Page 17 of Dilectio
Her eyes narrow playfully, and she crosses her arms. "How do you know that?"
"I have my ways," I respond cryptically, enjoying keeping a secret from her.
She laughs, shaking her head. "All right, Mr. Mysterious, I'll take you up on your offer. But only because I can't resist a good seafood dish."
As our laughter fades, I find myself drawn to her even more. The connection between us is undeniable, and I can't help but revel in the thrill of pursuing her.
"I know Paige isn't a fan of seafood, so I'm going to arrange for her to spend the night with my brother Dane and his fiancée, Katrina," I explain. Quinn nods in understanding.
As we watch Paige playing happily with the other children and the puppy, I think about the deepening desire between Quinn and me. We've shared a passionate kiss, but the feelings we have for each other go beyond that single moment. She's challenging and utterly captivating, and I find myself longing to explore the depths of our connection further.
What Comes First
Quinn
Istandinfrontof my closet, biting my lip as I try to decide what to wear for tonight's dinner. It's not a date, but I still want to look stunning and sexy for Ezra. He's taking me to that seafood restaurant he thinks I’ll love, and I feel nervous about the evening ahead.
Paige is with his brother Dane and Dane’s fiancée Katrina, so it'll just be the two of us.
After much deliberation, I settle on a daring red bodycon dress that clings to my curves and accentuates my figure. The plunging neckline adds a touch of allure, while the knee-length hem keeps it sophisticated. I pair the dress with strappy black stilettos and a bold statement necklace that rests just above the neckline, drawing attention to my collarbone.
Moving on to my shoulder-length blonde hair, I decide to create an elegant updo with loose tendrils framing my face. I twist my hair into a chic chignon at the nape of my neck, allowing a few soft curls to escape and add a romantic touch to the look.
As for my makeup, I opt for a sultry, smoky eye to complement the sexy vibe of my outfit. I blend shades of charcoal and gunmetal gray across my lids, creating depth and drama. Carefully, I apply black eyeliner and a few coats of volumizing mascara to make my eyes smolder. To balance the intensity of my eyes, I choose a nude lipstick with a hint of gloss, giving my lips a subtle, inviting sheen.
I step back and survey my reflection in the mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The stunning and sexy ensemble is a bold choice, but I can't deny the confidence it gives me. As I smooth out my dress one more time, I wonder if tonight will be a turning point in our relationship—the moment when our connection deepens and the line between employer and employee blur even more.
My face flushes as I think about the steamy kiss we shared in the kitchen. Memories of the way his big hands cradled my face while pulling me closer flood my mind.
I remember the faint scent of his cologne that sent shivers down my spine. The brush of his strong fingers against my cheek, warm and gentle, made my heart race. As our lips met, the taste of his minty breath mingled with mine, creating a sweet, exhilarating flavor that left me craving more.
My ears were filled with the sound of our breaths, heavy and desperate, as we surrendered to the passion between us. The soft moans that escaped our lips only served to intensify our desire, making it almost impossible to pull away.
The feeling of his firm, toned body pressed against mine was electrifying. Every nerve ending seemed to come alive as his muscular arms wrapped around me, providing a sense of security and excitement all at once. The heat between us was undeniable, and I could feel the fire ignited within me, desperate to consume us both.
I wonder if tonight will bring us even closer together. Will we be able to resist the magnetic pull between us?
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the night ahead. Just as I'm about to head downstairs, my phone rings. It's my grandmother. She doesn't know about my growing feelings for Ezra, and I don't want to tell her, yet.
"Hey, Grandma," I answer, trying to sound cheerful.
"Quinn, sweetheart, how are you?" she asks, her voice warm and comforting.
"I'm good," I reply, glancing at myself in the mirror one last time. "Just about to head out for dinner."
"That's nice, dear," she says, then hesitates. "I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with the bank manager today and he is willing to meet with us about a payment plan on the mortgage.”
“That’s amazing!” My heart jumps with hope. “Everything will be fine. I have a great job now, and I’m sure the bank will work with us.”
We exchange a few more words before hanging up, and I feel the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me. The solution to our financial situation is my job. I can’t mess it up. I consider calling tonight off. Maybe I should tell him I have the flu or a stomach bug. There is so much at stake if the professional and personal lines between Ezra and me continue to get blurry.
My phone buzzes. It's a text from Ezra:
Can't wait for tonight. I've got a surprise for you at the restaurant. See you soon!
My heart races as I read the message, and I feel my resolve wavering. The thought of spending a special evening with him is too tempting to resist. Despite the risks and the blurred lines between our professional and personal relationship, I can't bring myself to cancel tonight. It's a chance for us to connect on a deeper level, and maybe, just maybe, it's an opportunity for me to find some happiness in the midst of all the challenges life has thrown my way.
With renewed determination, I take one last look in the mirror, reminding myself to stay strong and focused. I can handle this situation. I've faced tougher obstacles before, and I've always come out stronger on the other side.