All I See Is You

13. Next Thing You Know

Chapter thirteen

Next Thing You Know

Quinn

I paced in the bedroom, anxiety rippling through me like a rising tide as I glanced at my phone for the twentieth time within the last few minutes. 6:03. “Whit, you look great. Now, hurry up.”

I hated being late. Like, hated it with every fiber of my being. Whit, though, seemed to have no such qualms. Everywhere we went, everything we did, I could always depend on her to be late. And even though I wasn’t going out with her tonight, I knew if I left her, poor Travis would likely be waiting for at least an hour.

“Are you sure about the black romper?” she asked, glancing at herself in the mirror for the eight-millionth time.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes as I sighed and pegged her with a hard stare. “Trust me, the black looks amazing against your tan. Now, please , let’s go.”

Hux was probably waiting for me, and every minute I spent in here meant another he spent outside in this god awful heat. Not to mention, another potential minute for my dad or Georgette, or both, to find him and heckle him.

“Ugh, fine! I’m ready,” Whit replied, even as she proceeded to continue staring at herself in the mirror.

“I’m leaving,” I finally huffed, already halfway out the door. Whit’s laughter echoed behind me as I made my way down the hall. My hurried footfalls matched the pace of my heartbeat. I nervously smoothed out my sundress and fussed over my hair, trying to ensure that everything was perfectly tidy and in place. Not that it mattered, but still.

Between the blast of ungodly heat as I stepped outside, and how damn attractive Hux was, I didn’t know which took my breath away more. His Levis were a dark wash, which contrasted well to the pale blue button up he wore with the sleeves neatly folded up to his elbows, leaving his tattooed forearm on full display. He wore a white straw hat again. I wondered how he managed to style himself so well if he couldn’t see. Did he have help? Or was it just a coincidence? Either way, he looked—well, let’s just say, I was already distracted. And with the way the tattoo on his right pec was playing peekaboo with the littlest movement he made, I wanted nothing more than to rip his shirt off and trace my fingertips over it.

Calm down, Quinn.

I hadn’t even said a word, but he stood a bit straighter, his sunglasses stare aiming my way.

Travis spoke before he managed to get a word out, startling me. I honestly hadn’t even realized he was here. I’d been so caught up in Hux. “Well, you sure look nice, Miss Quinn.”

“Thank you. You look nice as well. Whit should be out in just a second, she was right behind me.” I smiled at Travis before returning my attention to Hux, making my way toward him. “Hey,” I said softly, pressing a hand to his chest.

He drew me against him as if I’d been specifically made for his touch, and this feeling of contentment settled over me like a blanket. Or a hug. It was peaceful, yet somehow ridiculously attractive at the same time, sparking my desire.

“Hey, darlin’,” he murmured, dipping his mouth to mine for a soft kiss. I don’t know what I’d expected, but the ease with which he held me, kissed me, honestly just interacted with me in general in front of Travis did a number on my heart. Devin would have rather died than touch me like this in public. And yet, Hux did it like it was as normal as breathing.

Was this normal? We weren’t even together. Or were we? Was this just a hookup or did he want more? Did I want more?

I was so overthinking this . My heart jackhammered in my chest, the air all but vanishing from my lungs. My breath came out in shallow gasps when I finally pulled away from Hux’s kiss.

He let out a soft, appreciative huff. “You smell nice.”

I smiled. “You look…really, really good.“ My words were breathy and weak as I tucked a lock of my blonde waves behind my ear. Trying to recover, I glanced between us and laughed. “Oh my God, also, we match.”

He scoffed. “Really?”

I nodded. “The dress I’m wearing is white with a light blue paisley pattern. It matches your shirt.”

He let out a laugh, dropping his hold on me to grab at his shirt lightly. “Shit, this is blue? I didn’t even know I owned anything with color on it.”

“It’s definitely blue,” I giggled. “But I like it. It looks good on you.”

Whit finally came out onto the front porch then, stopping our conversation for a moment as all four of us shared a few words before saying goodbye.

When it was just the two of us once more, Hux asked, “So, you wanna go grab dinner first?”

I sighed. “About that…So, please, please, please feel free to say no. Like, you absolutely aren’t obligated to do this, and I know it’s probably weird and way too soon and—“

“Quinn,” Hux cut in, grabbing my hands and bringing them down. “You gotta stop with your hands. I just feel all the movement and it makes me nervous.”

“I’m so sorry!” Guilt welled within me, only adding to my already growing nerves. What would he think of me inviting him to dinner with my dad and Georgette? This was stupid. I should just lie and tell my dad that Hux said no. But I’d been an idiot and already opened my dumb mouth and said something.

