48
QUINN
“If you really want my opinion, I think this faded yellow will look good in the hallway,” Quinn said, pointing to a bucket of paint in the hardware store. “It’s a sunny shade, and it’ll take away the clinical feel.” She picked it up and studied the label. “You’ll only need one coat, as you already have the white base.”
“I can see how that could work.” Riley smiled and kissed her cheek. “And yes, I do want your opinion.” She lifted three buckets into her trolley. “Thank you. I’ve spent hours procrastinating over the past month, and you’ve just made it simple. Will this be enough?”
“That should be okay.” Quinn glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then cupped Riley’s face and kissed her lips. “You’re cute when you’re making decisions. You’ve got that little frown between your brows.”
Riley laughed and ran a hand underneath Quinn’s shirt to caress her back. “Oh, yeah? Well, you’re pretty cute too. Are you sure I’m not taking up too much of your time?”
“Not at all. This is fun!” Quinn stepped back when a member of staff walked past. She was genuinely enjoying herself, and although the idea of helping Riley decorate her former home would have seemed absurd before, now it felt entirely natural. She loved doing things with Riley; normal, everyday things. “What else do you need? Paint for the bedrooms?”
“Yes, and nice bed linen and rugs and curtains. I probably need some extra furniture to spruce it up. I want the rooms to look pretty and romantic.”
“Pretty and romantic. That sounds perfect.” Quinn smiled. “We can get most of the stuff here, but there’s a second-hand furniture store about a twenty-minute drive north. We could go there after? You might find some nice antiques and I can take everything back in the truck.”
“Really? I’d love that!” Riley’s eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly; her enthusiasm was adorable. She was a different person from the woman Quinn first met at the restaurant. Gone were the power suits and no-nonsense demeanor. Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a simple, gray T-shirt, she had a girl-next-door vibe about her now, albeit a very beautiful girl-next-door. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she had a tan from enjoying her yard. She looked younger and healthier than when she arrived in Mystic, and certainly happier. “If you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. It’s Saturday and I have nowhere to be, so we can do whatever you want, beautiful.” Quinn watched Riley turn back to the paint aisle with that cute frown on her face. She was really getting into home improvement and her skills had come on in leaps and bounds as her confidence with it had grown.
“Thank you.” Riley gave her a grateful look. “How do you feel about light blue for the small bedroom? I think Mindy will like it, and this is a sweet shade that could work for both kids and adults. I don’t want to make it too childlike, as I won’t be having kids over that often.”
“Go for it,” Quinn said. “It’s definitely a romantic color.” She paused as she examined the shade cards hanging in front of the shelves. “I’d keep the windowsills white. It will look fresh.” Although she was happy to help and advise with anything Riley needed, she also noted she was getting more invested than she should be, and she could already envision what the house would look like if it were up to her.
This wasn’t the plan, going all the way with Riley and decorating Aster House as if it were her own. Was she getting carried away? She thoroughly enjoyed the process and seeing the transformation. The house was blossoming and entering a new era, fresh and bright with renewed energy. Quinn no longer begrudged the clean walls and stripped carpets. Since they’d discovered her family heirlooms in the basement, she had all the memories she needed, but there was one thing she really wanted to restore.
“Do you mind if I make a swing?” she asked.
“Of course not. Mindy would love that,” Riley said.
“Great! I’ll go get some wood. It’s on the other side of the store.”
“Can we do this first? We still need to decide on color for the other rooms.” She blew out her cheeks and shook her head. “There are so many decisions to make and so much to do.”
“I think you should focus on those two rooms first, and maybe your bedroom. I don’t want you to get stressed.”
“Aww.” Riley smiled sweetly. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“You’re supposed to take it easy.”
“I’m fine, I promise. I’m not having palpitations anymore, and I certainly don’t feel stressed.” She took Quinn’s hand. “But you’re right. One thing at a time. The rest of the house can wait.”
“Good girl.” Quinn winked and put an arm around Riley’s waist as she led her away from the paint aisle and headed for the wood section. “You know what’s a great, relaxing activity?”
“Sex?” Riley smirked suggestively. “Or were you referring to antique shopping?”
Quinn laughed. “Yes, that too, but I actually meant sitting on a swing and enjoying the wind in your hair. I swear, it’s therapeutic.”
“Aren’t we a bit old for that?”
“Never. I’ll make a double swing so we can use it together.”
“Okay, now we’re talking. Where’s the swing going? In the bedroom?” Riley slammed a hand in front of her mouth when an old lady suddenly turned the corner. She’d clearly overheard the conversation and stared at them, wide-eyed. “Oops!” She giggled and blushed as they quickly moved out of hearing distance.
Quinn couldn’t stop laughing. “Riley Moore, you have a dirty mind and you’re not afraid to share it with the world.”
“It’s all your fault.Yougave me a dirty mind,” Riley retorted, nudging her. “And now I’m embarrassing myself in front of old ladies. What’s happening to me?”
