“Were you a psychologist in a former life or something?” I asked her.
“No, but I’ve been around people who have suffered tragedy in their lifetime and I’ve seen what it does to people. I think you and Quinn will be just fine.” Diana waved her hands around the reception area. “What you are doing here for him will just solidify your love and commitment to him and this business. To your future.”
“I hope so,” I laughed nervously. “We’re spending a lot of money with this renovation. Speaking of, how are we doing on our furniture budget?”
“Actually, we’re under budget. I was able to get a significant discount at Resort Interiors due to their business liquidation.”
“That’s wonderful news,” I said with an excited clap.
“I was thinking about something special we could do for Quinn with the leftover budget.”
I marked my spot in the designer notebook and looked up. “What is that?”
“That space we were talking about in the back of the building? The one we decided to use for storage?”
I nodded for her to continue.
“I thought that would make a great work-out room for Quinn. We could make it simple. Just hardwood floors, a mirrored wall, and some exercise equipment. It would still be under budget. That way he doesn’t have to leave the office to go to a gym.”
“I like it.” I thought it was a great idea and agreed with an enthusiastic nod. “We could always get a portable shed if we need more storage space.”
“Exactly,” Diana agreed.
“Let’s go for it.”
Diana wrote a note in her planner. “Now let’s finish picking out some fabric for the office chairs.”
She sat down next to me as we worked our way through a whole book of swatches. Within the hour we had finished choosing all the furniture, window treatments, and knick-knacks for the individual offices.
“It will take about ten days for delivery and we can install by our due date,” Diana said after we were done.
“Great,” I said. I handed her the designer workbook. “I want to do a big surprise reveal party for Quinn. It will coincide with the end of the first part of his PT.”
Quinn would be doing physical therapy for the next six months. But the first part was the hardest. He was basically learning how to walk again with his new prosthetic leg. After that phase ended, they’d help him regain his overall strength as well as work on brain exercises. His memory and speech were improving a little bit everyday but I could tell he was still frustrated when he couldn’t find the right word when speaking or when he forgot simple tasks. Last night, he’d put ice cream in the pantry. The doctors said it was going to take time but I was in it for the long haul. For life. I just had to keep reassuring Quinn of that.
I hoped that the new office would give him the confidence he needed as well. Before I decided to do the office renovation I had met with his parents as well as his lead doctor. I wanted to be sure that it wasn’t going to be too much for Quinn to handle. Going back to work was a big step. But everyone agreed that it was a big step in the right direction. Just by working part-time, Quinn would be able to begin his new life. I was happy to be a part of that.
“Then I better get this order placed. I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch?” Diana asked.
“Tomorrow it is,” I said with a happy wave. “See you then.”
Chapter 7
Quinn
By the time I got home from PT, took a shower, and checked my email, Ashton had dinner on the table. She’d stopped by our favorite restaurant, Crust, and picked up a pan of lasagna, garlic bread, and a fresh Caesar salad with homemade croutons. I got to the table just as she struggled with opening a bottle of Cabernet.
“Smells good,” I commented before giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Do you need help with that?”
Ashton twisted the metal wine opener around the opening of the bottle. “Ugh, no I think I got it this time.” She tugged on the cork and it finally gave way.
I laughed as Ashton stumbled backward a little with the cork in her hand. “You okay, babe?”
Ashton laughed along with me. That’s what I loved about her. “I’m good. Sit down and let’s eat.”
“How was PT today?” she asked, passing me the platter of lasagna.
I scooped two large helpings and plopped it on my plate. Adding some greens and a breadstick, I started to dig in. “Good. I’m still feeling some pain in my thighs. Having some phantom pain. But Mark seems to think I’m on track. He’s bringing me down to three days a week now.”
“Honey, that’s excellent,” she said, eyes sparkling with those gold flecks that appeared whenever she was happy or excited. “I can see you’ve regained some muscle in your biceps already.”
While chewing a piece of salad, I put up both arms and made a muscle with both. “Just like Popeye. Except this is romaine and not spinach.”
She giggled at my antics. “We got another call from Jed this afternoon.”
That took me by surprise. “He just can’t take no for answer, huh?”
Jed Taylor was one of the biggest real estate agents in the business around this coastal town. I’d done some dealings with him while working for Albertson. When he wanted something, like a beachfront property that we had in our investment portfolio, he went after it until his incisors were clamped down so hard he couldn’t release them.
His client had offered over twenty percent of the current value. Even though Albertson was adamant about holding on to the property, eventually Jed wore us down. We ended up selling the property to him for over forty percent of the current value of the property and gained some commercial space in one of his developments for a steal. In the end, it was a win-win situation.
Now, Jed had a client who had their sights on our beach house that my Nanna had left me. It was located in a small, desirable subdivision just a couple blocks from the beach. It was also the only home sitting on a double corner lot with a guest house and in-ground pool. Jed had already offered me six hundred thousand dollars for the home. I flat out turned him down. With the recent passing of my grandmother and the long road of recovery head of me, I didn’t feel like I was ready to let it go. Ashton agreed with me. It had sentimental value to us both.
