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
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
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
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