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Chapter 14: The Predator and His Prey
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 15: Just Friends
QUINN'S POVI could barely contain myself when I received an email that we'd be having a last-minute, mid-morning meeting in the conference room the next day. I hadn't seen Ford since our kiss, but I knew he'd be conducting the meeting in a few minutes and I couldn't wait to talk to him. The excitement spinning in my stomach made me want to hurl.I knew we'd have to keep our relationship discreet to avoid any unwanted gossip, but I couldn't help but hope for some subtle, nonverbal hint that he'd thought of me as much as I'd thought of him. My feelings distracted me so, that I flew right by Collin and didn't stop until I heard him call my name."Hey! What's your hurry? The meeting doesn't start for ten minutes.""Hi, Collin.""How've you been? I haven't seen you in forever."I looked over his shoulder into the open conference room doors. I couldn't see Ford."I've been good -- just staying busy. Getting adjusted to my new place and the job. You know, that kind of thing.""I'd like to t
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 16: Margarita's, Madison, and Mistakes
QUINN'S POVA plate of sopapillas and four margaritas later, the clock neared eleven-thirty before Collin and I finally left the Mexican restaurant, Tio's. We'd talked and laughed like old friends and it did my soul wonders to feel normal again.I'd made the right decision not to date him. We were going to be much happier as friends. I wasn't girlfriend material anyway. At least that's what I figured since men rarely asked me out. It must've been because I wasn't girlfriend material. "Let me take you home," Collin offered. He smelled like barley and salsa."I want to walk. It's not far.""Are you sure? You're three sheets to the wind as it is."I laughed. "You had like ten beers. I'll take my chances walking."He buttoned his coat. "It's freezing. We can share a cab.""No, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for dinner.""Any time. Good night."I stood on the curb until Collin hailed a cab, got in, and rode off. The biting wintry air rustled leaves in the trees but the streets were
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 17: Platonic and Professional
QUINN'S POVI watched him retrieve a pair of black Nikes from the hall closet and slip them on. He tossed on a jacket and somehow managed to look as handsome in sweats as he did in his suits. I found myself aggravated with my attraction to him.My buzz had started to wear off, thanks to the stark cold and Ford's sobering comments. He'd parked his car in the underground parking garage, a steel gray Porsche Panamera. Somehow, I hadn't noticed his luxury car before. Perhaps because 'before' I'd been too busy shivering with cold from my plunge into the river. "This is some ride," I remarked as I climbed into the camel-colored interior."You've been in it before.""I know. But I didn't remember it being this gorgeous.""You're easily impressed."I ran my hand along the door panel. "Your sister's very pretty."He pushed the button to start the ignition. "Yes.""I hate I met her under these circumstances.""Drunk and misinformed?""Misinformed?""You thought I was sleeping with her."I lea
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 18: Pity Party for One
QUINN'S POVI debated not going to work the following morning. My fear of abandonment had resurfaced after my conversation with Ford last night. I feared his emotional unavailability and I ached with the irrational dread that he'd walk out of my life. I barely knew him, but I'd latched on to him like a leech. What's worse, he wasn't interested in me in the slightest.I should've been angry with his arrogant, narcissistic *ss. Instead, I found myself captivated by his face and smell and smile. Maybe I'd confused my physical attraction to him with real feelings. Maybe my unquenchable lust lured me to him.No. It wasn't only his face, but his generosity and dry wit and that mysterious something I couldn't quite figure out. He intrigued me. He puzzled me. He was the lock with no key. But God help me if I didn't want in. I pulled the bed covers over my head and buried deeper.I wondered if my supervisor, Judy, would believe me if I called in sick today. I didn't answer to Ford directly, so
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 19: Foster Families
QUINN'S POVI had two more sets of foster families within the next two years before finally being placed with Mr. and Mrs. Carr. I lived with them for six years until I turned eighteen and left for school. By now, I'd become an embittered, mouthy, depressed teenager who felt worthless and was deemed worthless by those around me. I didn't care about the Carr's and I didn't really even care about myself.I didn't care about anything except school. Somewhere along the way, I figured out getting an education would get me out of my hellish life. I dedicated all of my time to studying. I read everything, I did all the extra credit and I joined all the clubs. I participated in everything academic related I could.Not only did it keep my mind busy, but it kept me out of the house. I would've done anything not to go home ever again. School became the only escape I had.The Carr's had two other foster children, Sara and Justin. Justin and I were the same age and Sara was three years younger tha
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 20: Ghosts
QUINN'S POV"How do you like working at HI so far?" Hayes asked me after the waitress departed with our order.'I like the part where I get to see Ford'. "It's challenging," I answered instead. "I've never worked anywhere where they expected so much from me. I like rising to the challenge and pushing myself. But I also don't want to disappoint anyone. A lot rides on the decisions I make.""But that's the business. I never could wrap my head around the industry. It bores the p*ss out of me. But I find it sexy as hell that you're good with that kind of stuff."I raised an indifferent shoulder. "I'm analytical, probably too much so. I like the risk involved in futures, but it scares me, too. The fear keeps me on top of my game.""Interesting take on it."I took a sip of water. "What do you do for a living? And don't tell me 'this and that'."He chuckled. "I'm in between jobs.""Oh.""I'm not a bum, if that's what you're thinking. I had a couple of businesses, but they didn't work out. I'
