QUINN'S POVThe elevator doors opened and Collin took a left while we headed out the front doors. The car had been brought around and stood waiting at the curb."Collin seemed bothered you didn't need him," I started as I snuggled into the comfortable leather seat."He's my personal assistant. He's use to being at my side.""Oh." I sneezed again. "Where are we going?""The Empire State Building.""Do you think taking me to the Empire State Building is the best idea? My sedative has long worn off.""Today is about facing fears, Quinn.""Is it? Because, for me, today was about 'not' having to live with fear anymore.""Well, you're still alive, so today you'll have to look your fears in the face. What're you afraid of?"I chewed on my lip. "Everything.""Fear is a learned behavior and typically a manifestation of a bigger issue. I'll prove it to you."I didn't know what he meant and I wasn't sure I wanted to. He could psychoanalyze me all day if he wanted. I stared out the window, buryi
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 POVI couldn't remember the last time I'd been this tired. I felt certain I'd seen everything New York had to offer. After lunch, Ford had taken me to Times Square and Freedom Tower. I'd seen the Statue of Liberty, driven down Broadway, and seen the infamous Macy's on Park Avenue. We'd driven past Central Park and I had to talk him out of an overpriced carriage ride.He made me get out and admire the architecture at Union Station, but it'd been worth it, even though I whined the entire time. We'd eaten a casual dinner at the Shake Shack and then walked down 8th to burn off the calories.Everything I'd experienced, everything I'd seen, seemed to only be enhanced by Ford's presence. He could be closed off, but his generosity and his uncanny ability to put me at ease did wonders for my spirit.When we were boarding the plane to head back to D.C., I thought my eyes would shut before we left the ground. I lumbered up the mobile staircase, dreading the idea of being in the air again
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
QUINN'S POVThe skylight had darkened to black when I opened my eyes again. For an instant, I'd forgotten where I was. But the soft, lavender scented sheets brought me back. An odd quiet enveloped me and I wondered if Dr. Johanssen still milled about or had my second caretaker come in to take her place.I didn't have to wonder long as Ford appeared in the doorway, his silhouette outlined by the hallway light. I sat up, covering myself with the sheets. I wondered if I looked as happy as I felt to see him."How long have you been standing there?" I asked."I just got here."He strolled into the room in that easy, unhurried gait of his. He turned the lamp on and his beautiful face came into full view. Even as tired as he looked, I'd never seen a more exquisite creature. His brown eyes were softer in this light, his angular jaw not so severe.He had the beginning of dark stubble growing on his chin and cheeks and I wanted to reach out and stroke his face. Presently, my eyes were fixed on
QUINN'S POVBy Thursday, I'd recovered from my cold and I felt a hundred percent better. As I walked into the human resources office at Harper Industries, stylishly dressed in my new blue wrap dress and black Jimmy Choo heels, I felt ready to face the day.Three days ago I'd cursed the world and everyone in it. Today, I almost felt like I belonged. And I wanted to prove I belonged at Harper Industries. I needed to show Ford it wasn't a mistake to put his trust in me.I spent over an hour in the office with the manager of human resources. I had nothing to show her, so I had to recreate my resume and list of references. I'd have to remember to get a new driver's license, too. I'd given the appropriate two weeks' notice at my last job and I'd left on good terms. I felt confident my former boss would vouch for me.Mrs. Garza, the HR manager, assured me the resume and references were only a formality and that the title of Commodities Trader already belonged to me. But I didn't want the pos
QUINN'S POVI'd had five sets of foster parents -- two sets completely callous and neglectful. I'd been moved around from house to house like a garage sale item. The set of fosters, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, who didn't take me to the doctor when my arm broke, weren't even the worst parents I'd had."Hey, what's taking so long? I've got dinner out," Collin interrupted, coming around the door frame. "Nice room."I let out a deep exhale. Now wasn't the time to dissect my warped past."Let's eat. I'm starving."I kicked off my heels and followed Collin back into the dining room. As soon as we were seated, a knock rapped at the front door. I glanced at him quizzically and then rose, trotting to the door. When I opened it, Ford stood there. His eyes raked over me from head to toe -- heated, intentional."Hi," I muttered in surprise.Without a word, he brushed pass me and I shook my head. "Please, come in."Ford glided into the living room and I watched Collin stumble to his feet upon his arriva
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