Page 19 of Chasing Me (Beyond Me #2)

QUINN

I CRAMMED INTO A BOOTH with the rest of my crew to celebrate our last day of classes at New Beginnings.

Everyone was hopeful but supportive of one another, and I tried very hard not to give anything away, feeling a twinge of guilt at being picked.

Brian didn’t let on he’d made a decision, and he ordered a round of appetizers for the table, toasting to his incredible team and what we all brought to the residents.

I’d told my dad a few nights ago, and the gruffness of his voice told me how proud he was. It felt so good, finally getting what I wanted for so long. I just hated that James didn’t get what he deserved.

My mind wandered as the table broke into a variety of gossip and general chatter.

There was a strange ache in my gut that told me something was wrong.

I couldn’t pinpoint it, and had even tried to ignore it, but James seemed off.

It wasn’t about an outright lie. I thought I’d spot that immediately.

It was more a general sense of discontent.

Cassie would quote Shakespeare at this point, which would make me laugh.

I wished I could go see her and talk it out, but she was in Key West testifying in the trial.

I wouldn’t bug her with my psychic babblings of things about to go wrong.

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.