Page 50 of Just One Moment

QuinnandIshare a look. “We’regood,”Ireply at the same time she says, “I’mgonna pass, have fun.”

Weboth know there’s a lot to talk about once we’re alone.

IwalkJoto the door.ToQuinn, it looks likeI’mwalking our friend out, when in reality,I’mgoing to politely ask her toBackthe fuck off.

“You’resick onWednesday,”Ihiss.

Shehas the audacity to laugh in my face.

“Ineed to takeQuinnto the park.”

“Youneed to?” she asks, crossing her arms and quirking a brow.

“Iwant to.Please,Jo.I’lldo anything.”Jesus,Ireek of desperation.

Somethingin my pleading tone or pathetic face must speaktoJo, because her features soften. “Fine, butIwant iced coffees delivered to the restaurant every day until the end of the year.”

“Youand your freaking iced coffees,”Igrumble.

Shepeeks around the corner before stepping closer. “Whydon’t you just invite her?Idon’t mind faking the flu, but wouldn’t you rather her know it was your idea, than be my stand-in?”

Yes!Iwant to shout, but thenIrisk putting everything on the line, andIdon’t thinkIcan handle the hit of being rejected byQuinn.Especiallyafter today.Slowand steady wins the race.Atleast,Isure fucking hope so, or it’ll be the last timeIever listen to my little brother.

“Ifyou’re not comfortable bailing on her,Iget it, andIwon’t ask you again,”Iwhisper.

“I’lltell her first thingWednesdaythatIcan’t make it.Ijust hope you know what you’re doing.”Withouta backward glance, she disappears out of the apartment.

Withcareful steps back to whereQuinnis sprawled out on the sofa,Iapproach her slowly, like she might pounce on me at any second.Though, if it’s anything like her earlier attack,Iwouldn’t mind.

No.ListentoBooth’sadvice, no matter how ridiculous that sounds.

“Hey.”Myvoice holds steady despite my heightened nerves. “Haveyou eaten?”

“I’mnot too hungry,” she replies with a jerk of her shoulders. “Ihope it’s okay thatJowas here?”

“Ofcourse.Youcan have whoever you want over.”Providedit’s not anyone of the male variety. “Myhome is your home.”

Hereyes warm at my comment before dropping, her fingers now tapping at the side of the mug nervously. “So…um,Iguess we should talk.”

Isettle into the armchair, needing some distance between us for this conversation. “Ladiesfirst.”

Witha deep breath, she straightens her spine, like she’s trying to channel some confidence for what she’s about to say. “Ishouldn’t have kissed you.”Ouch.Shemust catch the twitch in my jaw. “Notlike that.Thatkiss was…something else.Butit blurs the lines in our agreement.Ithink moments like that”—she waves to the empty space behind her where we were tangled up in each other just an hour ago—“needs to be saved for the public eye.Well, maybe not with as much zest.Wemight give someone a heart attack.”Hervoice is uncharacteristically shy, a blush dusting the apples of her cheeks.

I’dmuch rather kiss her until we don’t know what day it is, butI’llrespect what she’s saying.I’malso too busy preening like a fucking peacock as my brain clings to the words:that kiss was something else.

Ican do this.Keepup the sham.Helpeach other out.Notmake it weird.Andhope with all thatIam, that she can see this being more.

IfIcould shift the odds in my favorIwould do it in a heartbeat.

Fornow,I’llhave to bide my time and pray she likes me for me.Eventhinking it sounds bizarre, butBoothis right.Ihave to stop allowingJennato control whatIthink about myself.

Withmy forearms resting on my knees,Inod my head asIstare at the upholstered rug now sitting in my living room.Abright addition to my homeIdidn’t knowIneeded. “Iagree.Let’skeep things uncomplicated.”Ilook up to find her already watching me. “Whenwe kiss again, it’ll be for good reason.”

Herhazel eyes flare andI’mcertain she hears the hidden meaning in my words.

Twohundred and thirteen days of knowing and wantingQuinnJackson.Ican wait a little longer.

Ijust hopeIdon’t have to.

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