One Enchanted Summer

Chapter 10

CHAPTER

TEN

Grayson

I would have sat on the beach all day and talked to her if we could have. I know I will be exhausted today, but it was easily worth it. I have a shift at Pirates tonight, but I can nap later. I wouldn’t trade the night with her for anything. I’ve never enjoyed talking to someone so much. I mean, I like people usually, but wow, Quinn is unlike anyone I know. She’s so compassionate and cares so much about everyone in her life. She’s selfless and a complete puzzle because she doesn’t realize how beautiful and wonderful she is. I could find that ex of hers and kill him. How can any man make a woman feel like that? Especially Quinn. I can’t even describe how angry I felt as she talked to me. But I knew it wasn’t about me. She didn’t need some big reaction from me. She needed someone to listen. So that’s what I did. Even though it was so hard to hear, it broke my heart knowing that someone tried to make her feel intentionally small. He made her feel unworthy. This gorgeous and kind woman is worthy. There’s still so much that I have to learn about her, but I know that much. Quinn is worthy.

When we reach her house, I wish she didn’t have to go. I tried offering her breakfast, but she said she didn’t want Gertie to worry. I think she’s still embarrassed about crying in front of me. But I honestly don’t care. I’m so honored she opened up to me. I have a hard time doing that. I understand just how much it means when someone trusts you enough to be vulnerable. We walk slowly to the door, and it feels like she doesn’t want to say goodbye either. She turns to face me and I notice she’s still stunning after being awake all night, and even crying.

“I had a great time,” she says. “Despite what it might look like.” She laughs and gestures at her face and then my shirt.

I look down and see it’s still a little streaky from her tears. I wave it off, “Seriously, don’t worry about it. I had a good time too.”

We both pause, unwilling to say goodbye. I stick my hands in my pockets. I want to reach out and kiss her. I want to hold her again. She looks at my mouth and I clench my fists in my pockets to try and control the feelings that course through me.

“I should go. I don’t think I kiss on the first date,” I blurt out.

The corner of her mouth quirks up. “You don’t think?”

“I mean, I don’t.”

She doesn’t respond and she doesn’t move. Neither do I.

She glances to the side as if thinking and then says, “The thing is, I know I just snotted on your shirt, but before that I had a really great time. I don’t usually kiss on the first date either. Actually, that’s a lie. I do. I don’t know why I said that. But I like you, like a lot. And I wasn’t sure if I would ever feel like this again with a guy after everything. I wasn’t planning to come here and meet someone but-”

I step forward and grab her face, pressing my lips against hers. She tastes like salt water despite the fact we never got in the water. Her mouth opens in surprise and suddenly she’s kissing me back. Her tongue teases my lips and it makes my insides go crazy. I could easily lose myself in this woman, and I’ve only known her for a few days. It’s a dangerous and entirely new feeling for me.

I hear a strange thump, Quinn pulls away from me and looks over her shoulder. I follow her gaze and see the curtain in the window moving slightly. Quinn sighs and rolls her eyes.

“Gertie,” she explains. I grin. I think I’ll like Gertie.

“Anyway,” Quinn says, looking up at me. Her cheeks are still flushed from our kiss. “I’ll see you later?” she asks.

I nod and take a step back. I don’t trust myself not to kiss her again.