Page 45 of More than Paper

I don’t know why Quinn cares, but she doesn’t want it known to the others that anything is going on between us. She seems like a private person. I am, too, so I’m fine with it, but I wouldn’t be hiding what’s going on between us if she wasn’t.

What’s going on between us.For the millionth time this week, I wonder how to define Quinn’s and my relationship.

I want more with her. I’m not sure how to make it work, but I know I want more. I think she does, too, but I can’t be sure.

You need to tell her you want to see her again.

We could fly back and forth for a while. That could work. I have enough money for plane tickets and whatever else we need. Then we could see where it goes, and if it got serious, Quinn could move to New York and not work. She could focus on writing and launch her author career. I have plenty to support her. I could even pay for her to have an assistant to do all the parts of launching her novels she doesn’t want to do.

The first step is to get Quinn to agree to see you after this trip. Don’t upset her again. You did enough damage on your last date.

We are almost to Chase’s place, and I murmur in her ear, “You want to go out tonight?”

“No thanks.”

My gut drops.Not a great sign that Quinn will agree to try out a long-distance relationship when you can’t get her to go on a date.

“Okay,” I say, trying not to sound deflated.

She scooches closer to me and whispers, “Let’s not deal with anyone else tonight.” She pulls back and stares at me with her blue doe eyes.

My heart beats faster. I wink at her, and a small smile forms on her face, but she’s also blinking back tears. I’m not sure if it’s over Charlotte and Xander or if she’s feeling as sad as I am about our situation. I kiss the top of her head.

When the car pulls up to the building, we get out and go directly into my apartment.

I sit on the couch and settle her on my lap. “I don’t want you to leave.”

Her eyes fill with water again. “I have to. I have to get back to my job, or I’ll be fired.”

I put my hand on her cheek. “There is something between us. This isn’t just a physical thing.”

She takes a deep breath and bites down on her lip.

“Quinn, tell me you want more from me.”

She gulps. “How would it work?”

“I don’t know, but we will figure it out.”

Silence fills the room, minus the beating of my heart that I’m sure she can hear. She looks nervous, scared, and worried.

“Tell me what’s running through your head, doll.” I brush the hair off her face.

She puts her shaking hand on my cheek. “I want more from you, Jamison. But...”

“But what?”

“This doesn’t sound realistic. Are we just setting ourselves up to fail and get hurt more?”

Shit. She’s back to worrying about failing.

Words fly out of my mouth. “We don’t know unless we try. Do you want it to be over between us?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Just say yes, and let me take care of you.”

“Take care of me?”

---