Without speaking, I rush forward instead and wrap my arms around his middle. I bury my face in his chest, his spicy scent filling my nostrils and calming me instantly.
He returns the hug, squeezing all my fragile pieces back into place. We remain this way for a few lingering seconds, neither of us wanting to let go. His lips graze the top of my head, and a shiver works its way down my spine.
When we finally pull away from each other, the words flow out of me like an overflowing sink.
“What happened? Why couldn’t you meet me?” I try not to sound as desperate as I feel, but I hate feeling like I’m being kept in the dark. I know he’s doing what he can to protect me, but I want to know what’s going on, too, especially when it concerns me.
Something dark flickers in Quinton’s eyes. “My father called, and I had to return to North Woods. It was a quick flight home. Nothing bad happened. I didn’t anticipate being gone long, which I wasn’t, but any time away from you seems like forever.”
I grin, pushing up onto my tiptoes. “You said you’d make it up to me, though…” My voice trails off.
Licking his lips, he nods and steps back, turning to grab something off the table behind him. He returns with a white box in his hand. I’m almost afraid to look inside.
“Open it,” he says, pushing the box into my hands.
“What is it?” I ask, feeling giddy. “A present?”
“Open it, and you’ll find out.”
My grin widens, and I pull the tabs out and flip the box open, exposing the contents. Inside are six hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. My mouth waters at the sight of them. Before I can pluck one out of the box and put it in my mouth, Quinton is moving. He grabs one of the perfect strawberries and holds it by its little stem above my mouth.
“Let me feed you.” He practically growls, and the sound ripples through me. I open my mouth, and a low groan escapes my throat as my lips close around the delicious chocolate-covered piece of fruit.
Sinking my teeth into the strawberry, I chew slowly, savoring the taste as its juices flood into my mouth.
My eyes remain on Quinton’s the whole time, the desire and adoration he has for me swirling in his eyes. Months ago, I never could’ve seen us here. He was angry and lost, and I was the girl he could use to make himself feel better. Slowly, he realized we were equals, and I learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought.
“Was that the surprise? Because while the strawberries are amazing. I’m more excited to see you.”
Quinton flashes me a toothy grin and reaches into the front pocket of his jacket. My heart stills in my chest. My eyes close in on the velvet box. I never know what to expect when it comes to him, but this is a complete surprise.
“I saw this one day while browsing online, and I had to get it for you.” I nod, unable to speak while waiting for him to open the box. “While we aren’t together, and I’m not sure we ever will be, not like we want to be, but I want you to know what I see when I look at you.”
He flips the box open, and I withhold a gasp at the sight of the silver necklace shaped like a flower. It sparkles in the lighting, and I swear I can feel tears at the back of my eyes. It’s such a stupid thing to cry about, but it’s unlike Quinton to give me something.
“It’s beautiful,” I croak.
“It’s a lotus. In many cultures, the lotus is seen as pure, regenerative, and a symbol of rebirth.” I nod, unable to tear my eyes from the beautiful piece of jewelry. Using his other hand, Q gently lifts my chin, forcing my gaze to his. “I picked the lotus because even when its roots are in the dirtiest of waters, it still somehow finds a way to bloom into a beautiful flower.” No words I can say would rival what he just said to me. I’m beyond speechless, and we both know it.
“I…” I try to speak, but nothing comes out.
“Shhh, you don’t have to say anything. You don’t need to tell me that you love it. I can see it in your eyes. I just want you to know that I see your strength. I know the waters are dark, and it’s hard to wade through the darkness sometimes, but you’re strong, and in the end, you will bloom into a beautiful flower.”
“Oh, my god, Quinton. Stop.” The tears I’m blinking back break free and trail down the apples of my cheeks without approval.
“Fine.” He smirks. “Turn around so I can put it on you.”