Page 32 of Chasing Me

But I did feel it.Something was about to go wrong.

I let out an annoyed breath and wondered if I’d ever be able to kick back and relax for longer than a day.I was always scurrying back to the rat race, or anticipating doom and gloom.Still, I was usually right.

James had changed.He held a secret, or a thought he didn’t want to share with me.I felt it the most during sex.His usual ferocity in the bedroom, that gorgeous, rough, raw quality that reminded me of a sleek animal in the wild, was tamed.It was almost as if he was afraid to let go with me, no matter how hard I urged him to.His lovemaking was controlled and tender, but was missing an element that had burned between us from the moment we met.

Was he getting bored of me?

I shifted in the booth uneasily and sucked at my Coke, having adeptly maneuvered out of drinking beer tonight.When I tried to bring it up before, he’d told me he always wanted me.His words still rang true.His gaze still seethed with a fiery lust I adored.But when he touched me, he was careful, refusing to take me in the ways I dreamed of.

“Quinn?Are you okay?”

I looked up.Brian was staring at me with a hard intensity that made me a bit uncomfortable.I hoped he wasn’t getting the wrong impression.I loathed the idea of having an intimate talk to remind him I was with James and was happy, but how awkward would that be if those weren’t his intentions?

I forced a smile.“Sure, my mind was wandering.”

“How’s James?”

My smile deliberately widened.“Great.We’re great.Both of us are looking forward to getting out of town for a few days.”

He nodded thoughtfully.“Key West, right?Sounds fun.”Brian paused.“Did he tell you we ran into each other earlier in the week?”

I frowned.“What do you mean?”

Brian shrugged.“He came looking for you, and we chatted a bit in my office.”

Jessica overheard our conversation and cut in.“James is one hunk of a specimen,” she said teasingly, giving me a naughty wink.“Quinn definitely scored in that department.”

My cheeks heated, but I knew Jessica enjoyed a good banter.“Hands off, girlfriend.”

Jessica grinned and put her hands up.“Fine, fine.Brian, you’re gonna have to hook me up with one of your friends, dude.Someone who looks like James.Golden hair, blue eyes, slamming body.I’ll close my eyes and pretend.”She batted her lashes, and I laughed.

“I gotta go.See you guys later.”Brian slid out of the booth, ignoring everyone’s protests, peeled off some cash, and left it on the table.“You got one more round, then I want you guys home.”

He left without turning back, and once again, I felt as if I was missing a huge piece of the puzzle.Why hadn’t James told me about their conversation?I knew James got jealous easy, but it was weird how he didn’t even mention the exchange.

Maybe I’d try to talk to him tonight and find out what was going on.I glanced at my watch, then pulled out my phone.I hadn’t heard the text come in.

Babe, gonna be at the studio late.Breakfast in bed tomorrow?

I tapped out my response.Pancakes and bacon?

A few seconds later, a smiley face popped up.Definitely.Love you.

Love you, too.

I finished my Coke, pondering our relationship.We’d come so far since we met in Key West.From a week of sun, sand, and sex, into the bustling city of Chicago, we’d both grown up and grown even closer.I loved how he was strong enough to say “Fuck you” to his parent’s money and try things on his own.I’d only fallen deeper in love with him this past year, knowing in an odd way, we’d been waiting for the other in order to feel whole.

Suddenly, I just needed to see him.Maybe I’d surprise him at the studio.It had been a long time since I was able to drop by and see his work.There was something so intimate about watching him sketch, and I craved to be in his presence.We’d also have a safe place to talk.James liked to bury himself in his art when he was working out issues.Maybe it was the best place to really dig deep.

I grabbed my jacket and purse, said goodbye to my friends, and headed out.

Chapter Fifteen

JAMES

I HAD NO CLUEthe day would turn into the biggest clusterfuck of my life.

I should’ve known by the crappy start.After being with Quinn, I felt as if I could handle anything thrown my way, so I started out strong.I’d already accepted I didn’t get into the expo, but then had to deal with a crappy shift at Joe’s, where I spilled an expensive cup of mocha from burning my damn hand, and was stalked by a bunch of giggly teens who lingered far too long at the tables, watching me.

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