Beautifully Hurt (Beautifully Broken)

by Michelle Heard

  “Okay,” I murmur, turning my attention back to my work.

  More customers trickle into the store throughout the day, and by the time we get to close the door, I’m dead on my feet.

  Finlay stretches her body, letting out a groan. “God, who knew selling cupcakes would be so tiring.”

  “Right?”

  Taking off my apron, I hang it on a hook, then I check that everything is switched off. “Ready to go house hunting?”

  “Coffee first,” Finlay says as she walks to the door. “My treat.”

  Joining her, we step out of the store, and then I lock the door. “Let me just tell Eli.”

  We cross the road, and walking into Jackson’s Hardware, a grin spreads over my face. Eli’s carrying a heavy-looking bag down an aisle, his muscles rippling as he sets it down on the floor.

  Yep, that’s my man.

  He glances our way, then the corner of his mouth lifts. “Done for the day?”

  “Yeah.” I walk closer, and standing on my tiptoes, I give him a kiss. “We’re going to get coffee and walk down to the beach to see if there are any properties for sale.”

  “You have your phone on you?” he asks.

  I pull it out of my pocket to show him.

  “Is it charged?”

  Letting out a chuckle, I unlock the screen and check. “I have seventy percent left.”

  “How long will you be?”

  I glance at Finlay. “An hour?”

  She nods.

  “Meet me here when you’re done,” Eli says, and lifting his hand to the side of my neck, he presses a tender kiss to my lips.

  “Okay.” I give him a smile then walk out of the store with Finlay.

  “He seems very possessive,” Finlay mentions.

  My smile grows. “I love it.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Eli’s protective of me, and it makes me feel treasured.”

  Finlay’s eyes drift over my face. “You love him a lot.”

  “With all my heart,” I say as we walk into the diner. “I want a vanilla latte.”

  We place our order, and while we wait, I ask, “When will your dad be back?”

  Finlay thinks for a moment. “Three weeks.”

  “Shoot, that’s after Christmas.”

  She shrugs. “We’ll celebrate when he’s here.”

  “I haven’t seen him in years.”

  “He’s gotten gray,” she says.

  “Dad as well.” I let out a sigh. “I need to win the lottery, so he can go on early retirement.”

  Finlay lets out a burst of laughter. “You think our fathers will ever retire?”

  “Probably not.”

  When our order is ready, Finlay pays.

  “Thank you,” I say before taking a sip of my beverage.

  We head toward the beach, and I point out several places, but none of them catch Finlay’s eye.

  Taking off our sandals, we head up along the stretch of sand, and when I realize we’re close to Ethan’s house, I point at his place. “See that white and blue house?”

  Finlay stops to stare at it. “So pretty.” She tilts her head. “I love it.”

  “That’s Ethan’s house.”

  Her head snaps to me, her eyes widening. “You said it was falling apart.”

  “He’s done a lot of work on it.”

  Finlay turns her gaze back to the house. “I can see why he bought it.”

  We continue walking, and as we’re about to pass by, the front door opens. Ethan comes out, and it has me calling, “Hi, Ethan.”

  He glances our way, then takes the steps down to the beach. “Taking a walk?” he asks as he gets close to us.

  “Yeah, we’re checking to see if there are any houses for sale.”

  Ethan moves closer to me, and it makes Finlay take a couple of steps backward. He points to a house up the beach. “See the one with the yellow shutters?”

  I look in the direction he’s pointing out. “Oh… yeah.”

  “It’s a bargain. You might want to jump on that.”

  “Thanks.” I smile at him, then glance at Finlay. “Let’s go take a look.”

  “Stanley Jefferson’s the owner,” Ethan mentions. “I’ll text you his number.”

  “That would be great,” I say. “Thanks, Ethan.”

  He shoots Finlay a glance then walks back to his place.

  “Come on.” I take hold of Finlay’s arm, pulling her toward the house.

  When we get close, a smile starts to tug at her mouth. “He sure has an eye for a house.”

  “Right?”

