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Chapter 12: On the Radar
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Happily, Hopefully Chapter 13: Hayes Harper
QUINN'S POVIt wasn't the first time I'd been wrong. Not only did it appear I wasn't on Ford's radar, but it seemed I wasn't on his mind at all. An entire week and a half had zoomed by and I hadn't seen Ford once. The HI offices took up two floors and Ford's office was on the floor above mine. The chances of me running into him were already pretty slim.But in the time that had passed, I thought I'd at least have gotten a phone call or he would've stopped by to see how I was doing. He hadn't done either and I began to wonder if he'd forgotten me altogether.I knew I had no right to ask anything of him -- he'd already done so much for me. But I missed him and I needed to do something about it.I waited until my lunch break to go upstairs and see him. No one in the office knew the conditions under which Ford had hired me and I wanted to keep it that way. I wanted to avoid office gossip at all costs. I gave careful consideration about the possible implications of me walking into Ford's o
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 14: The Predator and His Prey
QUINN'S POVI found myself quite surprised by my lunch with Hayes. When he wasn't talking about family drama, he could be funny and lively and charismatic. He differed in looks from Ford and also in personality. I felt like I had to twist Ford's arm to get him to speak, but conversation with Hayes flowed so easily. He made me feel comfortable just being myself.I ordered a sampler of sushi to go and walked back to the office alone. Hayes had another appointment, so he took a cab and left from the café. By the time I'd made it back to HI, my fingers were numb with cold. I'd forgotten to grab a pair of gloves this morning. I had four pairs of brand new, leather gloves in four different colors.I didn't have to brave the cold when I had an entire wardrobe at my fingertips, thanks to Ford. Maybe the gratitude I felt toward him kept me coming back for more. Did I really like him or did I simply feel indebted to him for all he'd done for me?When I reached Ford's office the second time, Jul
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 15: Just Friends
QUINN'S POVI could barely contain myself when I received an email that we'd be having a last-minute, mid-morning meeting in the conference room the next day. I hadn't seen Ford since our kiss, but I knew he'd be conducting the meeting in a few minutes and I couldn't wait to talk to him. The excitement spinning in my stomach made me want to hurl.I knew we'd have to keep our relationship discreet to avoid any unwanted gossip, but I couldn't help but hope for some subtle, nonverbal hint that he'd thought of me as much as I'd thought of him. My feelings distracted me so, that I flew right by Collin and didn't stop until I heard him call my name."Hey! What's your hurry? The meeting doesn't start for ten minutes.""Hi, Collin.""How've you been? I haven't seen you in forever."I looked over his shoulder into the open conference room doors. I couldn't see Ford."I've been good -- just staying busy. Getting adjusted to my new place and the job. You know, that kind of thing.""I'd like to t
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 16: Margarita's, Madison, and Mistakes
QUINN'S POVA plate of sopapillas and four margaritas later, the clock neared eleven-thirty before Collin and I finally left the Mexican restaurant, Tio's. We'd talked and laughed like old friends and it did my soul wonders to feel normal again.I'd made the right decision not to date him. We were going to be much happier as friends. I wasn't girlfriend material anyway. At least that's what I figured since men rarely asked me out. It must've been because I wasn't girlfriend material. "Let me take you home," Collin offered. He smelled like barley and salsa."I want to walk. It's not far.""Are you sure? You're three sheets to the wind as it is."I laughed. "You had like ten beers. I'll take my chances walking."He buttoned his coat. "It's freezing. We can share a cab.""No, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for dinner.""Any time. Good night."I stood on the curb until Collin hailed a cab, got in, and rode off. The biting wintry air rustled leaves in the trees but the streets were
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 17: Platonic and Professional
QUINN'S POVI watched him retrieve a pair of black Nikes from the hall closet and slip them on. He tossed on a jacket and somehow managed to look as handsome in sweats as he did in his suits. I found myself aggravated with my attraction to him.My buzz had started to wear off, thanks to the stark cold and Ford's sobering comments. He'd parked his car in the underground parking garage, a steel gray Porsche Panamera. Somehow, I hadn't noticed his luxury car before. Perhaps because 'before' I'd been too busy shivering with cold from my plunge into the river. "This is some ride," I remarked as I climbed into the camel-colored interior."You've been in it before.""I know. But I didn't remember it being this gorgeous.""You're easily impressed."I ran my hand along the door panel. "Your sister's very pretty."He pushed the button to start the ignition. "Yes.""I hate I met her under these circumstances.""Drunk and misinformed?""Misinformed?""You thought I was sleeping with her."I lea
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 18: Pity Party for One
QUINN'S POVI debated not going to work the following morning. My fear of abandonment had resurfaced after my conversation with Ford last night. I feared his emotional unavailability and I ached with the irrational dread that he'd walk out of my life. I barely knew him, but I'd latched on to him like a leech. What's worse, he wasn't interested in me in the slightest.I should've been angry with his arrogant, narcissistic *ss. Instead, I found myself captivated by his face and smell and smile. Maybe I'd confused my physical attraction to him with real feelings. Maybe my unquenchable lust lured me to him.No. It wasn't only his face, but his generosity and dry wit and that mysterious something I couldn't quite figure out. He intrigued me. He puzzled me. He was the lock with no key. But God help me if I didn't want in. I pulled the bed covers over my head and buried deeper.I wondered if my supervisor, Judy, would believe me if I called in sick today. I didn't answer to Ford directly, so
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 19: Foster Families
QUINN'S POVI had two more sets of foster families within the next two years before finally being placed with Mr. and Mrs. Carr. I lived with them for six years until I turned eighteen and left for school. By now, I'd become an embittered, mouthy, depressed teenager who felt worthless and was deemed worthless by those around me. I didn't care about the Carr's and I didn't really even care about myself.I didn't care about anything except school. Somewhere along the way, I figured out getting an education would get me out of my hellish life. I dedicated all of my time to studying. I read everything, I did all the extra credit and I joined all the clubs. I participated in everything academic related I could.Not only did it keep my mind busy, but it kept me out of the house. I would've done anything not to go home ever again. School became the only escape I had.The Carr's had two other foster children, Sara and Justin. Justin and I were the same age and Sara was three years younger tha
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 20: Ghosts
QUINN'S POV"How do you like working at HI so far?" Hayes asked me after the waitress departed with our order.'I like the part where I get to see Ford'. "It's challenging," I answered instead. "I've never worked anywhere where they expected so much from me. I like rising to the challenge and pushing myself. But I also don't want to disappoint anyone. A lot rides on the decisions I make.""But that's the business. I never could wrap my head around the industry. It bores the p*ss out of me. But I find it sexy as hell that you're good with that kind of stuff."I raised an indifferent shoulder. "I'm analytical, probably too much so. I like the risk involved in futures, but it scares me, too. The fear keeps me on top of my game.""Interesting take on it."I took a sip of water. "What do you do for a living? And don't tell me 'this and that'."He chuckled. "I'm in between jobs.""Oh.""I'm not a bum, if that's what you're thinking. I had a couple of businesses, but they didn't work out. I'
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