by Opal Carew
“Are these supposed to be boutonnieres?” she asked, heading to the bathroom to put them into a glass of water. “They look pretty sad.”
There was no foliage or baby’s breath to adorn them. They’d gotten a lovely wedding bouquet for her from the chapel or a florist. She was surprised they hadn’t gotten proper boutonnieres, too.
Austin laughed, and Quinn joined in.
“What’s so funny?” she asked as she followed them into the living room. She sat on the couch and gazed from one to the other. Quinn sat beside her, Austin on the armchair.
“When we went to the second chapel to get married—”
“The second chapel?” she asked.
“Yeah, I didn’t think that the guy would agree to marry you and me,” Austin explained, “right after performing the ceremony for you and Quinn. So we went somewhere else.”
“Good thinking,” she said wryly.
“And when we got there,” Quinn said, “we realized they might suspect something if we walked in with a bouquet.”
Her eyebrow popped up. “Wouldn’t they just think we came prepared?”
“Well, yeah, that makes sense now, but last night…” Austin shrugged.
“Okay. So why did you laugh when I asked about the roses?”
“We had to ditch the flowers,” Quinn continued, “but you wouldn’t let us throw away your wedding bouquet. You were quite insistent, even getting a little weepy, saying it was special.”
“It was a small bouquet,” Austin said, “made up of three pink roses, so we pulled out the three flowers and broke off the stems on two of them and tucked one in each of our pockets as makeshift boutonnieres. When we walked in, the guy thought we were nuts.”
Quinn laughed harder. “But not because of that.” He grinned at April. “You insisted on clinging to the third rose. When the guy saw the three of us, he raised his eyebrows uncertainly and said, ‘I see you already have flowers.’ Then Austin said, ‘Yes, but I’d like something more substantial for the bride.’”
Austin chuckled. “He really did think we were crazy.”
April vaguely remembered her hand wrapped tightly around the short stem, the lovely blossom a symbol of love and marriage. Of everything she’d lost.
In the end, the flower would always remind her of how Quinn, in his infinite kindness, had tried to give her back that dream, even if only for one night. Of course she wouldn’t let them throw it away.
She smiled tremulously, trying not to let them see the moisture in her eyes.
“So how did you get the rose away from me?”
Quinn stroked her arm. “I promised you I’d keep it safe. You let me take it from you then, and I slid it behind your ear.”
She gazed into his midnight eyes, so filled with warmth, and smiled.
“That’s nice. Thank you for that.”
“I get some credit, too,” Austin said. “Quinn didn’t even notice that it fell out of your hair while you and he were … enjoying yourselves in the entryway. After we all went to bed, I was the one who came back out to get it and put it in water.”
Quinn stood up and slapped him on the back, laughing. “As husband number two, you really are trying harder.”
Quinn offered his hand to April, and she took it and stood up.
“Now let’s get this woman some breakfast,” Quinn said.
“Good thinking,” Austin said. “That way she’ll have lots of energy, so when we get back, we can remind her exactly what else happened last night.”
He winked at her. Her heart fluttered, and she was already looking forward to returning to the suite.
* * *
April stood beside Austin as Quinn told the hostess that they’d like a table for three for the Sunday buffet, preferably in a quiet corner. The woman led them to a nice booth, already set with silverware and crystal glasses.
“Would you like mimosas, Mr. Taylor?”
Austin groaned. Quinn glanced at April, and she shook her head. Champagne was the last thing any of them wanted this morning.
“Just coffee and some orange juice, please,” Quinn said.
A waitress showed up promptly with a silver carafe of coffee and filled their cups.
“We have an extensive Sunday buffet,” she said and listed several items, including lobster tails, shrimp, prime rib, omelets made to order, and eggs benedict. “I’ll be right back with your orange juice.”
“I’m going to get some eggs benedict and a lobster tail,” April said.
As she started to rise, Quinn held up his hand. “Hold on.”
The waitress had already poured three juice glasses and was heading back toward them. She set them on the table.
“Can I get you anything else?” she asked.
“Actually,” Quinn said, “would you save us a trip and bring us our entrées? One eggs benedict for the lady, a plate with four lobster tails for the table, prime rib for me, and … Austin?”
“Uh, yeah, I’ll go for the prime rib, too.”
“Of course.” She smiled and hurried away.
“But it’s a buffet,” April said. “Don’t you want to see all the goodies?”
Quinn laughed. “We can go up for dessert. Right now, I’d rather spend time with you and talk.”
“Talk?” Her smile faded. “Oh, of course. Quinn, it’s okay. I know we’re getting an annulment. You both did this to give me a wonderful wedding day to remember, and I think that’s really sweet. None of us have to feel awkward about it. I assume you’d like to go right after breakfast.”
“Hold on,” Austin said. “There’s no rush. I’m enjoying this marriage thing.”
