Until Next Time (27 page)

When Gavin’s arms wound around her waist, she simply closed her eyes and let everything in her mind go blank.

Unfortunately for her, Gavin didn’t want to dance in silence. He pressed her closer, putting them cheek to cheek.

“So that’s the man who stole you away from me,” he murmured, swinging them slowly around so Piper could see Quinn’s hard expression across the room.

“He stole nothing. He was here first.”

Gavin sighed. “How long have you been seeing him?”

“About a week before I met you.” Though Piper didn’t know why she was telling him this. It was none of his business. But something about the lull of Gavin’s breathing, the confident way in which he held her, and the fact that she knew he would make a fitting—and uncomplicated lover—made her nerves about the whole situation settle.

“Ah, so if only I’d made that first appointment to see you earlier, you’d be with me right now.” He chuckled lightly, blowing her hair gently.

It was with that admission that Piper realized how true those words were. And then maybe she wouldn’t be having all these conflicted emotions swimming around inside her. She wouldn’t have to worry about what people thought, did, and wanted, because she still wouldn’t care.

That was what she wanted…right?

Gavin swung her around again, his grip massaging the side of her waist.

“My timing stinks, then,” he commented. “If it ever doesn’t work out, though…” He leaned out, giving her a wink and drew her back in. “Call me.”

“You’re awfully bold.”

“I know a good find when I see one, is all.”

Her eyes locked on Quinn along the edge of the dance floor, his unfathomable stare still fixed on her. Yes, she knew a good find when she found one, too. Someone soft. Someone caring. Someone careful. Someone perfect. Something she’d never even looked for before. Something she’d never cared about. Someone who opened her up and showed her things she’d been missing.

Quinn.

She might hate what he did to her, what he showed her, what he made her feel, but the emotions curling around her heart were furthest from hate. The feeling unfurled, entwining itself around her entire chest, restricting her air, splintering her thoughts.

Gavin twisted, tearing Piper’s gaze away from Quinn. Away from the man she loved. Her heart thundered with that admission. She’d never be able to tell him. Even though she was certain she’d felt that way for a while, she could barely utter the words inside her head. And now she had to figure out how to make that feeling go away. That was a stupid thought. She
knew
that this feeling wouldn’t go away. She knew she had to face it. And she hated that.

“And from the look on Quinn’s face,” Gavin added, “it seems he knows when he’s found a good one, too.”

Gavin gave her a gentle laugh, putting a comfortable distance between their bodies. “Lucky man.”

<<<<>>>>>

Quinn’s fingers tightened around his punch cup. He should be the one on the dance floor with Piper. He wanted to feel her heat. Give her comfort. Be everything she ever needed.

But Quinn knew by the distant look in Piper’s eyes that she wasn’t
seeing
or hearing what Gavin said. She didn’t feel for Gavin what she felt for Quinn; of that, he was certain. But he didn’t have to like the way Gavin’s hand curled around her hip, or the way he kept drawing her close and whispering in her ear.

“Looks like someone needs a stiffer drink.”

At the sound of Mitch’s voice, Quinn snapped his head around. “What would make you think that?”

Mitch laughed a deep sound. “Because if you squeeze that cup any tighter, my friend, you’ll get purple goo all over your nice suit.”

With great effort, Quinn relaxed his grip. “I was watching Piper.”

“You mean you were watching Piper with another man who wants her.”

Quinn coughed, taking another swig of his drink to swallow the thump in his throat. “Gavin’s face gives it away too well,” he commented.

“Piper’s face says a lot, too.”

Quinn’s gaze swung to Piper, then back to Mitch. “You’ve known her longer than anyone I’ve met, Mitch…what does her face say to you?”

“More than words could possibly say.”

“Try me.”

“If I know Piper, I know she’s terrified right now. Look at the way she’s gripping Gavin’s sleeves. Her steps are jerky, tight. And she’s yet to
look
at him.”

Quinn craned his neck, getting a better looking at the dancing couple. Mitch was right. Quinn squinted, focusing on the tight lines around Piper’s lips, the hardness in her eyes, and the slight tremble to her gripping fingers.

