Something Like Redemption (Something Like Normal #2)

by Monica James

  I try not to rejoice at his comment, as I really want to get to the bottom of his mom.

  “You know you can tell me anything,” I whisper, searching his face.

  He uncomfortably nods as he reaches for a strand of my hair, placing it above my lip, giving me an instant moustache. I smile, fully aware that he’s attempting to steer me off the topic of his mom, but I won’t budge on this.

  I cock my head to the side in all seriousness. “Whatever it is, I will never judge you. I mean, I’m certainly not one to point fingers,” I say, trying to brush his finger off my lip.

  “I know,” he replies, tickling my nose with my lock of hair, distracted by his memories.

  My eyes light up, wanting to know everything there is about Quinn. Good and bad. It won’t change my feelings for him, because I do… I do have feelings for him. Feelings I’ve never felt for another before.

  “But not now.” He smiles, tapping the end of my nose with his finger, letting my hair go. “Because now, you’ve got to get ready.”

  “Where are we going?” I ask, watching him hungrily as he gets off the bed, his bare, ripped chest facing me.

  I still haven’t asked him about his tattoo, but I can see intricate script rising out of his pants, hugging his ribs.

  “Oh, by the way, Red, I paid for an extra night so we could enjoy one more day.”

  “You did?” I ask, attempting to contain my excitement.

  “I sure did,” he replies, and by the faraway look in his eyes, it looks like he doesn’t want our time here to end, either. “So, firstly, breakfast,” he says, as if that’s a no brainer. “And then, wherever you want to go.”

  I bite my lip, feeling like a nervous schoolgirl. “I’ve always wanted to go for a boat ride down the Mississippi River. If you wanted to, of course,” I add, hoping I don’t sound too demanding.

  Quinn kneels by the bed, leaning into me. “Then we’ll ride down that Mississippi till we get kicked off the boat.”

  “And what if that never happens?” I reply with a smile.

  “Then we’ll ride it all night, until you’re ready to leave,” he says with a smirk.

  Smiling happily, my heart swells at his kindness. “That sounds amazing.”

  Quinn places a quick kiss on my lips and stands to full height. “Sure does. So hurry that sweet ass outta bed. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  “Downstairs?” I question, sitting up, gripping the sheet to my chest.

  “Yup,” he replies with a smirk, and I know he’s up to something, but I don’t get a chance to question him as he’s out the door in a flash, grabbing a shirt along the way.

  I can’t wipe the smile off my face, and as I kick off the covers I realize I have underwear and a t-shirt on. I’m pretty sure I crashed in only a bra and no bottoms, so that means Quinn took the time to dress me, knowing when the morning rolled through, I would be a little shy being almost bare.

  This man is just too good to be true.

  ***

  After forty-five minutes of deciding on what to wear, and with not much of a choice, I put on my skinny black jeans, which are the only pair I own without a hole in them, and a cute red tank with a little bow on the front. Because it’s looking a little dreary outside, I slip on my boots and zip up vinyl jacket, and I’m ready to go.

  I leave my hair down because I like the way it falls around my face, shaping my cheekbones elegantly. My makeup is light, but I still feel sexy, especially when I coat my lips with a thin coat of shimmering lip-gloss.

  One last look in the mirror and I think I look suitable for my first ever date, at age nineteen. And it doesn’t matter it’s taken me nineteen years to be asked out on a date, because it’s with Quinn.

  I take the elevator downstairs. My heart begins beating like crazy, which is stupid, as I just saw Quinn a little while ago. But this is what first dates are all about, right? Sweaty palms, heart palpitations, and high hopes.

  The elevator door slides open and I take a deep breath before stepping out into the ballroom foyer, and again, I feel like Belle, stepping out to meet her Beast.

  When I see him, my breath hitches in my throat, threatening to choke me. And that’s not because his Godly looks takes my breath away. No, it’s because Quinn is standing against the wall with a huge bunch of pink lilies in his hands.

  I can’t believe he bought me flowers.

