All It Takes (Romancing Manhattan 2)

Quinn outdid himself in here. I’ve already spent a few hours here, and it’s still new. I’m like a kid with new toys, and I’m addicted.

I mix my paints, loving the texture of them, and how easy they are to work with. I don’t usually splurge on such expensive materials, but I think I’ll have to start setting aside more money for them. Now that I’ve used them, there’s just no going back to the cheaper variety.

Quinn has spoiled me since I started to work at his office. He’s incredibly thoughtful. He has waters, coffees, and snacks sent into the conference room every day. He has enough sent for all of us, but I know that’s just so it doesn’t look like he’s showing favoritism toward me.

He takes care of me, and the best part is, I don’t need him to. It’s not because he has to save me from something.

It’s because he loves me.

I don’t think I expected love to feel like this. That I’d ever want someone to take care of me because I’ve always been so fiercely independent. I can do for myself.

I don’t need a man.

But that’s not what this is, and it’s surprising.

I love that he cares and respects my needs enough to want to fulfill them, just like I did today for him with our day out.

It’s not something I would normally do, but I had a good time. I had a great time because Quinn smiled all day, and that was the best part.

I’ve quickly painted New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty in watercolors. I can’t help but add two figures in the water, skimming over the surface.

I glance at the timer on my phone. I have just enough time to clean up before the brownies are due to come out of the oven.

Even cleaning up isn’t a chore in this space. The overhead light is bright, and doesn’t cast weird shadows over the room. It’s perfect for painting.

Once my studio is clean, I set the finished canvas on the floor, leaning against the wall so it can dry while I start something new, and walk out to the kitchen just as the timer dings.

“That smells amazing.”

I whirl at the sound of Quinn’s voice and cover my heart with my hand.

“I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I’m sorry.” He sweeps me up in a hug and kisses me tenderly.

“I was productive while you were gone.”

He cocks a brow as I pull the brownies out of the oven.

“You did more than brownies?”

“They bake for an hour, so I had plenty of time to work on a little something. I’ll show you.” I lead him to the studio and point to the painting.

“You did this in an hour?”

“Yeah, I wanted it to look a little abstract, almost messy. Chaotic.”

“It’s beautiful,” he says. “And I love that we’re in it.”

“I thought that was a fun addition. Come on, you can chat with me while I cook.”

“We’re not having brownies for dinner?”

I laugh as I pull out a cutting board and the vegetables for the tacos. “I’d planned on my famous tacos.”

“It’s a good thing I got so much exercise today,” he says, patting his flat stomach. “Bring on the food.”

“I’m hungry too. This won’t take long. Was everything okay at work?”

“Yeah, Finn has a difficult client, and he needed someone to bounce some things off of. We work better in person.”

“I get it.” I give the browning meat a stir. “Did he get it figured out?”

“I think so.”

“Good.”

“Sienna.”

“Yeah?” I turn to look at him. He’s sitting at the island, his handsome face serious. “What is it?”

“Come here.”

I walk around the island, thinking he wants to hug me, but he boosts me onto the island and hugs me around the middle, his head pressed to my breasts.

“Thank you again for today.”

“You’re welcome.” I kiss his head, breathing in the scent of him. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I don’t think anyone has ever done something like that for me before.”

I frown, brushing my fingers through his soft hair. “Not even one girlfriend before me took you somewhere adventurous?”

He nuzzles my breasts playfully. “Most of the adventures of my past with women have been in the bedroom.” He looks up at me with serious eyes. “Anything more was delving into personal territory that I wasn’t willing to share.”

“Why me?”

He sighs, still watching me in that sober way that makes my heart feel tender. “The only way I can describe it is, I saw you for the first time, and I knew my life would never be the same. You are seated squarely in the heart of my being, Sienna.”

“What a lovely thing to say,” I murmur.

“I want to have my way with you, right here in my kitchen.”

I grin and kiss him again, then he reaches his lips up to mine, and I nuzzle his nose.