Fireline

by Annabel Allan

  I nodded. ‘Yeah.’

  ‘It’ll fit,’ he said. ‘It’s supposed to be tight.’

  ‘Let me guess, it set you back a lot of money,’ I said.

  ‘About three grand,’ he said.

  ‘Jesus. For a dress. A dress I’ll wear once.’

  ‘I believe you can save that argument for your wedding dress,’ he said with a smirk.

  ‘Do you expect me to spend a lot on it?’ I asked.

  He shook his head. ‘No, but it would be nice if you did. A lot of people are going to be there.’

  ‘At Casa Loma?’ I asked playfully.

  ‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘We’ll see. There’s a lot of time to think about that stuff.’

  ‘Yeah,’ I said sleepily. ‘This is the best part, just cuddling.’

  ‘The earth-shattering orgasms aren’t good enough for you?’ he asked, amused.

  ‘All right, second best,’ I said, kissing his chest again.

  ‘I should finish up my work. I have a meeting with Mister Brody tomorrow,’ he said, getting ready to get up.

  ‘Nooo, you will stay here with me,’ I said, pulling him back.

  He laughed a little. ‘I need to be on point tomorrow.’

  ‘So you should sleep here with me,’ I said. ‘You get up early anyway, you can brush up then.’

  He sighed, relaxing as he held me close. ‘All right. Just for a little while.’

  I smiled to myself. He had plenty of time to do work. For a few sweet hours, he was mine.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The elevator doors opened onto the fortieth floor of the Trask Building. I walked out, smiling to George before making my way to Jessy, who did her song and dance of informing Quinn I was there.

  ‘Send her in,’ his voice oozed over the speaker.

  I shivered, walking inside. I wasn’t in the room for more than a second before Quinn was up from his desk and running over to me, lifting me up.

  ‘Quinn!’ I yelled, smiling. ‘Put me down!’

  He did as I asked, a smile beaming on his face.

  ‘What’s going on?’ I asked, out of breath, my heart beating a mile a minute.

  ‘Mister Brody accepted my offer,’ he said, also out of breath.

  ‘Oh my God!’ I squealed, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him. ‘Oh, thank God, all this Mister Brody business is over with!’

  He let me go, smiling as I had never seen him smile before. ‘He wants us to go out tonight for dinner, seal the deal.’

  ‘OK,’ I said, a little dazed. ‘At Joseph’s?’

  He nodded. ‘Mister Brody is making the arrangements; we need to be there for seven.’

  ‘Quinn,’ I said, ‘I’m so happy for you.’

  He leaned down, kissing me, my arms wrapping around his neck as he pulled my body into him. His tongue slipped over mine, dancing together as we fell against the door. He turned me, his hands going under my butt and lifting me onto his desk.

  He continued kissing me, his hand going under my shirt, a voice suddenly filling the room from the speaker on the desk.

  ‘Mister Quinlan.’

  Quinn sighed, pulling away. He walked around the desk, pressing the button for the speaker. ‘What?’

  ‘Ms. Sloane to see you,’ she said.

  Quinn looked up to me as I adjusted myself, getting off the desk. I shrugged.

  ‘Fine, send her in,’ he said.

  I waited, the door opening and Cassandra walking through. She stopped when she saw me, her smile turning icy.

  ‘I hope I’m not interrupting,’ she said.

  ‘Not at all,’ Quinn said, walking around the desk to me. ‘What can I do for you?’

  She was instantly uncomfortable, shifting from foot to foot. ‘I was just going to inquire as to where we stand on my bid for partner. I know you withdrew your support, but I feel that –’

  ‘I can’t help you with that,’ I said, ‘I already gave my support for Fletcher Spears.’

  She went very quiet, trying to control her face as best she could. ‘Oh, I see.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Cassandra,’ he said.

  ‘No, it’s fine,’ she said, ‘I’m sure my work will speak for itself.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s true,’ Quinn said.

  She stood there for a few moments before nodding. ‘Well, I’ll leave you to your appointment.’

  Quinn nodded, turning back to me as she walked out of the room.

  ‘I feel bad,’ I said.

  ‘Why is that?’

  ‘Because it’s my fault she won’t get partner. You chose someone else because I think she’s a bitch,’ I said.

  ‘She is a bitch,’ he said. ‘Remember all the hell she put us through?’

