by Jolie, Meg
Quinn rolled her eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me!” Carly chastised. Quinn laughed. “See how well I know you? I know you’ll be just fine tonight. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t kissed Luke before.”
“We were fourteen!”
Luke had been the boy to steal her first kiss. It had happened one time. They hadn’t spoken of it for years. Not until recently.
“So what?” Carly said. “Now stop fretting. Just sit yourself down and take a few deep breaths. Or better yet, pour yourself a glass of wine. It’ll help you to relax and Luke will never have to know. But most of all, the reason I called, was to tell you that I’m proud of you for doing this. I hope you have a great time. I want a full report in the morning. Just…don’t call too early. I plan on being out late so I’m going to be sleeping in.”
“Oh?” Quinn asked, her curiosity piqued. “Just who are you going out with? Someone I should be made aware of?”
Carly hesitated before saying, “Nolan, actually.”
Quinn’s eyebrows shot up. She and Nolan had dated this past year. He was also the one who had recently ended things with Carly. “That’s good, right?” Quinn cautiously asked.
“I think so, yes,” Carly said. “I was out with a bunch of friends the other night. We ran into him. We talked…he said he missed me. He asked if we could give things another try.”
Quinn didn’t miss the hopeful lilt to Carly’s voice. Even though Carly joked constantly about not being cut out for a long term commitment, it didn’t fool Quinn. She knew, though Carly would never admit, how desperately her sister wanted someone in her life. Quinn just hoped that Nolan didn’t break her heart again.
Instead of pointing that out she said, “Well, then it looks like you won’t be the only one waiting for a full report in the morning. Why don’t you give me a call as soon as you’re up?”
“Sounds good, I will. Have a nice night, Quinn.”
“You too, Carly.”
They hung up and Quinn glanced at the clock. The conversation had taken up a good chunk of time. Her heart took off, realizing that Luke would be there any moment. She found her purse and tucked her phone inside. Then she went into the living room to sit and catch her breath, as Carly had suggested.
She tossed herself onto the sofa. This gave her a clear view of the framed pictures lined up on the fireplace mantel. Her wedding picture was amongst them. Her heart twisted a bit at the sight of it but it wasn’t nearly as painful as it used to be. Her gaze continued to move on. There were pictures of Carter, of Carly, and one picture taken years ago. It was a photo of her, Luke and Jake. It was taken on the Fourth of July. They were all seated on the back steps of the McGrath home. Each was holding an enormous slice of watermelon, the juice ruining down their arms, enormous smiles on their faces. The three of them looked so innocent. Completely unaware of the tragedy the future secretly held.
Her heart did that painful little twist in her chest again when her eyes drifted back to her wedding picture. She rose from the couch and crossed the room. She reached up, pulling it off the mantel. Her eyes scoured over Jake’s face. They were looking into each other’s eyes. Even from the angle the shot was taken from, she could see the love and devotion he held there.
Her eyes stung with tears. She blinked them away as she rubbed her thumb over the cool glass. Without giving herself time to over think it, she turned with the picture still in her hand. The ache of missing Jake had dulled but she knew it would never go away completely. Yet it was time to let him go. It was time to move on. Move forward. When she reached her bedroom, she pulled open the top drawer of her nightstand and she carefully placed the picture inside. She sat on the edge of her bed for a moment, taking deep breaths and telling herself everything was going to be fine.
She knew Jake would want her to be happy. She knew that with all of her heart and the thought brought her some comfort.
The crunch of gravel broke into Quinn’s thoughts. She slowly arose from her spot and headed to the door. She pulled it open just as Luke had his hand raised to knock.
“Oh my goodness!” she cried at the sight that greeted her.
“I hope that means you like them?” Luke asked with a grin. He was holding a vibrant assortment of tiger lilies and bluebells.
