Beautifully Hurt (Beautifully Broken)

by Michelle Heard

  When he reaches us, he welcomes Katie with a smile, then holds his hand out to me. Feeling super self-conscious, I place my hand in his and get up from the chair. Eli tugs me into a hug right in front of his family, making my face go up in flames.

  Pulling back, he links our fingers. “Come, I want to show you the house.”

  We head back inside and feeling awkward, I ramble, “The kitchen is beautiful. I can’t believe you built it all by yourself. It’s really amazing.”

  A heart-stopping smile curves his lips up. “I’m glad you like it.” He glances at his hard work with pride, then leads me up the stairs to the second floor. Gesturing at two empty rooms, he says, “I haven’t finished the guest rooms yet.” He pushes a door open, and then I find myself in the main bedroom.

  Eli’s bedroom.

  Holy crap.

  I swallow hard on the explosion of nerves, and feeling my palms getting sweaty, I pull my hand free from his and try to be subtle about it as I wipe them on my dress.

  I take in the big bed, covered with a charcoal bedspread, and then peek into the bathroom. There’s a huge shower, and everything looks modern as if a professional had done it.

  “It’s stunning,” I murmur as I turn back to Eli.

  His eyes are locked on my face, and as he tilts his head a little, he says, “Yeah, it is.”

  It feels as if his words carry a double meaning, and my stomach flutters while my heart sets off at a crazy pace.

  Lowering my eyes, I glance around the room again while tugging my bottom lip between my teeth.

  Crap. I can’t come up with a single thing to say, and the silence fills with so much intensity my heart might just burst from my chest.

  ELI

  Having Quinn in my bedroom… yeah, not a clever move on my part. She looks breathtaking in the white cotton dress that exposes her shoulders and creamy skin.

  I want to fucking kiss her until her lips are swollen and she’s gasping in my arms.

  Before I do something that might scare the shit out of her, I gesture to the door. “Let’s grab something to drink.”

  I can feel the nervous tension coming off her in waves, and when she walks by to get to the door, I take hold of her arm. She’s so petite, my fingers wrap right around her soft skin.

  Quinn’s eyes dart up, fucking big and greener than any leaf I’ve ever seen.

  Wanting to set her at ease, I say, “You can be comfortable around me. I’d like it if we could become friends.”

  She lowers her eyes to my chest. “Ah… sure… I’d like that too.”

  Giving her arms a gentle squeeze, I smile. “Good.” Letting go of her, we head down to the kitchen where I grab a cider for her. I take out an extra one for Katie as well.

  “Now that we’re friends,” I say, approaching the subject with caution, “I was thinking of swinging by to clear out the gutters at your house.”

  Quinn grips the bottle with both her hands. “You really don’t have to. My dad will take care of everything once he’s home.”

  “I want to.”

  Her eyes lift to mine, then she nods. “Okay. I’d really appreciate it.”

  Placing my hand on her lower back, I nudge her toward the back door. “Let’s get the steaks on the grill.”

  After handing Katie the cider, I head back to the grill. Ethan, Dad, and Jason all grin at me.

  “And? What does she think of your place?” Dad asks.

  I spoke to Dad about Quinn, and he agreed I should take things slow. He said if it’s meant to be, the relationship will happen naturally.

  “She likes it,” I reply, pride shimmering through in my voice.

  “She better, seeing as it might be her future home,” Jason jokes.

  I glance over my shoulder to make sure the women didn’t hear what he said, then I give my friend a scowl. “Don’t say shit like that. It’s way too soon.”

  “You still going to take it slow?” Ethan asks.

  Glancing at my brother, I nod. “Yeah, I don’t want to scare her off.”

  Dad places his hand on my shoulder, giving me a supportive squeeze, then he nods at the grill. “Let’s get the steaks on the coals.”

  Picking up the tongs, I place the steaks on the grill. When the sizzling sound fills the air, I glance over my shoulder again.