  I nodded. ‘I know. I know there’s no reason to feel bad about it; she’s the one that made her bed.’

  ‘Exactly,’ he said. ‘Now, where were we?’

  ‘I think you were going to fuck me on the desk,’ I said with a sultry smile. ‘But I really don’t think it’ll take our weight.’

  ‘Hmm,’ he said, unimpressed. ‘I want to celebrate.’

  ‘Yes, celebrate,’ I said. I leaned in and kissed his cheek. ‘We can do all the celebrating when you get home. Get in a quickie before seeing Mister Brody. I’m actually hungry.’

  ‘You want to go to Bandits?’ he asked.

  I nodded. ‘Sure.’

  ‘Maybe I’ll get you a Blue Lagoon,’ he said, grabbing his suit jacket from the back of his chair.

  ‘I haven’t had one of those in forever,’ I said with a smirk.

  ‘Let’s go.’

  I pulled down my skirt on my dress, which was an aqua-coloured bodycon. It was cheap, but Quinn loved it, how it was snug against my curves. It accentuated everything, including my chest, which was already a busty C cup.

  I sighed as I looked around the foyer of Joseph’s, Quinn standing beside me, looking calm and cool. He was wild when he got home, grabbing hold of me and carrying me to the bedroom. There was no time for our new toys, just doing it the regular missionary way, which was probably the best because I could look into his eyes.

  Mister Brody walked into the restaurant with Daniel.

  ‘I hope we didn’t keep you waiting,’ Mister Brody said.

  Quinn shook his head. ‘Not at all.’

  ‘He’s just being nice because he got the deal,’ Daniel said playfully, looking to me. ‘Miss Fournier.’

  ‘Hi,’ I said, standing up from the seat.

  ‘Well,’ Mister Brody said, ‘Shall we get to our table?’

  The maître d’ came and brought us to our table, a four-seater on the lower level. Quinn pulled out my chair for me as I sat down.

  The men sat down as our menus were put down in front of us.

  I smiled, looking to Mister Brody. ‘I guess you’re happy all these contract talks are finally over,’ I said.

  He nodded. ‘Yes, long time coming.’

  ‘Quinlan was worried for a bit,’ Daniel said, looking up from his menu. ‘Thought that Vandermeer would snag the spot.’

  I thought about Donald, how he was going to be absolutely pissed. He always wanted what Quinn had... he didn’t have Mister Brody’s business. So, now what? What does he go after?

  ‘Ah, Mister Vandermeer was a little late to the game,’ Mister Brody said. ‘Not that he didn’t try.’

  Quinn nodded. ‘Donald and I have always been a little competitive.’

  You can say that again.

  ‘I bet Miss Fournier is pleased that this business is over,’ Mister Brody said.

  ‘Oh yeah,’ I said. ‘I didn’t know much of what was going on, but I’m glad you’ve finally come to a consensus. It’ll be nice for these to be regular social visits without the business hanging over us.’

  ‘I agree,’ Mister Brody said.

  ‘Looks like everything is cleaned up in time for that ball,’ Daniel said.

  ‘Yes, I’m sure that Miss Fournier has picked a stunning gown for us to lo
se our minds over,’ Mister Brody said.

  ‘Oh, um, actually I haven’t seen it yet. It’s a surprise from Quinn,’ I said, looking to him.

  ‘Probably cost him a pretty penny,’ Daniel said.

  ‘Oh, it did,’ Quinn said. ‘But it’s beautiful; she’ll be beautiful in it.’

  ‘And I’m sure you’ll be swimming in diamonds,’ Mister Brody said.

  ‘Of course,’ Quinn said. ‘I’ve already picked those out, too.’

  ‘You have? I thought we were going to do that together,’ I said.

  ‘It’s a surprise,’ Quinn said. ‘I’m sure you’ll like them. I don’t want you to get too upset about the price tag.’

  I looked to Daniel, who was a bit confused. ‘I don’t like when Quinn throws around his money on stuff like dresses and jewellery.’

  ‘Really?’ he asked, surprised. ‘I thought women liked diamonds.’

  ‘I like them, just not the money that goes with it,’ I said. ‘Diamonds are expected for this occasion, though, so I have to shut up and just go with it.’

  ‘I wish you and my wife had the same mindset,’ Mister Brody said with a laugh. ‘Heaven only knows how much I’ve spent on diamonds.’

