadie.”

  “You are so bad.”

  “I know.”

  Quinn left and Sadie’s stomach did a flip flop. She wondered how the hell she’d finish anything, much less her thesis, with this man in her life.

  She closed the door and turned around. A lacey black bra smacked her in the face. “What the heck?”

  “I think it belongs to you.” Ellen said and then threw Sadie’s dress at her. “I don’t wear black.”

  “Oh right. Sorry.” Sadie felt her cheeks heat up. “I hope we didn’t wake you or keep you up last night.”

  “Of course not. I’m on the opposite side. And if you were that loud I would have complained to Lance. I’ll take any excuse to get our hot landlord to come by.” She plopped on the couch. “I knew I recognized him.”

  Sadie came in and caught sight of Ellen’s pink T-shirt. Miss Kitty embellished her flat chest. “Nice shirt. What are you talking about?”

  Ellen jumped up and jogged down the hallway. “Didn’t you see the Chicago Magazine I slid under your bedroom door? It’s all there. In black and white. Your Quinn is…”

  Sadie couldn’t distinguish Ellen’s words because her head was under a pile of pillows and sheets. She stood at her bedroom doorway. “What?”

  Ellen reared back from beneath Sadie’s abundance of bedding and held up a magazine in celebration. “I knew Quinn looked familiar. His last name may be Laughton, but—” She thumbed through the pages, folded it over, and thrust it into Sadie’s hands. “—he’s a Wrigley. A real live descendant of the oldest money and family in Chicago. He has to be the wealthiest and sexiest single man in our fair city.”

  Sadie scanned the magazine. There was a color photo of Quinn. Her Quinn, but not the one she knew or thought she knew. It was a professional businessman.

  In the picture, he wore a dress suit while posing in front of a shop. Sadie squinted to see the tiny letters that named the store on its window. She thought that it read, “BBRD.”

  But it was the woman in the picture, with Quinn, that Sadie saw with absolute clarity. She was beautiful with long brown hair and propped against Quinn’s shoulder. Even in the small magazine photo, Sadie saw how the woman looked at Quinn—adoringly.

  “Did you read it?” Ellen said, breaking into her thoughts.

  “No, I was…”

  “Well. I was right. That guy you were with last night isn’t anyone ordinary. I bet he has a key to every important place and person in this city.” Ellen paused to brush a bit of dust off her pink T-shirt. “Hey, I wonder if he can get the library to open on Sundays again.”

  Sadie skimmed the article. There wasn’t much detail about Quinn. It mostly mentioned places the Wrigley Foundation had bought and rescued from Chicago Public Works’ demolition teams. And the Chicago sites which were given landmark status.

  It listed the generous donations the Wrigley family had made to Chicago non-profit organizations. All in all, while she only skimmed it; it didn’t say much about Quinn. But the picture jarred her. It didn’t match the man who had just left her bedroom moments earlier. Not to mention the beautiful woman clinging to his arm.

  “Hey, he’s eye candy. I’d keep him close to me if I were you. That’s for sure.” Ellen whistled.

  Sadie scrutinized the woman in the photo. It definitely wasn’t Patrice. But she recognized the street. It was somewhere on Damen. Maybe it was someone in the area. She tucked the magazine under her arm along with last night’s clothes. There wasn’t much she could do but wait for Quinn to come back. She’d ask him. Or at least try. “Thanks for the 4-1-1, Ellen. I’ll ask Quinn about the library hours, but if nothing comes of it, I’m pretty certain you’ll be able to take a hot shower by tonight.”

  “Fantastic!” Ellen did a jig and went into the kitchen. “Can I eat your leftover pasta?”

  “Be my guest. I’m not hungry. I ate too much dessert.”

  ***

  Quinn slipped the Porsche into the slot between his Jeep and Ram. He called Jake and told him to meet him at the Lowe’s in Schaumburg. Jake didn’t argue. Quinn suspected that his brother needed some time away from his beautiful but very pregnant wife. Cruising in a hardware store might help out.

