“Oh. You should have been more specific.”
“Okay. Remember when we had lunch with a vendor three weeks ago? When Catherine went to the restroom, I asked you if you wanted to go out. You said it was raining outside and you didn’t like getting wet.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that’s what you meant.”
“No, Vanessa, you’re Captain Oblivious. Sometimes I wonder how you hook up with guys? Did you just walk up to a man in a bar and ask him to sleep with you?”
Vanessa blinked. “That’s exactly what I did.”
He was taken aback. “You’re serious?”
“Yeah. The worst thing that could happen was the man would say no. But that never happened. Guys never turn down a chance to get laid, if you know what I’m saying.” She winked mischievously.
Quinn looked seriously baffled.
“What? Don’t look at me like that. I don’t play games. I like to simplify stuff.”
“I know that now.” He ran his hand through his short hair, laughing. “You really are an odd duck, Vanessa.”
She shrugged. “I’ve never pretended to be something I’m not. I’m just me being me.”
Quinn stared at her. “Well?” he prodded.
“Well, what?”
“What do you say? I want you to go out with me for real.”
“Hmm.” It forced her to think. Hard. “I like the way you kiss. You’re really a hot guy. You have a nice family. And you have a surprising side I’ve never seen before. So far, you’re interesting.”
“And?”
“Give me a second. I’m analyzing my feelings. Because you’re my boss, that’s a complication. I really like my job and working at your company. What if the thing between us didn’t work? That would cause a complication and I really hate complication; did I mention that? It’d be awkward. Not to mention the tension at work and with my coworkers.”
Quinn huffed impatiently. “Maybe you need a little encouragement.” He pushed her chin up and kissed her again.
She wanted to melt in his arms. The kiss was equally as exquisite as the previous one. A surge of blood rushed into her head, making her dizzy. When he finally parted his lips, she thought she was going to faint.
“Well?” Quinn pressed.
Someone cleared his throat above them. “Get a room.” It was Trent. He hunched at the edge of the trail, looking down at them. “I thought you guys needed help. But clearly you don’t. Never mind.” He stalked off.
Quinn rose and helped her up. Vanessa dusted the snow from her jeans and parka.
“What’s the verdict?” asked Quinn.
Still heady from the effect of the kiss, Vanessa thought she needed a little more reaffirmation. “Can you kiss me one more time? I need a little more convincing.”
He obeyed her ever-so-enthusiastically, that by the time he released her, her knees weakened. She almost couldn’t stand on her own. She held onto his jacket, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass.
Quinn nuzzled behind her ear and spoke softly, “I think Trent had the best idea. Let’s get a room.”
* * *
The house was quiet when they got back. His mom was nowhere to be seen—maybe she went out with her friend. His brothers hadn’t returned. He thanked god for the peace and quiet. He finally was going to make Vanessa his and he didn’t wish for any interruption.
They went to their room. He locked the door. He shed his jacket and boots and proceeded to take off hers. He kissed her as he stripped each article of clothing off, one by one. She looked so goddamned beautiful, with her big beautiful brown eyes, soft skin, and glossy hair.
With only her bra and panties left, he pushed her onto the bed. As she lay on her back, he admired the view. She was a full figured woman, the way a woman should be. Generous breasts, lush hips, and shapely long legs. Her eyes sparkled as he skimmed his hands across her skin, touching and groping her body. He couldn’t get enough of her. He kissed and kissed her until she was about to faint. Tasting her sweetness. The lingering strawberry they had for dessert.
She giggled girlishly.
“What is it?”
“I have never thought you’d be a passionate kind of guy.”