Page 93 of Quinton's Quest

“No. Not even for a moment. Our marriage was over. But I was able to see clearly, for the first time really, that Gideon had changed. Was getting help. Would never endanger our kids again.” Another chuckle. “He and Archer are in Vancouver this weekend on alovers’ retreat. I get the feeling someone is proposing—I just don’t know who.”

“Oh, I thought they were already engaged.”

A long pause. “I suppose that might be true and they just haven’t shared the news. If the kids knew, though, Melodie would tell me for certain.”

“Unless Gideon asked them to keep it secret?” I couldn’t imagine that—but it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility.

“He would never do that. Ever. We’re very honest with the kids. I’d never ask them to hide something—nor would he.”

“That’s a relief. So they might make the engagement official. How do you feel about that?”

“Honestly? A little relieved. I want them to be happy, of course. I also would be reassured that Gideon has someone there for when things get rough. Maybe they won’t. I can hope, right? But his injury is still occasionally causing him pain. Having someone to physically and emotionally back him up is damn powerful.”

“I’ll be here for you.”Sheesh, way to lay it on the line.

“Yeah?”

“And I might’ve gotten my test results.”

“Yeah?” Said with just a hint of amusement.

Better to get him off the analysis of theI’ll be here for yourstatement.“Negative. So that’s two tests in a row, and I haven’t been with anyone in some time.”

“How long?” A second later, he said, “Oof. None of my business.”

“Just before New Year’s. Lovely woman. We were both lonely over the holidays—Mama had shifts and because I worked Christmas, I was off for those couple of days. Carmen and I hooked up, but we both knew this wasn’t a serious thing. Hell, I didn’t even invite her to my New Year’s party. I seem to recall she had other plans anyway.”

“Oh.”

I struggled to discern his tone. “Look…I totally respect you’ve only been with two men—your husband and then me. That’s not the life I’ve lived. I haven’t had hundreds of lovers—”Although the number’s still pretty high.“—but I was always honest with everyone I’ve been with. I wasn’t looking for serious.”

“And now?”

Oh shit. You walked into that one. “Now, I’m thinking that I want you to fuck me. Really badly.”

He coughed. Several times.

“You okay?”

“Choking on my spit.” He wheezed.

I laughed. He wasn’t going to die, so we’d be okay. “Pique your interest?”

“I have two kids in the house. I’m not sneaking out, and you’re not sneaking in.”

“Ah, but you’re not using that brilliant mind of yours. Other ways exist to make someone come.”

“Oh.” A pause. “Oh.” An elongatedo. “Do you, you know…?”

“Have a toy? Hell, yes. And Mama’s out with friends tonight.”

He laughed. “You don’t use toys when your mother’s in the house?”

I returned the laugh. “Oh, I totally do. I was just pointing out that I don’t have to be quiet.”

“While I do.”

“While you do.”