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Chapter 18: Pity Party for One
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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
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 23: The Bracelet, the Heels, and Nothing Else
QUINN'S POVI startled awake before my alarm went off, as if someone had poured cold water on my head. For an instant, it felt like I'd just been dragged out of the river, shivering with ice water and fear.I rolled over onto my back and bent my knees. A dull ache between my legs caused me to glance down at my right thigh. A very definitive, red handprint marked my leg. Ford's handprint. He'd marked me, made me his, even though it seemed painfully clear he didn't want me. But had he made it so clear?I placed my hand over the mark on my thigh pretending his hand held mine -- that, for a moment, he was as besotted with me as I was with him. Memories of his kiss, the feel of his hands on me infiltrated my every thought. Last night only made me want Ford more. Even with his sudden departure and curt comportment, I wanted him just as badly now as I ever did.He knew about my past now and it hadn't altered how he felt about me. In fact, it seemed to endear me even more to him. I never imag
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 24: It's Not Personal
QUINN'S POVI straightened on legs that felt like wet noodles. I turned and reached for my bra and panties, hurriedly slipping them on. Ford handed me my pantsuit as he zipped up his pants. His gaze washed over me as I dressed. "You should be home by now."Really? That's how he wanted to play this? Mr. Cool, calm and collective."It's a good thing for you I wasn't."He cocked his head. "Why?""Because then you wouldn't have had a chance to...you know.""F*ck you?"My cheeks tinted pink. "Yes.""Your innocence is refreshing. What're you still doing here?""I had a lot of work to do.""Careful. We'll be keeping the same hours soon. Turn around."I obeyed and Ford zipped up my pantsuit. He held my hair up and then let it gently down again. His fingers brushed my neck and I swallowed hard. I spun back around to face him."I wanted to talk to you. That's why I came up here.""Is it?"I knew he was implying I'd come to see him for sex and not to talk, and maybe he was partly right."Yes."
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 25: Justin Nichols
QUINN'S POVJustin called me at exactly five o'clock as I left the office and I agreed to meet him at Café Expresso on 14th. It was strange to see him again -- a bit like having coffee with a ghost. So much time had passed since I'd last seen him and yet, I still felt like the same broken girl on the inside. I guess I hadn't really changed after all. And neither had he.He strolled into the coffeehouse wearing torn jeans, a shabby red sweater and an oversized coat. His scruffy face desperately needed a shave and his pale blue eyes were bloodshot. He was underweight, his face drawn and colorless.He'd aged more than just the eight years since I'd seen him. He looked tired -- as if life had been too much for him. Mr. Carr had taken out his aggression on Justin for years. I knew what it had done to me watching as a bystander; I couldn't begin to imagine the mental toll it had taken on Justin.He smiled at me, revealing a chipped front tooth (courtesy of Mr. Carr), and lumbered into the s
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 26: Anya
QUINN'S POVI'd just put the finishing touches on my makeup when Hayes knocked on my front door. We had Saturday night dinner plans. He'd promised me a fun night out on the town and I'd been actually looking forward to it all week. He'd proven to be a good friend and I could sense my feelings for him starting to change.I'd become accustomed to talking to him and seeing him. When we went a couple of days without speaking, I wanted to hear from him. I still loved Ford, no question. But the pain seemed manageable with Hayes near. He arrived right on time -- eight o'clock on the dot. He'd grown more handsome to me in the recent weeks. His eyes seemed livelier, his smile more engaging. But even handsomely clad in a green button down shirt and black slacks, I wasn't sure if Hayes had truly drawn me in or did I simply wish it? "Wow. You look gorgeous." Hayes grinned and pulled me into a firm hug.I wondered if he'd feel the same way if he knew his brother purchased the dress for me. I smo
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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