“He upped his offer.” Ashton took a small sip of her wine.
I tried to act like I didn’t care, but curiosity got the best of me. “How much?”
“Seven.”
I leaned back and rifled a hand through my hair. “Do you want to sell?” I asked Ashton.
I held my breath. We’d had this discussions many times. I knew that Ashton was ready to get married. She wanted us to start a family. Have a fresh start. That included getting a new home. I told her that I wanted the same thing. But I needed time to heal. Not from just my injuries but from the pain in my heart from losing my grandmother. I wasn’t quite ready to give up her house. At the same time, I wanted to please Ashton. I was afraid of losing of her.
Ashton placed her hand on top of my mine. “I want what you want. If you don’t want to sell the house, then don’t sell it. I’m fine as long as I’m with you.”
I knew she meant the words, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that she longed to get on with starting our future together. Including buying a new house. That was the plan before the accident anyway. And with the purchase of the commercial space, we didn’t have a lot of liquid cash left for the down payment on a new house.
“I’ll think about it.”
Seven hundred thousand was a lot of money. I’d had the house appraised when Nanna’s estate went into probate. It was appraised at four hundred ninety thousand dollars. Jed’s offer was well over appraised value. With that money, we could buy a waterfront property on the bay. A property with a large yard that would be great for kids.
“This has to be your decision. You know I’ll stand by whatever you do.” Ashton smiled across the table.
But I already knew.
Chapter 8
; Ashton
Today was graduation day. After Quinn finished his PT he would call me to pick him up. He was expecting me to take him out to lunch to celebrate his last full day of therapy. But instead, I was going to take him somewhere else.
My heart thudded loudly with anticipation as I waited outside in the parking lot of Emerald Coast Physical Therapy Associates. Part of me was excited about this surprise. The other worried part of me wanted to throw up. What if he didn’t like what I’d done and was angry that I hadn’t included him in the design choices? The last time I felt this way was a few months ago when I was standing in the bathroom at Quinn’s office waiting to negotiate our deal. Not knowing he was waiting for me on the other side of the table.
The door to the office opened and Mark walked out with Quinn. Mark had his arm around Quinn’s shoulder and they paused right outside the door. Mark gave Quinn a bear hug. I don’t know why, but seeing that happen brought tears to my eyes. If someone would’ve told me that few months ago I would reconnect with Quinn, fall back in love with him, and be living with him, I would’ve thought that person was crazy.
“Hey babe,” Quinn greeted me as he slid inside the passenger seat in my car.
I reached over and kissed him. “How was PT?”
“Grueling,” Quinn said. “Mark put me through the ringer today.”
“On your last day of therapy?” I asked. “How dare he do that to my man?”
“Actually, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
As I pulled out of the parking lot, I waved goodbye to Mark, who watched us from the doorstep. I caught his wink at me before he shut the door. Of course, he was in on the surprise too.
“I need to stop at the gas station before we grab a bite to eat,” I said, trying to keep the waver out of my voice. I glanced sideways at him but nothing seemed amiss. He wasn’t on to me. Yet.
“I’ve been looking forward to this all morning,” Quinn replied. “The thought of stone crab claws with hot mustard sauce is the only thing that kept me going when Mark made me want to put my head between my legs and breathe into a brown paper sack.”
I laughed. “Doesn’t take much to make you happy these days.”
“I’ve got you babe. What else do I need?”
I pulled into the gas station and took my time. While Quinn pumped, I went inside under the guise to buy gum and mints. I used the restroom. I wanted to give everyone time to get to the surprise party.
“What took you so long, woman?” Quinn teased me. “I thought I was going to have to send out a search party.”
“Bathroom,” I answered. “Girl troubles.”
That was all I needed to say to shut down the conversation. I don’t care who you are. All men were uncomfortable talking about female issues, including my boyfriend.
I turned onto the beach highway and headed to our destination. Luckily, I picked a restaurant just down the street from where we were going.
A couple minutes later I was turning into the parking lot of our new business. Immediately, Quinn asked me, “What are we doing here?”
“I think I forgot something important inside,” I said parking the car.
“What’s wrong?” Quinn said, his face a mask of concern.
“Nothing,” I opened the car door and stepped out. “Just had some ideas I wanted to show you. Blueprints.”
“But…the crab legs. I’m starving.” He reluctantly got out of the car and followed me to the front door.
“Hold your horses, hungry man. This won’t take long,” I answered.
He followed me, as I knew he would. Like a lamb to slaughter.
I used my key to open the front door and we walked inside. The interior was dark as Quinn fiddled around for the lights.
“It smells like fresh paint,” Quinn said as the lights came on.