  “Hi,” I say with a small smile as I approach him.

  “Hi,” he replies, looking at me, making it more than obvious he’s checking me out. “You look amazing.”

  “Thanks,” I reply nervously as I fiddle with the drawstring on my hood.

  This is kind of awkward, and feels exactly how a first date should feel. I like it. I like that I’m experiencing all my firsts with Quinn.

  “Are those for me?” I ask when Quinn continues staring at me, heating every inch of my skin.

  “No,” he replies with a smirk, finally meeting my eyes.

  “Oh,” I say, trying not to sound disappointed.

  “Of course they are,” he says, handing them over when he sees me frown.

  “Jerk.” I smile, accepting them, and I can’t help but laugh, as this is in no way considered normal to your average person.

  But I’ve given up on that dream long along, because this, to me, is something like normal.

  ***

  “I can’t believe how beautiful it is out here,” I gasp, looking over the railing of our rickety paddle wheeler into the murky depths of the Mississippi River.

  This date has turned out to be one of the best days of my life. And even though I wish circumstances were different, it’s still nice to be able to forget, if only for just a while.

  Breakfast at Mama Yolanda’s was amazing. Quinn and I had the traditional dish of the sickly Beignets, and a fancy coffee, which was the best coffee I have ever had. Stuffed beyond belief, I suggested we take a walk to burn off our breakfast. Really it was an excuse to have another look at all the amazing stores New Orleans has to offer. Of course Quinn humored me and happily walked by my side as I stopped at every store, window-shopping, in awe of the merchandise inside.

  After strolling hand in hand, enjoying the sights around us, we boarded the white paddle wheeler, and have ridden it for most of the day, just as Quinn promised.

  The sky is setting a bright orange, mixed with vibrant pinks, and out here, everything is so fresh, so untouched. I could stay here forever.

  “Thank you for today,” I say, turning to look at Quinn, who’s leaning with his chin onto the railing, watching the moon slowly rise.

  “It’s been the best day of my life,” I confess with a smile, hoping I don’t sound like an idiot.

  “It’s not over yet,” Quinn replies with a smirk.

  “It’s not?” I ask, my eyes widening.

  Quinn shakes his head, his hair blowing in the gentle breeze. “Come here,” he commands softly, looking at me warmly.

  Shifting off the rail, I shuffle over to him. He steps back, indicating I am to squeeze between him and the ledge, and I couldn’t think of a better place to be. I slip in between the small gap, and sigh the moment he presses his chest to my back.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to say goodnight just yet,” he says, brushing the hair off my neck and kissing my throat.

  I whimper and Quinn chuckles, knowing the effect he has over me.

  “As much as I want to eat…” he cheekily adds, “you again…” My knees buckle. “I’m going to take you out someplace nice. You deserve better than burgers and fries.”

  “I don’t mind,” I reply softly, as Quinn’s lips are still floating up and down my neck.

  “Well, I do.”

  I dare not disagree with him for fear he’ll stop kissing my neck so wickedly.

  “Okay. We can just pretend we’re a couple of ordinary kids, going out for dinner,” I say, tilting my neck so he’s able to continue his butterfly kisses.

  But Quinn stills from kiss
ing me, keeping his lips at my racing pulse. “Nothing about you is ordinary. Nothing at all.”

  ***

  I am floating on a cloud when Quinn and I enter the foyer of our hotel. I’ve had the best day, and I’m so excited there’s more to come. Quinn has been secretive as to where we’re going, making me, yet again, feel like a giddy schoolgirl.

  While we’re waiting for the elevators, Quinn latches onto my hand and draws me into his arms, kissing my forehead with care. I rest my head against his warm chest and his familiar, comforting fragrance engulfs my senses.

  “I love the way you smell,” I say without thinking, realizing I just dropped the L bomb.

  Freezing in his arms, afraid of his reaction, I kick myself for not putting a lid on my emotions.

  After a second of silence, Quinn whispers, “I love the way you smell, too.”