“Now,” Hux said, drawing me from my thoughts. “What were you sayin’?” He released my hands, but trailed his own slowly up along my curves until he cupped my face. And just like that, the nerves vanished, desire and lust and need igniting in my veins from his scorching touch. It’s like he knew exactly what to do to set my heart aflame.

“Um…” What was I even talking about? My gaze fluttered to his lips then back up to his sunglasses stare. God, I wanted him. “I don’t remember what I was saying,” I admitted.

He chuckled, the sound a deep, sultry rumble in his chest reminding me of rolling thunder. A shiver of anticipation went down my spine. “We were talkin’ about dinner.”

“Right,” I managed to breathe out as his thumbs trailed up and down my jawline, his rough hands scraping against my skin. It was one the most wonderful feelings I’d ever felt. “My—um, that, uh, that feels really good.”

Another low laugh fell from him as one of his hands drifted to my hips before trailing down to the curve of my ass. “You feel really good, darlin’,” he whispered against my lips.

I melted into the caress, opening my mouth for him and flicking my tongue against his. The appreciative growl that escaped him nearly turned my legs to jello. Did I think this time yesterday I’d be making out on the front porch of my dad’s house with a hot AF cowboy? Nope, I sure didn’t. Did I mind? Not one fucking bit.

“Queenie! There you two love birds are!” Though the pet name was from my father, it sure as hell wasn’t his voice that called out over the sound of cicadas and birds singing in the trees.

I froze beneath Hux’s touch, pulling away from him to look for the source of the voice. I fought the urge to scowl at Georgette. “Hi, Georgette.”

“Girlie, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Georgie! Or, you can start calling me mama if you want.”

My lungs withered up and died right then, and I damn near choked on my own spit. What the hell had she just said? Was I hearing things? Hux let out a disbelieving laugh at my side.

“Well, look at you, sweetie, don’t you just look precious in that little outfit? And, Hudson, was it?”

He cleared his throat, before replying in a cool tone, “It’s Huxson, ma’am.”

“That’s right. How could I have forgotten? You sure clean up nicely.” She waggled her eyebrows from the open doorway at me. “Queenie, you sure know how to spot a diamond in the rough, dont’cha?”

Was I going crazy or was she looking at Hux like he was a cool drink of water on a hot day and she wanted a sip? I leaned into Hux further, a protective, possessive stance, but I didn’t care. I could feel his heart beating in his chest, felt the tension in his muscles. I was right, he didn’t like her. And the more I was around her, the more I couldn’t blame him.

“I was just comin’ to find you,” she said, sauntering out the front door before I could come up with a response. I noted her neon yellow shoe-string bikini along with the white silk sarong wrapped low on her hips. I mean, I guess when you looked as good as she did, why not flaunt it? “Your dad told me you two were havin’ dinner with us.”

I sputtered for a reply. He what? Frustration ignited in my veins, fueled by Georgette’s annoying voice and behavior. “Oh, um, actually—“

But she cut me off before I could fully finish. “I was afraid y’all had left with your friend, Chelsie, was it?”

“It’s actually Whit,” I managed to get out without growling. It’s like she was doing it on purpose now.

“Right.” She waved me off before moving to the front door. “Well, come on. Get in here, you two. We’re havin’ some of Isidor’s famous ceviche by the pool.”

Fight it. Say no.

I wanted to say no. I should have said no, but I also didn’t want to go and make a huge scene either. Maybe we could get this over with quick enough and then still go out to dinner just the two of us.

“We’ll, uh—give us a minute, okay.”

“Oh—“ One of her perfectly manicured eyebrows rose, a mischievous grin lighting up her features. “I see. Gonna get a little quickie in, right? Don’t worry, I won’t tell your dad.”

A groan of embarrassment escaped me, but I tried to hide it with a laugh. “Right. Yeah. Be there soon.” I waited until the door latched closed before pressing my head defeatedly to Hux’s chest. “I’m so sorry about that,” I muttered.

If he was annoyed, he didn’t let on. The chuckle that escaped him was genuine. He brought a thumb and forefinger up to tilt my chin up. “So, we’re eatin’ here tonight?”

“We don’t have to. My dad wanted me to invite you. To apologize for how he acted and, like, get to know you since he saw us kissing, I guess. I told him I’d ask, but I never said it was a sure thing, I’m s—“

“Don’t worry,” he said, pressing a reassuring kiss to my lips. “It’s fine, Quinn.”

And the way he said my name sent a ripple of relief through me.

“Are you sure?” I asked softly.

He dipped his mouth to mine once more and I got lost in the feel of him for a moment. Pulling away, he murmured, “How bad can it be?”