  Katie’s taken over the conversation, with my mom and Quinn listening. I take a moment to look at the girl who’s quickly wormed her way into my heart.

  Seeing as we live in a small town, I’ve always been aware of Quinn, but lately, she’s taken over my thoughts more and more.

  She would fit in perfectly with my family.

  Quinn glances at me, but she quickly looks away, shifting in her chair.

  A hell of a strong protective feeling washes through my chest, catching me off guard.

  I want Quinn Drake. More than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.

  My eyes drift to the house, and I try to picture Quinn living here. Her in the kitchen… sitting out on the porch… in my bedroom.

  The image of her hair scattered over my pillow while she stares up at me with those big eyes as I sink deep inside her instantly makes me hard.

  Christ.

  Clearing my throat, I shake my head and turn my attention back to the steaks.

  Dad throws his arm around my shoulders, letting out a chuckle. “Why do I get the feeling it’s going to kill you to take things slow with Quinn?”

  A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I’ll be okay.”

  “She’s a beautiful girl,” Dad says. “Always polite.”

  “Yeah.” I glance at my father. “Is that your way of telling me you approve?”

  He chuckles as he nods. “Yeah, I approve.”

  Patting me on the back, Dad walks to where the women are sitting and presses a kiss to the top of Mom’s head.

  Growing up, I’ve had the perfect example of what a relationship should be like.

  I want what my parents have.

  Looking at Quinn again, it feels like she might be the right girl – the kind that crosses your path once in a lifetime.

  Chapter 5

  QUINN

  Katie and Jason are celebrating their one-month anniversary of being an official couple with drinks at the bar.

  Katie always celebrates everything. It’s one of the things I love about her. Sitting next to my friend, my gaze drifts over her face. “You look so happy.”

  She gives me a wide smile. “That’s because I am.”

  Eli comes into the bar and takes a seat on the open stool next to me. I’ve become more comfortable around him as we’ve settled into a friendship.

  Although I’m happy that we’re friends, I can’t keep my feelings for him growing stronger. I thought friendship would be enough, but I was wrong. I can’t help wanting more, and it’s frustrating as hell.

  He’s taken it upon himself to fix things around the house, and when Dad was home, he was so thankful for the help. So now I no longer try to stop Eli when he wants to fix something. Also, I get to spend time with him whenever he comes over.

  “Hi,” I say, giving Eli a smile. “The store looked busy today.”

  He nods, his body facing me with his left arm resting on the counter. “Everyone’s getting things ready for the Fourth of July celebration.”

  The blue shirt he’s wearing brings out the color of his eyes, and the fabric pulls tight over his chest.

  Sigh.

  Taking a deep breath, I say, “We’ll have a float in the parade.”

  “Yeah? Need help building it?”

  I nod. “I was hoping you’d offer. I was thinking something plain with styrofoam so we can cover it with flowers?”

  “It should be easy enough,” Eli says.

  I nudge Katie, who’s been staring at Jason. When she glances at me, I tell her, “Eli said he’d help with the float.”

  “Oh, great.” She shoots Eli a grin. “Thank you.”

  Jason sets a beer down in front
of Eli, then asks, “We’re building a float?”

  “We?” Eli chuckles. “You mean me. You usually just sit and give orders.”

  “I’m good at delegating work,” Jason jokes. “And I bring the drinks.”

  Eli raises his beer to Jason before taking a sip. I watch as his throat works the liquid down, and then I swallow hard.

  Gosh, I wish he liked me the way I like him.

  The past month there have been moments where it felt like Eli likes me more than as a friend. He’d stare at me or touch me in some way… but nothing’s come of it, and I’m starting to think it’s all just wishful thinking.

  Feeling a little down, I get up from the stool and walk over to the jukebox. I stare down at the selection of songs to choose from.

  I put in a coin then press the button for Feels Like Home by Edwina Hayes.

  My fingers trail over the jukebox as the first notes of the song fill the air.

  I don’t have the courage to tell Eli I’m in love with him, but I hope he’ll listen to the song's words because it says everything I can’t.