“You know I love them!” Quinn said with a laugh. When they were younger, these flowers had grown wild in the field behind their houses. Luke had picked a similar bouquet for her quite often. These, however, were clearly from a florist. The bouquet was exquisite, a delightful contrast to the scraggly bouquets he’d put together in his youth.
“I know that red roses are probably more appropriate,” he said sheepishly.
She swatted his shoulder playfully. “Red roses are generic,” she argued.
She quickly hung her head as guilt pinged across her features. The first flowers Jake had ever given her were a dozen red roses. It had been a romantic gesture. She had thought so when he presented them to her. She still did think it was a romantic gesture. It wasn’t Jake’s fault that at the time, he hadn’t known her nearly as well as Luke had.
“Are you sure?” he asked. He’d noted the look on her face, had misinterpreted it, and he suddenly seemed doubtful.
“Luke, they’re beautiful,” she said quietly. She took the vase from his hands. “They’re absolutely perfect. Thank you.”
He beamed at her and the nerves she felt earlier faded. He looked perfect in a pair of dark jeans and a cream colored sweater that peeked out of his brown leather coat. The sweater was the perfect contrast to his dark features. His hair still looked slightly damp from his shower and he smelled divine.
“Let me put these in the kitchen,” Quinn said. She made her way to the table to place them in the center. Luke followed. As soon as she’d turned the bouquet into a centerpiece she turned around to find herself face to face with Luke.
A wisp of something coursed through her. Was that desire? she wondered. It had been so long since she’d felt that way. Yet, as she breathed him in, as she noted the way he was looking at her, she was sure that’s exactly what it was.
He grinned at her and then picked her off her feet. He swung her around and she shrieked in surprise as he dropped her onto the countertop so that they could be face to face.
“What are you doing?” she asked with a laugh.
“This,” Luke said. His tone was suddenly serious as he moved his hands from her hips to the sides of her head. He tunneled his fingers gently through her hair as he closed the short distance between them.
Quinn barely had time to close her eyes before Luke’s mouth was on hers. Carly had been right. It was like riding a bike. Quinn instantly matched Luke’s rhythm as his mouth devoured hers. She didn’t hesitate when his tongue demanded entrance. She moaned, accepting it, returning his fervor with that of her own.
Her arms slid around his neck, then one hand slid into his hair, urging him to continue. He did without the least bit of hesitation. She wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him in until there wasn’t a sliver of space between them.
They kissed until they were both gasping for breath and Luke finally, reluctantly pulled away. Quinn’s body was already alive with wanting him. She let out a little whimper as he broke the kiss.
“Holy heck,” she murmured. “What was that?” Her voice was breathy as her legs slid from Luke’s waist. She didn’t surrender her grip on his shoulders. She needed to hold on to him for a few more moments. She was afraid she’d topple from the countertop if left on her own.
He leaned in, closing his eyes as he rested his forehead against hers for just a second. When he finally moved back again, a mischievous smile had overtaken his face.
“That is something I’ve spent the last ten years wishing I could do again,” he said smugly. “I don’t care if it’s proper or not, I wasn’t willing to wait until the end of the date.”
Quinn couldn’t help but laugh at his honesty. That didn’t mean she was ready to part
with honesty of her own. She didn’t want to admit to Luke how nervous she’d been about that kiss. But now, now that it was out of the way, instead of feeling relieved, she only found herself wanting to do it again.
“I don’t care what’s proper. I’m glad you didn’t wait,” Quinn said.
“Yeah?” he asked. He was taking in her expression, searching for any hesitation.
She was sure he wouldn’t find any. “Yes,” she said.
He let out a slow, calming breath as he tried to settle his body down. Quinn hadn’t let go of him yet and he was fine with that. He had no desire to move away.
“You look amazing,” he said softly. “I mean, even in sweats or pajamas, you look beautiful. But tonight, you look…just amazing.”
“It must be the hair,” she teased.
He smiled as he ran a strand through his fingers. “It’s longer this way. But I like it curly. I guess I just think you look great no matter what.”
