“She’s your woman, so she’s your problem, man.” Finn grinned.
“Ah, shut up.”
The front door opened, and Craig came out with the other man whom Finn and Cooper had seen earlier behind him. They walked out on the porch. Quincy stood in the doorway with the light behind her. She said something. Craig leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The other man shook her hand.
The two men made their way to the dark green sport utility vehicle with a rental company tag on it. Quincy went inside and closed the door.
The man whom Finn didn’t know walked around to the passenger side with Craig and opened the door for him. Before Craig climbed in, he leaned forward and threw his arms around the other man’s neck. Craig kissed the unknown man, deeply and passionately. The kiss went on for a long time and when it was over, the unknown man grabbed Craig’s butt and squeezed it.
Coop and Finn sat in Coop’s car and gaped at the sight. The unknown man went around to the driver’s side of the vehicle, and they drove away.
When he recovered himself, Coop said, “And you call yourself a detective?”
Finn, still stunned, shook his head slowly. “No. I’m a Special Agent.”
Coop punched him in the arm. “When you dumped the love of your life, as you call her, two years ago, you were a detective, my friend. And don’t you dare say you only investigated murders.”
“Dear God, I’ve been an absolute fool. More than I ever even knew.” Finn couldn’t think straight. It was too much. He put his head on the steering wheel and looked at the floorboard.
“Yeah, you were an idiot. A Class A one. We can agree on that. Why the hell didn’t you talk to her when it happened? Why didn’t you check this guy out?” Coop laid a hand on his brother’s arm.
Finn looked up, “I was so enraged, I was blinded by the thought of him and her together. I thought she was like Mom. I couldn’t get the picture of him doing her out of my head. My God, the man is gorgeous. How was I to know he was gay? What woman wouldn’t want him? Even I, as a man, can see his appeal to the opposite sex. He’s tall, fit, and has an accent. What chance did I have?”
“You can’t change what happened, but I hope you see this as a wake-up call. Never jump to conclusions. Always talk stuff out. I can see why she was so angry at you over the whole thing. You never even gave her a chance to deny anything.”
“You think I don’t know that? I can’t stand myself. What an absolute ass I was. I’ve got to go and apologize to her.” Finn made a move to open the car door.
Coop said, “Don’t. Not yet. Save it for later.”
“Why?”
“Prove to her that she can trust you and that you trust her. Then bring up that you know the man is gay. If you run in there and apologize, she’ll never believe that you trust her with a straight man.”
“You really think that’s the best way to handle it?”
“I do. Not that I know more about women than you do, but I think this is the way to go this time. She’s skittish right now. She’s been through a lot, and you need to give her some space to decompress.”
“She said the same thing in the Miami airport before we got to you.”
“Then do it.” Cooper nodded, more sure than ever that this was the right plan. “Do that for her. You’re gonna have to woo her all over again. You do know that, right?”
“Yeah. I know.” Finn rested his forehead on the steering wheel again. “Such an utter fool. Lost two years. What an ass I am.”
Coop said, “Can we go home and eat now? I know Angelique has food for us, and you need to quit beating yourself up over this.”
“I’ll never stop.”
His brother slapped him on the back. “You gotta stop long enough to eat, man.”
Finn sat up and cranked the car. “Yeah. A man has to eat, huh?”
“Absolutely.” Cooper grinned. “Wish I had a siren so we could speed this up.”
“Very funny.” Finn drove down the street and toward his brother’s house.
* * * *
Once Craig and Mark left, Avery stood. “Guess I’m heading out, too, Quincy. Unless you want me to stay.”
“No, I really would like to be alone for a bit. I’ve only spent one short night locked in a bedroom alone since I got on that wretched plane in Bali. I think I’m gonna relish a private time for myself.”
“What do you mean, you were locked in a bedroom?”
“Finn kissed me, and we came close to making love. I locked myself in the bedroom to get away from him.”
