Man Candy (After We Fall 1) - Page 43

“Of course.” The look on his face told me he wasn’t fooled, but I was saved by the appearance of our server with a tray of appetizers. Thank God—surely he can’t eat and smother me at the same time.

“By the way, I thought you quit modeling,” I said. “How come your agent is calling?”

“I did quit, sort of, but there were a few contracts I couldn’t break. I have to go to New York next week for a few days.”

“Oh.”

And the weirdest thing happened. I realized that I was kind of sorry he was leaving for a few days…that I didn’t really want him to go away…that I’d miss him.

No, it couldn’t be that.

I’d miss the sex, that was all. Not the man. Things were just heating up between us, and his taking off now was like leaving a restaurant before the main course was served. I wouldn’t miss him. I couldn’t. My heart beat erratically, and the back of my neck felt prickly and hot.

He took his arm off me to eat.

And I didn’t miss it. Not one little bit.

Whew.

My head was still in the right place.

It remained there until after coffee and dessert when we asked for the bill. “The meal’s been taken care of,” said our server. “Including gratuity. Thank you so much.”

“What?” said Margot, who was pulling out her wallet.

We exchanged a look; she and I had been planning to split the bill.

I glanced at Quinn, who calmly sipped his coffee. His profile emphasized the sharp cut of his jaw, the smooth bridge of his nose, the stunning length of his lashes. My insides clenched. Was he really coming home with me tonight?

He caught me staring and winked, sending a little flutter through my belly.

“Quinn, did you do this?” Claire asked. “It’s too much.”

“Not at all. Happy birthday,” he said. “It was my pleasure to be here, so thank you. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

“I’m so glad Jaime invited you,” she said warmly.

Quinn smiled boyishly at her. Finally, he’d dropped the act. “Actually, I think I invited myself. But Jaime had mercy on me.” Those eyes looked my way. “She’s got a big heart.”

And things in my head started to shift.

I didn’t say much on the way home, partly because I couldn’t stop thinking about New York. Would there be female models there? Would he get hit on? Would he be propositioned at the hotel bar? Would he feel free to say yes?

Of course he would. Why wouldn’t he? You have no claim on him, nor do you want one.

I didn’t. I didn’t want one. But truthfully, I felt a little ill thinking about him with someone else. And I couldn’t wait to get him into my bed tonight—the unexpected jealousy had me even more anxious.

The other thing that had me reeling was the compliment he’d given me.

She’s got a big heart.

It wasn’t usually something people said of me. At work I was called things like sharp, creative, ambitious, good with a deadline. My family thought I was responsible and hardworking, which they appreciated, being career-focused themselves. My friends sometimes told me I was funny and loyal and trustworthy, and I’d heard from men I was sexy and fun. But I didn’t think anyone had ever told me I had a big heart.

I never showed it to anyone.

“Tired, love bug?”

The term of endearment made me cringe. “Good grief. Please tell me the love bug show is over.”

Tags: Melanie Harlow After We Fall Romance
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