Seeking Escape

35. First Steps

*** Quinn's POV ***

It had been a weird day and I loved that an evening with Joyce was bringing me back down. She was like a drug, an elixir that just made everything okay again. I loved her and I was pretty certain that she felt similarly although she had yet to say it. There was no rush.

I finished with the dishes and found myself pulled into the bedroom. Maybe I would catch a sneak peek. Instead I found her still fully clothed, sitting on the edge of the bed. She looked sad.

"Babe?" Her head shot up and I could tell that something was up. I moved to her and asked. "What's wrong?"

She reached under her thigh and produced a condom wrapper. Whoa! Did this mean what I thought that it did?!

"I'm not mad. I just want to know. Did you..." She asked.

My jaw dropped and I suddenly realized that what I had assumed was an invite was my worst nightmare.

She held up a hand and blinked back tears. "Please don't lie to me."

"Joyce, I had a photoshoot today. Mir got the company to sponsor part of the show, but I had to do a promotional campaign. I swear to you that it was all just suggestive photography. I didn't fuck anyone." I gripped her hand and placed it square on my chest while holding her gaze. "I told you I wouldn't and I intend to keep my word."

"But it's your job." She whimpered.

"No. My job is entertainment. I set the guidelines for what I will and will not do, and now and for the foreseeable future, I'm not engaging in any sexual activity except with you." I clarified firmly.

Her eyes searched mine. I think she wanted to believe me, but fuck I could only imagine what she thought finding that wrapper. But she must have found what she needed, nodding her head and letting me scoop her into my arms with a sigh of relief.

After a minute she spoke. "Quinn?"

"Yes, love?"

"I love you." She whispered. I was so elated hearing her say those words finally. I didn't know what to do or how to respond. I pulled back and cupped her face in my hands. I wanted to see her eyes. She looked at me shyly. "When I thought that there was a chance that you might have...I was devastated. I realized that I've been resisting my feelings for you because I was scared of the power of them, but fearing that I had lost you..."

My throat tightened with emotion as she explained her epiphany. I just let her ramble before claiming her lips. She gripped my hands alongside her face and kissed me back with such force. The kiss quickly became heated, her tongue demanding entry and my lips parting with no resistance. I met her fervor and upped the stakes, releasing her just long enough to move my hands down and yank her body taut to mine. She moaned and I growled, our sounds clashing together to create an arousing soundbite.

"Quinn, I want to have sex. I want to try." She whispered, biting my lip and dragging it down.

I froze, holding her steady for a second. I needed to be sure that she wanted this and wasn't just pushing herself because she thought I was being impatient.

"Are you sure you're ready?" I questioned.

"I am. I love you. I trust you." She assured me.

"I love you too. I don't need this, you know. I can wait." I impressed upon her.