Avery sat back down. “This I gotta hear.”
Quincy shrugged. “Nothing to tell. That’s it.”
“Let me get this straight. You love him. You know you do. You never stopped. You tried to forget him with Percy, but you told me as soon as you saw Finn again, you were attracted to him. I remember that night he called, before I told you he did, you said you’d been thinking about him. I don’t think you ever stopped. You never stopped thinking about him, loving him. Did you? So, why the hell not make love to him?”
“Because I’m engaged—”
Avery interrupted with a snort. “We both know that’s no longer true.”
“Regardless, I haven’t officially broken it off. Until I do, I can’t sleep with anyone else. It would make me what Finn thought I was when he left me. A cheater.”
“That’s just insane, Quincy. You should have done it. He’s hot and sexy. You know that. You should’ve taken him in your bed. I would have in a second. What did he say?”
“He said he loved me and wanted me.”
“And you turned that down? He loves you, and you’re dumping Percy, what’s the harm?”
“Let’s just say I decided to wait until I’m really free. I still hope to be with Finn, but I want to do it right this time.” Quincy stood and walked over to the front door. She opened it. “I’ll see you later. I’m gonna sleep late tomorrow.”
Avery stood and went to the open door. “I can take a hint.” She walked out then turned back. “Get some rest. See you later.”
“Bye, Ave.” Quincy closed the door. As soon as it was shut, she leaned against it and took a deep breath. Finally alone.
Quincy walked to the kitchen and grabbed a trash bag. She came back in the living room and collected all the empty Chinese food cartons, threw away the now empty bourbon bottle, gathered the glasses onto the tray as well as the other two bottles that still had liquor in them, and then carried all of it into the kitchen, the trash bag under her arm.
Once she took care of the trash, she opened her junk drawer and found the scissors. Her hair was still in the elastic she’d put it in when she left Los Angeles. Quincy reached behind her and pulled her hair forward. She took the scissors and cut off her pony tail, giggling at herself. I feel free. Free of this snarled mess that reminds me of a jail cell in Bali and a big, scary woman. And hell, who cares? I have no sponsor other than my favorite one to care about my brand anymore. I feel wicked and happy. And ten pounds lighter without that mess of hair. I’m home, I’m safe, and I have a plan. Bring on Percy Hicks.
She laughed at her own bravado and started unpacking boxes, working to get her home back in order before she left for London. Toiling until late in the night, she finally stopped as the jet lag caught up to her. A soak in the tub for a few minutes helped until she scared herself by dozing off in the water. Once out of the bath, she dried off and tugged on her favorite T-shirt. When she went to bed this time, she slept like the dead. Nothing like being in your own bed. In your own country. Free.
* * * *
Time flew and before Quincy knew it, she was spending her last night in Miami for a while. Her flight to London was the next afternoon. Intending to make her trip look authentic to Percy, she packed her bags, including her wedding gown and rehearsal dinner outfit in their hanging bag. She decided she would make a big deal of it with the redcap at GatwickAirport. Make it clear she had a wedding gown in her possession. It would be a show for Percy as she really needed him to
feel like she was going to marry him to keep him off guard.
As she puttered around in the living room, enjoying having her home back in order, the phone rang. She snatched the receiver from the cradle and sat in the chair by the end table. “Hello.”
“Hey, Q, it’s Finn. Calling for that dinner we talked about.”
“Oh, yeah. Not sure that’s such a good idea after all.”
“Why? Thought you said you wanted to chat with me.”
She shook her head. “No. I think it was the other way around.” She paused for a brief second and then nodded, as if he could see her. “Yes. It definitely was the other way around.”
His voice got husky. “It seems to me that we both have things to say to the other.”
“See, that’s why I think it’s a bad idea.”
“What do ya mean? Talking’s a bad idea?” His voice was still pitched low.
