Page 18 of The Pursuit of Her Happiness

“Is that why Madison, Hayes, and Adams started the club?”

He nods, “Yeah. Desert Storm was rough, and they were adrift when they came home. The Congressionals gave them a purpose.”

“I’m not a brother, obviously, but I can’t imagine living without the club now that I’ve been brought into the fold. I didn’t…mysister died when I was 16 and while my parents weren’t great before, they were practically non-existent after. When they were around, they compared me to her and found me lacking. When I met Joe, I thought I’d found a family. The one we made with the boys was everything to me. But his family hasn’t always been supportive, and they are very rigid with the boys. And then Joe left, and it was for the best, but I felt like I lost part of my family again.”

“Quinn—”

I hold my hand up and give him a watery smile. “I want to see where this goes.” I wave between us. “I want to try…with you. Just, please, if you aren’t happy, if I’m not what you want, just be honest with me. And don’t, please, don’t take the Congressionals away from me and the boys.”

“Do you remember when I came over to your house after you punched Ford so spectacularly?” I nod, a little embarrassed that I hit him. “I was there because I couldn’t stay away from you. I had to make sure you were alright. Not just your hand, but your heart.” This time, I grab his hand and twine our fingers together, needing to touch him. “I was also there, because Adams and Madison insisted someone find you and make sure you knew you are always welcome at the Congressionals MC.”

“And to insist I attend the BBQ.”

He grins with a squeeze of my hand, “Yes. Everyone is fond of you, darlin’. None more so than me.”

“I’m fond of you too, Polk.”

“Seems like a great start to me.” He’d paid the bill a while ago. I tap the screen of my phone and am pleasantly surprised to realize it’s after 10 o’clock. “Come on.” He stands, still holding my hand and draws me up from the booth. Then he leans down, grabs my purse, and carries it in his other hand as he leadsme from the restaurant. I’m a little giddy and welcome the cool evening breeze when we step outside. I haven’t held hands with anyone other than my kids in years. I watch him out of the corner of my eye and giggle when I catch him doing the same.

At my car, he uses his grip to spin me around until my back is against the driver’s side door. He cages me in, placing my purse on the roof, before cupping my throat, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks. He’s so close and he smells so good. I swallow nervously and lick my lips. His eyes dart to my mouth, then back up to my eyes. And then his mouth is on mine, his lips soft, his tongue tracing my lips, gently demanding entry. I open, moaning as his tongue tangles with mine, and press my body closer to his. He’s solid and warm. I lift my arms around his neck. He runs his hands down my sides, lifting my left leg onto his hip. He’s hard and I whimper when he rubs his length between my legs.

I register the sounds of car doors shutting and people talking. With a gasp, I pull back, staring up at him in shock. I can’t believe I just did that. In a parking lot! And I want to do it again and so much more.

Polk runs his nose aside mine, then drags his lips across my cheek to my ear. Goosebumps litter my flesh in his wake. “Did that gym punk Lenny kiss you like that?”

I blink up at him. “Who’s Lenny?”

“Good answer, darlin’.” He gives me a chaste kiss, chuckling when my lips follow. My purse in his hand again, he unlocks my car, and helps me in, even buckles my seatbelt for me. “One more.” He kisses me again, not nearly as chaste, his tongue dancing with mine briefly before he backs away.

“Do you…do you want to come over? The boys are at their dad’s.”

“I do. Which is why I won’t.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” It doesn’t and it hurts a little. Was the kiss bad? Oh, my God, am I a bad kisser?

“Stop that.” He leans down again, his face inches from mine. “I want to come home with you, I want to kiss your body and sink inside you and never leave. However, this was our first date, and we are not in a sprint. I’m in this for the long haul, Quinn. No need to rush.”

“My wet panties would indicate otherwise.” Polk groans, fusing his mouth to mine once more. Snarling, he rips away and glares at me as he backs up far enough to shut my door. I start the car and roll down the window. I snicker at his expression, he does not find it amusing.

“You touch yourself, play with your clit, finger fuck your little cunt, you think of me as you do it. I know I’ll be thinking of you when I fuck my fist later. Just like I’ve done for the last year. Only this time,” arms on the window, he smirks at me, “I’ll know what your mouth tastes like, how your tits feel against me, and how fucking hot your pussy is just begging for my cock.”

“Polk.” It takes me a few seconds to get enough saliva in my mouth to speak. I am surprised by his restraint and shocked at my lack of it. I need to get control of myself. A thought pops into my head, and I grin broadly at him. One eyebrow rises in question. “Tonight was unexpected and amazing. Something just occurred to me, though.” I lick my lips; his eyes track my tongue. “I should mention, given your…proclivities. I have to agree with Percy, I’m not a fan of anal.”

“You little shit,” he barks, laughing. “Text me when you get home. Boys at their dad’s all weekend?” I nod yes. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 11. Dress casual and comfortable, no dresses.”

“Ok.” I don’t even think to argue, because I want to spend more time with him.

“And Quinn?” I’ve put the car in DRIVE, but I wait for him. “You looked fucking beautiful tonight.” My eyes sting with the threat of tears. “I want you to wear this dress again soon, so I can untie it with my teeth.” He pats the roof, turns around, and saunters over to his bike.

Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat. He’s so unfair!

Quinn 10.

I have a date. A date during the daylight. With Polk. I’ve wandered through my house on autopilot for the last couple of hours, still unable to believe the events of last night, let alone what’s in store for today. I spoke to the boys on the phone, listened to them complain about Joe’s “cooking”, and explained that I would not be approving a game download on their phones because none of them are 16 years old.

When Enzo asked how my date went last night, my immediate reaction was to be vague as hell, but I couldn’t do it. I was not expecting their excited screams when I told them Polk ended up being my date, so I might be slightly deaf now. It’s a small price to pay to hear all three of them go on and on about how awesome Polk is and how cool it would be for him to be their stepdad. My heart nearly exploded in my chest at that thought, but it was quickly replaced with exasperation when I realized they think my marriage to Polk will mean an endless supply of puppies and kittens to love and the occasional goat. I didn’t know he treated goats, but it doesn’t change the fact that I am not mentally prepared to handle conversations about marriage. We’ve had one date, I only learned last night that he has feelings for me and I’m still trying to process my own feelings about Polk.

I’m not ready to do a deep dive. After our date today, I’ll dissect every single second of our time together and figure out how I feel. I just know right now, I feel hopeful. Excited. Anxious. Anda little turned on. He was unbelievably sexy last night. And that kiss. Up until Polk’s lips touched mine, Lenny the lothario was the best kiss of my life. But Polk…

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