Page 76 of The One for Forever

I have no idea how long I sit there. But finally, the door slides open, and Quinn steps out. My chest tightens with nerves. But she’s got a small, hesitant smile. Which can’t be all bad.

“Is Cliff still here?” I ask.

“He decided he should go for now. But we talked. It’s going to be okay.”

I’m sitting in an oversized patio chair, and Quinn comes over to lower herself down into my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. It’s sweet and tender. The kind of kiss that’s not intended to lead to more. But it’s a balm to my soul.

“Cliff is sorry about what he said.”

I should be happy to hear that, but my stomach drops even further. “Did he tell you what he thinks of me?”

“Not exactly. He admits he overreacted, though.”

“He made some decent points. Quinn, I’m not perfect. I would never claim to be. I messed up with Cliff. It’s entirely possible I’ll mess up with you.”

She pushes her forehead against mine. “I don’t want perfect. Perfect is boring, and you’re the furthest thing from that. To me, anyway. But you’re devoted. I’ve always known that about you. Even before I really knew you, like I do now. That’s how I know everything will be okay with Cliff eventually. I know you’ll never stop trying because that’s the kind of man you are. The kind of father. Cliff is lucky to have you.”

“And I am damn lucky to have you.”

After a couple more kisses, Quinn sits back. “I wish we could go back to bed and spend all day there. But I have news.” She shows me the message from Sylvie and the contact info for Pete Diamond. “Do you still have the burner phone from Sylvie that we used to initially contact the secret witness?”

“Sure. I was holding onto it. It’s in my bag.”

We go inside. After some food and coffee, which I was desperately needing, we set up at the dining table. Quinn holds the burner in her hands, contemplating what she’ll write to the chauffeur.

“Are you going to let Lana know you’re contacting him?” I ask.

“I will. But I don’t want to waste any time getting in touch. Nobody knew where this guy was, and who knows if he’ll stay in West Oaks or go somewhere else. If he’s the witness, I have to try to get him to talk to me. And find out why he cut off contact and disappeared.”

I rest my arm on the back of Quinn’s chair as she types out her opening message to Diamond.

Mr. Diamond, my name is Quinn Ainsley. We met before. I’m one of the district attorneys on the Amber Printz case. I was hoping we could chat.

How did you get this number?

“He’s skittish,” I say.

“Figures.”

From a reliable source who will be discreet. As can I. Do you have time to meet today? I’ve been trying to reach you for a while.

There’s a long wait. Quinn drums her fingers impatiently on the table. I massage her shoulder.

Finally, Diamond rights back.

I can meet you at the Sunset Cafe. 3 PM.

I’ll see you then.

Quinn looks over at me, smiling triumphantly. “One step closer. Either he’s the witness I’ve been looking for, or he has something else we can use. I’m going to hope for the best.”

That’s something I like about her. But when it comes to Quinn’s safety, I can’t operate based on hope. I have to plan for the worst-case scenario.

I might be the man she shares her bed with. Maybe even her significant other, if I get to use that title. But this afternoon, I’m back to being her full-time bodyguard.

Anyone who intends to harm Quinn will have to do it over my dead body.

Pete Diamond looks like shit.

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