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 21: A Fish on a Line
QUINN'S POVThe news of Sara's death had thrown me. I felt off kilter. Half of my emotions were pure guilt for not taking the time to really get to know her. We lived in the same house underneath the same arduous reign of Mr. and Mrs. Carr. I could've been a friend to her.The other half of me thought how that could've been the way my life turned out. I'd almost ended my own life, too. For some reason it made sense for me, but I hated that Sara had ended her life that way.I almost missed my stop reflecting on the mistakes I'd made. By the time I'd arrived home, taken a shower and eaten a light dinner, I was ready for bed. The clock had barely chimed nine, but I felt especially tired. Hearing about Sara saddened me and seeing Justin brought back the years we'd spent together in foster care. I'd rather not revisit that particularly dark period.Seven years wasn't quite far enough removed from that time in my life. It'd left an indelible impression and I still suffered from the effects
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 22: The Sharpest Dive
QUINN'S POVHe pulled away, his brown eyes dark and lust-filled. My stomach churned with nerves, the intent in his eyes clear."Are you going to make love to me?" I asked him."No. I'm going to f*ck you."I felt my cheeks turn scarlet red and Ford squinted at me."You're not a virgin, are you?""No. But I haven't been with anyone since my high school boyfriend."A sly grin crept at the edges of his mouth. "This won't be anything like high school, I assure you.""What about the ridiculous contract you had me sign at work?" I breathed."You signed it." Ford kissed the tip of my nose. "I didn't."I wanted to comment on the hypocrisy of his statement, but he'd pulled on the sash of my robe and it came undone. Standing only in my panties, I suddenly became very shy. I stared down at my feet.Ford tilted my chin up with his index finger."You're beautiful, Quinn. Don't be ashamed of your body."His kind words didn't help to calm me. He slid the robe off my shoulders and it fell in a silken
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Happily, Hopefully Chapter 55: The Whole Truth
QUINN'S POVI'd never heard him string together so many words at one time. I choked back tears. I wanted him to care for me. I wanted to matter to him. But I couldn't help thinking if this sudden, uncharacteristic display of emotion came on the heels of a confession to murder. Was he trying to soften me up so I wouldn't turn him in to the police? Not that I ever would."You said you'd never lied to me. Are you lying now?"He leaned back. "I can see why you'd ask that. And if I'm being completely honest, I have to admit to telling you one lie. I told you once I didn't need or want your love. That wasn't true. I need it now more than ever. And I want it. I want 'you' -- all of you."I wanted to grab him and kiss him at the same time I wanted to slap his face. I remembered when he told me he didn't want my love and it had crushed me. Why now? Why did he wait to tell me when I'd decided to move on without him and start over?"I had a pretty great childhood," he began again. "If you could'
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 54: One Last Chance
QUINN'S POVWhen I knew Ford had gone, I eventually went back downstairs and to the business center. After spending some time job hunting online, I made three appointments to view apartment complexes in the area. Since Ford had found me in Maryland, I could apply for more commodity trading positions. At least I still had my career.After I finished in the business center, I grabbed a quick lunch and then took a self-guided walking tour of downtown Annapolis. History littered the city practically around every corner. I convinced myself I'd be happy living in this beautiful place. I convinced myself I'd made the right decision -- that being without Ford and his constant hot/cold behavior, I could truly begin to figure out who I was without him.The problem with trying to convince yourself of the lies is, eventually you realize it doesn't work. I 'wanted' to work at HI and I 'wanted' to sleep in Ford's bed for the rest of my life. I wanted our lives to meld into one.I wanted to grow old
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 53: This Is Goodbye
QUINN'S POV The Metro rolled to a stop in Maryland nearly an hour later. I'd mentally scratched out a plan for the next four weeks and I felt quite pleased with myself. I hopped in an Uber and rode to the hotel feeling a sense of renewed hope and resolve. But the feeling didn't last long. I'd barely checked in and showered before the dreaded call.I knew Ford would eventually call, so I should've been better prepared. I'd had ample time to think of how I wanted to conduct myself. But as I stared at his name on my caller ID, my mouth went dry.As I gazed at his beautiful name, words failed me. I wanted to explain myself; I felt like I owed him that much. I didn't answer, instead, letting my voicemail do the talking. I couldn't avoid him forever, but I could for tonight.I waited for my phone to alert me that he'd left a message, but it didn't buzz. Maybe he'd seen my closets were empty and figured I was gone for good. The abrupt breakup would make it ea
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 52: A New Chapter
