Page 1 of Stolen Hearts (WaterColor Romance #7)

Quinn folded her arms and checked out the scene in front of her.

Six months ago, she’d decided to buy a bar on a whim.

She’d moved across the country from Las Vegas all the way to WaterColor, Florida.

The move hadn’t been completely random as her best friend from college lived in WaterColor.

Madison had been happy to see her. Things had gone south for Quinn while she was in Vegas.

On the tail end of a bad breakup, she’d needed the comfort only her best friend could provide.

She couldn’t live on Madison’s couch indefinitely though.

So she’d done what she always did, land on her feet.

Quinn had walked past the beachside bar with a For Sale sign in the front and felt an immediate pull.

There were a lot of beachside bars in WaterColor, but none of them were lesbian bars.

She had known that this was exactly what she wanted for the next phase of her life.

Unfortunately, finishing out a bar was way outside of her wheelhouse.

She knew how to manage a bar, but getting one up and running was brand new for her.

The place had good bones though. A cozy mix between rustic and chic.

The big bar was a beautiful teakwood, much lighter than the bars everywhere else.

Quinn looked at the place and couldn’t help but feel excited.

Months had been spent clearing out the old owner’s belongings, as well as updating the plumbing and other general maintenance. Now the place was ready for a glow up.

Quinn leaned against the wall to better assess what was in front of her.

Aesthetics had never been her strong suit.

She knew what she liked but when it came to other people, she might need an outsiders’ perspective.

The bar’s door swung open, and Madison walked inside.

The grimace she’d worn the first time she’d seen the place was beginning to soften.

Every time Madison walked inside the bar she seemed to like it a little more.

“What do you think?” Quinn asked, she puffed out her chest.

“It’s come a long way.” Madison admitted.

“I should be able to move off your couch in a week or two. They’re fixing an ensuite apartment for me just upstairs.”

“You don’t have to rush out,” Madison sighed.

“I know. But I want to give you back your space. I’m really grateful that you let me stay.”

“You’re welcome anytime,” Madison chuckled. She looped her arm around Quinn’s and smiled.

Quinn was struck with the familiar pang of uncertainty.

This wasn’t where her life was supposed to be.

She had been sure she belonged in Vegas.

This wasn’t what her life was supposed to look like.

She should be cuddled up in her new house with her new wife.

But the cards hadn’t worked in her favor.

Seven months ago, Quinn had been engaged to the love of her life, Rory.

They were a month away from getting married and moving into their first home together.

Then one night when Quinn came home early, she caught Rory in bed with another woman.

Rory had sworn it was a one-time thing, and Quinn had been prepared to forgive her.

But it turned out that she wasn’t the one Rory wanted to be with.

Rory had moved into their new house with this new woman and left Quinn choking on her dust. Homeless and heartbroken she’d made her way to WaterColor and to her friend.

The one person she knew she could always count on.

“You really helped me out. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay you,” Quinn whispered.

“Sure, you will. Free drinks on the house for the rest of my life,” Madison teased.

“Sold.”

“What’s your next step?” Madison asked.

“Figuring out how to make this a classy place for the ladies,” Quinn laughed.

Madison’s eyes darted around the room. Her face didn’t wear an expression of optimism. Madison tilted her head thoughtfully.

“Have you considered an interior designer?” Madison asked.

“I hadn’t. But maybe I should. I don’t suppose you know of anyone?”

“I might. Let me ask around and see about getting you a name. This feels like a big undertaking, and it would probably be good if you at least knew a direction to take.”

“You’re not wrong. This is definitely not where I shine.”

“Then let’s find you someone who does.”

“Shouldn’t you be at work?” Quinn asked.

“I own the shop. So technically I’m always right on time. Besides, I have an amazing store manager who opens for me every day.”

Quinn was proud of Madison. The woman had worked alongside a florist right after college. Madison had learned everything she could until she was finally ready to open her own shop. That’s what had led her to WaterColor. Maddison loved the ocean and the quaint little coastal town had been perfect.

When Madison had suggested Quinn cut her losses in Vegas and move to WaterColor she’d been dubious. Now Quinn had to admit that WaterColor with its charm had grown on her. The beach was certainly better than the desert.

“You have any hot weekend plans?” Madison asked.

“Oh yeah. I’m going to pick up some hot babe and take her back to my place. Oh, that’s right, I don’t have a place,” Quinn laughed loudly.

Madison rolled her eyes and sighed. She loved Quinn but was clearly over her antics.

“You could have other plans this weekend besides going out. But I would make myself scarce if you needed a little time with a woman.” Madison arched one eyebrow in annoyance.

“I know. I know. You’re a very good friend. I’m mostly just teasing you.”

“So do you have any big plans?” Madison asked again.

“Not a single thing. Except getting this place ready. Why? What’s up?”

“I thought maybe we could go out,” Madison shrugged.

“Are you trying to set me up again?”

Three weeks ago, Madison had asked her to come out for drinks. But when Quinn had showed up, she had found a woman waiting for her at the table instead of Madison. Quinn shuddered at the memory.

“No. I will never try to set you up again,” Madison laughed.

“At least I have that going for me.”

“I don’t see why you couldn’t just enjoy yourself.”

“I’m not ready. It wouldn’t be fair for me to try to date someone yet. I’m a disaster.”

“You’re not a disaster,” Madison protested.

“Madison, I live on your couch. I’m essentially jobless. The least I need to do before I start dating someone is get this bar set up and be living on my own.”

“I see your point. But you are cute though. You’ve got that working for you.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“I just hate the thought of you being alone while your cheating ex gets to live happily ever after in a home that was meant to be yours.”

“I’m not alone. I have you,” Quinn answered in earnest. She gave Madison’s arm a pat.

Madison offered her a smile.

“I’ve actually enjoyed having you around the past few months,” Madison admitted.

“I do bring a bit of fun to your otherwise dull existence.”

“My existence isn’t dull.”

“You do puzzles as a hobby.” Quinn crinkled her nose at Madison.

“I happen to enjoy puzzles.”

“I know. That’s what perplexes me.”

“Listen, I haven’t questioned your obsession for anime,” Madison teased.

“Anime is awesome.”

“So are puzzles.”

“Fine,” Quinn laughed.

“There are definitely weirder things to be into. And you can’t judge it till you try it. Help me with one puzzle. I guarantee you’ll be hooked.”

“Puzzles are the gateway hobby. I tell you what. I’ll work a puzzle with you if we can watch anime while we do it.”

“Sold,” Madison laughed.

Madison checked her cell phone and frowned.

“I should get going,” Madison said with resigned indifference.

“Alright. I’ll see you tonight,” Quinn answered with a smile.

She watched as Madison pushed open the door and walked out. Quinn was once again alone in her bar with no idea what to do. She was capable of handling the task in front of her, Quinn had no doubts in her abilities.