Quinn's Woman

by Susan Mallery

  “Nothing happened,” D.J. told her friend.

  Rebecca raised her eyebrows. “Too bad.”

  * * *

  After the dinner, the men cleared the table, served dessert and made coffee. Quinn found himself in the kitchen, carefully cutting a large sheet cake into small pieces. Rebecca walked into the room.

  “I brought you a cake server,” she said as she set down a silver spatula-like device.

  “Thanks.”

  He used it to transfer the first corner piece to a plate.

  She leaned against the counter and watched Kevin pour coffee into a carafe. When he’d left, she turned her attention back to Quinn.

  “I’m pleased that D.J. has finally let herself fall for someone,” she told him.

  Quinn was smart enough to recognize a mine field when he stepped into one. He carefully kept quiet.

  Rebecca smiled. “Is the subject matter making you nervous?”

  “Maybe.”

  “It shouldn’t. You make her happy and that’s good.”

  He scooped up another piece of cake. “Okay.”

  Rebecca sighed. “Fine. I’ll talk. You can listen. That probably feels safer.” She began putting plates on the tray. “I know there are a lot of dark secrets from D.J.’s past. Something horrible happened when she was still a kid. She doesn’t talk about it, but I recognize the scars.”

  Quinn looked at her. She shrugged.

  “I’ve been around orphaned kids for years,” she told him. “Loss and pain are fairly universal. D.J. has a wounded spirit and it’s not just because her parents are dead.”

  “Okay.”

  “There’s a certain irony in all of this,” she continued. “D.J. has done everything she can to stay safe. At least by her definition of the word. Then she goes and falls for the one man who will always be stronger, faster, more deadly. Maybe she recognizes something of herself in you. Or maybe you see a kindred spirit.”

  Quinn wasn’t about to go there. He still hadn’t decided if normal was in the cards for him. Although if it was, he put his money on D.J. being the one.

  “She doesn’t trust easily,” he said.

  “I know, but she’s starting to trust you. When she pushes you away, and she will, take heart in that.”

  He handed her a plate. “What makes you think I’m worth it?”

  “D.J. doesn’t give her heart easily and never without the person earning the privilege of receiving it. Besides, I’ve met your brothers and I’ve spent time with you. You’re one of the good guys.”

  Yeah, right. “Do you have any idea what I used to do for a living?”

  “No. Why does that matter?”

  “You wouldn’t be alone with me if you had a clue.”

  “You’re wrong,” she told him. “It’s not what you do, it’s who you are.”

  “Haven’t you heard that men are what they do?”

  “Sure. And you just walked away from your job. I think there’s hope, Quinn Reynolds. More importantly, D.J. does.”

  Rebecca was too trusting by half. “Maybe you should warn me off. Maybe you should tell me not to hurt her.”

  “I don’t think you will. There’s a part of me afraid she won’t give you the chance. I hope she does. I hope she can open herself enough to be hurt, but I can’t be sure. I wish—” Rebecca glanced at the doorway.

  D.J. walked into the kitchen. “Don’t stop talking on my account.”

  “I have to. We were talking about you. It’s no fun if we can’t do it behind your back.” She tried to hand D.J. the tray. “Take this out to the dining room so we can go back to gossiping.”

  “No way. I want to hear what you two were saying.”

  Quinn finished cutting the cake. “Not even on a bet.”

  D.J. moved close. “I have ways of making you talk.”

  Their gazes locked. Quinn felt the heat slam into his body. The wanting that always lurked just below the surface exploded to life.

  Rebecca sighed. “All this sexual energy makes me want to collect my husband, take him home and have my way with him. In fact I’m going to do just that right now. ’Night all.”

  She walked out of the room. Quinn didn’t take his gaze from D.J.’s face.

  “Not a bad idea,” he said.