“Not in and of itself. But the tone of your voice tells me that you have more than talking on your mind.” She grinned despite herself. And I probably do, too, if the truth be known.
“What else could I have in mind, sweetheart?”
“Sounds like seduction to me.” She twisted the phone cord in her hand.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“In theory, nothing. In practice, a lot.”
“What’s wrong with two people showing they love each other?”
“Finn. Stop it. Please.”
“Fine. If I promise to behave, can I take you to dinner?”
She laughed. “I’m not so sure you will behave. That’s the trouble.”
“Please. I need to see you before you run over there to Hicks. I can’t stand the thought of you with him.”
The anguish in his voice caused Quincy’s heart to twist in her chest. Against her better judgment, she said, “Fine. I’ll go. When and where?”
“Can’t I pick you up like a regular date?”
“Sure. Of course, but I need to know where we’re going so I can dress in the right outfit.”
“I’m sure you’ll be beautiful whatever you wear.” Finn paused for a few seconds and added, “Or don’t wear.”
“Shut up.” She laughed. “You’re gonna make me regret saying yes.”
“Oh, no, my love, never regret saying yes to me.”
“Finn, you must stop it.”
He cleared his throat and in his best cop’s voice, said, “Yes. ma’am. I’ll stick to just the facts from now on. I’ll be there at seven tonight. Wear a dress. High heels. No jeans, no tank top, and no swim wear.”
“Did you come to attention when you said all that? You sounded all official.” She giggled.
“I’m always at attention when I talk to you, my love.”
She laughed out loud at that. “Finn, I’m hanging up now. I’ll be ready at seven, but you have to promise no innuendoes. All night. And I mean it.”
“All night? Are we going to be together all night, then?”
“Can it, cop.” She hung up the phone to the sound of his laughter in her ear.
Once the phone was on the cradle, she put her head in her hands. “Dear God, how am I going to keep my hands off the man tonight? I know I won’t be able to resist him if he tries to kiss me. Stupid, stupid, stupid to agree to this date.”
* * * *
Finn arrived just at the stroke of seven. He was always punctual. That hadn’t changed. Quincy decided to wear one of her favorite dresses. It was a teal green silk dress with an overlay of the same color in lace with a crisscrossed bodice and a slim skirt. She wore it with a pair of nude colored strappy sandals. She wore the high heeled sandals as ordered by her date.
She opened the door to the man she thought was the most handsome man on the planet. He wore a charcoal grey suit, a white button front shirt and a dark grey silk tie with a surf board pattern. She reached over the touched the tie. “Nice togs, mister. I like the tie.” She stepped backward one step into the house, and he followed her in.
Finn looked her up and down and stopped when he really noticed her hair. “You look spectacular.” He reached out and touched her curls. “What happened?”
“You don’t like it?”
“I do. It’s different, but I like it. Spin around and let me see the back.” He twirled his finger in the air.
She turned her back to him, and he stepped closer. He reached around her waist and pulled her to him. His tongue kissed the nape of her neck as he murmured, “You smell so good. I love this haircut. I haven’t seen this part of your body in a long time, and it’s still gorgeous just like the rest of you.” He licked her neck and nipped at it.
She leaned back and enjoyed the heat of his lips on her. Once she felt his hand slide up from her waist to her breast, she pulled away from him. She stumbled as she tried to get lose from his arm. He grabbed her to keep her from falling.
“Please let me go, Finn.”
He steadied her and let her loose. “Sorry. I can’t help myself around you.”
She turned around to face him. “I thought we agreed that you’d behave. You’re not even in the door and you’re acting like a teenage boy in rut.”
“Like I said, I can’t help myself. You didn’t warn me about the new hair. It’s very, very sexy. I mean, you looked fabulous with the long curls around your waist, but this new look shows off the shape of your head and neck. It emphasizes the delicacy of your neck.”
“You’re so suave, it almost makes me want to hurl.”
