Happily, Hopefully

QUINN'S POVFrozen ice water rushed all around me, piercing my skin like a thousand sharp knives. I became almost instantly numb. Suppressing the instinct to kick my legs until I reached the surface, I forced myself to still, letting my body go limp and grow leaden. I expelled all the air in my lungs in a slow gurgle and begin to sink. Glancing up toward the surface, the watery murk of buttermilk colored sunlight began to fade with each passing second. Quiet surrounded me. Darkness crept in the deeper I sank and I squeezed my eyes shut. My lungs burned with the need to gasp for air. Every swimmer instinct I had raced to the surface. I sank so heavily; my limbs bobbed of their own accord, my hair floating around my face like spiraled kelp. The cold quickly became increasingly unbearable. My entire body ached with the sting of it.I sank deeper and faster all the while it became gradually harder to concentrate. Blackness edged its way around my thoughts until it took over entirely --

QUINN'S POVNothing but the wheels on the road interrupted the overwhelming silence on the drive to the airport. He didn't play music on the car radio, no conversation, nothing but the soft hum of the heater and the occasional sneeze and sniff from me.We circled the airport, bypassing several parking garages, and I looked on in confusion. Ford eventually pulled into a private bay and parked his car. In seconds, an attendant appeared at his side, opening the driver's side door and then grabbing Ford's belongings from the back seat."Good morning, Mr. Harper," I heard the attendant say as I climbed out of the car."Good morning, Roger. She ready to go?""Yes, sir. Fueled and waiting. I'll bring your briefcase and bag.""Has Dr. Johanssen arrived?""Yes, sir. She's already on board."Ford nodded curtly and tossed a glance at me over his shoulder. I scampered around to the other side of the car and Ford gently grabbed my elbow. He led me out of the bay and onto the tarmac. The side of th

QUINN'S POVWhen I awoke twenty minutes later, we'd pulled to a stop in front of a tall office building. A valet standing nearby opened my door and I scrambled out. I gazed up at the skyscraper, one of seemingly hundreds crowding the sky. Above the door read, 'Harper Industries' and I turned around in surprise."You own this building?"Ford put his hand underneath my elbow again, leading me inside. "Come on."We strolled inside where everyone from the security guards to the woman mopping an area of the marble lobby, greeted Ford by name. It became clear to me that Ford commanded respect by everyone who worked for him. Or maybe they all feared him. I didn't know which. I wasn't scared of him; he intrigued me. I'd never met anyone so severe. Was he capable of laughter? Joy?I tagged along behind him into the elevator, vaguely admiring the way his black slacks clung to his firm backside. He'd put on his black jacket to match his pants and he looked breathtakingly handsome. I looked down

QUINN'S POVBy the time we'd finished the second exhibit on the 80th floor, I'd almost forgotten we were so far from the ground. We were surrounded by things to see and read and explore. I'd read all about the history of the Empire State Building and the various materials used to construct the building in only thirteen months. For a history fanatic, the exhibit was perfect for me.And Ford let me take my time. He'd strolled right along beside me, letting me read about every exhibit piece and comment on the original photographs and documents from the 1930s. He'd excused himself to make a phone call a few moments ago, but as he sauntered back toward me, I couldn't help feeling slightly lightheaded.I didn't know how I'd ended up with the most dashing man in the building. He had an easy and graceful stride, his long legs making quick work of closing the distance between us. He reminded me of Schumann's Piano Concerto -- mysterious, captivating but reserved. He was a masterpiece in his o

QUINN'S POVThere were no windows in the room. Instead, a wide skylight filled the room with sunshine. The bright and airy room, decorated in shades of lilac and plum and white, looked like a woman's room. It made me wonder how many others had spent the night in this bed besides me.White walls and a white chest of drawers and a white chair accented the simple furnishings. The only color came from the bedding and the pictures hanging on the white bricked wall. The sheets smelled like lavender and I buried my face in the pillow as my head began to throb again with rhythmic beats."Good morning, Miss Mathers," a familiar voice greeted and I shot up in surprise. The sheets fell, revealing my bra, and I yanked them up hurriedly. I paused, looking underneath the blankets. Clad in only my bra and panties, I couldn't remember getting undressed. Then I knew. I didn't undress myself; Ford had undressed me. My cheeks blazed crimson."How are you feeling this morning?" Dr. Johanssen asked.She l