She smiled shyly at him, glad that she’d gone to the extra effort of painting her nails. She realized she wanted to look nice for Luke. “Thanks. You look nice too.”
“And your perfume…it’s new,” he said as he leaned in, nuzzling her neck. “You smell delectable,” he murmured as he moved up, nibbling her earlobe.
Quinn moaned and leaned into him involuntarily. She probably shouldn’t have been surprised that Luke would notice she’d switched her perfume. But she was. She was flattered as well.
He began nibbling her neck and she closed her eyes as her fingers returned to his hair.
He chuckled and then moved away. She opened her eyes once more to find his gaze wandering over her. He gave her a small smile.
“I promised myself we’d take things slow,” he admitted. “I just don’t know if I can.”
Quinn nodded as her haze of lust started to dissipate. She let out a sigh. “You’re probably right,” she agreed.
He backed up and then gently hoisted her off the countertop, settling her back on her feet.
He couldn’t resist leaning in for one more kiss before they left.
6
“So are you okay with Carter spending the night at Mom’s?” Luke asked.
Quinn wrinkled her face up in embarrassment. “Yes and no. I know he’ll be fine. He’ll probably have a ton of fun but it seems strange. I do know it’s probably time, though.”
“And he’s in great hands,” Luke assured her.
“I know. Can I ask where we’re going?” she wondered as Luke pulled out of the driveway. The evening air was freezing but Luke’s truck was warm. She leaned back, enjoying the feel of his heated seats.
“Yeah. I thought maybe we could drive over to Baxter,” he said. Baxter was the next biggest town over. It was an hour away. It was also the town Luke had moved to for a few years when he needed some space from Quinn and Jake.
Quinn frowned slightly, wondering why on earth he wanted to take her out of town on their first date.
He noted her confused expression.
“A new restaurant just opened up a few months ago. The Emerald Grill? Have you heard of it?” he asked.
She nodded. “I have actually.”
“I haven’t been there yet. I’ve heard it’s got a great atmosphere and amazing food. So I thought, I don’t know, maybe it would be fun to try?” he said.
Quinn thought his tone sounded a little too convincing but she couldn’t fathom why. “I’d love to try it.”
“I also thought the drive would give us some time to talk and that it might be nice to get out of town,” he admitted.
Quinn glanced at him. Anyone else might not have known to read into that statement just a bit. Quinn, however, knew Luke well.
“Did you not want to be seen in Lanford with me?” she asked.
He darted a guilty glance her way before letting out a sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe. But it’s not the way you make it sound. Mostly, I just wanted us to go somewhere new. I also didn’t want to risk running into anyone we know.”
Her eyes widened at his admission. “So you don’t want to be seen with me.” It wasn’t a question this time.
His tone was firm when he replied. “What I don’t want, is to run into anyone that might ruin this night for us. I want tonight to be perfect.”
Quinn relaxed slightly. “Do you mean you don’t want to run into Ashley or Tabby?” Tabitha had dated Luke awhile ago. Things had ended terribly. Quinn was fairly certain Tabby hated her and would not be happy to see her with Luke.
She also had to agree with him. Going out of town, getting away from Lanford, might not be a bad idea. There wasn’t a single restaurant in town that she hadn’t been to with Jake at least once.
She also couldn’t deny that she had some reservations about dating Luke because he was Jake’s brother. She didn’t want to feel that way, but she couldn’t help it. And though she didn’t really care what anyone else thought, maybe Luke was right to not tempt fate. It would put a sour note on the evening if they ran into anyone that might not understand their relationship.
“Are you mad?” Luke hesitantly asked.
She smiled as she leaned over to give his thigh a reassuring squeeze. “No, not at all. I actually think it’s a really good idea. As long as you don’t plan on hiding me away forever.”
He glanced at her, ready to protest. He did not want her to think he was trying to hide her away. Then he saw the teasing look on her face and he smiled.