She turned to Austin. “You know, to quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, ‘I’m a sure thing.’ At least for the next month.” She turned her lips up in an amused smile, even though she felt sick at the thought of walking away from Quinn and Austin at the end of the month. “We have an arrangement, remember? You don’t have to have a wedding ring on my finger.”
“Can we forget about the annulment for now?” Quinn asked. “I had something else—”
“Actually, that’s exactly what I’d like to do,” Austin said. “Forget about the annulment.”
April was stunned. “What do you mean?”
Austin took her hand and squeezed it gently while he gazed into her eyes. The feel of her hand nestled in his and the loving glow in his eyes made her feel wanted. And cared for.
“April, I want to settle down with a good woman, and you and I have a strong attraction to each other. I’m a good judge of people, and I believe that the two of us could make a go of it. Since we’re already married, I’d like to give it a trial run, at least for the next month.”
“What the hell, Austin?” Quinn demanded.
“I’m sorry, buddy. I’ve watched you resist your feelings for her, and I think you’re crazy. The bottom line is, if you want to stay married to her, and she wants the same thing, of course I’ll step aside. But if not, I don’t want to miss my chance at happiness.”
“Well, I’m fucking not going to get it annulled now. If I did, you would be legally married to her.”
“I don’t want the two of you to fight about this,” April said. “It’s not worth hurting your friendship over. Austin, we’ve only known each other for a day. Staying married doesn’t make any sense. I think you’re just caught up in your desire to settle down, and you’ve convinced yourself that I’ll make a good wife for you. But really, I’m just convenient right now.”
“No way. I—”
She raised her hand to stop him. “And, Quinn, you don’t have to worry about me running off with Austin’s wealth. Though I know I won’t be able to convince you of that.”
She frowned as pain tugged at her heart. She’d been so happy only moments ago, blown away by the generosity of spirit both men had shown her, but it had all soured when she remembered that Quinn would never trust her.
She crumpled up her cloth napkin and tossed it on the table.
“You know, suddenly I’m not hungry.” She stood up and strode from the restaurant.
16
Quinn glared at Austin. “What the hell were you doing?”
“I was trying to jar you into realizing that you really want that woman. You’d be an idiot not to, and”—Austin stared at him squarely—“one thing you’re not is an idiot.”
The waitress arrived with a tray and placed the plates around the table.
“Would you like me to take the eggs benedict back until the lady returns?” she asked.
“No, thank you. It’ll be fine,” Quinn said.
The waitress smiled and hurried away.
“So you’re not angling to stay married to April?” Quinn demanded.
“Hey, don’t get me wrong. I would absolutely love to stay married to her. But as I said, if you love her…”
“Fuck, I don’t know what to think anymore. I thought I knew what she was all about. But everything’s changed since I’ve spent this time with her. Now that I understand her background and why she really broke up with me.”
“So you admit you’re in love with her?”
“I don’t know. But either way, I’ve royally screwed up.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Fuck, the first time I made love to her … on our wedding night … I was like a madman. You saw how I behaved. It wasn’t exactly a special moment.”
Austin’s lips turned up in a half grin. “She seemed to enjoy it.”
Quinn scowled. “Maybe, but if she did, it wasn’t because of any consideration from me. I just took from her. And you don’t know about what happened before. When we made the arrangement. I demanded she give me a blow job, and when she was done, I did nothing for her. In fact, I practically rushed her out the door. Not like you. You treated her properly.”
“Look, none of that matters. You’re struggling with the past, and she knows that. In case you haven’t noticed, she’s a sweet and loving person, and I’m sure she’s in love with you. I suggest you get her into bed alone and show her how you feel in your heart. You won’t have to say a thing. After that, just see where things go.”
“Yeah, if she’ll even talk to me.” He shook his head.
“We’ll deal with that when the time comes. Right now, why don’t we have the food sent up to the suite? I’m sure she’ll appreciate that once her stomach starts to rumble.”
Austin signaled for the waitress.
* * *
Quinn glanced at his watch, his foot tapping as nervous energy thrummed through him. Where was April?
He and Austin had been back in the suite for over an hour, finished their meals, and now sat in the living room. Austin was happily reading a book in the armchair, but Quinn couldn’t settle.
“Relax, buddy. She’ll be back,” Austin said.
“Maybe I should go look for her,” Quinn said, glancing at his watch again.
Austin closed the book and set it on the coffee table, then leaned forward.
“It’s not like she has bus fare or anywhere to go,” he pointed out. “And she promised a month. From everything I’ve seen, she’s a woman of her word. Do you really think she’s going to skip out on us, especially when she’s so concerned about paying off the debt?”
Quinn needed to sort out his feelings for her. He hated struggling with his emotions like this. And not having her here was driving him crazy.
His chest tightened another notch. “I just want to know she’s okay.”
A light knock sounded at the door. Quinn strode to the entrance and swung it open.
April stood on the other side, her expression subdued.
His heart swelled at the sight of her.
“Quinn, I’m sorry I ran out on breakfast.”
He gently grasped her elbow and drew her inside, letting the door close behind her.
