But how could I do it? Was he still mad? Would he even come over to say hi?
I decided to try a little smile.
He nodded without smiling back, and went into the kitchen.
Fuck! Why had I smiled at him? Now I seemed weak and pathetic, and I didn’t want to come from that position. I needed to find a conversation to get in on before he came back in here and saw me standing alone. Searching the room, I saw Alex talking to some of his friends from work, and made my way over to them. I positioned myself so I’d see if Quinn came into he living room, but he never did.
Goddamn him! Was he made of steel or something? How could he ignore me like this?
Because he doesn’t care.
I bit my lip. Was that true? Had he gotten over me already? I couldn’t bear the thought. I downed the last of my wine and went for more, stumbling a little on my way out of the room.
From the kitchen, I could see into the family room, where Quinn was talking to Nolan and a woman I didn’t recognize. Jealousy made my nostrils flare. I poured another glass of pinot noir, spilling some on the counter.
When I looked up again, I caught him staring at me.
You do care, Quinn. I feel it. And I want you—I need to feel your hands on me, hear you whisper dirty words, watch your face as you come.
Suddenly I had an idea—the perfect plan for seduction.
It was risky, but if it worked it would be kind of funny, and Quinn loved a good joke. Plus sales pitches were my thing, right? I was a little drunk, but I thought I knew what Quinn wanted to hear—the three little words that would lure him into my bed.
It would totally go my way this time.
Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I headed in his direction.
Twenty-Seven
QUINN
God, she was gorgeous. That dress she was wearing clung to every curve. Fuck, I missed those curves. And her hair. I missed the way it felt in my hands, the way it smelled, the way it looked spilling across the pillow. Those shoes were the ones she’d been wearing the night I took her to The Whitney, the night she’d asked me to stay over, the night of the Finger.
My cock jumped, and I stifled a groan.
I’d known she would be here tonight, and I almost hadn’t come, but hiding out wasn’t my style. Then when I saw her, standing there in the living room by herself, looking so beautiful, so vulnerable, I nearly lost it and ran right for her. Not a day went by that I didn’t want her back.
But not on her terms, and not with her boundaries. I wanted more.
She walked up to me, and I could tell right away she was tipsy. Her eyes were glassy, and she didn’t seem too steady on her feet. “Excuse me,” I said to Nolan and the woman he’d introduced me to (although I’d forgotten her name instantly). Moving away from them slightly, I turned to Jaime.
“Hi,” she said, so friendly it was as if she’d forgotten she broke up with me three weeks ago.
“Hi.”
Suddenly she took me by the arm and pulled me into the hallway, past the kitchen, and into the bathroom. She let go of my arm and shut the door, setting her wine glass on the vanity. The light was off but a huge green candle with three wicks had been lit by the sink.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” She moved closer, pressing her chest to mine and running a hand up my lapel. “I missed you. You left without saying goodbye.” She had lipstick on her teeth.
“Are you OK?” I asked her, feeling the way she swayed toward me.
“I’m totally fine,” she said. “Mmmm, you smell good.”
“How did you get here?”
“I drove.” She toyed with the collar of my shirt. “Why, do you want to take me home?”
“I want to make sure you get home safely.”