Page 21 of Mine

“And how many times do I have to tell you that I don’t need you looking out for me?”

“What happens when he breaks your heart?”

“He won’t.”

Jordan’s brows stretched. “You sound certain,” he said, trying not to show his frustration.

“I am. You trust him with my life, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Okay then.”

“You’re confusing things, Phoebe. Trusting him with your life is not the same as trusting him with your heart.”

“You’re just going to keep saying that?” she said.

“Yes. Until I can drill some sense into your head.”

“You need to understand something, Jordan. Not you, Jonathon, Jacob, Jonas, Jaden, Josiah, or Julian can stop me from seeing who I want. If you don’t trust your own best friend with me, fine. That’s your prerogative, but don’t tell me who to see.”

“I just—”

“I know, okay, you’re just trying to look out for me. But if you’re really up for teaching me a lesson then let the chips fall where they may. If it doesn’t work out, it won’t change anything between you two.”

“That’s a damn lie.”

“It’s on you,” she said, leaving Jordan standing in the hallway.

When Phoebe glided back into the room, Quentin was sitting on the side of the bed, trying to put his coat on. She ran to his side.

“What are you doing? You’re going to hurt yourself even more.”

Quentin reached up and tugged her nose. “What are you talking about, girl, don’t you know by now I’m made of steel.”

She smiled. “Don’t let that Superman thing go to your head.”

Quentin chuckled. “Do you mind if I use your phone? I didn’t have mine on me at the time of the accident, so I’m sure it’s still back in my car over on Melrose.”

“Sure,” she said, “when the doctor releases you, I can take you over to get it if you want.”

She handed him her cell.

“Thank you,” he said.

He dialed a number and waited a beat before speaking. “Cindy, I need you to meet me at my place. I need a favor.”

He listened on the line for his personal assistant’s response and smirked. “It’s a big favor,” he responded. “I’ve been in an accident, and I’ll need you around the house for a day or two.”

Phoebe reached for her phone, taking it out of Quentin’s hand.

“I wasn’t done with that,” he said reaching out for the receiver.

Phoebe placed the phone to her ear. “Hey Cindy, this is Phoebe.” She paused. “Yeah, listen, ignore what Quentin just said, I’m going to stay over and help him out for a few days.”

Surprised, Quentin reached for Phoebe, pulling her between his legs. She nuzzled between them with her back turned and the phone to her ear as she listened to Cindy’s response.

“No, he’s sitting right here, so you won’t get in trouble, I promise, isn’t that right, Quentin?” Phoebe turned to Quentin just as he began nibbling on the back of her neck.

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