"I leave tonight. But I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Of course. Have a seat." We sat and faced each other. "Is everything okay?"
"I know about your conversation with James."
He stiffened, but nodded, not denying it. "Okay. Well, I told him some things I'm sure he shared. Are you here because you're upset with me?"
I sighed. "I'm here because I need to tell you the truth. I thought about us, Brian. I imagined what we would be like if I chose you over James. But I can also tell you it will never happen. I admire you and like you as a friend. I respect you as a boss and the director of the clinic. If James and I broke up, I still wouldn't date you. We're not meant to be, but I don't feel comfortable taking this job if you don't truly understand. We'll be working long hours together, and if you can't get past it, I need to decline the position."
Relief cut through me. There. It was out, and though I hated the idea of losing the job I'd worked so hard for, I couldn't deal with the tension between us or the constant concern from James if we did stay together.
Brian looked startled and leaned over the desk. "I'm sorry, Quinn. Sorry I put you in this position or gave you the wrong idea. I do like you, and I see things in you and James that remind me of my ex-wife. But I stepped over the line, especially telling your boyfriend he's not good enough for you. What do I know? There is no one that could fill the position like you. And I promise, there will be no tension or questionable moves on my part. Do you believe me?"
I looked into his brown eyes and saw the truth. He may have been attracted to me, but he'd never let that take priority over the clinic. I saw the honesty in his face and the apology in his gaze.
I smiled. "I believe you. Thanks, Brian."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you came to me. Have a good time on vacation. Come back rested and ready to work."
I laughed and rose from my chair. "I will."
I went home and packed, my soul lighter and feeling as if one door had closed, leaving another open. I still didn't know what I was going to do about James, but all I wanted was to hug my girlfriends, have a Sex on the Beach, and talk it out.
Chapter Nineteen
JAMES
I'd lost her.
How long had I stayed in my apartment, waiting for some miracle? Waiting for her to come back to me, declare her love, and tell me she wanted to start over?
I realized again I'd made her my world, and then destroyed her. I had no friends, no family, and no career. Sinking into the depths of depression, I heard Brian's words in my head, over and over.
You're going to break her heart.
And I had. But as the clock ticked, I came to another surprising truth, and an odd strength began to unfurl deep in my gut.
Quinn loved me, but I needed to get my shit together.
Quinn thought I was deserving and talented, so I needed to believe in myself, too.
I thought over my choices. About how much I loved art, and how Ava had screwed me up, and what I could do about it. About my wrong choices, and how I needed to make a stand to show Quinn I was the man she needed me to be. Yeah, it was gonna be messy, but at least I'd be telling the truth and trying to move forward.
It really wasn't about Brian at all. Or even Ava. It was about my own insecurities, and confusion, and crap. It was about believing and trusting in Quinn and her love for me.
Time to deal with it.
I made the call. Got a meeting with the Dean for 2:00 p.m. I gathered up all my work since the year had started then headed into The Brush Institute.
First, I'd take care of business.
Then I'd go after her.
Chapter Twenty
QUINN
"I can't believe five days have gone by already," Mac sighed, her familiar wide-brimmed hat hiding her from the sun.
"It's been a hell of a week," Cassie sighed, sipping her own fruit concoction. We had all carved out a few hours to sip cocktails in the sun and enjoy the last of our freedom before our final night.
How different this trip was from last year. Yes, we still sipped our Sex on the Beach drinks, and lay in the sun, and teased and laughed with each other. Yes, Mac was still a huge country star hidden behind a stylish hat, and Cassie was still serious and involved in another dangerous case since she'd testified a week ago at trial.
But James wasn't here. It had nothing to do with the yacht, or his mansion, or the wild parties. I missed him so bad, my body wept with the pain. His smile, his touch, his laugh. I missed the way he used to put his hand at the small of my back when we walked together, in protection and possession. I missed the way he knew I hated beer, and liked things tidy, and needed to help others in order to feel whole. I loved the way he held me in his arms, with all the rough passion I needed to be completely alive. I loved who I was when I was with him.
Mac peered at me from under the shadowed brim. "You miss him."
I laughed. They knew me best. When I'd first arrived and told them everything, they'd cursed James and vowed to kill him. It was only later, when I discussed how the last six months had developed between us, telling them about Brian and what Ava had done, that they began to understand, and grudgingly told me if I forgave James, they would, too.
"Yeah."
Cassie gave me a searching look. "You're ready to forgive him, aren't you?"
Slowly, I nodded. I had needed the time away to see what life was like without James. And I realized something else. I could live without him. I was strong, capable, and would find love again.
But I didn't want to.
I wanted to forgive, rebuild, and go on stronger than before. Wasn't that what real love was about? Messiness and mistakes and some pain in order to appreciate the good stuff? Deciding what I could and couldn't live with? I'd learned so much about myself and James this past year. I wasn't ready to let it go.
