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Chapter 37: A Sisterly Chat
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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
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 40: Shades of Gray
QUINN'S POVI rolled over and reached for Ford. The sheets were cold beside me and I inched my eyes open. He'd gone. I glanced at the clock on the night table. It read three in the morning. I stretched and yawned, grabbing his pillow and burying my face in his divine scent. But a shrill noise caused me to still.I lifted my head, instantly recoiling at the sound of a heart-wrenching wail. I sat up in the bed, partially frozen, as I tried to determine what I'd heard. The strange sound riddled me with curiosity and a sickening, paralyzing fear. Another sob, deep and guttural, sounded, filling the air and I knew. It was Ford's cry.I scampered out of bed and into the living room. The black of night blanketed the space and I could just make out Ford's figure, crumpled on the floor near the couch. As my eyes began to focus and I neared him, he buried his head in his knees and raised a hand to halt me. I grabbed his hand and knelt beside him, my insides quivering with fear."Don't," he whis
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 41: Smoke and Mirrors
QUINN'S POVHalf an hour later, me and four other traders emerged from Ford's office, our heads swirling with numbers and facts concerning rising prices for oil and gold. I'd planned on shutting my office door and closing my eyes for the entirety of my lunch break, but instead, I found Hayes waiting for me outside my door."Don't look so shocked, Quinn. Didn't you think you'd ever see me again?"I walked past him. "Honestly, no."He followed me into my office. "I wasn't completely fair to you a couple of weeks ago and I owe you an apology.""You don't, really. The whole situation was really screwy.""I just wanted to clear the air. I feel like things got really messed up between us."I plopped down into my leather chair and looked up at him. "I'm sorry I tested your feelings for me by trying to make you jealous.""That was a million years ago, but thank you. And I'm sorry I disappeared at your family dinner when I came as your date."He perched on the edge of my desk, waving his hand
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 42: D.C.'s Deserving
QUINN'S POVI began to wonder how much longer Ford would allow me to stay at his place. I knew I'd disrupted his quiet and orderly way of life. I thought I better make it my last week here at the Harper household."Am I working you too hard?" Ford's voice asked softly. The heat of his voice floated right over the top of the glass shower door and caressed my already heated skin."What?" I breathed."That was a pretty heavy sigh. Did you have a rough day?""Not particularly. How'd you get here so fast?""I left right after you."I smiled. "Couldn't stay away, huh?"He chuckled. "Something like that. Are you coming out or am I coming in?"My stomach churned with mammoth-sized butterflies. "I'm coming out.""Make it quick," he demanded tenderly. Through the misty glass door, I saw him turn and leave. I wiped my hand across the glass trying to catch a brief glimpse of his delicious backside. I heard the desire, thick in his throat. It matched my own.I allowed myself only another three mi
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 43: The Generosity of Ford
QUINN'S POVI left work late the next day, finding any and every way to stall for time. I shuffled paper back and forth across my desk for forty-five minutes before I finally gave up. After spending two weeks at Ford's loft, I knew I had to go home. Physically I felt ready to be intimate again, but emotionally I didn't know if I could go back to my apartment.Ford told me I could stay with him for as long as necessary but eventually, I knew I'd wear out my welcome. Our relationship remained so delicate, I feared it would break at any moment. I lived on the edge of a knife -- on the cusp of happiness and just as easily teetering on the prospect of disaster. His behavior had me perpetually confused. Just when I'd convinced myself that he cared for me, he brutally reminded me that his feelings for me were as unpredictable as the wind. I never knew which way he would blow from day to day. So instead of driving myself crazy by being underfoot and becoming a nuisance, I opted to go home.B
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 44: Mr. and Mrs. Jones
QUINN'S POVI had a dream about Mr. and Mrs. Jones. They'd taken me to an amusement park and stuffed me with cotton candy and ice cream and popcorn. My stomach roiled on my junk food high as the three of us got on the carousel. Daddy lifted me onto the tallest horse he could find and climbed onto one next to me. Mommy didn't trust the rickety wooden horses, so she rode on the stationary bench.When my horse moved up, my daddy's would go down. I waved at him when I rose above his head and he would wave back when his horse rose above mine. I could hear mommy laughing behind us, holding her purse against her chest with one hand and some oversized stuffed animal I'd won in her other.The merry-go-round spun and spun until we were dizzy from giggles, and then eventually slowed to a stop. The music stopped with a scratching sound like a needle on a record. Without warning, a strong gale whipped through my hair, the sky suddenly turning cloudy and gray.I turned to find my daddy, but he'd di
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 45: In Too Deep To Turn Back Now
QUINN'S POVHe moaned softly again, gathering me in his arms and carrying me to my new bedroom. I felt the world tip as he laid me on the bed. I sat up on my elbows and watched him undress. I still hadn't seen him completely nude, so I took great pleasure observing him now.Watching him undress was like watching a dance. He unknotted his tie -- his nimble fingers making easy work of the knot. He undid the buttons on his dress shirt unveiling a ripped, golden chest, each cut hard and well-defined. He shrugged out of his shirt, letting it float to the ground. Hungrily, I waited as he unbuckled his belt and unfastened his pants.I heard him chuckle and my eyes flew up to his face."You seem to be enjoying this."I blushed. "I am. I've never seen you naked before," I admitted softly."If I'd known you'd look at me like that, I'd undressed for you weeks ago.""I think you're beautiful," I breathed.A faint tinge of color rushed to his cheeks and I smiled. "I believe that's my line."He was
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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
