Page 105 of His Forgotten Colton Fiancee

Chapter 21

It felt so wonderful to have her memory back and return to normal.

The day after police arrested Aston Reston for Tia’s murder, Quinn felt as if she could finally move forward. West had returned to work, heading to the training center with Rex, but promised to meet her later. Humming, Quinn arranged baked goods in the glass case when the little silver bell tinkled overthe door.

Quinn blinked in surprise. Gemma strolled inside. Her cousin Gemma Colton, from the right side of the tracks. Wealthy, spoiled and with a designer wardrobe any woman would envy.

Those things no longer mattered as much to Quinn.

With her chestnut hair and dark eyes, Gemma was a beauty. Today she wore a sleeveless turquoise blouse and designer jeans and turquoise heels. Shelooked around the store with interest.

“Hi, Gemma.” Quinn wiped her hands on a dish towel. “Anything I can help you with?”

“I stopped by to see how you were doing. Everyone is talking about you and West.”

So much for a secret relationship. Quinn didn’t care. West was back on his feet, fully recovered, and Tia’s murderer behind bars. She had her memory back. Life was good.

“Thanks.I’m doing well.” Quinn motioned to the tables outside. “Would you like a kale smoothie on the house?”

Gemma’s perfect nose wrinkled. “How about strawberry instead?”

Soon they were seated outside, the sun beaming down on them, a nearly cloudless sky overhead. Pedestrians strolling past nodded and smiled. Gemma must be right. Everyone kept talking and looking at her, but not in an accusingway.

More like respect. And curiosity.

“Your West is so brave. Putting himself in danger to save you.” Gemma heaved a dramatic sigh. “You’re lucky to have a man love you that way, Quinn.”

Odd hearing that from Gemma, who always seemed to have everything in life. “He’s a good man.”

“It’s amazing that you ended up like this. I mean, look at your father. He isn’t an upstanding memberof society. You have no lineage in town. So how did you get West to fall in love with you?”

Once, Gemma’s words would have cut deep. Made her feel like that little girl who’d never been invited to the rich Colton parties. But those times were past. And the look on Gemma’s face—pure desperation—tugged at Quinn’s heart.

Maybe Gemma had no filter, but she wasn’t cruel on purpose.

Gemmahadn’t come here to check on her or make friends. Gemma needed some kind of assurance. “What’s wrong?” Quinn asked gently.

Her cousin stared at her drink. “How can I get Devlin to fall in love with me the way West loves you?”

More surprises. “You’ve been dating awhile. It seems serious.”

“Oh yes, he seems serious. About seeing me, and being with me. But I get the feeling he doesn’tlove me. Not like West feels about you.” Gemma toyed with her straw. “Would Devlin risk himself to save my life the way West did with you?”

Sympathy filled her. “West is a trained agent, hon. Give it a chance with Devlin.”

Gemma sighed. “You’re so lucky, Quinn. I wish I could get Devlin to love me. Will it ever happen?”

Quinn sipped her kale drink. “Gemma, love isn’t something youforce. You let it happen, nurture it. You can’t make yourself into someone different just to get the other person to love you. It’s chemistry and conversation and a whole lot of forgiveness and compromise.”

“Maybe.” Her cousin looked thoughtful. “I can try harder.”

It would happen or it would not. Gemma had to discover that on her own, just as Quinn had. Talk switched to the new recipesQuinn tested when West’s pickup pulled up front.

Rex wasn’t with him. Quinn’s heart skipped a beat. Was everything okay?

Rising to her feet, Gemma gave her a hug. “Thanks.” She glanced at West. “Thank you for saving her.”

West nodded, but he seemed distracted. As Gemma walked away, West jingled his keys.