Page 37 of Chasing Temptation
“I’m not proud of my past, but I won’t apologise for it. It was what it was. It distracted me when I needed it, but it’s a part of who I am.”
“I don’t want you to apologise, Joe. I just want to know that you’re not going to miss it. The men, the multiple partners.”
Taking her mug from her hand, I place it on the bedside table and pull her down the bed, pushing the covers off in the process.
“Why would I miss that when I’ve got you?”
By the time we’re both set for the day, she’s running late for her surprise, but at least we’re both satisfied—for now at least.
“Who’s that?” Quinn asks when the buzzer sounds out.
“Your surprise.”
She quirks an eyebrow but goes for the door when I make no move to do so.She’s greeted by Lauren and Erica asking if she’s ready to go.
“Where are we going exactly?”
Walking over, I pass her a bag I’d already packed. “You’re going to spend the day at the spa so you’re ready for our big night out.”
“Really?” she asks, sounding like a little girl who’s just been told it’s Christmas morning.
“Really. Here’s everything you’re going to need.”
She squeals with excitement but ignores the bag I’m holding out in favour of jumping into my arms.
“I love you,” she says softly into my neck as I hold her.
“I love you, too.”
When I glance up, I find both Lauren and Erica staring at us with soppy smiles on their faces.
Releasing Quinn, I hand her the bag. “You need to get going before these two start crying or some shit.”
“It’s the pregnancy hormones,” Erica protests.
“Yeah, and what’s her excuse?”
Lauren’s mouth opens, but she doesn’t get a chance to say anything.
“Oh my god, are you?”
“What? No! I’m just happy for Joe. I never thought he’d ever find someone to put up with his shit.”
“Nice. Well, please try not to turn her off me before the end of the day, yeah?” I’m not really worried—there’s nothing in my past that I’ll hide from Quinn. There are probably a few things I’d rather explain myself instead of those two, but I trust them to know what to not say just quite yet, although if this morning’s conversation is anything to go by it seems they haven’t held back with divulging the number of sexual partners I’ve had.
No sooner have I closed the door behind Quinn after wishing her a good day than I’m opening it again to reveal the guys. The spa isn’t the only surprise, although by the looks on their faces right now they’re not as excited about this part as I am.
“What? Would you rather have gone to the spa?” I ask as Ben and Trey stomp into the flat carrying everything we’re going to need.
“No, a day at the pub would have been sufficient, but oh no, you’ve got us here fucking decorating,” Ben moans, following Trey straight down towards the bedroom. “You owe us for this.”
“Whatever,” I mutter, going for the kitchen so I can feed the grumpy fuckers.
With their bacon under the grill, I go in search of my decorating party. The furniture is already in the centre of the room and they’re putting dustsheets down.
“And you didn’t want to just paint, you had to go for the fucking wallpaper, didn’t you? Fucking hate wallpaper.”
“What’s got your knickers in a twist? Lauren refusing to put out?”