“No,” Mitch added, “her attention is pretty far away from the man in her arms.”

Then where was her attention? Still combing through what happened earlier in the day? Fighting with the understanding of the conversation with Mitch and Paul?

Mitch’s robust laugh drew Quinn’s attention back to him.

“What’s so funny?” Quinn asked.

“You. You’re concentrating so hard I’m surprised you haven’t had an aneurysm.”

“Just thinking. Nothing wrong with that.”

“I’d say you’re more than thinking. You haven’t figured our girl out yet, have you?”

Quinn closed his eyes, remembering everything he and Piper had shared. Everything he’d learned about this fascinating, complex creature. Everything he loved. Everything he couldn’t tell her. Everything he couldn’t have with her.

He blew out a hard breath. “I’ve figured her out, all right. Losing her would be like losing a body part at this point.”

Mitch’s eyes lit up. “You’re more than smitten with her, aren’t you?”

“’Fraid so.”

And there it was…out in the open…to one of Piper’s closest friends. Quinn hoped he hadn’t just made the mistake of a lifetime.

Mitch slapped his back. “How wonderful! Piper hasn’t been in a serious relationship since I’ve known her.”

Quinn withheld an aggravated groan. He knew that. “Piper doesn’t want
us
to be a serious relationship, either, Mitch.” His eyes flicked once more to the woman he loved on the dance floor. “And that,
my friend
, is the problem.”

Mitch’s voice went serious. “I suggest you do something about it, then.”

“Some things are easier said than done. If I tell her how I feel, I might lose her.” Actually, he knew he would lose her. Piper didn’t love him. Wouldn’t love him. She couldn’t.

“Might I tell you a story?”

Quinn took a gulp of his now warm punch. “Of course.”

“When I met Paul, he wasn’t looking for anything serious, either. From what he’d told me, he’d been in several serious relationships—all of them ending badly. With me, he’d only wanted a tryst.”

“Hmm,” Quinn commented. “Sounds a lot like Piper.”

The corner of Mitch’s mouth curled with a smile. “True. I’ve always held hope that Piper would change her ways. She wasn’t the same after her father passed away. I imagine losing everyone she’s loved has taken a toll on her.” Mitch’s gaze went to Piper. His calm expression narrowed, giving Quinn a good look at a protective friend. “She never talked to me about it in detail…” Mitch admitted. “I was there for her as much as she’d let me be. The woman has a way of keeping people at arm’s length even though she doesn’t realize it most of the time.”

This man really did know Piper. What Quinn wouldn’t give to pick at his brain for a few hours. “So when you’ve got someone like Piper, what do you do?” he asked.

Mitch’s grin was quick. “Well, with Paul, I was happy to go along with his little friends-with-benefits thing. Not only because I was attracted to him, but because it’s difficult to meet people in our field. Something freaks people out about dealing with death.”

“I can imagine.” Although Quinn never thought of it as strange. He’d always found it fascinating. It took strong people to do what these people did. Very strong people.

“So most of us learn that when you find something that works, something that makes you happy, you fight for it.”

Quinn shook his head. Piper wouldn’t agree with that statement. He, however, did.

“I learned quickly that Paul was exactly what I’d been looking for. So I had two choices.” Mitch’s gaze locked on Quinn. “Care to guess what they were?”

“Tell him and lose him would be one, I imagine.” He clucked his tongue, not wanting to picture that scenario with Piper. “You got me on the other.”

“The other was
not
telling him, still losing him down the road and never knowing what could have been.”

“What about not telling him and keeping him for as long as you can? That sounds like a viable option.”

Mitch’s expression went soft. “But there would always be the what-if, Quinn. You’ll always lose them in the end if you don’t tell someone how you feel, what you need. Always. The question is, do you want to do that? Do you want to lose Piper without knowing what if?”

Quinn swung his attention back to Piper. Her expression remained somewhat conflicted and pained, even as her feet floated across the floor.