  Taking the stairs up to the porch, we glance through the windows. “I’ll give Stanley a call and ask him to show us the inside.”

  Finlay turns around and stares out at the ocean. “It’s perfect.”

  We take a seat on the steps then start to dream up ideas of what she can do with the place.

  Nudging her with my elbow, I smile. “This is nice.”

  “Yeah.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “It’s so peaceful.”

  “It is,” I sigh happily. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.”

  ELI

  Walking out of the hardware store, I lean back against the wall, and then my eyes go to the store across the road.

  Instantly, a smile tugs at my mouth as I watch Quinn trying to get Finlay to take a bite of a cupcake. The girls’ laughter drifts to me.

  Emotion wells in my heart from seeing Quinn happy, and I get a flashback to when we started dating.

  Quinn glances in my direction, and saying something to Finlay, she comes out of the store. She glances up and down the road, then crosses to me.

  Her smile widens. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” I murmur. When she’s close enough, I reach for her hip and pull her against my front. “Having fun?”

  She nods, her eyes sparkling up at me.

  I bring a hand to her cheek and softly brush my fingers over her skin. The moment fills with intimacy as I stare deep into her eyes.

  God, can I love her any more than I already do?

  “It’s your birthday tomorrow,” I murmur, my fingers following the curve of her jaw.

  She scrunches her nose. “I’m more excited to see my dad.”

  My smile widens a little. “It will be a fun day with our families.”

  Quinn pushes her body up against mine, pressing a kiss to the scruff on my jaw.

  I lean my head down, letting my breath fan over her skin, and when I reach her ear, I whisper, “My Quinn.”

  She turns her head to me, her lips parted and her eyes dark with desire.

  “Can’t look at me like that in the middle of town, baby.”

  Then she fucking bites her bottom lip.

  Grabbing hold of her hand, I drag her into the store, all the way to the storage room. I back her up against a wall, then I crush my mouth to hers.

  Quinn lets out a moan, and I practically ravage her lips until she’s breathless and grinding her body against mine.

  I move my hand down her side and tug up her dress. My fingers brush over her thigh, and cupping the intense heat coming from her pussy, I let out a frustrated groan.

  “Christ, I want to fuck you,” I growl.

  “Do it,” she breathes, scattering kisses down my neck. “Fuck me, Eli.”

  Hearing Quinn curse is fucking hot. I yank away from her, and closing my eyes, I take deep breaths so I don’t lose control.

  When I find my voice, I say, “No condom.”

  “That’s it. I’m going on the pill,” she mutters, sounding just as frustrated as I feel.

  The corner of my mouth curves up, and lifting a hand, I take hold of her jaw. Pressing a hard kiss to her mouth, I say, “I’m going to fuck you senseless tonight.”

  Quinn looks at me with unadulterated desire. “I can’t wait.”

  As she turns to leave the storage room, I smack her ass. With a startled shriek, her eyes fly to my face.

  “That’s fo
r making me hard and then walking your sexy ass back to your store.”

  Giving me a fucking tempting grin, Quinn’s eyes scorch down my body until they lock on my cock. Then she fucking licks her lips.

  “Go,” I grind the word out through clenched teeth. “Now.”

  Instead of listening, she steps closer to me.

  “You’re playing with fire,” I warn her, my voice low and deep with the lust coursing through my veins.

  Quinn shuts the door, and then she drops to her knees in front of me.

  “Fuck, baby,” I breathe as she undoes my belt and zipper.

  She yanks the fabric down, freeing my hard as fuck cock, and then I sink into the warmth of her mouth, a groan rumbling from me.

  “Fuck,” I hiss. “Take me hard.”

  Grabbing hold of her hair, I can’t stop myself from thrusting into her mouth. Quinn closes her eyes, and then she hums, the vibration hitting the head of my cock as she sucks me to high heavens.

  I don’t have the strength or time to pull her away as my orgasm hits. Quinn’s mouth… Christ, my mind ceases to work, my balls tighten, and I fucking come hard.

  “Swallow, baby,” I say, my voice hoarse as I empty myself in her mouth.