  * * *

  The drive back to the hotel should have taken fifteen minutes and probably did...but to D.J. it seemed to last a lifetime. Her mind raced with a thousand questions and not a single answer. Too many things had happened in too short a period of time. Quinn’s announcement that he was leaving the military. While she had a good idea why he was doing it, she didn’t know why it made her feel...hopeful. His employment had nothing to do with her. Leaving the military didn’t mean he was sticking around in Glenwood, nor did she want him to. He would be leaving and she wouldn’t be missing him when he was gone. Really.

  So why did she feel so unsettled? Was it the kiss they’d shared? The intensity of the moment had humbled her. She’d wanted with a desperation she’d never felt before. Even more startling, she’d let him know.

  She felt afraid, but also alive. More alive than she’d felt in years. Fear and desire. Which would be stronger?

  They pulled into the hotel parking lot. Quinn stopped the car, then turned off the engine. When he pulled the key from the ignition, he dangled it between his fingers and glanced at her.

  “I want you to stay,” he said quietly. “Spend the night with me, D.J.”

  She didn’t know what to say. The word yes hovered on her lips, but to speak it would require a level of courage she didn’t possess. Quinn didn’t know what he was asking.

  He touched her cheek. “Stay,” he whispered. “But know this. If you walk into that hotel room with me, it has to be different. You have to be willing to trust me.”

  She knew what he meant. He didn’t want her holding back. Honestly, she wasn’t sure she could. Last time she’d barely escaped. Now that he knew what she would try to do, he would work all that much harder to make sure she surrendered. Would she be able to withstand his sensual assault? Did she want to?

  She told herself that walking away was the easiest and most sensible solution. Quinn was a great guy, but did she really want to take things any further with him? Why not keep it simple?

  She actually reached for the door handle, but before her fingers could close on it, her heart cried out. The sharp, painful sound ripped through her, making her ache. She’d been alone for too damn long, she thought bitterly. Alone and empty. She’d devoted her life to protecting herself, and in the end, what did she have to show for it? Yes, she was alive, but was she living? She worried about broken bones, but what about blows to her spirit? Didn’t she just once want to connect with another living creature? Didn’t she just once want to be like everyone else?

  She looked at him, at his familiar, handsome face, at his dark eyes and the steady set of his mouth. He wanted too much, yet how could she refuse? If she walked away, would she ever have the courage to try again?

  “I can’t promise it will work,” she told him, forcing herself to meet his gaze when all she wanted to do was duck her head.

  He smiled. “Agreed. But you have to promise to try.” His grin turned cocky. “I can take it from there.”

  She thought about how it had been the last time they’d been together and what he’d made her feel just a few hours ago in that tiny bathroom. She thought of all the times he’d understood when she’d assumed no one ever would. She thought about how she looked forward to seeing him and how much he’d come to mean to her.

  Slowly she stepped out of the car. Quinn did the same. They stood on opposite sides of the vehicle. Her own SUV was just a few feet away. Easy escape, she thought. But at what price?

  Then she straightened her shoulders and nodded. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll try.”

  CHAPTER 13

  D.J. was shaking when they entered Quinn’s hotel room, and it wasn’t from desire. The need to bolt was nearly as strong as the
need to keep breathing. Every cell in her body told her this was a really, really bad idea.

  When he closed the door behind them, the sound echoed in her head. Since she’d last been in here, the space had shrunk to the size of a postage stamp. There didn’t seem to be anywhere to move. She couldn’t catch her breath.

  “Hey,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the bed. “Looking like you’re going to pass out isn’t doing much for my ego. I’m a guy. If you mess with my confidence, this is going to fizzle.”

  She tried to smile at his humor. “I don’t think your ego is the problem.”

  He sighed. “You’re right. I’m just too good.”

  He sat and pulled her down next to him. She wanted to bounce right back to her feet, but resisted the burning need. Instead she laced her fingers together and concentrating on slowing her increasing heart rate. Be centered, she told herself. Be relaxed. Don’t throw up.

