“Why the Midwest?”
“It’s all I know, and part of my family is still there.” My heart swells. Nothing in this world is more important to me than family. I’ve been blessed to have one of the best ones around. The Strong family name isn’t a coincidence, we all know we’re stronger and better together. Savannah would fit into the family perfectly. “But I don’t know if you can actually ever go home again.”
“What makes you say that?” I inch closer to her, resisting the urge to rest my hand on her thigh.
“Well, technically I’m an orphan.” She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, poor me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I've been on my own for a while, but my brother just had a baby with his wife, and the cost of living is so much cheaper there. I could have my dream house built. Run my own business.”
“You could have that here, Sav.”
Her eyes flick to mine. “Why do you call me that?”
My brain goes blank. “I don’t know. It just feels right.” A beat passes between us where neither of us speaks. When I can’t take it any longer, I break the silence. “Do you mind that I call you that?”
She tucks her bottom lip in-between her teeth and shakes that mass of sexy red curls. “No. It’s just that no one’s ever called me anything but Savannah.” She says, throwing a glance in my direction. “But oddly enough, I don’t mind it at all.”
5
Savannah
AmI on an actual date with my boss? The butterflies in my stomach tell me that this is more than just a business drink. The constant pulsing between my legs tells me that I want this man more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But is it a good idea? It wasn’t part of the plan to fall for Quinn Strong. But now that I’m clearly under his spell can I ignore the feelings?
A knock at the restroom door startles me. “Just a minute,” I yell before whispering, “Jesus Christ.” I give myself a final once over in the mirror, toss my hair so that it looks perfectly mussed, and head out the door. The woman shuffles in before I’m even out. I guess she really had to go.
I turn the corner and head back into the bar. Quinn sits at his stool, chatting up the bartender. Even his profile is perfect, nose not too big but not too small. His Adam’s apple bobs up and down when he laughs. As if sensing my gaze, he turns and looks at me. I try and pretend I’m not staring, but it’s no use. I’m completely captivated by this man. The fact that he’s been deemed a ball-buster seems odd. An asshole? No way. He’s perfect, but I have to control my urge. I can’t get fired because I came on to him due to some misread cues. Even though I’m never wrong about these things, I can’t help but feel a bit hesitant.
“What did I miss?” I ask. As soon as the words are out, I have to cover my mouth with the back of my hand. Exhaustion is catching up with me. Thank God I have tomorrow off.
Devon grabs the bar rag and heads off to chat with another patron. A brief flash of jealousy washes over me, but I squash it. I have no right to be jealous or even care who the hell Quinn talks to. But I can’t pretend it didn’t happen.
“Not much.” Quinn’s brow furrows. “You look exhausted.”
“Thanks.” I playfully roll my eyes.
“Still gorgeous, though.” My head snaps in his direction. Any ounce of fatigue is replaced by pure adrenaline. My boss just called me gorgeous. “I don’t mean to cross a boundary.”
“You didn’t.” I shake my head. “Well, you did. Technically.” I’m nervous to meet his eyes. “But I don’t mind.” My body temperature rises. Even with my blazer off, I’m burning up. In the midst of this moment a strange thought occurs to me. A thought so strong and cynical that I can’t undo it without addressing it. Maybethisis why he’s hitting on me with such reckless abandon.
“I have to ask you something.”
“Shoot.” Quinn signals for two more beers.
“I’m fine.” I gesture to Devon, who nods. “Are you like this with all of your managers?”
Quinn laughs, exposing his dimple. “Like what?”
How do I say this without sounding ridiculous? “Well, you’re…you know. You called me gorgeous.”
“Because you are.” His low voice reverberates through every cell in my body.
“I guess what I’m asking is,” I turn my body so that I’m facing him. “Do you say that to all of your managers?” Quinn pulls back, a pinched look on his face. “And is that the reason why they don’t last at your store?”
“Whoa.” He throws his palms up. “I don’t like what you’re insinuating.”
“Then just answer me honestly.” His eyes dance across my face, searching for some sort of explanation, or perhaps wondering if I’m joking. But I’m not. I can’t be the girl who falls for an act.