I dart a glance at Quinn. She’s been quiet for most of the ride, but it’s clear the silence is for my benefit. “This better not end up in one of your stories.”
Hurt flashes across her face at the accusation, but it’s quickly replaced by hard-earned stoicism. “I’d never do something like that, Cooper.”
Guilt squeezes my chest.
It was a dick comment. Quinn would never betray me like that, but I can’t afford to take chances. Especially since my judgment is obviously shit.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
I’d rather get blindsided by a two-hundred-and-fifty-pound linebacker.
Quinn covers my hand, which rests on the gearshift, with her own. “I’m here if you change your mind.”
Not gonna happen.
Not in this lifetime, anyway.
By the time we pull up to Quinn’s place, it’s after midnight and I’m ready to crawl out of my skin. It’s been a long, stressful day and I’m exhausted.
“Thanks again for coming with me.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel. “Sorry it was such a shit show.”
“Hey.” She hooks a finger under my chin and turns my head, forcing me to meet her eyes. “You have nothing to apologize for, Cooper. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She grins. “For what it’s worth, I voted for the other guy.”
I laugh in spite of myself and just like that, the tension between us fades.
She looks up at me from under her lashes, eyes sparkling in the streetlight, and suddenly, the only thing that matters is feeling her sweet lips on mine.
I kiss her, slow and deep, feeding the part of myself that is never sated, that always craves more when it comes to Quinn.
When she finally pulls away, there’s a mischievous grin on her face. “Do you want to come in?”
44
QUINN
I leadCooper to my room and close the door behind us as I flip the light switch. Haley’s staying at B’s tonight, and we have the place to ourselves, but I’d feel weird leaving the door open. I may be inexperienced, but I’m pretty sure exhibitionism isn’t my thing.
Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.
Fair enough. There’s not much I wouldn’t try at least once where Cooper is involved.
“I’m glad you decided to come in for a bit.”
“Like I could ever refuse you.”
I stretch up on my toes and kiss him as he threads his fingers through my hair. My scalp tingles and it feels so freaking good, I never want him to stop. But tonight isn’t about me.
It’s about Cooper.
He’s had a rough day, and even if he doesn’t want to talk about it, I know the physical connection will bring some comfort. At least, I hope it will.
I strip off his jacket and toss it over the desk chair. Then I unbutton his shirt, my fingers moving down the line of tiny buttons until I reach his belt.
“Someone’s in a hurry,” he murmurs, brushing my hair back from my face.
Accurate. “Do you have any idea how good you look in a suit?”