  When he stepped off the elevator, he threw his keys on the marble-top table in the foyer. He didn’t want to be a dick and take a hot shower when Sadie was waiting for one. And since their first date at the restaurant didn’t go as smoothly as he’d imagined, he liked the idea of sharing a steamy shower with her.

  He changed into his jeans, grabbed a black tee from the antique armoire in his bedroom, and threw it on. Then he used Google to find out who owned Sadie’s building. He would talk to him or her about purchasing a new hot water heater. At first Quinn thought he’d try to fix it. But all the years he’d done renovations, he learned it was simply better to start fresh. He’d buy a heater and install it. Not necessarily quicker, but definitely easier.

  The owner called back and gave him the building codes and stats. As he jotted down the information, he had a hard time hearing the guy. Quinn elbowed his sash window shut and glanced outside. Two o’clock. Lunchtime at Lincoln Park Zoo was more accurate than his Swiss watch. The elephants were being fed and their roars of excitement were so loud he could hear them while at his desk in his penthouse living room.

  Quinn called Sadie to let her know what he planned to do, but there was no answer. He left a message and shot out the door. When he got on the freeway, he was stuck in traffic. Lake Shore Drive was bumper-to-bumper heading south for the White Sox game and north for the Cubs game.

  Reminded of baseball, he called Sadie again to confirm if she’d be able to go to the Cubs game Friday night. No answer again. Jesus.

  Jake called him just as he pulled into Lowe’s parking lot. “Where are you?”

  “Here. I was held up by baseball fans.”

  “I found that model,” Jake said.

  “Hold on. I’ll be right in the store. I want to get a couple guys to help load it into the back of the truck.”

  His brother added, “No wait.”

  “Let me park the truck, asshole.” Quinn turned off the cell and wove into the lot and parked. He jogged up to the main entrance and saw Jake pacing in the front by the soda machine. “Thanks. You found the heater model I need. That’s great.”

  Jake scoffed. “As if I’d know the difference between water heaters. I don’t even know what one looks like. I’m glad you had faith in me enough to give me the thing’s size.”

  “Yeah. Lost my head. Not sure what I was thinking. Come on. I want to get it and get out of here.”

  “Wait. That model is here. The one you used to date. I spotted her in the carpeting department while I was waiting for you.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “Lizanne? The tall
brunette from Milwaukee. Kind of a strange one. Didn’t she rollerblade around Lincoln Park in her bikini to get your attention?”

  “Shit. What is she doing at Lowe’s in Schaumburg? I thought she moved to Italy.” Quinn slipped his phone in back pocket. “Come on. It’s a big store. She can’t find us too easily.”

  “How long ago did you do her?” Jake said. “She’s hot.”

  Quinn wanted to smack his brother upside the head. “I didn’t do her. A year ago we went out a few times. She got way too serious, way too fast.”

  Jake came to stand in front of him. “Right. The usual then? A beautiful woman digs you and you think it’s too serious. I get it. Wish I had your troubles.”

  Quinn pushed his brother aside. Hell. Did he really need Jake’s help with this project? He looked around to see how many witnesses there would be in case he strangled his brother to death in the middle of Lowe’s. “Cut it out. You’re pissing me off.”

  An expression of pure shock passed over Jake’s face. “Suze is right. There is someone special. Isn’t there?”

  They walked through the window treatment and flooring departments and turned to head toward the back of the store. As they passed the paint department, Quinn caught a glimpse of Lizanne’s long black hair. “Shush. Come on. Let’s cut through the appliances.”

  They strode into a kitchen display. Quinn heard Lizanne call out his name. He made a beeline to the Viking refrigerator and clutched the arm of the Lowe’s pubescent sales boy walking by. “Can you tell me how much this costs?”

  The guy pointed to the sign posted on the refrigerator’s door. “Ah. Nine thousand dollars.”