  Quinn takes every last drop, and when she pulls back, she grins up at me, waiting for my praise, and it’s my undoing.

  I pull her up to her feet and crush my mouth to hers, a perverse part of me wanting to taste myself on her tongue.

  When I finally free her mouth, I say, “So fucking good, baby. You blew my mind.”

  Satisfaction flutters over her beautiful features.

  I tuck my cock back into my boxers and zip up my jeans. As I fasten my belt, my eyes lock on Quinn.

  “You need to fix your hair,” I chuckle. “Or the whole town’s going to know what we were doing in here.”

  With a burst of laughter, she combs her fingers through the strands. I step forward and help her, then press a last kiss to her mouth. “Time to get back to work.”

  Chapter 28

  QUINN

  Sitting next to Dad, with all my loved ones around me, I can’t stop smiling.

  Finlay’s on Dad’s other side, leaning against him. He has his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and it’s the most relaxed she’s looked since she arrived in Southport.

  “I can’t wait to see this house you want to buy,” Dad says to her.

  “I think you’ll love it,” she murmurs.

  “When’s that brother of mine coming home?” he asks.

  “He said –”

  “Finlay.”

  My eyes snap to the back door, and then Finlay’s up and practically flying into Uncle David’s arms.

  Dad and I get up, both of us with huge smiles on our faces. Finlay stays glued to her father’s side as Dad and Uncle David shake hands, and then I get to hug my uncle.

  “Happy Birthday, Quinn,” he says.

  “This is the best gift ever,” I grin at him. “I can’t remember when we were last all together.”

  Turning to the Jackson’s, I introduce Uncle David to them, and when we sit down again, a happy sensation spreads through my heart.

  The conversation flows as Dad catches up with Uncle David. Ethan and Alex are grilling burgers and steaks, and Nina’s on my left, a content smile tugging at her lips.

  It’s only then I realize Eli’s not outside with us.

  Just as I get up, Ethan says, “We should play some music.”

  He connects his phone to a portable speaker, and then a familiar song starts to fill the air.

  My lips curve up. “That’s my and Eli’s song,” I tell Ethan. “Good choice.”

  I turn to go look for Eli and then stop dead in my tracks.

  Oh. My. God.

  Eli’s on one knee, looking at me with all the love in the world.

  Everyone’s instantly quiet, only the song playing.

  My throat closes up, my eyes start to burn, and a tremble ripples through my body as emotions build in my chest.

  Eli opens his right hand, and the moment I see the ring, my hands fly up to cover my mouth as a sob bursts from me.

  The song ends, then Eli says, “When I’m with you, it feels like I’m home, where I belong.”

  I start to nod even though he hasn’t asked the question.

  Eli lets out a chuckle. “Quinn, I want to be the only man you kiss, the only one you love.” He takes a deep breath. “I want to make all your dreams come true, and when we’re old, I’ll give you your wish.”

  I’m still nodding, unable to stop, my attention solely focused on Eli.

  He rises to his feet, and lifting a hand to my cheek, there’s so much emotion on his face, it makes a tear spiral down my face.

  Moving in close to me until it feels like it’s just us, Eli says, “There’s no one I love more than you, Quinn. I promise to always protect you. To cherish you. To appreciate you.”

  Moving my hands from where they’re still covering my mouth, I place them against Eli’s chest.

  “Marry me, Quinn.”

  “Okay,” I breathe, and then I don’t care that we’re surrounded by family. Pushing up on my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss Eli with all the love in my heart.

  Cheers explode around us, and Eli grins against my mouth. “Yeah? You going to wear my ring, baby?”

  I nod quickly, then hold my left hand out to him. He slips a beautiful diamond onto my ring finger, and then I jump into his arms, laughter bubbling from me.

  It hits hard… Eli just asked me to marry him.

  A sob bursts from me, and I bury my face against him. His arms tighten around me, and I’ve never felt more loved than I do at this moment.

  “Happy Birthday, baby.”

  “Best gift ever,” I say through tears.

