All Chapters of Happily, Hopefully: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

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

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

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

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

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