He grinned. “I can be even more suave. Listen to this. You’re neck looks as elegant and graceful as a swan’s.”
She snorted. “Take that as a honk of a goose and let’s go.” She walked over to the side chair, grabbed her pashmina shawl and threw it around her shoulders. She walked back to the door.
He took her elbow. “Come on then, my little poultry girl.” He walked her out to his red 1966 Ford Mustang and opened the passenger door for her.
“You still have it, huh?” She slid into the seat.
He winked. “Ah, yea, baby, I still have it. And I still have the car, too.” He shut the door before he could hear her response.
When he slid into his own seat, she said, “I can see now that you are not going to behave. At all.”
He put the key in the ignition but didn’t turn the car on. Instead, he faced her and took her hand. “I figure this is my last chance to win you back before you head to London and Hicks. I want to be sure to remind you of all we shared and could share again. Can you fault me for trying?”
Serious, she looked at him. “Finn, I can’t fault you for trying. Not at all, but it seems to me that you might be trying too hard.”
“I probably am, sweetheart. But I can’t help it.”
She pulled her hand away. “Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
He turned the key and backed out of her driveway, drove down the street until he got to Biscayne Boulevard and made a left.
As soon as he turned on Biscayne, she said, “No fair. You’re not playing fair at all. This is an ambush, Finn.”
He grinned at her. “What do ye accuse me of, wench?”
“Very funny. I know where you’re going. You’re taking me to Le Café. That’s playing dirty.”
“Baby, I never said I’d be nice. This is a war, and I plan to win. If I have to take you to your favorite sushi place where you love the eel in garlic sauce, I’m prepared to enter the fray. To eat raw fish even.”
She was delighted that he remembered the place and what she liked to order. “Are you going to feed me a chocolate croissant, too?”
“Anything your heart desires, my love. Anything.”
She sat back in the seat. Content for the moment just to be with him and know she could have him if she just said the word. Oh, how she wanted to say the word. But she knew she had to finish with Percy first. She had to get her name and reputation back and prove she was innocent. Then she’d be free to love Finn.
* * * *
They got to the restaurant, a
nd true to his word, Finn ordered all of her favorite foods. They sat on the little patio and enjoyed the nice weather. A good bottle of sauterne and lots of laughs later, the meal was over. Quincy leaned back in her chair and yawned.
“Tired?”
“Yea. I’m done in. I’ve been working on stuff around the house. Wore myself out.”
Finn pushed his chair back and stood. “Let’s get you home to bed.” He walked over to her chair and pulled it out for her.
She stood. “Thanks, Finn. This was just what I needed to relax before my trek to London.”
He took her arm. “You know you don’t have to go. You can cable the horse’s ass and break it off. Then we can be together.” He reached in his suit pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “Hell, call him now, wake up his ass and dump him over the transatlantic trunk line.”
“Don’t pressure me. I have to do what I have to do. Deal with this my own way.” She pushed his phone back toward him.
He put the phone back in his pocket. “Come on, then. I’ll take you home.”
They went back to his car, and he took her home.
Once they were in her driveway, he shut off the engine and turned to her. “Can I at least kiss you goodnight?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She shook her head.
“Please. I can’t bear the thought of you going to him and not having a kiss from me to take with you.”
One side of her mouth raised in a half smile. “You know how weird that sounds?”
He leaned forward. “Yeah. I do.” He put his hand on the back of her head, pulled her face to his and kissed her. His tongue plundered her mouth. Their tongues entwined, and he assaulted her mouth with his and she felt herself flush with need for him. He ran his hand through the back of her hair and down to her neck, where he caressed her. His mouth left hers and trailed down her cheek to her collarbone.
She held on to his head and grabbed his hair as his tongue seemed to set her skin on fire. When his hand pushed aside one side of her dress and his tongue touched her breast, she pulled back and gasped for breath. “Finn. We have to stop. Please.”
Chantal, Jillian - Surfer Bride (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 16