  ‘I’m not really that high maintenance,’ I said with a smile. ‘Not that Mrs. Brody is –’

  ‘Oh, she is,’ Daniel said, widening his eyes. ‘She definitely is.’

  ‘I guess I just don’t really care about material stuff,’ I said.

  ‘You have a keeper here, Quinlan. If you let her go I think I’ll have to beat you to death with that contract we just signed.’

  Quinn gave a half smile, shaking his head. ‘There will be no need; I don’t intend on being that stupid.’

  ‘You are a smart man,’ Daniel said. ‘I think you’ll treat her right.’

  I smiled warmly to Daniel, taking that last comment as a heartfelt apology to Quinn. He obviously really didn’t like Donald, enough to switch to Quinn’s side. Now he was being friendly. I was so pleased, tears came to my eyes.

  Mister Brody looked down to his cell phone. ‘Ah, I have to take this. Excuse me. Please, order without me.’

  The waiter walked up just as Mister Brody passed him. It was the same tanned waiter that smiled at me last time. ‘Just the three?’

  I shook my head. ‘He’ll be back.’

  ‘What can I get you for drinks?’ he asked.

  ‘Brody,’ Quinn said.

  ‘Uh, a scotch and a bourbon,’ he said.

  ‘And you, miss?’ the waiter asked me.

  ‘Oh, water is fine,’ I said.

  ‘And you, sir?’ the waiter asked Quinn.

  He shook his head. ‘I’ll have the water on the table as well.’

  ‘I’ll come back with your drinks and give you a few minutes,’ the waiter said.

  ‘No smile this time,’ Quinn said. ‘Interesting.’

  ‘Smile?’ Daniel asked.

  I looked to him. ‘That waiter likes to be friendly and smile to me,’ I said, turning to Quinn. ‘I told you that he wasn’t hitting on me.’

  ‘I think he is; he just got the message that you’re with someone,’ Quinn replied.

  I frowned. ‘Not that it matters.’

  I glanced up, seeing Ellie and Donald walking into the restaurant.

  Great, I thought. Just what we need to rain on Quinn’s parade.

  Ellie caught sight of us, turning to Donald and saying something to him. Donald then gave us a glance.

  ‘Oh, boy,’ I said with a sigh.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Quinn asked.

  ‘Your favourite people, one o’clock,’ I said.

  Quinn quickly glanced over. ‘They won’t come over here.’

  ‘That’s what you think,’ I said, Ellie and Donald maneuvering their way through.

  They stopped in front of our table, Ellie brilliant in white, Donald in a pinstriped black suit and red tie.

  ‘Quinlan,’ Donald said. ‘I came to congratulate you. Game well played.’

  Quinn nodded. ‘Thank you. I’m sorry about your loss on the matter.’

  ‘Quite,’ Donald said, looking to me. ‘Miss Fournier, how lovely you look.’

  I looked away, purposely being rude.

  ‘Ah, we’re in a mood this evening,’ Donald said with a sadistic smile.

  Daniel stood up. ‘Maybe she isn’t in the mood for empty flattery.’

  Donald stared him in the eye, Ellie actually looking unsure.

  I tugged on Daniel’s arm. ‘It’s all right, Daniel. They were just leaving.’

  Donald looked to me. ‘Yes, we were, but I’m sure we’ll see each other at the ball.’

  They walked off, Ellie giving an evil grin over her shoulder. Mister Brody walked back to the table a few moments later.

  ‘Well, what did I miss?’ he asked.

  Quinn and I looked at each other, unsure.

  The waiter came over with the drinks, placing one in front of Daniel, the other in front of Mister Brody. He then took our orders before he bustled off to another table.

  I looked to Daniel. ‘So, I guess you aren’t going to the ball with Ellie.’

  He looked a bit sad, shaking his head. ‘No, Miss Peterson is probably going to accompany Donald.’

  ‘He’s married, though,’ I said.

  ‘And his wife is in Europe,’ Quinn added.

  ‘Ellie was using me to get to Quinlan,’ Daniel said, looking to Quinn. ‘It’s all right; I knew she didn’t actually like me. It was just nice to have dates to events.’

  ‘What’s your type?’ I asked.

  ‘Um, I don’t know,’ he said.

  ‘Do you like brunettes, like Ellie?’ I asked.

  He nodded. ‘I guess.’

