Playing for Keeps (20 page)

“My head is telling me to run in the other direction and not look back.”

“And your heart?” Quentin asked, stroking her cheek. “What does it say?”

“My heart says to throw my arms around you and kiss you,” Avery said. “But I don't know if I can trust you.”

“You can, Avery. I promise you can,” Quentin encouraged her. “You can trust me with your heart. And I promise I won't let you down again.”

“I don't know.” She shook her head.

“Baby, just do it. Just do what's in your heart.”

Avery couldn't resist him any longer. She had to do what her heart craved. “I love you, Quentin Davis!” She shouted and threw her arms around his neck. And when he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off her feet, she knew she'd made the right decision.

“And I love you, Avery Roberts.”

Much later, after they'd frolicked on the beach, splashing water on each other, they returned to the beach house where they made love slowly and languorously. There was a trail of strewn clothes across the beach house floor leading to the master bedroom.

Quentin's kisses that night were tender. His touch was sweet. Tears of happiness gleamed in Avery's eyes as his hands explored every inch of her feminine form, worshipping her.

“Thank you,” Quentin said later.

“For what?”

“For giving me and us another chance. And for helping me escape the demons of the past. For showing me what true love is.”

“You've done the same for me,” Avery said, stroking his cheek. “I've made peace with the fact that I'm adopted and that I won't have a relationship with Leah. And that I could have one with Richard if I so desire. But if I don't, I have two wonderful parents who love me dearly. And I have you.”

“We've both come a long way in a short time.” Quentin ran his fingertips from her nose down across her sweet, sensual lips. “After that gallery opening, who would ever have thought we'd end up like this?”

“Oh, I had some idea.” Avery smiled.

“You did not!”

“Well, maybe not in love, but from the moment I met you, I knew I wanted you.”

“And you have me,” Quentin said. “All of me. Any time you want.”

 

The following weekend, Avery and Quentin joined the gang at Dante's for Sage's birthday party. At first Quentin wasn't sure about coming, given the fact that his friends had been in on the bet. He didn't want Avery to think any less of them, but she'd assured him that all was forgiven and that it was water under the bridge. She was a real trouper and walked in with a smile.

Sage was amazed at her courage. Avery had shown character and Sage could respect that. “I am so glad that you're here and that you forgave Quentin,” Sage said, rushing toward Avery and giving her a hug. “It was stupid and childish and we should never have placed that bet. And I'm truly, truly sorry for my part in it.”

But Avery interrupted her. “Let's leave that in the past, okay? And start fresh.”

“You're very gracious. Thank you, Avery. And thank you for coming to my party.” Sage couldn't believe she was thirty years old!

While Avery and Sage chatted, Quentin joined Malik and Dante at the bar.

“I didn't think you had it in you, my man,” Dante said, coming forward and shaking Quentin's hand, “but you've found a great catch.” He'd never seen Quentin look so happy, so fulfilled. From the huge grin on his face, the man was in heaven.

“I have,” Quentin said, glancing at Avery. “And I don't intend to ever let her go.”

“Don't you sound all possessive,” Sage said as she and Avery came toward the men.

“Yeah, I'm a real he-man.” Quentin pounded his chest.

Avery was surprised when Malik, of all people, said, “Welcome to the family, Avery,” and gave her a warm hug. She would have thought he'd blame her for the trouble within their tight family unit. Apparently she was wrong, but then again that wouldn't be the first time. She'd misjudged Quentin when they'd first met.

“Thank you, Malik,” she said when he released her. “We appreciate your support. Don't we, Quentin?”

When Avery looked up at him with those big green eyes and he saw the love that shone in them, Quentin was overwhelmed. He had everything he could ever want—a great career, great friends and an even better woman.

“Quentin?” Sage laughed. “Now that you're part of the family, Avery, you must call him Q.”

“Oh? Well then, I love you, Q, Quentin Davis, with all my heart and soul.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a show-stopping kiss, which Quentin returned.

“And I love you, Avery Roberts.”