What he would give to see her smile in this moment. Tell her something to light up her face, wipe away her concerns, and just…be. But
being
suddenly wasn’t good enough for Quinn. He needed more. Wanted more.

And even if Piper didn’t realize it herself, she needed more, too. Maybe he was the one who could finally give it to her. Maybe he could tell her all the things he’d been thinking. Maybe they could find happiness together, the kind that would last forever.

Quinn didn’t want to live the rest of his life wondering what if. Now only if he was strong enough to break the promise he’d sworn to keep.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Quinn’s hand settled on the back of Piper’s dress as he led her back to the room. Her posture was strangely rigid, her eyes unusually dark. And she hadn’t said a word to him since he’d swept her off the dance floor…and out of Gavin’s arms.

She moved away from him quickly as the door to the suite closed behind them.

“Piper.”

Piper froze at the entrance to the bathroom door, her hand clutching the frame. But she didn’t turn around. She didn’t look at him.

When she didn’t speak, Quinn strode across the room, pressing himself into her back. He doubted Piper realized how quickly she eased back, allowing her body to curl against his.

He dropped his lips to her collarbone. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

She turned then, splaying her hands across his chest. Her eyes were hooded, clouded. “Tell me that everything will go back to normal when we go back home, Quinn.” Her voice was timid, concerned.

His arms wound around her back, taking away the last inch or so that separated them. “Do you think it will?”

Her head bobbed, settling warmly against his chest. “I need it to. I need to erase all the stuff I’ve learned from the last twenty-four hours and go back to being
me.
I need to be able to survive this week without thinking about…”

As her voice trailed off, Quinn tugged her close. “Shh. It’s okay, Piper.”

“No, I don’t know if it will be okay. And now that you’re tossed into this mix, things are changing…” Her gaze flitted to his. “Don’t you feel they’re changing?
We
are changing?”

His chest constricted. “Yes.”

He didn’t know how to show her that these changes—their relationship and her new feelings—would be okay. He would make them okay. But he just needed her to tell him how.

Her hand curled around the lapel of his jacket. Her head dipped back, and Quinn caught the look of need in her eyes. Was it a need for him? Or a need for space? Or a need for something he didn’t even know about?

God help him, he had to figure it out…and fast.

“Tell me what you need, Piper.” His fingers brushed over her cheek and her eyes fluttered closed. “I’ll give you anything you ask.”

“You.” She rose to her tiptoes, placing featherlight kisses along his jaw. “Right now, I need you. This…” Her lips traveled across his chin, down the side of his neck. “Just love me, Quinn.”

His body went rigid with shock. Did she mean…?

No.
Surely not. She was conflicted, confused, and hurt over the things she’d learned about herself here. Things about herself she’d tried to ignore and push away. At this moment she needed to feel grounded, protected, and loved…even though she didn’t truly want the love part. She wanted to feel it, if only for a moment. At least that’s what he was betting on.

His finger caught her chin, forcing her eyes to look at him directly. And there it was…the unmistakable flash of hunger in her depths. While he knew this wasn’t the answer to what was bothering her, Quinn wasn’t going to turn her down or push her away and force her to discuss it. He was going to give her what she asked for.

He was going to love her.

His lips hovered above hers as he whispered his response. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Her entire body shuddered in his arms. He caught her lips, gradually, carefully, drawing out his own need for this woman. His own dying devotion and love. Slowly. He was going to love her slowly. Like his very life depended on it. Because if he wasn’t mistaken, there was more than hunger in those nutmeg eyes. There was an unspoken question, perhaps an emotion that Piper was fighting.

He didn’t want her fighting anything tonight. He only wanted her to feel.

His kiss slanted, probing deeper, needing more. She opened for him easily, swiping her tongue across his, causing a groan to rumble up his throat. While he searched her luscious mouth, enjoying the heat of pleasure tumbling through him, his fingers found the zipper at the back of her dress. To tease her, he slowly he eased it down, allowing his thumb to graze the silken skin along the middle of her back. When she moaned in his mouth, it was all he could do to not rip the dress the rest of the way off.

