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Chapter Twelve

When Phoebe rose the next day, she was groggy and out of sorts. Flashes from last night assaulted her mind, and a powerful throbbing at her center gave her pause.

“Damn,” she said, thinking about what a blissful time they’d had.

Phoebe had all but accused Quentin of having no interest in her because she was a virgin and now, well, she wasn’t. A smile trudged across her face, and a delighted warmth coated her flesh. In the rhythm of her heart held an extra beat.

“Wow.”

Phoebe rolled to her side and slowly sat up; he was no longer in the bed, but she could hear the deep tone of his voice carrying from the master bathroom.

“No, I’m not doing the exclusive, so tell them to forget about it.” He paused. “I understand very well, I just don’t care for their CEO’s lack of morale, and I won’t be a part of anything that they own. Take messages for the rest of the day. I won’t be there.”

He paused again, this time listening for a spell before chuckling a little bit and then clearing his throat.

“I’m fine.” Silence again. “No, but thank you for asking.” Silence. “I’m not being a smart ass at all.” A sigh. “Okay, I didn’t even know I was doing that. I’ll try to do better, please accept my apologies.” A second passed before he chuckled again. “I’m not being a smart… okay, I’m hanging up. Call me if anything comes up.” Pause. “Yeah.” Silence.

Phoebe swung her legs off the bed and sank her feet into the plush carpet on his bedroom floor. Padding softly, she knocked once on the door then leaned into it to speak.

“Hey, do you have another bathroom?”

The door opened quickly, and Phoebe took a step back, gazing up at the imposing height of Quentin.

“Hey,” she said as a plethora of warm, soft, and inviting emotions fluttered through her chest.

“Good morning,” he responded, reaching out to grasp her hand.

Phoebe took a step inside as Quentin pulled her to him, and her gaze fell to his wounded chest.

“Oh my goodness,” she said, taking a hand over the bruised flesh. “Quentin!” Her eyes shot up to his as Quentin peered down at her under lazy lids.

“I’m all right, girl.” He pulled her closer, wrapping solid arms around her waist.

“How could you be after everything you’ve been through this week?” Suddenly, Phoebe felt embarrassed, and her cheeks darkened.

“It’s getting better, I can barely feel it.”

“Somehow, I know that you’re lying. It’s barely been two days since you were hit by that car and then that ruckus you kept up with Jonathon last night.”

“I didn’t have much a choice in the matter.”

Phoebe gave him a gentle look, lowering her eyes with a small smile on her lips. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“You already said that, and there’s no need for you to repeat it.” He pulled her lips to his mouth and pushed a warm wet kiss on her. “I told you it’s not your fault. Now drop it.”

“Or what?”

“I’m gonna spank you.”

Phoebe giggled. “Well, at least let me help you heal. I feel so bad about everything that’s happened to you. I know you’d like to think so, but you’re not really made of steel, Mr. Davidson.”

“Lies, girl, all lies.” He tickled the side of her neck and pulled her in tighter. “How do you feel?”

Phoebe nuzzled her nose into his chin. “Heavenly,” she said.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

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