  When I turn around, it’s to see Eli rise to his feet. He walks toward me, and with the corner of his mouth lifting, he says, “Seeing as you selected the song, we should dance.”

  A smile breaks out over my face, and when he pulls me into his arms, I could almost die from how good it feels.

  I place one hand on his shoulder and rest the other in his palm, the feel of his skin sending an electric shock up my arm. We begin to sway, and glancing up, my lungs forget how to function from Eli looking down at me.

  Do you feel this between us, or is it just me?

  Eli lets go of my hand, and then he pulls me right against his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around me. His hand settles on the back of my head, and I rest my cheek beneath his chin.

  He doesn’t say anything, but the way he’s holding me… it can’t just be friendship… it feels like more… like home.

  I wrap my arms around his waist, soaking in how amazing it feels to be held by him.

  When the song ends and another starts, Eli doesn’t let go of me, and we continue to dance.

  I’m wrapped in a bubble of bliss, the moment so perfect I can almost convince myself we’re a couple, and Eli loves me.

  Almost.

  Too soon, the song ends, and this time Eli lets go of me. His hand slides to the side of my neck, and his thumb brushes over my skin as he murmurs, “Thanks for the dance.”

  I nod and clearing my throat, I say, “I should be the one thanking you.”

  We head back to the counter, and then Jason and Eli get lost in a conversation about the porch Eli still has to build.

  Katie nudges me with her elbow and leans in. “That looked more than friendly.”

  “I wish,” I mumble.

  God, do I wish.

  ELI

  I’m busy hammering nails into the railing I’m putting up for the porch when movement catches my eye. Glancing up, the breath leaves me in a rush at the sight of Quinn walking across the front yard.

  She’s wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, her hair up in a ponytail. Somehow this girl just keeps getting prettier every time I lay eyes on her.

  Her mouth curves up in a smile, and when she reaches me, she holds up a basket. “I made cupcakes to say thank you for all your help.”

  “Yeah?” Grinning, I pull the cloth draped over the basket to the side, exposing all the cupcakes.

  “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I made vanilla and chocolate ones.”

  “Both,” I reply. “I love both.”

  Honestly, I’d eat anything she baked if it would make her happy.

  “I’ll make the coffee,” I say as I take the basket from her.

  Quinn follows me inside. When I’m done with the porch, the house will be finished. Then I’ll get started on the yard.

  I set the basket down on the kitchen table, and as I take two plates from the cupboard, I say, “I’m going to Tidewater Plaza to get a couple of things for the house. Do you want to come along?”

  I set the plates down and glance at Quinn as she answers, “Sure, that’ll be fun.”

  “I could use a woman’s eye, or this place will end up looking like a bachelor’s pad,” I joke.

  Quinn lets out a burst of laughter, and I swear the sun shines brighter. “There’s nothing wrong with it looking like a bachelor’s pad. You’re a bachelor after all.”

  Hopefully not for long.

  I make two cups of coffee and set one down in front of Quinn. After taking a seat, I pull the basket closer and ask, “So which do you like more?”

  I take out a vanilla cupcake and a chocolate one, holding them up.

  “Vanilla,” she grins at me.

  I set the cupcake down on a plate for her, but Quinn’s eyes are locked on me as I take a bite of the chocolate one. She tilts her head, her eyes sparkling while she waits to hear what I think of the sugary goodness.

  I keep her waiting as I take another bite, laughter bubbling up in my throat when she shifts in her chair. She tilts her head the other way as if she’s going to burst from not knowing what I think of her baking skills.

  Letting out a chuckle, I say, “I love it. Not too sweet, and the perfect amount of creamy.”

  Her smile widens with relief fluttering over her face. “Oh, good.”

  Slowly, she starts to peel the paper from around her cupcake, and then she takes a small bite.

  “I have a sweet tooth,” I mention. “So whenever you feel like baking, you know where to find me.”