  ‘I have a friend you might be interested in,’ I said. ‘Her name’s Michelle. I think you might have met her before, while we were here.’

  Quinn nodded in approval.

  ‘Maybe I could give her your number?’ I asked him.

  He nodded. ‘Sure, uh, I think Quinlan has the number.’

  ‘On my phone. I’ll give it to you later.’

  ‘OK,’ I said, feeling a little giddy.

  ‘So, what’s she like?’ Daniel asked.

  I smiled, telling him as much as I could until our food arrived. I didn’t want to miss all the important things about my best friend. I wanted to sell her to this rich, handsome guy. She deserved a little pampering.

  We finished up dinner chatting about Mister Brody’s upcoming gala event. Mister Brody funded a lot of anti-rape groups in the city and the gala was in their honour, a donation being made.

  Mister Brody picked up the bill for dinner, all of us standing at the end of the meal. I gave Daniel a hug as well as Mister Brody, kissing him on the cheek, which he seemed to appreciate. I felt like we were actually friends socializing. Business was no longer a factor.

  Quinn took my hand as we made our way out to the car.

  ‘That was actually fun,’ I said.

  ‘It was pleasant. Nice to see him out of the business element.’

  ‘Also because you finally got what you wanted,’ I said teasingly. ‘Finally got the big W.’

  He smirked, starting the car. ‘True. Daniel was exceptionally nice to me.’

  ‘He was. I’m glad he was,’ I said. ‘Does this mean that you’re a partner in Mister Brody’s company, or did you buy it wholesale?’

  ‘I bought it wholesale,’ he said, pulling out of the parking spot and out onto the road.

  ‘Oh. Daniel didn’t want that,’ I said.

  ‘I agreed to buy it, but improve it. The company is mine, but I’m going to make it better,’ he said. ‘Donald would have sold it off.’

  ‘Huh,’ I said, feeling a little bit of nausea. I pulled out my phone, playing on it as I spoke. ‘But Donald didn’t get it.’

  ‘No,’ he said. ‘We’re almost home.’

  ‘Good,’ I said, keeping my attention on my phone.

  We pulled int
o the parking garage and into our spot. I got out, my legs a little shaky on my heels. I walked around as Quinn got out, taking my hand and walking with me to the elevator.

  We got up to the penthouse, Quinn locking the door as I put my purse on the bar. He put the keys in the little bowl on the table by the door, walking into the apartment, looking around it.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ I asked.

  He shook his head. ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Something out of sorts?’ I asked.

  He shook his head again. ‘No, I just... sometimes can’t believe I’m home.’

  I walked up to him, putting my arms around him. ‘It was a long time you were gone.’

  He nodded. ‘I’m going to make sure that I don’t leave again.’

  ‘Good,’ I said.

  He looked into my eyes. ‘I’m surprised you stayed with me. It was a brief relapse, but you stuck around.’

  ‘Well... I love you,’ I said. ‘I’m going to fight for you.’

  ‘And you know I feel the same.’

  I frowned, pushing his hair out of his face. ‘I know. It’s just nice to hear it every once in a while.’

  ‘It means more when it’s said less.’

  ‘True,’ I said. ‘You just about floored me the first time you said it when I was on that gurney. Then I threw up.’

  ‘I remember,’ he said.

  ‘I know you have problems being with someone, but I’m going to stay. As long as there’s no drinking,’ I said.

  ‘There won’t be,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I give you my word.’

  ‘What day are you on?’ I asked.

  ‘Fifty-seven,’ he said.

  ‘Getting close to sixty,’ I said. ‘We should celebrate in three days.’

  ‘Why don’t we celebrate right now?’ he asked.

  ‘I think you had enough this afternoon,’ I said.

  He grabbed me around the waist, pulling me into him. ‘I think it’s you that hasn’t had enough.’

  Just feeling his hands on me set me on fire, my sex instantly throbbing with the thought of what he could do to me. It was easy to fall into him, to get consumed by the flames.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I stood in front of the mirror on the closet, looking myself over carefully. I had to admit, Jessy had good taste, as did Quinn.

  The dress was nothing but sparkles, hugging my body to my knees, where it transitioned from crazy sparkles to gauzy white material. It had a sweetheart neckline bedecked with pink and yellow gems, no sleeves or straps, just my bare shoulders since I had my hair up in a French twist.