  I bite my lip to wipe the goofy grin off my face, but it doesn’t work.

  “But I’m sure you already knew that,” he says with a hint of seduction to his voice, and I remember him smelling me last night when he was on his knees before me.

  My cheeks instantly heat, but thankfully the elevator arrives, as I have no idea how to respond. I step in, but Quinn doesn’t follow, and I raise an eyebrow, silently questioning him.

  “Meet me down here in an hour and a half,” he says ambiguously, giving nothing away.

  The elevator doors begin to slide shut, but I hit the button, the doors jerking open. “Where will you be?” I ask with a hint of panic.

  “I’ll be down here, waiting for you,” he says, a smile tugging at the corner of his sinful lips.

  “I—”

  But Quinn reaches into the elevator, prying my finger off the button so the doors quickly shut. As they do, I look at him, his figure becoming narrower, and he smiles, ducking his head to meet my worried eyes.

  “See you in a few.”

  I attempt to retort, but the doors slam shut on Quinn’s smiling face.

  What’s going on? I begin pacing the tiny space, my brain working on overdrive. What’s he up to? If it weren’t for that happy smile on his face, I’d be charging downstairs, demanding answers.

  As the elevator finally reaches our floor, I bolt out the doors, racing down the long red carpeted hallway to reach our room in record time. I burst through the door, looking from left to right, attempting to seek out any clues as to what is going on.

  Everything looks the same, and I’m not sure if I should be relieved or frightened.

  My gaze takes in the pristine condition of the room, and as they fall on the bed, a flicker of red catches my eye, resulting in my heart skipping a beat. Walking over to the bed quickly, I gasp when I see a stunning red dress draped across the gold duvet.

  The dress is a fitted, long sleeved garment with an extremely low bust line, and looks to come about mid-thigh. I finger the soft material and I can’t stop the smile spreading across my cheeks as I see a box of red hair dye sitting near it.

  Quinn must have known how much I hated my fading red streaks, which doesn’t surprise me, as he’s more in tune with me than I am with myself.

  I can’t wipe the smile off my face at how thoughtful and how… sweet, Quinn is. He’s taken this whole first date thing and set the bar pretty high for our second one.

  Hold up. Second one? I’m getting a little ahead of myself, seeing as our first one isn’t over just yet. And on that note, I have a skip to my step as I waltz into the bathroom to dye my hair and get ready.

  However, as I switch on the light, another flicker of red catches my eye, but this time, it’s hanging off the towel rack.

  A silky red bra and matching panties dangle off a silver hanger, and they’re simply elegant. And look pricey. Under the hanger sits a pair of black Doc Martens, and I laugh, as Quinn knew I would probably break my neck putting an end to our fabulous date if I wore anything other than flats.

  I can’t believe this, this is too much. He has gone to so much effort, and now I realize what he was up to when he went downstairs this morning.

  Eyeing the sexy underwear, I feel a heat creep over my entire body, knowing they are the right size. I find it absolutely hot that Quinn knows my body better than I do. I mean, before meeting Abi, I didn’t care what underwear I wore, but now—now I’m hooked. And obviously judging by the tasteful set Quinn has chosen for me, so is he.

  With no time to waste, it’s time for this Cinderella to get ready for the ball.

  Chapter 14

  Pretty Woman

  With two minutes to spare, I look at myself in the wall of mirrors and can’t believe it’s my reflection staring back at me.

  My newly dyed hair looks vibrant and fresh, and it sits curled around my face, bouncing as I take a step closer, examining how I look.

  My indigo eyes are coated in a grey shimmer, and my lashes look insanely long as I’ve applied ten coats of mascara, hoping to make my eyes the centerpiece of my face. I haven’t put on a lot of foundation, only a light dusting, and some bronzer, not that I need it, as my cheeks are rosy and pink. My full lips have a sheer red gloss coating them, and they feel plump and pouty.