  All good advice, she thought, trying to find humor in the situation. But running out that door still sounded like the best plan.

  “Lie down,” he said.

  The command stunned her. She turned to him. “What? Just like that? Should I spread my legs, too? You can do it in fifteen seconds and then I can be out of here. What a great plan.”

  He ignored her tirade and slipped back onto the mattress, then patted the space next to him. “Come on, D.J. Right here. Lie down and talk to me. That’s all we’re going to do. Talk.”

  Gritting her teeth against the need to continue her outburst, she kicked off her shoes and did as he requested. She hated stretching out next to him. She felt awkward and ungainly. All arms and legs, with nowhere to put them.

  Quinn propped his head up on one hand and rested the other on her stomach. She jumped at the contact, then tried to slow her breathing.

  “What?” she demanded, sounding more curt than she’d planned.

  He didn’t speak. Instead he slowly rubbed her belly. Around and around. Like she was some damn cat, she thought resentfully.

  “Have you ever allowed yourself to climax while making love?”

  That sure cut to the heart of the matter, she thought suddenly embarrassed. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “Ever get close?”

  Could they please stop talking and just do it? Except she couldn’t say that and she still couldn’t look at him, so she nodded.

  “Sometimes,” she whispered. “Not often. If I get too...interested, it’s pretty easy to change direction.”

  “When you and I were together, I thought you were close,” he said. “Was I right?”

  She nodded. “It would have been easy to, um, you know.”

  “So none of this is about my abilities in bed.”

  She opened her eyes and glared at him. “Do you have to make everything about yourself?”

  “Pretty much.” He continued to rub her stomach. “It’s okay that you’re nervous. And scared. I understand that. All I want from you is the promise that you’ll be open to the experience. Just lie there and let me seduce you.”

  He leaned close. “I’m going to touch you all over.” He bent down and kissed her neck. “With my fingers, my lips and my tongue.”

  He demonstrated by lightly licking her skin. Instantly goose bumps erupted and her breasts began to swell. Anticipation grew, slowly pushing out the fear.

  “I’m going to take off all your clothes,” he continued. “When you’re naked, I’m going to look at you because you’re so beautiful. Then I’m going to work my way up from your toes. When I get here...” He moved his hands from her belly to that place between her legs. “I’m going to touch you and taste you and pleasure you until neither of us can stand it. All you have to do is lie back and let me.”

  D.J. suddenly felt as if she were on fire. Her arms and legs felt heavy. Her brain wasn’t working as quickly as usual, and she was already wet and swollen.

  In the past she’d never allowed a man to do what Quinn was talking about. Everything about it made her feel too vulnerable. But suddenly she wanted to know what it would be like to experience that most intimate kiss. She wanted to feel his hot breath, his firm lips, his searching tongue.

  She had to swallow before she could speak. “If I don’t like it, will you stop?”

  “Of course.” He returned his hand to her belly. “You don’t have to say yes, D.J. All you have to do is not say no. I’m going to wait for a count of three. If you remain silent, I’m going to start seducing you. Fair enough?”

  She wanted. For the first time in her life, the need was greater than the fear. In fact she couldn’t even find the fear anymore. She was hot and wet and shivering with anticipation. She needed him desperately. A small corner of her brain whispered that maybe she needed to trust more than she needed to experience sexual release, but she would wrestle with that issue another time. Right now she wanted to live the erotic image Quinn had planted in her brain. She wanted to lose herself in his arms and know what it was like to surrender to a man. To this man.

  “One,” he said slowly, his gaze steady on her face, his mouth curved slightly. “Two.”

  She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, then drew him close.

  “Three,” she whispered.

  They met in an openmouthed kiss that sent her senses flying into the stratosphere. Liquid heat poured through her, making her ache and need with an intensity that took her breath away. His tongue swept inside her mouth, touching hers, teasing, tasting, taking and offering in a sensual combination that made her whimper.

