Page 35 of The Pursuit of Her Happiness

“See ya soon.” He stands and shakes our hands. “Any questions in the meantime, call. This is uncharted territory for you, and I’m told I’m a pretty good guide.”

I make my appointment, collect my paperwork, and then Polk and I are walking hand in hand back to the parking lot. He left the clinic to join me, but he has to return for scheduled appointments.

“I’m a little jealous you get to cuddle with fluffy animals.”

Polk opens the driver’s side door to my car with a snort. “Don’t be too jealous, I also have 2 appointments to squeeze some anal glands, a potential tail sprain from wagging too hard, and a dog who ate their owner’s birth control pills.”

“Your life is fascinating,” I deadpan, then start laughing as he draws me into his arms.

“Very.” He kisses my forehead, nudging my head back with his nose so he can kiss my lips next. “You still heading to the clubhouse?”

“Yeah.” I answer evenly, not wanting to upset him. “I’d like to check on Ford, see how he’s doing since I haven’t seen him since he’s been home. And hopefully get some lunch with Audrey. She’s gonna be so mad I haven’t told her about…everything.”

“Quinn, you can talk to me about Ford. He’s my brother, but more importantly, I have licked and nibbled every inch of your body and feel confident that my ownership is apparent to anyone sniffing around.”

“I don’t even know how to respond to that.”

“Might I suggest, dropping your panties and bending over?”

I lean up and kiss him with tongue, moaning into his mouth when he joins in. “Perhaps another time…and place.” With a wink, I slide into my car and start the engine. He shakes his head with a grin.

“Love you.”

“Love you too.” He shuts my door, slaps the hood and saunters over to his bike. I watch with my bottom lip trapped between my teeth and a faint pulse in my clit, as his scrub pants stretch over his ass when he throws his leg over the bike. God, he’s like a walking wet dream and all mine.

It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Ford, but I also haven’t spent any time at the clubhouse beyond dropping off or picking up various children. Last week, we were all together for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Independence Multiplex. Tybalt and Tilly were adorably flustered at the overwhelming reception from the citizens. Many were anxious to sign up as volunteers. Tybs was even a little verklempt when he thanked the Congressionals MC, his sister, and her fiancé for ensuring there was enough funding and then some for the massive project. Ford was unable to attend, still recovering, but I was told that the lobbyists were happy to stay behind and keep him company.

Walking into the clubhouse is like coming home. It’s amazing how much this building and the people in it have come to mean to me. The clubroom is mostly empty, except for a couple prospects, and Ford playing pool with Clay. I smile and give a little wave. Ford’s entire demeanor changes…he’s happy to see me. His face lights up and a broad grin takes over. It’s like the old Ford is back and it makes me immeasurably happy.

“Quinny!” Before I know it, I’m in his arms, my feet dangling. “Missed you.” He tells me, placing me back on the floor. “Clay,I’ll be back.” Ford tries to hold my hand, but I pull it back with a questioning look. “Can we talk?” I nod, unsure what’s going on.

Ford leads me up to his room, closing the door gently behind us. The click of the latch echoes loudly in my head. I’m not in physical danger, I know that. However, I’m suffering some serious déjà vu right now. Last time I was here—

“I love you, Quinn.” Oh, Lord, the room starts spinning and I have to sit down. I stare at him aghast, my jaw dropped, my eyes wide. This isn’t happening. I dig my nails into my sweaty palm…oh, no, this is totally happening. Fuckin’ hell.

“As a friend,” I whisper, hoping I’m right.

“No. More. We are so good together, Quinn. I know I said some unfortunate things to you, but that was the brain cyst. It wasn’t me. I love spending time with you and the boys. Love watching dumb movies and—”

“And we can do that…as friends,” I try, but I see the determined set of his jaw and shoulders. He’s really digging in his heels on this one.

“Naked friends.” He wiggles his eyebrows, not paying attention to the color draining from my face or how I purse my lips to stop from puking. Polk is going to be so mad.

“Nope. Not naked. We keep our clothes on. At all times. In fact, I think we should put more on. Right now. I’ll go get some—” I stand but his next words stop me. The bile turns to fire in my throat, angry, indignant fire.

“You need me! We need each other.”

I turn slowly. He puts his hands up and takes a big step back. Slapping my chest, I raise my voice, “I don’tneedanyone. Iwantedyou. Past tense, Ford.”

“I wasn’t myself—”

“No. You weren’t. But that doesn’t mean you weren’t right to turn me down. I wanted you for the wrong reasons.” He looks like a dog when he tilts his head to the side in confusion. I take a deep calming breath and try again. “I don’t have the soil you need.” Ok, the head is practically touching his shoulder now. “I can’t give you what you need to grow. We’re like Maine and orange trees.”

“You…want…more children?”

I throw my hands up, “Fuck no! And not with you.”

He clutches his chest. “Ow, Quinn. That hurts. I have excellent DNA.”

---