Page 86 of Love Marks
“Hi,” I breathe out, stepping in between his legs.
He straightens and peers down at me, blinking. “Hi.” The word is almost a whisper. Then, louder. “You look incredible.”
I make no attempt to hide my blush. “So do you.”
The air between us feels charged with electricity. I want him to kiss me again. I want him to kiss me forever.
“No Pete tonight?” I ask lightly, glancing towards the Tesla.
He shakes his head and steps backwards, opening the passenger door. “It’s just you and me tonight.” I slide into the seat and he shuts the door softly behind me, rounding the front to take his place in the driver’s seat.
I fiddle with the bracelets on my arm, twisting them a few times as Wesley starts the car. He braces on the seat between us, and I jostle my knee, tapping my foot on the floor softly. Wesley turns to me, his gaze sharp as ever.
“What’s wrong?”
I peek a glance at him. “Nothing.”
“Quinn.” He says my name knowingly and puts his hand over where I’m still twisting my bracelets, letting his gaze fall to my jostling knee. I stop on both accounts and let out a breath.
“I’m just a little nervous, I guess.”
As soon as I say the words, I regret it. Why would I tell him that? I should have played it cool. I should have said something witty and cute.
He furrows his brow like he doesn’t quite understand. “You have nothing to be nervous about. It’s just us. Getting dinner.”
It’s just us, he said.
“You’re right,” I nod, giving him a reassuring smile. He takes his hand off mine and peels the car away from the curb into traffic, watching the road steadily.
I glance out the window at the passing lights. “Where are we going? Can I ask?”
“Yes, you can ask.” His mouth ticks up and my heart leaps in my chest. “It’s actually an Italian spot that I’m a part-owner of as of recently. It’s in Soho.”
I smile. “I can’t wait. I love Italian.”
“Good.”
His eyes are on the road so I can examine him freely — the lights and shadows dancing along his striking jaw, set firmly in place. I want to reach out and stroke it, but I force my gaze away from my gawking, worried he may notice me staring at him. I let my eyes wander to the passing lights of the city as we head downtown, willing my racing heart to calm in my chest.
Chapter 35
Wesley
As I drive down 6th Avenue, Quinn slips her hand away from mine and settles her palms in her lap, still playing lightly with the bracelets hanging on her arm. All I can focus on is the way her black dress is riding up her leg, revealing another inch of the soft skin of her bare thigh. An image flashes in my mind of my hand dipping past that skirt and feeling her bare underneath, ready for me.
I clench my jaw and focus on the road, the minutes ticking by in endless silence. Why am I not saying anything? Why isn’t she saying anything? I should be making first date small talk, not fantasizing about taking her in the backseat of my car.
I clear my throat, needing to say something. Anything. “I guess we’re both a bit nervous. Luckily, I happen to know that someone gets very talkative after a few glasses of wine.”
She turns, gaping at me. “Excuse me? Are you saying I talk too much?”
I smirk. “I wouldn’t say ‘too much’ but…”
She scoffs. “Of course, you’d say that. Mr. Dark and Brooding over here can barely string together a full sentence.”
I blush at her words. I didn’t realize how transparent my nerves were. I try for earnest, shooting her a smile.
“What can I say? You leave me speechless.” She rolls her eyes and I’m frustrated that she never trusts my sincerity, so I double down. “It’s true. When I’m with you…there are no words.”