  He touched her back, her hips, her rear. He stretched out next to her, pulling her close, so she could feel him as well. The length of his legs, the breadth of his chest, the hardness of him.

  He wanted her. If the fear returned, she would hang on to that one thought. He wanted her. He’d told her and shown her and his presence here, in this bed, reminded her this was important to him. He was willing to work much harder than most men she’d met. While she wanted to know why, she didn’t ask the question. Not only because the answer would terrify her, but because she didn’t want him to stop kissing her. Not now and maybe not ever.

  His mouth still pressed against her, he shifted so he straddled her. His fingers tangled in her long braid, then slowly began to pull the strands free. When her hair was loose, he buried his hands in it and rubbed her scalp. Then he straightened and drew her tank top up and over her arms.

  When he’d tossed the garment aside, he bent down and kissed her chin, then her jaw. He nibbled her earlobe, licked her neck and slowly moved down her chest to the edge of her plain, cotton bra.

  His fingers made short work of the hook in front. She felt cool air on her bare breasts, then his warm mouth settled on her left breast. His hand covered the right. Fingers and thumb teased her taut, sensitive nipple as his tongue matched the movements. Wanting poured through her. She reached for him, then let her hands fall back onto the bedspread as heat and passion made it impossible to move.

  She could barely breathe. There was only the moment and the sensations. The tugging of her nipples, the ribbons of desire weaving through her pliant body. Quinn had talked of surrender. Right now she couldn’t imagine anything else.

  He shifted to one side and reached for the fastening of her jeans. When he’d lowered the zipper, he moved to the end of the bed and tugged them off. Her panties went along for the ride and when he knelt between her ankles, she was naked.

  A vague uneasiness settled over her. This was the place she usually took control of the sexual encounter. Often she would shift the man onto his back, reach for the condom and make sure he didn’t have a rational thought in his brain until he was finished.

  Old habits died hard. But even as a part of her brain told her to sit up and get Quinn on his back, the rest of her remembered the promise to try. To let him seduce her. To let go...just this once.

  The concept was foreign, but not so difficult to comprehend. Not when he lightly bit her ankle and made her giggl
e. He nibbled his way up her calf, then sucked on her knee.

  “What are you doing?” she asked with a laugh. “That tickles.”

  She squirmed, but he didn’t release her. Instead he transferred his attentions to her other knee and sucked on it. She writhed.

  “I don’t want to kick you in the teeth,” she told him.

  He raised his head and smiled. “An excellent philosophy I would encourage.”

  Then he ducked back down. But instead of returning to her knees, he began to work his way up her thighs.

  He’d been more than clear about his destination, and his intent. She was nervous, apprehensive and more than a little excited by what he planned to do. Rebecca had talked about Austin doing that to her once. Her friend’s dreamy expression had made D.J. feel more than a little left out. In truth, men had offered, but she’d never been willing to let them be that intimate.

  Still, as Quinn kissed and licked and nibbled his way closer, she couldn’t seem to keep her legs together. They fell open of their own accord and when she felt his hot breath on her waiting dampness, she didn’t pull away.

  “So beautiful,” he murmured as he slipped his fingers into her swollen flesh.

  A shiver rippled through her. The heat grew and for the first time she became aware of a rising tension. Her muscles quivered and contracted, her blood raced, and every part of her body focused on that one feminine place.

  He reached for her hands, drawing them between her thighs and urging her to part for him. Despite the promise of pleasure, she felt exposed and vulnerable. Still, she’d said she would try, so she braced herself for the assault.

  But instead of kissing her there, he nipped on one of her knuckles. She jumped and opened her eyes.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked.

  “Trying to keep things from being too serious.” He sat up. “Pull your knees back.”

  She swallowed, then did as he asked, drawing her knees up and away, exposing herself even more.

  “How are you doing?” he asked. “Nervous?”

  He wanted to talk about it? “Do we have to have this conversation or can we just get to it?” she asked between gritted teeth.