Page 114 of Quinton's Quest

“Well, that’s true.” I pulled back to meet his gaze. “Why don’t you think about it? Talk to your mom? Speak to Marlena? I don’t want to feel like I pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.”

He gazed up at me though impossibly long lashes. “I was ready the morning after our one-night stand.” He grinned. “Until you stuck your foot in your mouth.”

“Oh God, you’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Should I?”

“Nope. I was wrong to say what I said.”

“You had a reason.”

“One bad experience with one nurse shouldn’t have colored my perception of all nurses.”

“And I’ll own that all doctors aren’t arrogant.” He smirked. “Maybe even not all surgeons.”

“I’m not infallible.”

“Neither am I. Part of being human. Now, I’m thirsty and our hot chocolate is long cold. How about I heat them up?”

I yanked him close. “I’d prefer you warm me up…but that can come later.”

Later was the two of us falling asleep on the couch and being woken by two hungry kids just after dawn.

Oh, and the dog who wanted to be let out.

Yes, my life was perfect.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Quinton

Iclutched my mug of tea as I sat at the kitchen table with Mama.

She eyed me. “You want to move in with Dr. Rodgers.”

“Yes.”

“You love him?”

I squirmed. “Uh…yes?”

“Quinton Li.” She used her strict voice. “You know I would never tell you how to live your life—”

“Which is appreciated—” I stopped abruptly when she held up her hand. I sipped my tea.

“Okay.” She held my gaze. “Do you love Dr. Rodgers?”

“Leo.” Because no way was I calling my boyfriendDr. Rodgersexcept in professional settings. Mad respect for his talents as a surgeon—but I wasn’t with him for prestige. I was… I swallowed. “Yeah. I love him.” I blinked. “I didn’t plan on this, Mama. You have to believe me.”

“I should think not. I remember your antipathy to him at the beginning.”

“He said something stupid. I reacted badly. We’ve both apologized and moved on.”

“Apparently.” She arched an eyebrow. “He’s the one you’ve been seeing? Staying overnight at his house?”

“Yes.”

“With his children there?”