Seeking Escape

15. Disruptive Behavior

*** Quinn's POV ***

I was really trying to be on my best behavior here and Joyce was making it hard. Firstly, she flung herself at me and planted those heaven-on-earth lips on mine, greeting me in such an uncharacteristic, but entirely welcome way. She was dressed in this top that dipped between her breasts and occasionally shifted to display little glimpses of her pillowy cleavage. Secondly, she was stroking my ego, applauding my earlier bravado. Then, she was flirting with me by tossing these little looks and smiles. I was happy to get a little respite while she made a pitcher of margaritas.

"Rimmed?" She asked over her shoulder.

I laughed heartily. She looked confused and then laughed and blushed when she realized the innuendo. It was a sound that I loved hearing. "Not with my margarita glasses, and while I've been on both the giving and receiving ends, it's not a go-to move."

"You've forgotten that I have binged a large portion of your catalog." She reminded me as she rubbed the rim of one of the glasses with a lime slice and twisted it in the salt.

"Oh there's none of that in the Gratifica catalog." I responded, remembering that was her studio of choice.

She cringed as she carefully measured out shot after shot of tequila into the pitcher over the ice before adding a healthy amount of Cointreau. She had pre-squeezed the limes and added that, drizzling in a viscose clear liquid. I was somewhat mesmerized by her techniques. She made it look like nothing to just make cocktails from scratch.

"Secret bartending background?" I teased as she swirled a giant spoon in the pitcher.

"Nah, I just appreciate the craft. Much like cooking." She responded. "So um, back to your comment. I might have looked up some of your...er...work outside of Gratifica."

Well that sure as shit gave me pause. I did some stuff that I'd sooner forget, not illegal or anything, but cheesy plotlines and bad acting in a no-holes-barred sort of style. Stuff that didn't fit my brand now. Everyone in the industry had their clunkers. I really hoped that it wasn't going to be the kiss of death with Joyce. "And? You're killing me with the suspense here, Joy!"

"It was awful, like seriously heckle worthy." She revealed with another hard laugh.

I laughed too because she wasn't wrong. I came around the counter and stood next to her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I'm glad you don't see me differently because of it. I am curious now that I know you have seen my worst to know what your favorite is."

My lips ghosted the shell of her ear and I left a gentle kiss on her cheek as I pulled back. She was visibly flushed and couldn't seem to collect her words. I gripped the pitcher. "Is this done?"

"Uh...huh." She managed and I poured us both a glass.

"Let's get the alcohol flowing and maybe you'll share with me later." I suggested.

"Oh wait! We need chips and guac." She gasped, snapping out of her daze.

"I'll help." I said.

She gathered a few key ingredients and handed me an apron. I smirked and put it on. "First, wash your hands and rinse off the tomatoes and serrano."

"Yes ma'am." I replied and moved to her sink. She peeled garlic and pressed it into a bowl. She had set up a cutting board for me.