Page 70 of Frequency of Attraction

Quinn’s stomach fluttered at the deep timbre of his voice. She hadn’t realized he’d been listening.

They lost the next hour to presents and squeals and truly delicious cake. God, she wanted to keep Baba Mila for the baking alone. She was glad to see she was still accepted, even with Quinn’s ties to them effectively severed.

After a second smallish slice of cake, she rose to leave. She’d been deep in a strategic planning document for the new role she was slowly transitioning to when she’d received the enticing text from Mila. The play date had been a nice diversion, but she needed to get back to work. She had plans that night with Edie, the woman from the art gallery. They were going to see a movie, like normal people.

Dasha gave her a hug goodbye and more gushing gratitude. Little Mila wanted to be picked up and spun around. Quinn dropped a kiss on her sticky cheek and adjusted her tiara before setting her back on the ground. Baba Mila offered a warm hug as well.

She glanced at Vadim to say goodbye, but he beat her to it. “Let me walk you home.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

Butterflies rose for the second time that morning. She nodded in assent.

“I’ll be right back,” he said to little Mila.

“Can I come, too?”

“Maybe next time.”

Quinn raised an eyebrow. Simple placation, or did he really think there’d be a next time?

They left the park together, chased by the warm breeze. Vadim matched her shorter stride with his hands in his pockets. “What have you been doing since you’ve been here?”

“Working.”

He shook his head. “Of course.”

“I’m seeing a movie tonight,” she defended.

“With whom?”

The question had just seemed to fall out. He cleared his throat like the move might take the words back.

“A friend.”

His eyebrows showed that he did not like that answer. She fought a chuckle. They couldn’t work, the two of them. He didn’t know what he wanted. They lived on separate sides of the country. And Quinn? She wanted someone who would fight for her. She knew that now.

“I’m sure you know my first test flight is in two weeks.”

Quinn nodded. “I’ll be there.”

She felt his gaze. “You will?”

“Oui. Shannon is running the PR for the flight, but I want to be there if she needs me.”

He didn’t respond. She wondered if he knew that had been a sham answer.

“I wouldn’t miss your first flight, Vadim. You worked hard for this, and I’m going to be there to support you.”

“Thank you.”

Her heart gave a happy jump when they turned down her tree-lined avenue. She fell in love with her new neighborhood’s narrow streets, stately brick facades, unique doors, and hidden nooks more each day. Rounding that corner always lifted her soul.

“Looks nice,” Vadim said, gesturing at the potted plants lining the steps to her black wood door.

“You should see what I’ve done to the inside.”

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