"Good," Mac announced. "I hate seeing you unhappy. And it seems like James is your true fit. Your other half."
I smiled and reached out, linking my hands with theirs. "I love you guys. I haven't seen you as much this past year," I said. "Can we make a vow to do this every Spring Break? Whether we bring boys or not?"
My girls nodded and raised their glasses. "Absolutely. To us. Best friends."
We all clinked glasses and smiled. "But the party isn't over yet," Mac reminded us. "Captain Crowe's tonight for a surprise."
"No hint?" I asked teasingly.
"Nope. We'll all meet there."
"Are you going to call James and tell him?" Cassie asked.
I shook my head. "We need to talk in person. When I get back to Chicago, hopefully, he'll be ready to move forward. Or not."
"He will," Mac said forcefully. "He's nuts about you. Even if he is broke now."
Cassie and I laughed. "But more honorable," Cassie added. "And much more of a man deserving of Quinn. Better than the rich dude with the asshole friends."
We all drank and then went our different ways for the rest of the afternoon.
I dressed a bit more carefully for the last night. Black skirt, strappy sandals--flats, not heels, since I still sucked walking in them--and a silvery tank that shimmered when I walked. Something fun and flirty to make myself feel good. I headed down Duval Street, enjoying the mad revelry of the crowds, drinking and shouting, laughing and dancing in honor of the sunset. I strolled slowly, the sun burning my shoulders, remembering how James used to keep slathering suntan lotion on me because of my fair skin, and suddenly, tears stung my eyes. All I wanted was to call him and tell him I loved him.
I would.
Screw it. I'd tell Mac and Cassie I needed to talk to him, right then and there, and find someplace private and call him and--
A familiar figure was moving toward me. The sun blocked my view and I blinked furiously, wondering why those burnished waves and that tall, lean body looked like James. He walked forward with a determined purpose, gaze narrowed on me, and suddenly the crowds parted and he was in front of me. Those beloved stingin
g-blue eyes, filled with need and a bit of wariness, stared into mine. My breath caught.
"James?"
I couldn't say anything else. He leaned forward, cupped my cheeks, and bent my head. Kissed me with a purity and tenderness that broke through my soul. Then slowly, he lifted his head.
"I couldn't stay away, Quinn. I love you, and I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. Your heart is part of mine--I'm only half a man without you. Forgive me. Give me another chance."
I broke open and gave him everything I had. "Yes," I breathed against his lips. "I don't want a life without you. I want another chance together, stronger than before. I love you."
He growled and lifted me in his arms, kissing me passionately. He swung me around in the middle of Duval Street, and I knew everything would be okay.
"I was going to call you," I said when he put me down. "I couldn't stand being without you another second."
"And I wanted to give you enough time to yourself, but I knew I'd follow you anywhere. Listen, Quinn, I went to the Brush Institute. I spoke with administration and told them everything about Ava."
I stiffened. It still hurt a bit, but most of the sharpness had faded. "What happened?"
"We had a meeting, and two other students came forward. Both male. They admitted to being pursued by Ava, and there's an investigation being done."
I let out a sigh of relief. No other student should go through that, not when they just wanted to learn a craft. "What about the show?"
"I told them I was pulling out of the show, but Lucas--the other art teacher who mentors students--saw my work. He came to the house and asked me to stay. Said I had enough talent on my own and to stop questioning my abilities. He said he sees huge things for me, Quinn, and he had tons of connections. He wants to take me on."
I squealed and hugged him hard. "I knew it! I knew you'd do it on your own. I'm so proud of you, baby."
He kissed me again and laughed with joy. "Let's celebrate."
"Cassie and Mac are at Captain Crowe's. There's going to be a surprise."
"Well, let's go and say hello to the crew."
We walked hand-in-hand to the bar where we'd hung out last year, and dove into the mad crowd, having fun drinking and chattering, the music loud and full of life. We caught up with Cassie, who hugged both of us when we told her we were back together, and suddenly Mac was climbing to the front of the bar in a surprise concert that pumped up the crowd. She called out a special dedication, and then Austin was beside her, and they were singing and looking at each other with such love, I knew they'd finally found their happily-ever-after ending.
We filled the rest of the hours with drinks and laughter. I noticed Cassie and Ty talking at the bar, and I had a good feeling they might be able to re-connect. They fit so well together.
Later, when darkness had fallen and the moon was full, James and I walked barefoot on the beach where we had shared our first kiss. "You're so fucking beautiful," he said huskily. "I look at you now and love you even more. You're it, Quinn. You're the woman who makes me whole. I want to strip off this little black skirt, lay you in the sand, and fuck you long and hard until the sun comes up."
I lifted on tiptoes, the warm surf swirling around my ankles, and dragged his head down.
"What are you waiting for?" I whispered naughtily.
So he did.
Epilogue
JAMES
SO, MAYBE THIS IS A LOVE STORY.