  “I thought I was the best gift ever,” Uncle David playfully grumbles.

  I pull back from Eli with a sputter of laughter, wiping the tears from my face.

  One by one, our loved ones congratulate us, and when I hug Nina, she says, “When you’re comfortable with it, I’d like for you to call me Mom.” She pulls back, tucking some hair behind my ear. “I’ve always wanted a daughter.”

  I have to fight hard against the urge to cry. “I always wanted a mother.”

  Nina’s chin quivers, and it snaps my fragile control. We hug again while taking a moment to ride our way through the overwhelming emotions.

  “I love you, Mom,” I whisper.

  “My heart,” she sobs. “You’re going to make me ugly cry.”

  I laugh through my tears, then she says, “Love you, Quinn.”

  “Don’t I get a hug?” Ethan asks. “Wouldn’t mind one of those I love yous either.”

  “Don’t push your luck,” Eli warns him.

  My cheeks are starting to hurt from all the smiling as I give Ethan a hug. He wraps me up in his arms, then he whispers, “How long do you think Eli will let me hold you before he smacks me upside the head?”

  Suddenly Ethan whirls me around, and I’m pushed into Eli’s arms as he darts away with a burst of laughter.

  When I glance up at Eli, he asks, “Happy baby?”

  I nod as I rest my cheek against his chest. “Happiest day of my life.”

  Epilogue

  QUINN

  Two years later…

  Staring at Katie, my heart is impossibly full.

  “Hey, Mrs. Jackson,” she teases me, a sparkle in her eye. “Missed me?”

  “So much,” I whisper.

  Katie leans forward and places her hand on my baby bump. A soft smile curves her lips. “You’re going to be the best mom.”

  I rest my hand over hers, soaking in the warmth from her skin.

  Lifting my eyes to hers, I admit, “I thought I’d never see you again.”

  Katie sits back, shrugging, “You’re having your first baby. I had to make one last appearance.”

  Another grin spreads over her face. “She’s going to be beautiful, just li
ke you.”

  “She?” I ask, my heart skipping a beat.

  “Yeah. You’re having a girl, Quinn. She’ll have Eli’s dark hair and your green eyes. She’s going to be the prettiest little girl.”

  “How do you know that?”

  She lets out a sputter of laughter. “I just do.”

  “Are you happy, Katie?” I ask the one question I’ve always wanted to ask her.

  “Of course, silly.” Her chuckle is filled with bubbles. “Every time you smile, I smile.”

  “I’ll never stop smiling then.” We stare at each other, then my chin begins to quiver. “This is goodbye, right?”

  “For now,” she nods.

  Leaning forward, I wrap my arms tightly around her. “I love you, Katie. Thank you for being my best friend.”

  “I love you, Quinn,” she whispers. “More than I’ve ever loved anything. I’ll always watch over you.” She pushes me back so we can look at each other again. “I hope you have a beautiful life filled with laughter and love.”

  Katie tilts her head, her love for me making her eyes sparkle like the stars above us. “You’re never alone, Quinn. I’ll be there every step of the way.” She presses her hand to my chest. “Right here, safely tucked away in your heart.”

  I cover her hand with both of mine.

  “Bye, Katie.”

  Waking up, a smile spreads over my face as I brush my hand over my baby bump.

  “We’re having a girl,” I murmur.

  “How do you know?” Eli asks sleepily, his face half burried in a pillow.

  “Katie told me.”

  His head pops up. “You dreamed about Katie?”

  Letting out a chuckle, I nod. “Yeah. I got to say goodbye.”

  Eli wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer to him. “I’m glad, baby.” He’s quiet for a moment, then asks, “So we’re naming our daughter Katie?”

  My eyes dart to his, and a wide smile spreads over my face. “Can we?”

  “Of course.”

  I press a kiss to his mouth. “When we have a boy, you can name him.”

  “Hmm… how many kids are we having?” he asks, pressing his body against mine.

  “Five.”

  Eli lifts his head then gives me a playful grin. “I have my work cut out for me.”