She swallowed, doing her best to focus on the silver ball moving like lightning inside the game. Buzzers went off and bells dinged, but none of it sank deep into her head. Quinn leaned over, his breath warm on her skin, and then he kissed her neck. Her knees buckled and she flipped around. Without thinking, she took his face in her hands and kissed him with everything she’d bottled up since dancing in his arms at the reunion.
Quinn backed her up against the machine and returned her kiss, deepening it with a low growl. She dug her hands into his hair, letting the silkiness caress her skin. His hands went to her hips and he lifted her to sit on the game.
The machine made a loud noise that startled them both. She jumped down and her hands flew to her lips. Quinn’s arms went in the air as if a policeman had yelled, “Hands up!”
Ginny looked at him, and she freaked out and ran for the exit. She’d ruined everything. There was no coming back from a kiss like that. She’d laid it all out, holding nothing back, going after him like she had zero control over her body.
Geez!
Once on the street, she gulped air and began to pace. She wasn’t going to leave Quinn; she just needed a minute to get herself under control. She didn’t have enough time, because Quinn was right behind her, panting like he’d run to the gate and back.
“I’m so sorry!” She put her hand on his chest to keep him at arm’s length. If he came near her again, her knees might never stop being jellified. “I know it’s not supposed to this way with us.”
Quinn trapped her hand against him as if he was worried she’d bolt again. “Explain to me, in small words and talking slowly, whatwayyou’re talking about.”
“We aren’t supposed to be attracted to each other. I told you this was a friend marriage, and I can stick to my promise not to try to make it more.”
A slow, devilish grin appeared on his face, one she hadn’t seen before but found she liked—a lot. “What if I want it thisway?”
She smacked his arm. “Stop teasing me. You do not.”
He laughed, pulling on her arm and gathering her into his chest. She went willingly, loving the feel of his muscles against her body. “I would like to kiss my future wife.” He kissed her nose. “And enjoy it.”
She ducked her head.
He pulled her closer, making her gasp because of the desire coming off of him and smoldering in his eyes.
This time when their lips came together, she allowed herself to enjoy it fully, to get lost in the feel of his arms around her, his hands splayed on her back and the way they fell into a rhythm full of need and longing.
Ginny grabbed his collar and held on. Quinn was going to be hers and she was going to be his. The ring on her finger attested to that fact. But his kiss? His kiss told her that his heart was in this too, and she couldn’t think of a more perfect moment in all her life.
Chapter Twenty-One
Quinton
Quinn grumbled his way through the crowds at Pike Place Market. He had no desire to be here, and his foul mood at having to be on this errand had him glaring at the bright flowers and hand-knitted caps for sale.
He passed through the lines of booths. For thirteen dollars a day people could hawk their wares. They sold everything from jewelry to lobsters. Through a set of women exclaiming over hand-tooled leather belts, he emerged on the boardwalk. More booths were out here, and the place smelled of cinnamon and sugar thanks to the churro vendor.
Dad was sitting at one of the tables, a ball hat in his hands.
Quinn marched over, not wanting to delay this meeting any longer than he already had that day he’d sent his father off at the gate. His shadow crossed the table, and Dad lifted his gaze. Startled, he half stood. “You came.”
“Yeah.” Quinn ran his hand through his hair. “What do you want, Dad?”
Dad glanced around. His tongue darted out and moistened his lips. “Do you want a churro? You used to love those things at the parks.”
“No, thanks.” Quinn checked the seat in front of him for seagull droppings before pulling it out. Since Dad wasn’t getting to the point, he needed to sit down.
Dad fiddled with the brim of the hat. “How you been?”
“Fine.”
“Good. Do you have a lady in your life?”
“I’m engaged.” A Google search would have told Dad that much. There was no sense in telling him any more.
“That’s fantastic. Virginia, right?”
