Page 96 of More than Paper

“I’ve missed you. No, scratch that. I’m dying without you,” I tell her.

She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes painfully. “I’m struggling, too.”

My heart races that she’s admitted to me that she still cares as deeply about me as I do about her.

Maybe we just need to have a good time, and I can remind her how good we are together.

I brush my thumb along her jawline. “Then let’s go have fun tonight, doll. I think we deserve a night of only fun.”

She smiles at me. “That sounds like a great idea. I think I need that.”

Good. Maybe she will relax a bit and realize that nothing has changed.

“Since it’s only Vivian and Chase in the car, can I kiss you properly? We might not get another chance tonight until we’re alone.”

She looks around then back at me. “Yes.”

I lace my fingers through her soft hair, bend down, and put everything I have into showing her I’m still her man, that she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, that we can still have an amazing life together as planned.

She moans in my mouth, and I groan, lost in the love that she’s giving me that I’ve been craving and aching for over the last few weeks.

When we pull back from the kiss, we’re both breathless, and I have her locked in my arms. “That’s more like us,” I murmur against her lips.

“I’ve missed you.” She blinks tears.

“Shh. I know. I’ve missed you. Let’s enjoy the evening and not think tonight. Let’s just be us.”

Her glassy blue eyes stare into mine, and it pains me that she’s hurting so much—that I’ve hurt her so much.

I brush my thumbs against her cheeks. “Let me love you tonight, doll. Don’t analyze it.”

She shuts her eyes and takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

I press my lips against hers again.

“We should get in the car,” she mumbles.

“All right.” I lead her to the car, and we both get in. After she greets Vivian and Chase, I pull her into my chest, and it’s like nothing has ever been wrong between us. She’s where she should be, with me, and my false sense of security sets in.

We get to Piper and Noah’s penthouse and move into friend-zone mode. Quinn and I are still sitting next to each other, but the facade that she puts on in front of anyone besides Vivian and Chase is back.

I wish she would just stop pretending we aren’t together.

But this is your fault. She was ready to move to New York, but you didn’t tell her when you should have.

I fall into our role and don’t touch her, don’t call her doll, or reference anything that could be related to one of our private conversations.

Xander and Charlotte surprise us when they show up together, and we eventually all pile into a limo Noah hired for the night and head out to Club D.

After a few drinks, I’m relieved when we leave the VIP room and all hit the dance floor. I don’t have to worry about not touching Quinn and take full advantage of the situation.

Quinn and I stay on the dance floor all night, perfectly in sync, downing shots when the waitress offers them, and only concentrating on each other. Maybe we dance for so long because it’s easier than talking. The only thing I have to remember is not to kiss her.

After several hours, I don’t know where anyone has gone, and I don’t care to find out. Instead of going back to the VIP room, I guide Quinn out of the club.

“Jamison, what are you doing? The others will wonder where we are.”

“No, they won’t. Everyone is involved in their own issues.”

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