I watched his face as he looked around to see the entire reception area had been painted, furnished and completely renovated. He turned around in circles, mouth gaping open. “What in the world is going on?”
“I renovated the office,” I stated the obvious. “Do you like it?”
“Um, I don’t know what to say.”
I wasn’t sure how to take that. Was he unhappy that I did this behind his back? Or was he just in shock?
“You can say that you like it.” I continued to watch as he wondered around the reception area taking it all in. My knees quaked and all I wanted to do was collapse in an emotional puddle on the floor.
“I do like it. It’s just – “ Quinn sank down into one of the guest chairs. “I wasn’t expecting this. You did this all on your own?”
I nodded. “Would you like to see the rest of the office?”
Quinn looked at me with big eyes. “You mean there’s more?”
I laughed, fortified with a wave of confidence that he didn’t seem mad. “You didn’t think I would half-ass it, did you?”
He got to his feet and we walked down the hallway. The conference room was the first door to the right. I stood behind him as he opened it.
“Surprise!” Voices yelled out as Quinn walked in.
“What the …” My heart galloped at his shocked expression. Never saw that one coming. That’s the best technique. Stun them with the first surprise and then knock them down with the second.
All of our friends and close family stood in the conference room. His mom and dad had traveled down from Georgia, my parents were there, our siblings, Mr. Albertson and some of the crew from his old office. Mark, his physical therapist called out from the corner of the room, “I bet you weren’t expecting this after what I put you through today!”
Quinn shook his head and went to hug his parents. “I can’t believe this.”
I stepped around the well-wishers and found my friend, Diana. “You pulled it off,” she told me.
“We pulled it off,” I said. I gave her hug. “Thanks for all your help. The office looks great.”
We had a nice spread on the conference room table and credenza. I even made sure the caterer brought in cold stone crab claws with hot mustard sauce for Quinn. We also had chicken and steak kebabs, fried mushrooms, shrimp quesadillas, and zucchini sticks. All of Quinn’s favorite foods. Imported beers, wine, and an array of soft drinks. It was a nice evening to share with all our loved ones.
But the best thing about it was seeing a smile on Quinn’s face. I’d worried at first that he wouldn’t like the office or he’d be disappointed that I did it without his knowledge. Technically, we both put in fifty-fifty for the business. Equal partners. I should’ve asked him before I spent a lot of money on expensive design. But my gift came straight from my loving heart. Seeing the smile on his face now was worth all the worrying and debating.
At the end of the evening, Quinn shuffled with exhaustion. We said our goodbyes and strode to the parking lot. As we got into the car, Quinn leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“What is that for?” I asked.
“Thank you,” Quinn said quietly. “That was the best surprise I’ve ever received. Ever.”
I leaned back in the driver’s seat. “You’re not mad?”
“Why would I be mad?” he asked, mouthing hanging open in shock at the question.
“I took the liberty of renovating our new business without discussing it with you first,” I apologized as I started the ignition. “We’re partners.”
“What you did was very brave. And sweet. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. Besides I dig your taste. You picked me didn’t you? Twice.”
I felt a rush of heat flood my body. “I wanted to do something to show how I committed I was to you and the business.”
Quinn rubbed a thumb over my cheek. “I love you for that.”
“How about we get home and you can show me just how much?”
We hadn’t made love since the accident. Quinn always seemed to find some excuse why he couldn’t do it. Since I didn’t want to push him, I’d just allowed him to go at his own pace. He’d be ready when he was
ready.
“Why wait?” Quinn picked up my hand and kissed it.
I giggled. “Because my parents are still in the office and if they came out and saw us making out in the car …”
“Good point,” he said, blue eyes twinkling with desire. “How fast can you get us home?”
I cranked up the car and put it in reverse. “Five minutes.”
* * *
We made it home in record time. Quinn kicked the door open with his good leg and pulled me over the threshold, never breaking contact. We managed to land on the couch, limbs twisted with desire. I ripped at my clothes in a frantic attempt to get them off my fevered skin, then went to work on his.
I lifted his shirt, pausing to scrape my nails across the indentions of his abs. I pulled it over his head, and admired his sculpted physique. The recent work Quinn had put in at PT was evident. He’d lost muscle mass laying in that ICU for so many days, but he was starting to look like his old self in body and in expression. Better than ever.
Quinn turned, his mouth and latched onto my right nipple. Licking. Sucking. Easy, at first, then harder, tugging and nipping. He breathed out a huff of cold air on the turgid tip. Whimpering, I tried pulling away but he threaded his fingers through my long curls and wouldn’t let me move. My breath caught as he raked his teeth over the swollen pink tip.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Quinn and my hazel ones locked with his. He had the passion back in those azure eyes. Burning with desire. For me. His quick tongue lashed at my nipple, his left hand kneading my other breast. As my body tightened and trembled in response, I could feel the heat rising within and wetness pool between my legs.
Wasted Love Boxed Set: Second Chance Romance Parts 1-3 Page 16
