Page 60 of Fragile Heart

Shaking his hand again, I tell him, “Thank you, and thank you for this opportunity. It’d be a dream to be a part of this team.”

I walk out of that office on cloud nine, even with Max talking my ear off, and I can’t wait to get home to Quinn to tell her about the meeting.Home to Quinn.Damn, that sounds good.

Honestly, after Jessica, I feel like I made the decision not to be tied down again. But Quinn is different. I look forward to every second I get to be with her and crave her company. I want to have a home with her.

When I finally get home, I find her outside, lounging in a red bikini by the pool, and damn if red isn’t my new favorite color. She hears me slide the door open and looks at me with that gorgeous Quinn smile that makes my entire body feel at ease.

“Hey, how was the meeting?”

I kiss her before I answer, getting a whiff of her coconut-scented sunscreen. “It went so well. Hopefully, I’ll have a contract in the next few weeks.”

“Hudson, that’s awesome!” Her eyes shine with excitement, and I can see the pride radiating through. It’s been a while since anyone has been proud of me. My mother is only proud of me for my paycheck. Max is proud of me for continuing to make him a paycheck. My dad is probably proud of me, but I don’t talk to him enough to be sure.

But Quinn. . . she looks proud of me for no other reason than she knows how badly I wanted this, and that means the fucking world to me.

“We’re going out tonight. I had Max make reservations at a place I know you’ll probably tell me is too fancy and overpriced, but we’re going anyway because it’s an LA staple, and I want you to experience it.”

“Well, ok then. I guess I can’t argue with that.” She sits up on her lounge chair. “And I guess I should shower. It’s probably unacceptable to go to dinner in a bikini.”

“This bikini is unacceptable anywhere except right here in my arms.” I pull her toward my body. “Just when I think you can’t possibly get any sexier, you pull out this thing.” I pluck at the string holding her tits up. My hand moves behind her back, and I pull the little bow she has tied back there. Her top springs up, exposing a perfect amount of her chest.

“Hudson!”

“What? You said you were going to take a shower. I’m just helping you out.” She laughs, and I follow her into my bathroom, where we both get in the shower.

After we’ve fucked, gotten dressed, and Quinn’s done her hair and makeup, we get into the black SUV that’s waiting to take us to dinner.

“Are there going to be other celebrities there?” she asks, surprisingly not sounding nervous. But then I remember she didn’t sound nervous the first time she talked to me at the diner, so maybe she’s just not affected by celebrities like most people.

“Probably,” I tell her, hoping I don’t see anyone I know. I just want a night with Quinn.

“Would you be embarrassed if I get pictures with them?”

“Probably,” I repeat. She huffs a laugh and playfully pushes my shoulder. “I don’t think there is anything you could do that would embarrass me, Quinn.”

When the car pulls up outside the restaurant, I instantly notice at least two people standing around with cameras. I was expecting it since this is such a popular restaurant, but it still makes my stomach drop to see. The cameras instantly makes me feel on edge.

The clicks of the cameras follow us inside, where the hostess immediately escorts us toward the back of the restaurant. We’re seated at a small table near the wall, which is where I like to be.

“This place is so cool,” Quinn says as her head whips around, looking all over the restaurant. It looks almost like someone’s Italian grandmother hung all of her family heirlooms on the walls. They also have lights draped throughout and fresh flowers on every table.

I’ve been here so many times that I’m used to it, but it’s fun to see the excitement sparkle in Quinn’s eyes.

We order our sodas after I assure Quinn that the tea is definitely not what she’s used to. Once the server leaves with our order, I link our hands across the table. I don’t know what possesses me to do so. I’ve never really been much for public displays of affection, but I can’t seem to keep my hands off Quinn. It feels natural to be touching her.

After a few minutes, Quinn excuses herself to go to the restroom. I point her in the direction and watch her hips sway as she walks away. I know I have a stupid smile on my face, but this girl. . . she’s perfect for me. And I can’t believe I found her.

Once she’s disappeared into the bathroom, I lower my eyes to the tablecloth like I’ve trained myself to do. I don’t want to see people glancing at me over their shoulders. It’s bad enough that I always feel like I’m being watched, but to actually see it puts it on another level.

“Hey, stranger.” I tense at the voice of the very last person I want to see right now. I look up to see Jessica standing beside my table. She slides into Quinn’s seat, making my jaw tense.

“That seat is taken,” I grind out.

“Oh, I know. I saw your cute little girlfriend. I tried to get your attention earlier, but your eyes were glued to her.” I gaze over her skintight halter dress that I’m sure she’ll only wear once before hanging it in her closet for the rest of eternity.

“Jealous?” I taunt her.

She laughs. “I would be, but I know it won’t last.”

---