  Quinn looks happy as she replies, “Don’t complain if I fill your kitchen with cupcakes.”

  “I’ll never complain.”

  Our eyes lock, and the moment quickly loads with anticipation. I’ve been patient, letting Quinn get used to us being friends. Feeling like now’s the right time, I ask, “Want to stay for dinner tonight?”

  Quinn’s breathing speeds up a little, then she nods. “I’d like that very much.”

  With my eyes keeping hers captive, I murmur, “Not as friends, Quinn.”

  A nervous expression tightens her features. “As what then?”

  “Our first date.” I gesture between us. “I’d like to date you, Quinn.”

  Emotions I can’t quite place flutter over her face, but there definitely seems to be some relief in the mix. Then the most beautiful fucking smile I’ve ever seen blossoms on her face, stealing my breath right from my lungs.

  “Okay,” she whispers. She sets down the cupcake, then admits, “I’m too excited to eat now.”

  I nod toward the doorway. “Let me just get cleaned up, then we’ll head out.”

  Quinn nods, and when she moves to get up, I say, “Sit. Drink your coffee. I’ll only be ten minutes.”

  I head upstairs and quickly jump in the shower. I rush through my routine, and when I’m dressed in clean jeans and a t-shirt, I pull on my boots, then head back down.

  Quinn’s rinsing the plates and cups and the sight of her in my kitchen makes intense emotions surge through my heart. I lean against the doorjamb, enjoying the perfect view.

  She turns around, patting her hands dry on the back of her shorts, drawing my eyes down to her ass before my gaze lowers to her sexy legs.

  “Ready?” she asks, pulling my attention up to her face.

  “Yeah.” I push away from the doorjamb, and we head out of the house. I lock behind us, and when we get to the truck, I open the passenger door for Quinn. She climbs into the cab, giving me a shy smile, and it only makes me fall harder for her.

  There’s just something about Quinn’s quiet nature that I find both alluring and addictive. It also makes me protective as hell over her.

  When I slide behind the steering wheel, I say, “Seat belt.”

  “Right,” she murmurs, pulling the belt across her body and clipping it in.

  I start the engine, and happy with how things are progressing between Quinn and me, I steer the truck onto the street.r />
  Chapter 6

  QUINN

  I already pinched myself, but it still feels like a dream.

  Never in a million years did I think today would turn out this way. One minute, I’m bringing Eli cupcakes, and the next… he’s asking me on a date.

  Does that mean we’re a couple?

  He did make it clear he wants to date me.

  Don’t jump the gun, Quinn.

  I glance at Eli, the man I’ve woven all my dreams around. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and now that I actually have a chance, it’s almost impossible to remain calm. I want to burst with excitement.

  My heartbeat speeds up for what feels like the hundredth time today, and my teeth tug nervously at my bottom lip.

  “It feels like you want to ask something,” Eli says, his eyes flicking to me before returning to the road.

  I shake my head and swallow hard on the question.

  Be brave, Quinn. Eli already took the first step. It’s not like you’ll embarrass yourself.

  “Uhm…” My eyes dart back to him. “Does this mean we’re a couple?”

  A wide smile spreads over his face, and he reaches for my hand, placing it on his thigh and covering it with his own. “Yes. But we’ll take things slow.”

  It feels as if my heart leaps right out of the truck, running happy circles around us, and with a stupid grin on my face, I say, “Okay.”

  Shooting me a glance, Eli asks, “It’s not too soon for you?”

  I quickly shake my head. “No, it isn’t.”

  Hell, I’ve loved him for a significant part of my life. It can never be too soon.

  I’ve dated before, but it feels totally different when the man of your dreams is the person you’re dating. I feel light-headed from all the excitement and take a couple of deep breaths.

  Holy crap.

  I’m dating Eli Jackson.

  The elated emotion hits so hard, my eyes mist up, and I have to focus hard to keep the happy tears from escaping.

  Seven years of hoping, of dreaming, of praying.

  I can’t believe it’s finally happening.