With his tongue never leaving the hollows of her mouth, he helped her shimmy out of the dress, allowing it to crumble carelessly to the floor. Piper tugged at his tie and pushed his jacket off his shoulders. Frantic movements, jerky.

Quinn caught her wrists, making her still instantly. She looked up at him in confusion.

“Slow down, precious. I have all night to love you.”

She blinked, her cheeks bursting in deep pink. He drew her arms out and up, making them horizontal to her body.

“Stay like this,” he said, his voice darker and hungrier than he’d intended.

She obeyed without question.

Tamping down his own need to ravish her, Quinn stepped back and drank in the sight of her body. Perfect cream skin, the curve of her hip begging to be touched, the swell of her breasts begging to be kissed. And her lips. God. His eyes flicked to the thin sliver of lace panties covering her succulent mound. That part of her body didn’t beg. It screamed. It was as obvious as the gentle quiver in her thighs as he stared.

Piper licked her lips, drawing his attention back up.

“God, Piper, looking at you is enough to drive a man insane.”

Her smile was careful, but sexy. She still didn’t believe that she deserved to be loved, to be truly cherished. He would show her that was an utter lie.

His hand brushed along her stomach as he ducked under her outstretched arms and stepped behind her. As he pressed himself against her back, his fingers glided up her rib cage, tracing the line of her matching bra. He ran his hands along her shoulder blades, up and down the side of her neck, before taking a long sweep across both her arms.

“Quinn.” Her voice cracked.

“Hold on, precious.”

Her skin was hot to his touch, igniting his nerves, making his pants feel like they were a few sizes too small. He nipped at her collarbone as he unsnapped the clasp of her bra. With self control he didn’t even know he possessed, he drew the thin strap down her bare arms, allowing Piper’s limbs to rest at her sides. Kneeling behind her, he hooked two fingers in each side her panties. Again with unhurried movements, he guided the lace down her hips, stopping to kiss the perfect curve, before his fingers helped the fabric dance the rest of the way down her legs.

Finally she was completely bare. He rose, shucking off his jacket, then his shirt, leaving only his pants. He drew her back against his chest, needing to feel her velvet flesh against his. Needing the spark that erupted over every part of him when they were skin on skin.

He swept her hair off her shoulder, taking pleasure with his lips against the sensitive skin. He suckled, kissed and nipped, while Piper squirmed. When his hand found the mound of her breasts, she arched, moaning. While his lips searched every inch of her back and neck he could reach, he allowed his fingers to work their magic. Piper’s breasts were firm and full in his hands, and he squeezed them gently. Her nipples hardened beneath the tweaks of his fingertips. He plucked at them, nipping her neck and twisting the hardened points at the same time.

She sagged against him, her head falling back onto his shoulder. “Quinn.”

One hand skimmed down her stomach, sliding into the rich curls of her sex. He continued to caress her collarbone and neck with his lips and teased her nipples, as Piper’s slick heat surrounded him the instant his finger found her sweet spot.

He worked her mercilessly, scrapping his teeth across her back, rubbing the button between her hot folds, and never letting go of her tighten peaks.

“Is this what you wanted, Piper?” His voice rasped along her shoulder blade, his tongue dipping out and tracing the arch of her spine.

“Yes.” She hissed the word, practically bucking against his hands.

His own erection throbbed beneath his constricting pants, but he didn’t care. This was about Piper. Her pleasure. Her need.

His arms tightened, crushing her against him as his fingers worked Piper until she cried out, shuddering, breathless and boneless in his arms. He stopped his assault instantly, quickly guiding her to the bed. He laid her down so that she faced him, her legs hanging over the bottom. Her faced was gloriously flushed, her breaths quick and her eyes dazed with her high state of arousal.

He briefly wondered how many other men had been able to make Piper look like that, but quickly pushed the thought away. It didn’t matter, anyway. He wasn’t going to make Piper see that
he
was the only man who could make her feel. Make her want. Make her need…him.