“It’s okay, baby.” Quinn guided her into the living room.
“Austin, I’m sorry,” she said as she sat down on the couch across from him.
Quinn sat down beside her, his arm sliding around her waist and drawing her close.
“It’s okay,” Austin said. “Things did get a bit emotional.”
She pursed her lips. “You and Quinn have been so good to me. I should have let it go.”
Quinn tightened his hold. “Never mind about that. I’m just glad you’re back.”
Austin grinned. “You’ll be happy to know we brought your breakfast up to the suite. I can nuke it for you. Coffee, too. Or I can order a fresh breakfast from room service.”
She smiled. “No, that’s okay. I’m fine with reheated, and I’m starving.”
Austin strolled into the small kitchen. Quinn walked with April to the table and sat down. A few minutes later, Austin returned with a tray containing a covered plate, a thermos of coffee, and three mugs. He filled her cup as she started to eat.
Quinn sipped his coffee, watching her the whole time. Things had changed over the past day. Everything he’d thought he’d known about her and why they’d broken up had changed. He’d never realized how alone she’d felt her whole life. How that had affected her feelings of self-worth.
He had thought she’d left him for someone who had more money, but she had left him for other reasons. He’d been too much of a fool to see he was losing her because she was insecure about his feelings for her and thought he was pulling away. She’d been afraid of losing him, so she’d ended it first.
The fact she’d fallen for Maurice … even she had admitted that money might have been a factor, but not for reasons of greed as he’d surmised … but because what she’d needed most was security. And love.
Fuck, he could have given her both back then. He hadn’t had wealth, but he’d had a brain and could make a good living. She could, too. Together they could have built a sound foundation. But more, he’d been in love with her, and if he’d been able to see what was happening and assure her, his love would have helped heal her wounds.
She cut another bite of egg, Canadian bacon, and English muffin, pushed the forkful through the béarnaise sauce, then put it in her mouth. When she noticed he was watching her, she smiled timidly, then swallowed. She was down to her last few bites.
He’d wasted so much time. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. To reestablish what they’d had.
Austin sipped his coffee, watching both of them. When April finished her last bite, Austin tipped back his cup and drained it, then picked up her plate and placed it on the tray, along with his empty cup.
He stood up. “Well, I’m going out for a walk. I’ll probably be gone for a couple of hours.”
In response to Austin’s pointed gaze, Quinn nodded. Austin headed out the door.
“What was that about?” April asked.
“That was my friend being not so subtle about letting me know he’s giving us some time alone.”
“Oh.” She sipped her coffee, then set it down and stared at the cup, avoiding looking his way.
It was clear she wasn’t sure what he expected. He might want to talk. Or he might order her down on her knees in front of him again.
He took her hand and cradled it in his. “Baby, I just want to tell you that I’m sorry about the things I’ve accused you of and the way I’ve treated you.”
Her gaze jerked to his. “You’ve treated me very well.” She shook her head. “You didn’t think twice about paying my bill yesterday. You let me stay here—”
“And I agreed to a sexual arrangement with you. Then when I had a chance to finally be with you—something I’d wanted for so long—I had you suck me off, then right afterward dragged you down to the casino without even a thank-you, let alone satisfying your needs, too.”
“It’s all right,” she said hesitantly. “Austin was waiting.”
“Fuck Austin,” he said sharply.
She glanced up at him. Her hand tightened around his, and he noticed amusement shimmer in her eyes.
“I did, thank you.” Her lips turned u
p in a grin. “I quite enjoyed it, too.”
He couldn’t help it. He chuckled, tension releasing from him. At least she was okay with the whole threesome thing.
He smiled. “I’m glad about that. I’d hate to think I traumatized you by including that in the arrangement.”
“It’s really okay, Quinn. You have nothing to be sorry about. All you’ve done is help me. And the arrangement was my suggestion, so you didn’t take advantage.”
“I did blow it, though.” He stroked her cheek, gazing into her eyes with regret. “The first time I made love to you was a twenty-second bang against the door.” He shook his head.
She leaned closer, her eyes bright and a smile on her lips. “Yes, I remember.” Her voice was sultry. “I loved that you wanted me that much.”
A surge of need rose in him. “Damn straight I want you.”
She smiled. “So what are you going to do about it?”
His fingers curled tighter around hers, and he stood up, drawing her to her feet and pulling her toward the bedroom. Once inside, he closed the door, then drew her close.
He gazed into her eyes, his arms around her.
“This time, I’m going to do things right.” He gently stroked her cheek, loving the feel of her silken skin beneath his fingertips.
He pressed his lips to her neck right at the jawline, below her ear. He nuzzled, and her soft sigh and the way she melted against his body sent heat rushing through him. He fluttered light kisses along her jaw, then tipped her face up until her luminous blue eyes gazed into his.
“God, you’re beautiful.”
Hesitation flickered in her eyes. “You know you don’t have to flatter me. I’m yours no matter what.”