Our Love

Wade

"What new restaurant?" I asked as I walked in on the ladies talking in the break room. I woke up extra early this morning, and after the moment Quinn and I shared last night, I thought it best to head out as soon as possible. I'd been working at the farm most of the day when Carrie texted me asking me to go to lunch with her. I told her I was busy, which in truth, I was. After thinking about it for a few minutes, I decided to grab some lunch and bring it to them. I was hoping it might break the ice with Quinn and ease the awkwardness that I anticipated.

"The one I text you about! What are you doing here, and what did you bring?" Carrie reached for the bags, taking them from me.

"I felt bad after thinking about it and thought I'd be the nice guy and bring lunch for everyone." I smiled shyly, shoving my now empty hands into my pockets. Quinn stood at one of the cabinets. Carrie's clothes fit her well, too well, actually. I swallowed hard as my eyes roamed her body unintentionally. I caught myself quickly and made sure from then on to maintain eye contact. Her face gave nothing away. I couldn't tell how she felt with me standing here right now, and I hated it.

"He brought the good stuff, Quinn." Carrie sang as she unloaded everything onto the table, opening up containers and setting them up. "Grab some plates out of that last cabinet, please."

Quinn did as Carrie asked and sat the plates on the table, standing close to me. I felt my body immediately react, heating up in anticipation of her speaking to me. I hadn't felt like this since I was a damn teenager.

"Thank you." Quinn smiled over at me before returning to the refrigerator for drinks.

"At least someone appreciates me." I teased Carrie.

"Oh, shut up. You know I appreciate you." She grumbled with a mouthful of food. I watched as Quinn set some water on the table and then made herself a plate before sitting. She ate quietly, the silence filling the room awkward as hell. "Ok, what's going on here?" Carrie motioned with her fork between Quinn and me.

"Nothing." I shrugged my shoulders, feigning ignorance. Quinn looked up at me, watching my face for a reaction.

"Whatever. I don't believe either of you." She finished eating rather quickly and then stood to leave with a smirk on her face. "I'll let you two discuss nothing while I go enjoy a smoke." She laughed.

"I thought you quit that shit?" I growled at her.

"I did. Just every once in a while, I don't." Carrie laughed as she headed down the hall.

I watched as Quinn pushed her plate away from her, sitting straight up in her seat. I could tell she was nervous as she fidgeted there. I decided I needed to be the nice guy and get this over with for her and myself.

"I want to apologize."

"I'm so sorry."

We both spoke at the exact same time. I couldn't help but chuckle, as did she. I nodded in her direction to let her know she could continue.

"I'm sorry about last night. I usually don't drink, and I just, it got to me. I feel so foolish, and I just, I hope we can squash this awkwardness." She kept eye contact with me the entire time she spoke, and I couldn't help but watch her beautiful eyes. She was apologizing for wanting me to kiss her, and she had no idea how hard it was for me not to kiss her.

"You have nothing to apologize for. It's fine. No awkwardness; everything is good." I smiled warmly at her. She nodded with appreciation then began cleaning up the lunch mess and placing the leftovers into the refrigerator.

"Thank you for everything and for lunch." Quinn walked toward the door; I immediately stood going toward her. It took everything I had not to reach out and grab her hand. She was too sweet and beautiful.