“I don’t know,” he teased back. “Hiding you away is kind of tempting. Now that I have you, I want to make sure no one else steals you.”
Her tone wasn’t teasing at all when she responded. “Luke, there’s no one that could steal me away from you.”
Not this time.
Not anymore.
~*~*~
“I had a reservation,” Luke grumbled.
Quinn put a comforting hand on his arm. “It’s okay, Luke,” she said with a smile. He did, indeed, have a reservation. Yet, apparently too many earlier patrons were taking their time with their meals. A table wasn’t available yet. “She said it would be just a few more minutes.”
He nodded. There had been seating available at the bar but Luke had declined, not wanting something so casual for tonight. The seats had quickly been taken by someone else. Luke had originally requested a booth because he knew Quinn preferred the privacy of a booth. Especially when a restaurant was as crowded as The Emerald Grill was. So, since it was a booth he’d reserved, it was a booth they were going to wait for.
“This place is gorgeous,” Quinn said as she glanced around. The restaurant had a rustic feel, yet it seemed that no expense was spared to make it appear that way. The walls were painted a deep pumpkin. The tile was a rich chocolate tone. Bronze light fixtures hung from the ceiling, emitting a soft, subtle glow. The aroma that had hit them the moment they’d walked in had caused Quinn’s stomach to rumble.
Now, they were seated on the long, padded bench near the entryway. They weren’t alone in the waiting area. Even though the establishment had been open a few months now, it retained its popularity. Especially on a Friday night.
Quinn looped her arm through Luke’s as she leaned into him.
He was still frowning. “I hate that we have to wait.”
“Really, Luke. It’s okay,” she assured him.
He frowned at her. “It’s not. I heard your stomach growl. You’re hungry. I should be able to feed you.”
“I think I’ll survive,” she teased. She didn’t tell him that she was so hungry because she’d been too nervous to eat earlier.
He got to his feet, despite her protest, to get a progress report. Quinn watched him. She was smiling as she was shaking her head. Usually he was a lot easier going. She knew he was only being so finicky because he wanted this night to be perfect.
“Quinn?”
Quinn snapped her head around at the sound of her name.
“Lily!” she said as she leapt up from her seat. She covered the short distanc
e to her friend who had just walked through the door with her husband, Nate.
After a quick greeting for Quinn, Nate excused himself to check in with the hostess.
“I almost didn’t recognize you!” Lily said.
“It’s the hair,” Quinn pointed out. “I almost never bother to straighten it anymore.”
“You look fabulous. I can’t believe you came to town and didn’t call me!” she admonished as she released her friend from a hug. Lily had been one of Quinn’s best friends for years. She’d moved to Baxter the year prior with her husband.
“Well,” Quinn said, “I really didn’t know that I’d be here. It was a bit of a surprise.”
“What do you mean?” Lily asked.
“Look who I found,” Nate said to Lily as he came back.
“Oh, hi, Luke,” Lily said, treating him to her typical sweet smile. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too,” Luke said.
“I think we might want to try somewhere else,” Nate said to Lily. “There’s about an hour wait.”
“Alright,” Lily agreed. “It was really nice to run into you. We really need to get together soon,” she said to Quinn. “It’s been way too long.”
Luke glanced at Quinn, his expression held a question. She gave him a small nod.
“You know, we have a booth,” Luke said. “You can join us. We should be seated any minute. They’re just getting it ready now.”
Nate glanced at his wife. He looked relieved. Lily beamed at all of them. “We’d love to! I’d love to catch up with both of you! I want to hear what brought you to town. And why you didn’t let us know you were coming.” She gave them a stern look.
Then she faltered, as if seeing them for the first time. Or perhaps for the first time noting how dressed up they were. As if this perhaps wasn’t just a casual night out between friends.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my,” she said. “Are you two…?” Her gaze swung back and forth between Quinn and Luke. She nodded, as if getting her answer without actually hearing it.