We flew back from Key West and decided to move in together. Quinn graduated with honors and flung herself into her new job at the clinic, spearheading a new program that almost doubled their clients. I was so fucking proud of her. She was good for this world, her inner light spilling out to everyone she met, a reminder of everything pure and right.
For me? Well, I worked frantically, building new pieces, and the expo was a huge success. Lucas pushed me hard, harder than Ava ever had, in a different way, and I came out with a bunch of offers and contacts. Another year or two, and I may even be able to open up my new studio, but right now, the money is good, and I finally got to quit Joe's. I work odd hours at the studio, and there's some travel involved, but I'm finally living my dream, on my own terms.
And us? We're strong. The problems with Ava helped us rebuild our foundation. I'm not trying to change my way for her anymore, and I finally believe I'm worth something. I'm coming into myself a bit more every day, and she steps back and lets me find my way. Loves me anyway. And when she's in my arms? She gives me everything she's got, no holds barred. She fucks me with the intensity of a woman who has given her body and soul, her mind and heart, and that's all I ever wanted.
I'm going to ask her to marry me soon.
So, yeah. We got lucky. This one is a love story.
I'm so fucking glad I got to write a whole new ending.
The End
Also by Jennifer Probst
She's an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she's a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right--but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty--radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude--is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there's no halting their sizzling flirtation--a red-hot, high-speed chase that's breaking all the limits.
Available at the following retailer
Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google
And for FREE
Take a Sneak Peak into all of Jennifer's Books!
This is NOT a book, but a compilation of covers, author's notes and sample chapters taken from the incredible career of NY Times Bestselling Author of The Marriage to a Billionaire Series, Jennifer Probst.
I've believed in love and happy endings since I was young.
It never came easy. It took me twenty years of nonstop work and dreams before I became a full time writer. I had to defend not only my love for the written word, and my non-practical career choice, but also my fierce respect and passion for the romance genre.
No matter. I let no one sway me from my path. Is it so wrong to believe in hope? To understand it's not about these stories all containing what critics deem a formulaic ending, but the unique journey of each book and characters we create and meet to push us, change us, and allow us to reach for something more?
That's the type of writer I wanted to be. That's the type of books I wanted to write.
There's humor in everything I write. Sometimes a bit zany, sometimes laugh out loud, and sometimes so subtle it's like a brush of a kiss across a cheek. Barely there. But I believe humor is one important aspect I use to make sense out of events and shine a flicker of light into a dark corner.
Available at the following retailer
Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google
Acknowledgements
It takes a team to make a book. A huge thank you to Cool Gus for all their support and hard work. Thank goodness I don't have to do this alone!
A quick shout-out to my street team, The Probst Posse, who helped with picking my cover and did some beta reading. You guys are the best!
Don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter to keep up to date with releases, receive exclusive deleted scenes, and be included to win TWO prizes including a gift card each month. Sign up here: https://www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter I adore chatting with my readers so make sure you connect with me on social media - I always write back!
More Sex on the Beach
BEFORE YOU
By Jenna Bennett
It's all fun and games
I had a simple plan for spring break.
Sun, sand, and a hot guy. Sex on the beach wi
th no strings attached.
A chance to get rid of this pesky virginity once and for all.
And when I met Tyler McKenna, I thought I had it made.
Until someone gets hurt
But then girls started turning up at Key West landmarks. Girls who looked like me, but with one crucial difference: They'd all been drugged and relieved of their virginity.
The virginity I still have. The virginity Ty refuses to take.
And now I've begun to wonder whether there isn't more to him than meets the eye.
Suddenly, sex on the beach doesn't sound so good anymore...
Praise for BEFORE YOU:
"The story felt fun, as Cassie enjoys the sunshine, and things develop and start to sizzle when she meets Ty. It kept me on the edge of my seat...and I was curling my toes at the romance." -Bella, from A Prairie Girl Reads
"A thrilling mystery mixed with romance and some much needed humor and wittiness, Before You is an enjoyable and gripping story." -Stella, Ex Libris
BETWEEN US
By Jen McLaughlin
I'm just a girl...
I'm a famous country star who's spent her life cultivating a good girl persona to avoid bad press, but I've reached my limit. I'm going away for spring break with my two best friends from college, and we've vowed to spend the vacation seeking out fun in the sun--along with some hot, no-strings-attached sex. The only thing I needed was the perfect guy, and then I met Austin Murphy. He might be totally wrong for me, but the tattooed bad boy is hard to resist. When I'm in his arms, everything just feels right.
And I'm just a guy...
I'm just a bartender who lives in Key West, stuck in an endless cycle of boredom. But then Mackenzie Forbes, America's Sweetheart herself, comes up to me and looks at me with those bright green eyes...and everything changes. She acts like she's just a normal girl and I'm just a normal guy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. My past isn't pretty, you know. I did what I had to do to survive, and she'd run if she learned the truth about my darkness. But with her, I'm finally realizing what it's like to be alive. To laugh, live, and be happy.