I was already married to the man. And God knew we were compatible sexually. What happened if we clicked on an entirely different level? What happened if we slipped into something neither of us had planned for or expected when we’d agreed to this marriage on paper only?
What kind of tangled web would that weave?
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
FORD
After a long shiftat the firehouse, I strolled up the front steps of the cottage. It had been busier than usual—among others, we’d had a call for a possible heart attack that turned out to be an intense panic attack, a carbon monoxide leak, and a three-car collision on the highway. I was exhausted and ready to crash, but I wasn’t about to do that before I got in some time with my wife.
I unlocked the door and stepped inside, my ears perking up at Quinn’s voice coming from the bedroom.
“Well, he obviously sees something in me, or he wouldn’t have married me,” she said, her voice strained.
Brow furrowed, I set my keys on the counter and strode toward the room, stopping just inside the doorway. Quinn’s back was to me as she hung her head, defeat cloaking every inch of her. And I wanted to know who the fuck was making her feel that way.
She didn’t say anything for long moments, but whoever was on the other line was giving her enough of an earful that I could hear the murmur of it from where I stood, even without the call on speaker.
“No, I’m—” She breathed out a frustrated sound and tipped her head back to stare at the ceiling, her hand curled into a fist at her side. Her shoulders were rigid, her entire body tense, and I’d had enough.
I slipped into the room and walked up behind her, my steps faltering at Quinn’s next words.
“My relationship with my husband is none of your concern, Mother. I promise that what we do or don’t do is not meant to embarrass you.”
This was hermotherwho was speaking to her like this?
Quinn had alluded to not having a great relationship with her parents, but I’d assumed it was in the typicalthey irritate me, but I love themkind of way. Not in thethey berate me and tear me down every chance they getkind of way.
I stood close enough now that, even without the call being on speaker, I could make out every word Mrs. Cartwright said, her tone shrill and harsh.
“You’re the most ungrateful child I’ve ever met. After everything we’ve done for you…after your father got you that job…and this is how you repay us? Flaunting yourself around town like that… Even if it was with yourhusband. You should be mortified. It’s no wonder you don’t have any friends when this is how you behave.”
What. The.Fuck.
With my mouth set in a grim line, I reached up, ready to snatch the phone away and give that bitch a piece of my mind when three beeps sounded, indicating she’d hung up on her daughter.
Instead of getting mad like I’d expected, instead of lashing out like she would’ve done if I’d been on the other end of that phone, Quinn just tossed her phone on the nightstand and pressed her fingers to her forehead, her shoulders curling forward.
I’d never wanted to comfort someone more in my life. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, squeeze her tight, and remind her just how fucking amazing she was.
But I knew Quinn well enough to realize she wouldn’t want any outright coddling. In fact, I was pretty sure she might knee me in the junk if I tried.
So instead, I cleared my throat to warn her of my presence and smacked her ass before she could turn around.
She gasped, spinning to face me, a hand on her chest. “Ford!” Her cheeks were flushed, her brow pinched, and I hated her mother for making her look like that. Hated that she’d put that strain on my wife’s beautiful face. “You scared me.”
“Sorry, kitten,” I murmured, tipping my head down to hers and pressing a kiss to her lips.
She was stiff for a few moments until, finally, she rested her hands on my chest and melted into me. With a soft hum of contentment, she opened her mouth, sliding her tongue against mine. She felt so good in my arms, so right as I held her to me, gliding my palms over her body.
After long moments, I pulled back with a couple small kisses and looked down at her. “Sounds like you’ve had a shitty night so far.”
She breathed out a laugh. “The shittiest.”
“I have the perfect antidote for that,” I said before jumping backward and landing on my back on the bed, arms folded behind my head. “Climb on up, wife.”
She grinned but shook her head. “Shitty night, remember? I’m not in the mood for sex.”
“I never said anything about sex. I just want you to come over here and sit on my face for a little while.”
