Quinn pondered. Would she push her daughter to me if I were penniless? I know for sure Vanessa doesn’t care about my fortune or my social status. Vanessa is different.
We can see she isn’t a money grubbing kind of girl, said John. She’d make you a great wife.
Trent retracted his claws in and out, pawing on a patch of snow. Did you propose to her, yet? Should we be expecting a fantastic wedding in the near future?
Quinn snorted. Not even close. But she has to marry me if I get her pregnant, am I right?
Sly, said John.
I’m joking, said Quinn. The idea is very tempting, though.
Trent shook his head. Win her the old fashion way. She seems the only woman who hasn’t fawned over you. I guess, you’ve finally met your match, brother.
Quinn growled. She’ll be mine. Just you see.
* * *
While Quinn and his brothers were out all morning and afternoon, Vanessa spent time with Savannah. She was busy on her laptop when Quinn’s mom insisted she mustn’t do work while she was relaxing. Savannah suggested they go shopping.
The downtown area featured many high-end boutiques. Luxury designers like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada were among them. Vanessa felt as if she was walking down Fifth Avenue instead of through a small town in Colorado.
Savannah also insisted that Vanessa have a mini-makeover—something her own mother and sisters had wanted her to do for years, but she never agreed to. Savannah was so nice; she didn’t have the heart to refuse her. Not with the notion she was going to be her daughter-in-law soon.
Damn, Quinn. Somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind, she imagined Quinn laughing evilly for dragging her into this deception.
Savannah had her hairdresser cut Vanessa’s shoulder-length hair into a feminine bob style and colored it into a deep shade of mahogany that flattered her pale complexion. The makeover extended to a full mani and pedi and ended with a trip to Ralph Lauren boutique to pick up a preppy dress to complement her new look. By the time they walked out of the store, Vanessa felt like she was a totally different person. She hadn’t worn a dress in years, maybe since senior prom in high school.
Quinn’s expression was priceless when he saw her at home.
“What do you think, son?” Savannah beamed. “Doesn’t she look pretty? I know she’s a bit tomboy-ish, but I thought it might be a good thing if she gets in touch with her feminine side once in a while.”
“I commend your mom’s power of persuasion,” said Vanessa. “My mother and sisters have hounded me for years about getting a makeover, but they’d never succeeded.”
Which wasn’t far from the truth. She wanted to cleanup for Quinn. Now that they were going out, she wanted to look attractive.
“You look beautiful.” Quinn kissed her. “I love your new hair.”
“Thank you. I’ve never had my hair this short, but I kind of like it.”
“It suits you.”
Trent gave her a thumbs up and John nodded appreciatively.
They had an early dinner since everybody skipped lunch. John cooked more steaks on the grill. The Alexander’s sure loved their red meat. During dinner, Quinn rarely took his eyes off her, and she was aware of it every second.
Today, her body responded in a different way. She became more acutely aware of her surroundings. More aware of his presence. Quinn. The memory of yesterday replayed, searing her mind.
Vanessa used the opportunity to go to the second floor and slip into the bathroom. Despite the chilly January afternoon, she was burning up. What the hell is wrong with me? She pulled off her cardigan and splashed her face with cold water from the faucet. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. A strange face stared back. Flushed skin. Wide-eyed. Red lips. A wanton version of her she almost didn’t recognize. A sex goddess.
This is crazy, she thought to herself. One night with Quinn and I’m addicted to him.
Her sense of smell somehow became sharper. And Quinn’s scent was wickedly irresistible. Pure male at his prime. Oozing with raw sexual power. She closed her eyes, slowly taking in deep breaths.
Quinn. Musk and sandalwood. Spicy. Cinnamon and a hint cloves.
She sniffed the air. It was thick with his fragrance; she could almost taste it. Vanessa opened her eyes and the woman in the mirror gazed back. Smiling. Almost indulgently. She ran a hand over her chest. Her heart beat fast. Her breasts felt heavy. Her pussy lips were swollen and her panties dampened with her juice. Her clit buzzed with light thrums. Aching.