  Jake crossed his arms and chuckled. “Oh, this is rare. My brother, the slickest hunk in Chicago, is dashing around to flee from a crazy ex-lay.”

  “No. Sadie needs a new refrigerator,” Quinn said. It took a second before he realized his mistake.

  “Ha! Her name is Sadie. Oh shit. I have to call Suze.”

  Before Quinn could grab Jake’s cell from his hand, Lizanne approached. “Hello, Quinn. How are you? What are you doing here?” She slid her tongue across a perfectly glossed bottom lip.

  “Hi Lizanne. I thought you were in Europe. Didn’t you get a gig for Vogue?” Quinn said.

  She waved paint chips in front of his face. “I moved back to Chicago a couple months ago. Picking up samples for the new condo. I was just talking about you. How have you been?”

  “Hey, I’m glad to see you, too,” Jake said.

  She pouted and glanced toward Jake. “Have we met?” She closed back in on Quinn. Sidling next to him, she touched the stainless fridge behind his right shoulder. “Are you buying this? It’s beautiful.”

  The salesman stood frozen staring at Lizanne. Quinn grabbed his hand and shook it. “Thanks for your help. When will it be delivered?”

  The guy dragged his attention away from Lizanne. Still gaping, he nodded at Quinn. “Ah. I need you to sign the papers, dude.”

  Lizanne slid the paint chips into her expensive-looking leather bag. “I’ll let you get back to business. Maybe we can catch up next weekend at the Field Museum?”

  “Field Museum?” Quinn mimicked.

  “Silly. I’ll be going to the opening with my fiancé, Craig Barrett. You’re the guest speaker. What a lovely donation your family made to the museum. According to Craig, it made the Streets of Chicago possible.”

  “Right. Thanks. And congratulations on your engagement. I wish the best for you and the mayor. Good seeing you Lizanne. And yes, of course, next weekend.” He eyed the sales boy. “Thanks. I’ll follow you to the sales office.”

  Together the three walked toward the elevator. Quinn stepped in with Jake right behind him and then the sales boy, who looked shell-shocked.

  “You’re one smooth son-of-a-bitch.” Jake punched him in the shoulder.

  “Ah, mister. Did you really want to buy the Viking? I mean, usually people take a couple of months to think about putting that much money down on a refrigerator.”

  “Yeah, ya know you didn’t have to buy an appliance to escape the super model. And she is engaged.” Jake pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll need to get us on a conference call with Suze. By the way, who is the refrigerator going to?”

  “The diner in Lake Geneva. Sadie’s dad,” Quinn spit out.

  “We were right. Some country girl.”

  Quinn glared at his brother. “Her name is Sadie Maxon. And don’t ever say her name drolly. In fact, don’t ever breathe her name without clearing it with me first.”

  Jake gave him a triumphant smirk. His phone lit up and he thumbed it on.

  “What’s up?” Suze’s voice echoed in the elevator. “Jake?”

  The bell rang and the elevator door opened. The salesmen loped out. Quinn held the door open for Jake.

  “Hey, honey. I’m at Lowe’s with Quinn. Making purchases for his latest rehab. Oh and before I forget. My brother’s in love.”

  A scream emitted from the cell.

  “Love you too. Gotta go,” Jake said into the phone.

  By the time Quinn walked out of Lowe’s, he’d bought a new hot water heater for Sadie, a new fridge for her dad, and a chainsaw for Jake. To make sure his brother kept his mouth shut, he bought the one tool his wife forbade him.

  Quinn didn’t regret it. Seeing Lizanne was like seeing a ghost from a past that he wanted to do away with once and for all. He wanted Sadie. She was his future.

  Chapter Sixteen

  In the kitchen, Sadie adjusted the pots and pans on the baker’s rack and searched for her cookie sheets. She needed to relax. Baking, with the bonus of eating something sweet, would calm her down.

  Her bike ride to both stores, Jewel and Treasure Island, was worth it. She had loaded up on fresh food and spices. And the bike ride exhausted every bit of her, except her brain. The picture of Quinn with the mysterious and gorgeous woman hanging on his shoulder refused to disappear from her mind.

