A Broken Soul(10)

"You just laughed."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I tend to do that when something's funny or totally ridiculous."

"I don't think I want to know which one of those I am," I cringed.

That smile of his inched a bit closer to his eyes. "You're funny."

"Oh," I drew out sarcastically. "You see, I was confused, because earlier today I thought you were a robot. You know, devoid of all facial expressions other than complete disinterest?" I crossed my own arms over my chest, mimicking his stance. "I'm sure you could understand my confusion."

He at least had the decency to look ashamed as he rubbed at the back of his neck uncomfortably. "Yeah, I wasn't really at my best earlier. I'm sorry about that."

At least he apologized, I thought to myself. "Well, you're forgiven …  if you promise me that you'll keep tonight's little … " I waved my hand in the direction of my smoky apartment, " … accident from Eliza. I swear to God, that woman lives to tell me I told you so."

Quinn chuckled again, and the sound of it sent a zing of pleasure through me. "Scout's honor," he returned, holding up three fingers.

"Thanks." I smiled and reached a hand out in front of me for him to shake. "I think we might have gotten off on the wrong foot earlier. I know we've technically known each other for a couple years now, but we haven't actually talked. I'm Lilly Mathewson. It's nice to officially meet you …  in spite of the circumstances."

"Quinn Mallick." His large hand engulfed mine, sending a shot of warmth up my arm. Oh, this man was potent. "Nice to meet you as well."

We both went silent as we stared at each other, hands still clasped together in a slow shake. My heart kicked up at what I could have sworn was a moment between us, but before I could be sure a loud voice called out, breaking through whatever was happening. "Yo, Mallick!" We both turned to see that the rest of the crew was loaded up. "We gotta go, man."

"Coming." Quinn turned back to me and gave me that chin lift that only guys were capable of pulling off. "You should be good to go back inside, just open up the windows." He said it so casually that I suddenly got the sense that the fizzle I'd just felt between us was all in my head. "Be safe, Lilly."



       
         
       
        

"Yeah …  you too."

"And maybe no more cooking for …  well, forever," he called over his shoulder as he reached the fire engine, shooting me a wink before he climbed in and shut the door.

Yep. Definitely potent.





Quinn



"MORNING," I ANNOUNCED as I pushed through the back door of my parents' house. The welcoming smell of coffee a pleasant hit to my senses. They sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast as I beelined for the coffee machine. I stopped to pat my dad's shoulder and give Mom a kiss on the cheek, but if I didn't get some caffeine in my system soon, I was going to pass out where I stood.

"Long night?" Dad asked, as I took my first fortifying sip.

I gave him a bland look that was all the answer he needed. "Nothing too serious, but enough to keep us from getting any sleep."

Mom stood up and patted my cheek. "My poor boy. Why don't you let me make you something to eat really quick?" I was just about to tell her it wasn't necessary as she started fussing around, but before I could get the words out, my stomach let loose a loud rumble.

"Sophia awake yet?" I asked, as I finished off my coffee and poured myself another.

"Yep," Mom answered. "She's getting a shower."

That gave me about ten minutes to caffeinate and get some food in my belly before I had to take her to school. "How was she? She behave all right?"

"Perfect little angel," Dad replied with a smile on his face. As far as my father was concerned, Sophia could burn the house to the ground and she'd still be perfect in his eyes. She had her Papaw wrapped around her little finger. She could do no wrong. It was hilarious to see Bill Mallick, the man who'd been known as a powerhouse within the Pembrooke Fire Department, brought to heel by a tiny slip of a girl, but my father wouldn't have it any other way.

Knowing that about him, I turned to my mother for an honest answer. She gave me a knowing grin. "She was fine, dear." She set two slices of French toast and a side of bacon in front of me and took her seat once again. "But she woke up in the middle of the night again." Here we go, I thought, knowing exactly what was coming. "Sweetheart. You really need to stop letting her get into bed with you." I gave her a look that screamed I don't want to hear it.