QUINN'S POVI had a hard time breathing as I walked toward home. The night air had grown colder and still, constricting my lungs. I shuffled along, oblivious to my surroundings. Vaguely, I realized I wasn't walking toward home. My robotic feet were heading toward Ford's loft. Even with everything I'd just learned, my internal compass still steered me in his direction.I choked back the tears clogging my throat. I replayed my conversation with Hayes over and over in my head. He couldn't have been telling the truth. Ford would never murder his own father. Hayes' story sounded more like a Greek tragedy -- a made up scenario to entertain and delight. Except I hadn't been entertained or delighted.Oddly, in some ways, maybe it even made sense. Ford's reluctance to talk about his family, his obsession for personal privacy, the fiery animosity between he and Hayes, the way he'd tried to keep me at arm's length for weeks now. I should've questioned his strange behavior more. Or maybe I did an
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 51: Like A Ship In A Bottle
QUINN'S POVMy voice began to shake. "If there's something dangerous about Ford, I need to know.""I don't think he'd ever hurt you."I shivered. "That's not reassuring."He leaned across the table again, close enough for me to smell his peppermint breath. "When my dad altered his will, Harp stood to gain almost everything. With the exception of what he left Mom and Maddie, Harp got everything else. He got even more than my mom with the acquisition of HI.""That wasn't Ford's doing. That was your dad's decision. It's not his fault."He smirked. "Defending him to the end, I see."My eyes narrowed. "What aren't you telling me?""My dad loved my mom. He loved his family and his business. Why would he take his own life?""People keep secrets from their loved ones all the time. Maybe he struggled with something privately.""I don't think so. You don't find it odd that he changed his will, basically leaving everything to Harp, and then he's found dead barely six months later? And 'Harp' was
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 50: The Meeting
QUINN'S POVAn early evening emergency call at HI demanded Ford's immediate attention and at six o'clock, he left to go downtown to tend to it. I stayed at his place, but I clawed at the walls with the need to escape. My thoughts were spinning and no effort I made could quiet them.I knew I shouldn't have let Hayes get in my head, but he'd only voiced my same fears. I'd fallen in love with a man I barely knew. I'd been curious about Ford's relationship with his father from the day I met him. He'd been so tight-lipped about the topic, that it only made me more inquisitive. But I didn't know how to get the answers I needed.I thought about calling Madison, but I had a feeling her sisterly devotion would overtake her willingness to help me. Collin probably didn't know any more than I did. Although he'd known Ford considerably longer than me, Ford kept their association purely work related. Hayes was the only person I knew for sure who would talk to me. I hated to call him. I hated to gi
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 49: The Warning
QUINN'S POV"I'm going to sleep well into the afternoon," I slurred as Ford and I entered his loft. After the last guest speaker, Ford and I danced for hours afterward. The talented band played everything from mid-century jazz to modern pop songs. Ford didn't leave my side, even when associates tried to pull him away or asked me to dance.Guests congratulated me all night, thanking me for my candor and courage. It'd been an exceptional night, but also emotionally taxing. I felt drained. I slipped out of my heels and my feet screamed with gratitude."You tired?" Ford asked me as he eased out of his coat and jacket."That's an understatement.""Too tired for a little surprise?"My lips curled into a grin. "What kind of surprise?""Let's get out of these clothes and I'll show you."Obediently, I skipped off to his bedroom, a new spark of energy ignited in me. I loved when Ford showed me his playful and easy side. It wasn't often so I'd learned to seize the moment when it presented itsel
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 48: The Speech
QUINN'S POVI exhaled, instantly calming as his brown eyes deepened and drown me in their russet depths. I followed him onto the dance floor and he spun me around before pulling me into his arms. The band started playing, "The Way You Look Tonight", and I melted into him.As with everything else, Ford excelled at dancing. He moved so lightly on his feet, so gracefully, and I found myself more impressed with him by the minute. Everything he did seemed effortless."For someone who doesn't enjoy music, you're awfully good at moving to it," I remarked."I don't particularly like dancing, either, but it was an easy way to get you in my arms."I let his comment sink in while trying to appear like I wasn't tickled pink."I hope you won't let anything my brother said bother you. He keeps trying to drag you into the middle of our complicated relationship because he knows it will get a rise out of me."I raised a shoulder, but couldn't help wondering if Hayes spoke the truth in some instances.
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 47: The Waiting Game
QUINN'S POVI took a seat at the table as the band began an upbeat tune and flooded the room with a popular jazz song I recognized as one by Ira Gershwin. I quickly became so involved in the song, I almost didn't hear my name being called from behind. But when my stomach dropped with the sound of that undeniably sexy accent, I knew instinctively who'd summoned me."It's Quinn, isn't it?"I turned and stood, immediately recognizing Anya Abeni -- Ford's ex."Yes. Anya, correct?" I asked as if I didn't know."You have a wonderful memory. How are you?"She looked so unbelievably stunning I took a minute to answer. She'd somehow managed to be even more striking than the first time I'd seen her. She had on another fabulous dress -- this one stark white which stood out so beautifully against her chocolate skin.She wore no jewelry -- only the diamond studs in her ear. I couldn't help wondering if hers had been a gift from Ford, too. But she didn't need any accessories. The simple, clingy dre