  And Quinn was a Wrigley, a prestigious and wealthy family. Since she was a kid she had wondered about the elite members of the family who lived in the huge house across the lake. Why didn’t Quinn tell her he was one of them?

  She emptied the contents of the grocery bags and re-stocked the fridge. She and Ellen would have enough food for the week. Sadie would make sure there were a few baked goodies. Her phone vibrated; she slipped it out of the thigh-pocket of her cargo shorts.

  “Hey. Where have you been? I’m on my way to your place with a heater in the back of my truck,” Quinn’s voice boomed in the sterile kitchen.

  “Really?” She set a bag of flour on the counter. “When will you get here?”

  “Jake and I are racing from Lowe’s. He’s coming from the Eisenhower and I’m taking the city streets. If I get to your place first, he has to buy the beer.”

  Sadie chuckled. “I’ll root for you. Do you know where to go with the heater?”

  “Yeah. I spoke to your landlord. He should be there.”

  The buzzer rang as she spoke to Quinn. “Someone’s here.”

  “Damn. I hope it’s not Jake.”

  “I’ll look out for you, your bro, and Lance. Get off the phone while you’re driving. See you.” She went to the front foyer and greeted her hunky landlord, Lance.

  A cherry red pickup truck pulled up and double-parked. Quinn jumped out and hooted to the BMW driving past him. Sadie and Lance watched the two men holler and flip one another off in the middle of the street.

  Quinn strode over to them and shook Lance’s hand. “Where do you want it?”

  “Go around to the back alley. I’ll unlock the utility room for you,” Lance said.

  Sadie raked Quinn over like he was a centerfold.

  He kissed her cheek. “Get the soap ready. It won’t be long now.”

  “Thanks.”

  She watched his butt in his jeans as he hopped in the truck and then drove around to the back of the building.

  A man dressed in khaki shorts and a red polo
came up to her. “I’m Jake, Quinn’s brother. You are?”

  “Sadie Maxon.”

  He looked her over, head-to-toe. “Nice to finally meet you.”

  Finally?

  She brushed the splash of flour off her tank top. “I’m glad to meet you, too. Can I show you to the back of the building? Quinn and Lance are heading there.”

  He stepped closer and she saw his only resemblance to Quinn, the color of their eyes. They were both blue. But Jake didn’t have the silver flecks that twinkled like Quinn.

  “Can I throw the Berghoff’s in your refrigerator?”

  “Sure, of course.” She led him to the kitchen and opened the fridge for him.

  He said, “I hear your dad’s diner is in for an overhaul. The new fridge should be delivered by the end of the week.”

  “New fridge?” Sadie asked, confused.

  “Yeah. Quinn bought him a Viking. Top of the line.”

  “I’ll make sure to thank him.” She gritted her teeth. She hadn’t had a chance to look over the designs with Quinn yet and he was buying new appliances? Why, because she was a poor waitress and couldn’t make such a big decision? “I’ll show you to the utility room.”

  With the back door propped open with a cinder block, Quinn and Lance carried the hot water heater into the building. “Thanks for the beer, bro.”

  “Anytime. I lost the race on purpose.” Jake glanced at Sadie. “I wanted to meet your girlfriend.”

  They maneuvered the huge bulky cylinder inside the utility room. Quinn poked his head back out into the hallway. Scowling at his brother, he shouted, “Get in here!”

  Sadie went back into her apartment to bake lemon cardamom cookies. To drown out all the noise coming from the three men—the cussing and clanking tools—she slipped on her headphones and cranked up the Foo on her iPod.

  After the cookies were finished baking, Sadie turned off her music. The grunting from the utility room had dissipated. She inhaled the aroma in her kitchen and silently praised her good baking skills.

  Quinn came into the kitchen, went to the sink, and washed his hands. “There’s been a hold up. We need a copper el pipe and welder to fix the seam.”