Page 35 of Toxic Obsession

Everlee’s shoulders slumped. “Sorry. I just want you to know that Q never dates anyone. He’s been a straight up player. When you said he asked you out, I nearly dropped to the floor.”

Gabby tilted her head toward her friend. “She’s right. There’s a long line of hopeful girls and guys wishing they had even one night with him.”

My forehead scrunched in confusion. “Why me, though? I don’t understand. I danced with him at the party, but that’s about it.”

“And the sexual tension with you two was insane!” Everlee smacked her palms on my bed and wiggled her brows.

“Yeah, we had fun. He probably just wants to hook up.”Maybe we won’t get interrupted this time.

“Hey, I’d take that pony for a ride.” Gabby winked at me.

The room filled with our laughter. “It wouldn’t hurt my feelings. I’m totally down for an occasional rail and bail.”

“Girl power.” Everlee held her hand out, and we gave each other a high five.

“I hate that women are put down for having a sex drive. I’ve never shied away from mine. I know what I like, and if the guy isn’t getting it right, I have no problem guiding him.” Not that I had to do that very often working for Dimitri, but on occasion I took the lead.

“Hell, yes,” Gabby said. “Why are we slut-shamed when the guys can act like total fuckboys? Screw them if they think we’re witches because we know what we want. Apparently, they don’t understand that W.I.T.C.H. stands for wisdom, integrity, truth, courage, and honor.” Gabby snapped her fingers, her tone sassy and fun.

Hanging out with the girls had eased my nerves while waiting for Quinn to arrive, but a twinge of sadness pulled at my heartstrings. This was what I’d been missing in my life—hanging out with friends, laughing, dating. I swallowed over the lump in my throat, steadying myself, then squared my shoulders. It was almost certain that my friends would discover my secret eventually, so I needed to make the most of the time I had with them. “Hate It/Fight It” started to play, and I tapped my foot to the beat. There were days I really missed being on a cheer and dance team. Teams worked hard, but I loved dancing, and I was good.

Everlee pointed to her Apple watch. “He has two more minutes to get here.” She wagged her finger. “That’s a first strike if he’s late. The guy plays football, he knows how to be on time, so show up for the lady, dammit.”

I snickered, loving how protective the girls were over me.

The sound of the doorbell chimed. I froze as my stomach flip-flopped, then dropped to my toes as if I were on a crazy rollercoaster ride. Gabby gently squeezed my shoulders. “He’s just a boy. Make sure he actually deserves you instead of trying to convince everyone you deserve him. You have nothing to prove, girl.”

Tears welled in my eyes, and I blinked several times, forcing them away. “Thanks.” For the first time in years, I hugged someone other than my sister. I grabbed my handbag from the back of my desk chair and gave myself a pep talk.

“Go, go, go.” Everlee slid off my bed and ushered us all out of my bedroom. “We’ll stay at the top of the stairs in case you need us.”

I nodded, more grateful to them than they would ever understand. I sucked in a lungful of air, then descended the stairs. Wiping my clammy palms on my jeans, I hesitated briefly before I peeked through the peephole. It was Quinn. Butterflies scattered in my chest, leaving me lightheaded. Maybe a drink would help calm my nerves. I’d had no problem sucking his dick at the party, but here I was all sweaty and unsure of myself.

“Open the door!” the girls whisper-yelled from above.

I glanced over my shoulder, wishing they were going with me. A triple date sounded nice right about now. Before I chickened out, I flung the door open and plastered a smile on.

“Hey.” Nice opening, Wyn.

Quinn’s hazel eyes lit up, then took a slow hike up and down my body. “You look gorgeous.”

Do not melt on the fucking floor right now. Say thank you.

Quinn might not have realized it, but he had just handed me control for the evening. Dimitri had taught me that if a guy made it clear he was attracted to me, and I played my cards right, I could manage a situation. I was going to wear that power like armor to protect my fragile heart.

“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself.” Still a bit nervous, I closed the door behind me and stepped onto the porch, my pulse beating faster with each step. My gaze seemed to be magnetically pulled towards Quinn, as though my eyes had a will of their own. I couldn’t tear them away. Quinn’s broad shoulders and bulging biceps were on full display in his burgundy button down that was tucked into dark-wash jeans clinging to his muscular thighs.

He looked good enough to eat. Right here. On the fucking porch in front of the entire world.Slow down, girl. Remember the rules of Hormones 101. Don’t act desperate.

Quinn placed a warm palm against the small of my back. “I made reservations for us at a restaurant on the river.”

“Really?”

“Personally, I’m ready to sink my teeth into some meat.” He flashed me a silly grin. “Steak.”

Quinn was flirting with me already, and I craved his attention. “You’re a beef man, huh?” I cringed as the words slipped from my lips.

Quinn didn’t miss a beat. “Nah, dudes don’t do shit for me, but I’ve seen plenty of dick in the locker room.”

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