“I know,” she whispered, smiling to herself. “And I appreciate you... educating me so thoroughly tonight.”
That surprised a bark of laughter from him, and he sat up straighter, tilting her face up toward his and giving her a scorching kiss. “Any time, princess.”
“Really?” she asked hesitantly. “Can I really come to you any time I want? Can we continue my... education?”
He groaned and shook his head. “I don’t know. I feel like I should tell you no, but I also recognize that you’re a woman with a mind of her own and if I say no, you’ll just find someone else. Much as my conscience is telling me we must stop, I find that I can’t bear the thought of you in someone else’s arms, and I enjoyed myself immensely tonight.”
She bit her lip, a little stung. “I wouldn’t do this with just anyone. I came here precisely because I like and trust you so much. I know you’d never hurt me.”
“I didn’t mean to imply what you’re thinking,” he said with a sigh. “And you’re right. I’d never hurt you on purpose. But I’m afraid that you’ll get hurt nonetheless.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, frowning.
“Women tend to get more emotional when it comes to lovemaking than men do. You might think this is all a fun adventure now, but what if you do decide to marry down the road? As much as I care for you, I’d hate to take something from you that belongs to someone else.”
“My virginity belongs to me,” she snapped. “And I can give it to whomever I want. No part of me belongs to any man!”
“I’m not trying to make you angry,” he said in exasperation. “I’m sorry. None of this is coming out right. I’m just trying to say that I don’t want to hurt you, that I want you to be certain of what you want before you come to me again.”
“I know,” she whispered, her anger vanishing. She’d put him in an awkward situation by showing up here unannounced, and he’d handled it all very well, giving her a taste of lovemaking without compromising her utterly. “Maybe you’re right about all of it. I know I’ve been reckless beyond words, and I’m thankful you’re such a gentleman.”
“I don’t feel like much of a gentleman at the moment,” he said tenderly. “But I don’t regret this night, Allison. No matter what happens, I’ll treasure this memory forever.”
She blinked away a surprising wash of tears. “So will I, Quinn.” She nestled her head in the crook of his arm again, relaxing against him for long moments, the only sound that of the clock on the mantle.
Ten minutes later, it struck midnight, and she knew that as much as she’d like to stay here all night, she must leave. With a sigh, she extricated herself from Quinn’s warm arms and pushed to her feet, suddenly aware that her breasts were still spilling wantonly out of her bodice.
Blushing furiously, she kept her back to him and made herself presentable. “I must go home,” she murmured. “I don’t want anyone to realize I’m gone.” After the conversation she’d had with her friends the day she’d come home from the warehouse, they’d know immediately where she’d gone.
“Of course,” he said, and she heard the rustling of his own clothes as he dressed behind her. “But I’m not letting you travel halfway across the city by yourself. I’ll escort you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she tried to reassure him. “I came on my own, and I can make it home on my own.”
He laughed softly and hugged her from behind. “I don’t doubt it, you feisty little thing. But it would make me feel better if I accompanied you. Besides, maybe I’m not quite ready to let you go.”
She melted into his embrace, her heart lightening at his admission. “Then yes, of course, I’d love it if you came with me.”