Page 18 of Between Love and Honor

It was Quinn’s turn to smile. She extended her hand.

“Since I have the advantage of knowing who you are, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Quinn Darby. Pleased to meet you.”

Josslyn’s gray eyes went wide. “You’re Quinn Darby?

The Quinn Darby who photographed Princess Eleanor’s wedding in Cape Town? Those pictures were absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you.”

She was particularly proud of the job she’d done shooting the princess’s wedding. The photographs had turned out to be some of her best work. Not only that, but she’d managed to nab the evidence to indict a British MP for his involvement with an African drug cartel. All in all, it was quite a weekend endeavor.

“That’s exactly the type of pictures I want of our wedding,” Josslyn gushed. “I mean, the White House rose garden isn’t much of a backdrop. It’s pretty tame compared to the compound in South Africa.”

Adam laughed again. “There are no guarantees about how tame the guests will be, though.”

Josslyn elbowed him in the ribs. “Hush. You’ll scare her off just when I’m trying to talk her into the job. As I mentioned, we’re getting married at the White House in two weeks. And we desperately need a photographer. The woman I hired has been put on bedrest for a high-risk pregnancy. And you, well, you’re exactly what I’m looking for.”

Quinn swallowed roughly. As much as she’d love the artistic challenge of photographing a wedding in the White House, her life wasn’t her own. It never had been. After she secured the list, Quinn would need to make herself scarce. Once she fulfilled this mission, there would be another one waiting. Then another several weeks of laying low. Alone. Her life was a carousel of role playing and isolation. But it was the only one she knew. And it worked for her.

At least that was what she kept telling herself.

She swiped the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip.

“I’m already booked completely for the rest of the summer.

I’m so sorry.”

Another lie. She hated how they suddenly felt painful leaving her lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ben’s mouth frown in what looked like disgust.

Josslyn visibly deflated before her. Adam wrapped an arm around her waist and nuzzled the top of her head.

“We’ll find someone. I promise.”

His fiancée smiled up at him. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. As long as you’re waiting for me at the end of the aisle.”

“I’m happy to ask around to see who else is available,” Quinn offered.

And she was genuinely happy to do so. These were Ben’s friends. Despite the teasing, they all seemed to be fond of each other. She would do something nice for Josslyn and Adam because Ben cared for them.

What would it be like to have friends like that?

She quashed the envy rolling in her stomach. She’d made her own choices, following in the path she’d been set upon at a young age. That path didn’t allow for long-lasting friendships. Or any relationship for that matter. Why was it the only time the situation bothered her was when Ben was around?

“That would be wonderful, Quinn,” Josslyn said. “But, really, I don’t mean to be a bridezilla about it. Adam is right. The White House photographers will do a lovely job.”

Quinn reached out and squeezed the other woman’s hand. “We’ll find you someone who will do more than just lovely.”

A stunning smile lit up Josslyn’s face. “Thank you. And now we get to taste test the hors d’oeuvres we’re serving at the reception. Come on. This is going to be fun.”

Adam helped his fiancée to the dock as Quinn tried to think of a plausible excuse to remain behind and search for the micro card. But then Ben was extending his hand to her.

“Come on, Brit, let’s go fill up on appetizers.”

Her stomach did a little stutter-step at his use of the nickname he’d given her all those years ago. Even better, the corners of his mouth had actually turned up in a slight smile. She looked longingly at his outstretched hand. Once they were occupied taste testing appetizers, she could double back to the sailboat and grab the list. But in the meantime, it would be nice to take a break from the game and enjoy the company of her first love. Memories of these next couple of hours would have to sustain her for a lifetime. Without a second thought, she slipped her fingers into his and followed him off the boat.

CHAPTER 5

THE IRONY WASN’T lost on Ben that after all these years, he was finally holding Quinn Darby’s hand in public. Parading two blocks up Watertown’s Main Street, to be precise. He half expected her to yank her fingers free once they left the marina, but she kept them there, wrapped in his, relaxed and soft against his skin.

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