Loving Quinn Novel by North Rose

If my gut feeling is correct that she and McAllister are connected, then she has a powerful ally to help her. I hope I am wrong, even though it would explain why McAllister has been gunning for G&C enterprises. I could ask the man directly or wait for Mac to find the

link between them.

However, there is still the question of why? Is McAllister the type of man that would come after me just because of my history with Dionne? She did something horrible to me, not the other way around. What perceived wrongs have I done to her that would cause him to attack my business?

Unless she spun a different tale to him about the events that happened to make me look like the bad guy. Knowing Dionne, the way I do, that seems far-fetched. Yet all the hang-up phone calls, the way she has knowingly broken a restraining order, and the cryptic meeting today, point to a woman who isn’t the one I used to know.

What happened to her after I left New York to change her so much? I ans not conceited enough to think it had anything to do with me. It makes me wonder though.

“They are both free tomorrow,

but my

mum insists that

it we have dinner at their house. Will that work for you?”

I pull into the pickup line behind the school buses at Grace’s school, then look over at her. “I am looking forward to it. Is there anything I should bring?”

Annora laughs. “No. My mother will have everything covered.”

I lift her hand to kiss the back of it. When I look out the car window, I spot some of the same women from this morning standing at the curb waiting for their children. One bold woman is looking straight at me. Her blue eyes widen as she notices I am looking at her.

She fluffs her hairs a little, then gives me her best seductive smile. I have gotten used to this behavior from women over the years, but something about this situation makes me feel dirty. This woman can clearly see Annora sitting next to me. If she was staring long enough, she saw me kiss her hand

Yet, with no shame at all, she is standing there giving me the “f**k me” eyes.

“Let’s see what Mrs. Taylor thinks of this.” Annora says.

She puts her hand on my cheek to turn my face to hers. The mischievous sparkle in her eye makes it clear she saw the look the woman was giving me. With a smile, she closes the space between us and captures my lips with hers. She keeps the kiss simple since we are in line to pick up our daughter.

When we both look back out the window, Mrs. Taylor has walked away. All the other women with her seemed to have gotten the point as well because they are all facing towards the school now. A smile tugs at my lips as Annora laughs softly.

“I think she got the point.”

“Message read loud and clear, boss,” I tell her. Because I can’t help myself, I kiss the back of her hand again. “I think your mischievous streak has gotten bigger and meaner over the years.”

“It has. There were a lot of practical jokes between students during med school. I learned early that it was either stay out of their way or join the games. I joined their games. We had a lot of fun.”

“You will have to tell me some of those stories sometime.”

“What are your plans for Friday night?”

The mention of Friday night reminds me of Aaron’s parents coming into town. “Aaron’s parents are coming into town to visit on Friday. I want his mom to meet Grace before they go home. Friday night is all yours if you want it.”

“I will ask my mom tomorrow if Grace can stay with them Friday night”

2/3

Chapter 35

“Date night?”

She laughs then looks out the window as she hears Grace’s voice coming towards the car. “Yes. So, think of what you want to do.”

I have a plan in mind already. This will be the perfect chance to take that risk. Now all I can do is pray she says yes. Loving Quinn

Chapter 35

(Quinn)

After taking that risk with Annora between the rocks, we fix our clothing, then walk hand in hand back up the beach to the car. She has a light blush staining her checks as we walk. To me, she is the s**t woman I have ever seen.

Back when I first saw her across the lake, I thought she was beautiful. Today, under the warm sun shining down on her face, she is stunning. Her auburn hair is windblown with a few strands sticking to her forehead from sweating. Her pale complexion is dotted with freckles and is otherwise unblemished. Everything about her, both inside and out, is amazing to me.

I am sinking further and further towards the point where I may take another risk with her soon. This one is a risk I was planning on taking years ago with her, but my Army career put me on another path. Now that our lives are both on the same path, I think it is time to open that box of dreams.

Not today, or tomorrow, but soon, I think. The timing has to be right. Until then, I will go to the bank to open my safe deposit box. Inside, in a worn leather pouch, is the ring I bought her when I was only nineteen. It isn’t an engagement ring Brany means.

It is a promise ring. I bought to give to her when I saw her again. It represented the promise that I made her the day we said goodbye. I promised that no matter where I was or how long it took, I would always find my way back to her.

It took twelve years, a lot of pain, and a few heartaches, but I am here. Next to Annora is where I will always belong. With her and Grace, my life has found meaning again.

“You have gone quiet.

. What are

are you thinking?” Annora asks.

I blink at her, then look around us. We have reached the parking lot, and she is sitting down to dust the sand off her feet before putting her shoes on. I chuckle as I sit next to her to do what she is.

“I was just enjoying the quiet day out of the office with you. Things will get busy with work once the sale of the land goes through and we can start that project. So many things