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Chapter 28: Sexually Exclusive
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Happily, Hopefully Chapter 29: Brother vs. Brother
QUINN'S POVI met Justin at Rock Creek Cemetery the next day. The March air still had a wintry bite to it, but the snow had begun to melt. Spring would soon be here and with it, the pink blooms of cherry blossoms and cool breezes.My boots crunched over hard packed ice and dirt as I made my way toward Sara's grave. I saw Justin there, leaning against her headstone. He lit a cigarette as I approached."Hey, there," he greeted, a puff of smoke and fog clouding in front of him. "Hey.""It's cool you came. I think Sara would've liked having us both here."I knelt down to place the daisies I'd brought in the flower holder. I read her headstone.'Sara Woods' '1999-2020' 'Daughter, Sister, Friend' "Her headstone had to say something, I guess. The Carr's were definitely not her family and she didn't have any friends."I straightened. "I wasn't very nice to her. She only wanted attention from me, but I was so wrapped up in my own misery, I didn't take the time to acknowledge hers."He took
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 30: The Letter
QUINN'S POVI killed the call and returned my phone to my coat pocket. I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I wanted to date Hayes but sleep with Ford? I couldn't juggle brothers and I didn't want to. My brain cried out to be with Hayes. He made sense. We had fun together and he was carefree and emotionally exposed. He could give me what I sought.Ford remained detached and emotionally unavailable. This should've been a no-brainer. I knew in the end letting Ford go would be best for me, but my heart begged me not to. Last night I'd agreed to sexual exclusivity with him, but I knew it would never be enough. He'd have to give me all of himself or nothing.I'd tried to escape his hold, but I'd have to try harder. For once, I'd think with my head and not my heart. My heart only got me into trouble. I couldn't talk to him face-to-face, though. That plan had failed numerous times. I wasn't strong enough to resist him.Instead, I'd write him a letter to convey my feelings and have it deli
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 31: A Fresh Start
QUINN'S POVFord had been pleasant to me all week. He spoke every time he saw me, albeit the subject matter always pertained to work, but he seemed amicable and sincere. I thought I wanted more of a reaction from him, but the fact that he seemed to be taking my letter in stride suited me just fine. I felt more confident than ever that writing the letter had been the right thing to do. As I got dressed for dinner with Hayes' family, I felt assured the evening would be a success now that the air had been cleared between me and Ford.But now a different wave of nerves threatened to consume me. Tonight I'd meet the woman who'd given birth to the mystifying man I loved.I wondered how she'd receive me. She could be welcoming and gracious and glad that Hayes and I were dating. Or, she might see right through me and realize I'd fallen in love with her other son. And I had. Wholly, completely, unapologetically. But in time I wouldn't be. I had to believe that.Heaving a deep sigh, I smoothed
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 32: The Last Supper
QUINN'S POVDinner turned out to be wonderful. The Harper family proved to be humorous and engaging when they were all together. Despite the obvious ill feelings between Ford and Hayes, even 'they' managed to get along peaceably. Conversation flowed easily and I immensely enjoyed hearing their childhood stories and the memories of their dad. They seemed to be tightly knit and a piece of me ached with jealousy.It served as yet another reminder of how much I'd missed in my own childhood. But it warmed my heart to see Ford more relaxed. He seemed at peace in a way I'd never seen before. Amongst this ornate dining room with its gaudy, crystal chandelier and red brocade walls, he was as comfortable here as he'd been in the souvenir shop at the Empire State Building.It became clear how much he cared for his family -- even Hayes in his own way. It also became clear why Hayes considered Ford the golden boy. Olivia Harper doted on Ford. If she hadn't been his mother, you could've easily mist
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 33: The Third Brother
QUINN'S POV"Sit down, please," he commanded softly.I looked up into his hypnotizing brown eyes and got lost there. "I need to talk to Hayes.""Talk to me first. Please, sit down, Quinn."I sat, crossing my legs. I felt like crying. "Talk to you about what?""The letter."He hadn't mentioned it until now. "What about it? I thought I made myself perfectly clear."He sat down next to me. "It was beautifully written."I almost smiled at him. "Then what?""I read it and then I tore it up.""At least you read it first."He laughed softly. "I didn't like what it had to say."I arched my brow. "What didn't you like?""I didn't like you reneging on our deal.""You can't just use me for sex.""I also didn't like the part about you quitting HI.""I told you I'd give you the appropriate notice.""I especially didn't like the part about you dating my brother when you've promised me twice you'd stay away from him."I rolled my eyes. "So what? Your ego was hurt?""My ego has nothing to do with thi
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 34: Another Rescue
QUINN'S POVI swallowed hard, fear rising in my chest. His eyes were glassy. I could tell he was high and not thinking clearly. I needed to talk him down."I wasn't particularly nice to Sara, I admit it. But I made my peace with her at her gravesite. She would want us to get along -- to remember her fondly.""What the hell do you know about what Sara wanted? We were your family and you left and never looked back. 'I' went back for her."I glanced around the room for a weapon as Justin advanced on me. "You're right, I did. And I'm sorry. The Carrs were such jerks, I had to get away. But I never forgot about you or Sara. And I never thanked you for keeping me safe -- for keeping us both safe."He still moved toward me and I'd backed myself into the closet. "I promised her something. I promised her before she died that I'd get even with everyone who hurt her. First you, and then that *sshole and his wife. I know where the Carrs live, but running into you on the Metro was just dumb luck.
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 35: All of Me
QUINN'S POVI couldn't have gotten through the rest of the day without Ford. He didn't leave my side as I rehashed the events of the afternoon. I'd had to explain my history with Justin and how he knew where I lived and take the police through the attack step by step. I told them it seemed Justin had a vendetta against me and our foster family and he'd come to collect.The police wanted to take me down to the station, but somehow Ford convinced them not to. He told them I'd been through enough and they had all the answers they needed. He explained that I'd be more than cooperative should they need anything else from me, but today, I needed to rest.I didn't know if the serious glint in his eye made them take heed or the low tone of his voice. Ford commanded everything and everyone and I found myself indebted to him once again. When the officers walked Justin out in handcuffs, I almost felt sorry for him. I knew his volatile upbringing had played a huge role in bringing him to this poi
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 36: Nature vs. Nurture
QUINN'S POVI awoke startled and shaking, bathed in my own sweat. I'd dreamt of Justin, his grimy, black-nailed hands gripping the gun -- the cool, metal barrel staring me in the face. I bit my tongue hard to keep from crying. Ford rolled over in the bed next to me, instinctively wrapping me up in his arms."Can I get you anything?" he whispered in the dark.I turned my head against the pillow. "It won't be like this forever. The memories will fade and it'll be like it never happened. You're safe here."Ford draped an arm around my waist, drawing me near. The warmth of his embrace soothed me and I snuggled into him. I pressed my rear against him and felt the hard bulge of his erection press back. Instantly aroused, I knew it was the Ford effect. But sex was the last thing on either of our minds. I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep.THE NEXT MORNINGI rose with the sun after an unrestful night. Despite being wrapped in the warm, safe cocoon of Ford's arms, even he couldn't ke
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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
