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Chapter 31: A Fresh Start
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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
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 37: A Sisterly Chat
QUINN'S POVAs I returned to Ford's loft and exited the elevator on his floor, I saw Madison turning to leave. I wasn't in the mood for another lecture from her. I frowned."Hey, I'm glad to catch you. I was about to leave," she said."Fine by me," I retorted, reaching around her to unlock the door."Don't tell me my brother gave you a key to his place?"I rolled my eyes. "It's just for a couple of nights. Ford, as you know, is at work. So if you want to talk to him...""I came to see you."I pulled off my coat and closed the door. "How'd you know I was here?""Harp said you spent the night and you weren't going into work."I wondered if he'd told her why. Probably not. He hadn't breathed a word to anyone about my suicide attempt. It didn't seem likely he'd tell his sister about Justin."I can't imagine you have much else to say after the other night.""Don't you wish that were true? Unfortunately, I have plenty more where that came from.""Great."Her hazel eyes darted all over my fa
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 38: Let's Make a Deal
QUINN'S POVThere could only be one way to get answers from a man like Ford and that was to ask him point-blank. So, I made sure dinner was on the table when he got home from work so he could eat, unwind, and then explain to me what in the hell we were doing together.I felt very domestic padding around in his expansive kitchen, fiddling with plates and cups and silverware. I desperately wanted a glass of wine to calm my nerves. Instead, I poured us both a glass of tonic water with lime and put the glasses on the table next to the lasagna, salad, and breadsticks. He didn't arrive until nearly eight and I became frustrated at having to reheat dinner twice. But as soon as he glided through the front door, his deep brown eyes immediately piercing through mine, my exasperation dissolved into pure exultation.Strands of brown hair floated across his permanently furrowed brow, no doubt mussed by the wintry wind. His slightly parted lips were pink, his breathing even and steady. His cheeks
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 39: Pipe Dreams
QUINN'S POVI let go of his hand. He'd already told me he was smoke and mirrors -- that he'd never be who I needed him to be. Part of me wondered if he'd only agreed to a relationship because he'd been scared for me yesterday. The other part of me, the hopeful part, wondered if he really did care for me in his own way."That wasn't so painful now, was it?" I tried to lighten the mood."That remains to be seen."I stuck my tongue out at him. "You're such a pessimist. I could be the best thing that ever happened to you." He returned to his plate, chewing thoughtfully. "You very well could be."My heart skipped. "See? Now there's the right attitude.""You do wonders for my attitude."That spark had returned to his eyes. The one that made desire and lust blossom and burst at the surface of my chest. I took a bite of salad and lowered my head to hide the burn in my cheeks."My mother liked you," he remarked absently.My eyebrows shot up. "She did?""You seem surprised.""Dinner w
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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
