He lifted the phone to his ear and started talking again. “Hey, can I bring Quinn? If there’s two of us, we can move shit around easier.”
Whatever Harry’s duties were to Minnie, he knew without asking that I’d be there with my metaphorical bells on. After all, Harry was the only family I really had. While he talked to his sister, I checked my cell. The moment I spotted the email icon, anticipation held me to the spot.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: Setting a date.
Quinn,
Having you clarify that you’re in fact not a serial killer is a huge relief. For a moment there, I thought about all the other escorts turned serial killers and decided to stay on the safe side.
Death by lube doesn’t sound like a good way to go.
Also not a serial killer,
Maya
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I could not stop the stupid smile from spreading across my face. She was witty and sarcastic, two of the best qualities in a woman, in my opinion.
It might sound stupid for a person who gets paid for his looks to rate the looks of women at the lower end of the spectrum, but that was just me. I rated humor and intelligent conversation higher than looks. I did this, because I had dated some of the most beautiful women out there and, trust me, looks didn’t make up for lack of a brain.
From the second I received an enquiry from a new client, I knew what type of relationship she wanted. Some were very proper and to the point; others were very laid back and easygoing, but I had never had a client talk to me this way before, as if I were a friend. It set the pace. Without saying the words, she’d told me what she needed.
She needed a friend.
I let out a chuckle. If a friend was what she needed, I found myself in a position to fill that role in a temporary sense.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Did you make a funny??
Dearest Maya,
Was your extensive sarcasm your way of saying you approve and will allow me the honor of getting to know you a little better?
Also, death by lube would be gross.
Death by vibrating anal plug would be epic though.
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman,
Killer Quinn
I clicked send as the conversation between Harry and Minnie turned into an argument. I waited and waited and waited for Maya’s reply, but got nothing. Harry yelled, “Fine!” into his cell and shoved it into his pocket.
Looking pissed off, Harry strode to the car, all but stomping his feet. “We’re going to lunch, moron.”
Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Why, yes. How nice of you to notice.
Killer Quinn,
Vibrating anal plug? I’m almost too scared to ask…or Google.
And, I suppose, getting to know you may not be a bad thing, especially if you get my quirky sense of humor.
Tell me about yourself.
Maya’s so fly-a
I placed my phone back in my pocket, reminding myself to email when I got home, and made my way to the car.
When Harry called me moron, it was anything but an insult. An insult to your best friend should always be received as a pet name, as it is meant. “What about your sister?”
I couldn’t make out much of what Harry said, but I did hear him utter ‘devil spawn…prayed for a brother…kiss my ass.’ I guessed Minnie didn’t want an overprotective brother ruining her space.
I smiled to myself. Poor thing didn’t know she was getting two.
Chapter Three
Mia
He responded.
I threw myself back on my bed, clutching my phone to my chest, laughing. Not only had Matt Quinn responded, but he’d also flirted a little. Kind of. I think.
Whatever it was I had started, I was not regretting it. A friendship with Quinn would be great. After all, he was my brother’s best friend, and my brother was one of my best friends. It seemed like the natural course to take. I wanted Quinn, for sure. But he served a purpose. I needed his help. When all this was over, we’d look back and laugh. I was sure of it.
Straightening, I sat up on my bed and looked around my neat-but-bare apartment. Oh, damn. It was good to be home.
My mother had called me and left umpteen voice messages, the last one threatening to call the neighborhood watch to start a search that would no doubt end in retrieving my body from a ditch. Mom could be a little overprotective. And when I said a little, I meant a shitload.
The vibration in my hand accompanied by a loud ping let me know I’d received an email. I bit my lip to hide my smile.
What was happening to me? I was turning into a goose.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: I’ll ask the questions around here, missy.
Maya drinks chai-a,
Shucks, lady. I am at your service.
But no, I won’t be telling you about myself… not until you tell me what you need from lil ole Quinn.
I’ll make you a deal. For every question you answer, you may ask one. And I promise to answer honestly…if you do.
Live long and prosper,
Captain Quinn
Oh no.
He was flirting.
And I…I was liking it very much.
My heart pounded in my chest while my mind reminded me that Matt Quinn made money flirting with women. He charmed women, took them into his bed, and fucked the ever-loving shit out of them, making them forget their pathetic lives for an hour at an extremely insane amount of cash.
My chest panged sorely as I thought about all the other women he’d bedded, but then I reminded myself that Quinn and I were destined to be friends, nothing more, which was fine by me. I would never be that woman. That woman would pine over a man she would never have. I was a realist. Men like Quinn didn’t fall for women like me. They fell for women with long blonde hair, big blue eyes, flawless skin, and legs that went on for miles.
Definitely not me.
I responded carefully, clinically, as though I didn’t have a care in the world and this was the kind of business I conducted.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Lily white Maya
Cap Quinn,
I’ll see to your terms and up them.
We each present two questions, but only one shall be answered. Sort of like a potluck.
As for your services, I am twenty-six years old and still a virgin. The thought of going out with men who have years of experience on me disheartens me. I don’t want to be seen as faulty or be at a disadvantage. I’d also like to feel like the grown-up I am.
I’d require you to take my virginity and teach me the basics of sex.
Is this something you can help with?
Maya don’t lie-a x
The email was sent. The gauntlet had been thrown. Next move…Matt Quinn.
Chapter Four
Quinn