  The dress is a little short, but Quinn thankfully supplied a pair of black opaque tights, which look amazing under the tight red dress and black Docs. As the neckline was a little low, I’ve slipped on a black tank and feel more comfortable, as thanks to the fitted bra Quinn bought, my boobs were up near my ears.

  My diamond nose stud and earrings are the only pieces of jewelry I’m wearing, which is fine, as I feel dressed up without any on.

  The wall clock reads 6:59 p.m.—time to meet my Prince Charming.

  I grab my jacket, loving how my freshly painted black nails sparkle in the light, and I feel like a princess.

  As I approach the elevator, my heart does that unhealthy thumping thing it does whenever I am about to see Quinn. But it’s a good feeling, like a thousand butterflies are fluttering around in my stomach, ready to take flight when I see him.

  The elevator ride is way too fast, and before I know it, I’m approaching the ground floor, ready to see Quinn. I give my reflection one final look in the mirrors, making sure I don’t have lip-gloss on my teeth-all good.

  The doors ding, indicating I have reached my destination and I step out slowly, not knowing where to look. But I don’t have to look far, as the most gorgeous man I have ever seen is standing off to the left, patiently waiting for me.

  I almost don’t recognize Quinn because he looks, if this is possible, hotter than I have ever seen him before. I almost forget to swallow as I see him standing before me in tight black jeans, which are tucked into black combat boots, a black and white checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and a black tie, which hangs loosely around his taut neck.

  His hair is slicked back with some product, and because of this, he’s able to tie it back into a low ponytail, exposing his chiseled face.

  I can’t stop staring at him. He is epic—in every sense of the word.

  I think I’m about to pass out, and I don’t know how I’m going to get through the evening without ripping his clothes clean off. He’s on me in about two seconds, smashing his lips to mine, and the way we’re both pawing at one another, the feeling of trying to keep ones clothes on looks to be mutual.

  Only when we hear a throat clearing do we break apart, as we’re standing in the middle of the foyer, blocking the elevator call button.

  Quinn’s eyes are hooded, and he seems to find us getting caught by a group of Girl Scouts hilarious. I, on the other hand, apologize profusely as I grab Quinn by the arm, tugging him out of the way.

  “You look beautiful,” he says, nuzzling my neck as we begin walking toward the front door.

  “Thank you for my clothes,” I say, leaning into his warm embrace.

  I can feel Quinn’s mouth dip into a smile against my throat. “Thank you for looking so hot in them.”

  I blush.

  “I kind of feel like Julia Rober
ts in Pretty Woman.”

  As Quinn pulls back, tweaking an eyebrow at me with a smirk on his face, I suddenly realize how that could be interpreted.

  “Without the whole prostitute thing, of course,” I add quickly, which earns me a soft chuckle.

  The concierge opens the glass door for us, and I notice him give Quinn a happy smile, like one would give a friend, and I wonder what that’s all about, but I disregard it, as I’m too excited about what Quinn has planned.

  “Where are we going?” I ask, sinking into his side, as it’s a cool night.

  “You’ll see,” he says ambiguously as we walk amongst fellow couples, leisurely walking the sidewalk.

  My senses cannot absorb the sights, sounds and smells quick enough, and I feel like a kid in a candy store as I take in the bright lights, delicious Cajun smells, and vibrant atmosphere around me.

  In this moment, everything is how it’s supposed to be.

  We walk a few blocks, hand in hand, both taking in the magical surroundings with a smile. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m happy. I know I don’t deserve to be after everything I’ve done, but I am. And for once, I’m not going to shy away from it, but embrace it and not let go.

  “What’s got you so happy?” Quinn asks, leading me across the road.

  “You,” I simply reply.

  “Oh?” Quinn questions with a smirk. “What about me?”

  “Nothing specific. Just you in general,” I reply with a smirk.

  “Well, in that case, thank you,” he says, smiling. I’m still mesmerized by how striking his features are with his hair tied back this way.

  “I like your hair like that,” I say, my eyes glued to his handsome face.

  “I like your hair like that, too,” he replies, also giving me a once over. “But you could be bald and I’d still think you were the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”