With a flick and click, he allowed his dress pants to fall to the floor. His erection sprang out, his eyes never leaving Piper.

She was panting now, her eyes heavy. He bent, trailing kisses up her stomach, licking those perfect rosy peaks on her breasts, nipping the side of her neck, and finally capturing her lips in the kiss that shattered him completely.

If Quinn had thought he’d been in love before, he’d been wrong. Because as her scent surrounded him, consumed him, as her tongue danced along with his, as her hips arched, legs curling around him like a blanket, he knew he’d never felt like this before. And he’d never feel like this again. Not without Piper. Never without Piper.

She was the hard that went perfectly with his soft. Her detachment was an act, and Quinn savored in watching it slither away each time she was in his arms. He knew he affected her in ways she wasn’t ready for, just as he knew she did the same thing to him.

Quinn eased back, needing to see Piper. Her expression was one of lust and longing. God, he could see that face every night and never get enough of it.

Piper’s legs dropped as Quinn latched his hands around her waist and drew her to the very edge of the bed. His swollen erection bumped along those sweet folds, and Quinn ground his teeth, trying his best to keep his need controlled.

Piper moaned, tossing her head to the side as her legs spread wider for him.

“Look at me, Piper. I need to see you.”

Again, she obeyed. He lifted her hips slightly, easing himself inside her. Inch by slow inch. Piper arched, sucking him in deeper, locking her legs around his hips. She surrounded him. Consumed him.

Broke him.

Her hips bucked, causing his body to tighten and his fingers to bite into Piper’s flesh. With her eyes locked on his, he began to move. Long, slow thrusts, drawing out the most wonderful sounds from Piper. Her hands bunched into the sheets as he picked up the perfect rhythm.

Everything around him fizzed out, until Quinn could only hear Piper’s cries of pleasure, could only feel her heat engulfing him as he continued to draw out their ecstasy. Each thrust was met with a wonderful grind of her hips.

Each beautiful moan falling from her lips was met with a hungry groan from his. They were so perfect together. So in tune with what each other needed. How could he get Piper to see that?

Piper’s body clenched, and Quinn felt the tremors build within her. His thighs bunched as he picked up the pace, needing to feel her release, needing to capture his own. Needing them both to happen at the exact same time.

“Hold on, precious,” he growled. “Hold on tight.”

He propelled himself into her over and over, and she met him thrust for thrust.

“Quinn!” Her voice was like music, caressing the very depths of his soul.

They exploded at the same time, the earth spinning and tilting around them, the very bed shaking beneath their shudders and quick breaths. Quinn’s body twitched as Piper dropped her hips to the bed, his erection still buried to the hilt. All his thoughts splintered in that moment of pleasure. Her face was like an angel, her body glistening with sweat. She was shivering with pleasure, her lips quivering.

He bent, his body still snug inside hers, and plundered her mouth. God, he couldn’t get enough. He licked and nipped at her tongue, winded and hot. And ready to never, ever let her go.

“Piper.” His voice was hoarse as he dragged in ragged breaths between long kisses.

Her hands dove into his hair, pulling him closer. Her legs curled around his back, locking him inside her. Not that he ever wanted move. He couldn’t focus, couldn’t think. All he could feel and sense was her.

“I love you, Piper. God, I love you.”

Piper’s hands froze in Quinn’s hair, her body like cement around him. Her eyelashes fluttered open wide.

“What did you say?” Her voice was barely there, like a whisper on a windy night.

His forehead fell against hers as his breath rushed across her face. “God, Piper…I’m sorry.” What had he done?

His kissed her, gently, knowing that action wouldn’t help with the promise he’d broken. But he’d needed to be truthful. She had to know how he felt…even if she never did feel the same way. He understood that, could deal with it. But he couldn’t hide any longer. He heaved a deep breath and pulled himself away from Piper. Away from her warmth. Away from her shock. Piper curled the sheet around her body, clutching it like a shield.

She broke her stare, dropping her gaze to the tight weave of the tan carpet. “
I’m sorry?
That’s all you have to say? You promised me, Quinn.”