Page 52 of Something like Redemption

“Jerk.” I smile, accepting them, and I can’t help but laugh, as this is not considered normal to your average person.

But I’ve given up on that dream long ago because to me, this is something like normal.

“I can’t believe how beautiful it is out here,” I gasp, looking over the railing of our rickety paddle wheeler into the murky depths of the Mississippi River.

This date has turned out to be one of the best days of my life.And even though I wish circumstances were different, it’s still nice to be able to forget, if only for just a while.

Breakfast at Mama Yolanda’s was incredible.

Quinn and I had the traditional dish of sickly beignets and a fancy coffee, which was the best coffee I’ve ever had. Stuffed beyond belief, I suggested we take a walk to burn off our breakfast.

But it really was just an excuse to have another look at all the amazing stores New Orleans has to offer. Of course, Quinn humored me and happily walked by my side as I stopped at every store, window-shopping in awe of the merchandise inside.

After strolling hand in hand, enjoying the sights around us, we boarded the white paddle wheeler and have ridden it for most of the day, just as Quinn promised.

The sky sets with a bright orange, mixed with vibrant pinks, and everything is so fresh and untouched out here. I could stay here forever.

“Thank you for today,” I say, looking at Quinn, who leans with his chin on the railing, watching the moon rise. “It’s been the best day of my life.”

“It’s not over yet.”

“It’s not?” I ask, my eyes widening at the prospect of this day never ending.

Quinn shakes his head, his hair blowing in the gentle breeze.“Come here.”

Shifting off the rail, I shuffle over to him. He steps back, indicating I’m to squeeze between him and the ledge, and I couldn’t think of a better place to be.I slip between the small gap and sigh the moment he presses his chest to my back.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to say good night just yet,” he says, brushing the hair off my shoulder and kissing my neck.

I whimper, and Quinn chuckles, knowing his effect on me.

“As much as I want to eat…you again. I’m going to take you out someplace nice. You deserve better than burgers and fries.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Well, I do.”

I dare not disagree with him, fearing he’ll stop kissing my neck.

“Okay. We can pretend we’re a couple of ordinary kids going out for dinner.”

But Quinn stills from kissing me, keeping his lips at my racing pulse.“Nothing about you is ordinary. Nothing at all.”

I’ve had the best day, and I’m so excited there’s more to come. Quinn has been secretive about what’s next, making me feel like a giddy schoolgirl.

While waiting for the elevator at our hotel, Quinn latches onto my hand and draws me into his arms, kissing my forehead with care. I rest my head against his warm chest, and his familiar, comforting fragrance engulfs my senses.

“I love the way you smell,” I say without thinking, realizing I just dropped the L bomb.

Freezing in his arms, afraid of his reaction, I kick myself for not putting a lid on my emotions.

After a second of silence, Quinn whispers, “I love the way you smell, too.”

I bite my lip to suppress my moan.

“But I’m sure you already knew that,” he says with a hint of seduction.

My cheeks instantly heat,but thankfully, the elevator arrives because I have no idea how to respond. I step in, but Quinn doesn’t follow, and I raise an eyebrow, silently questioning him.

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