Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“We’ll see.” I tried for a casual tone, but my pulse was already speeding up simply at the thought of getting Quinn alone for that many consecutive hours.
“At least with all this work, you haven’t had another bad headache.”
“You’re right.” Part of that was probably making hydration a religion despite the long hours, but I also couldn’t discount the new med. On one of my rare afternoons off, I’d snuck off to Coos Bay, where my doctor had agreed with Quinn’s theory that a beta-blocker prescription might be worth a try.
“Your doc have anything to do with that?” Mason asked right as the door chimed. I beamed at the family filing in.
“Look. Customers,” I said to Mason before raising my voice. “Welcome! Mason will be right with you.”
He shot me a look that said I’d get mine later, but we remained busy the rest of the evening until we slowed enough that I felt okay letting Horatio and another of our serving staff lock up. I made it to Quinn’s prior to midnight for once. He was on a call when I got there, trying to chase down a twenty-four-hour pharmacy option for a patient. Not wanting to hurry him along, I went to his couch and started texting with Ramona because it was two hours earlier in Alaska. Bugging her for more pictures of her adventures both earned me good brother points and let Quinn do his doctor thing.
Quinn’s call ended with him sending the person to the ER in Coos Bay and collapsing onto his couch with his head in my lap. I instinctively started stroking his hair and rubbing his tight neck.
“God. It was a day.” He stretched into my touch. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“I don’t mind at all.” Bending forward, I brushed a kiss on his forehead. “I’m not gonna give you a guilt trip for needing to deal with a medical emergency.”
“Thanks. I am very ready to not be the person on call.”
“You need a vacation.” I was worried about how pale and tired he seemed. Quinn was exhausted, and all my Daddy instincts wanted to take him away, spoil him like he deserved.
“I live in a prime vacation spot.” He threw his arm wide, encompassing the dark ocean outside his picture window. “That’s why people move to the beach. So they can be on vacation all the time.”
“Ha. That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” I tickled his ribs under his white button-down shirt. He really must have had a day if he hadn’t even made it as far as changing out of his work clothes, as was his custom. “You need a day off. Come camping with me the next time you have two days off in a row.”
“Camping?” Quinn frowned. “I mean, I like pretty scenery and my walks, but I was a terrible scout. Failed at all the outdoor badges because I kept hiding out with a book instead of building fires and erecting tents with the other kids.”
I chuckled at the image of Quinn as a nerdy kid with a thick book. He had multiple bookshelves devoted to various fantasy and science fiction stories, along with all the reading he did on his various devices.
“Lucky for you, I aced all those badges. And you need somewhere new to explore. If you’re not up for tent camping, I’ve got a buddy with a couple of yurts with gorgeous views, off-grid, away from the more crowded campgrounds.”
“So more like glamping?” Quinn’s mouth pursed thoughtfully. I nodded, even though glamping was probably a bit optimistic for how rustic these were. But if it got Quinn interested, I’d bring the fluffy bedding and gourmet coffee myself.
“Yep. We use them in the fall for hunting, but in the summer, he rents to adventurous tourists. Might be able to find a mid-week day when he doesn’t have them all booked.”
“There’s an actual bed? I’m too old for the ground.”
“Ha. You can lay on me, baby.” I dipped my head for another kiss, this one on his mouth. “I’ll be your mattress.”
“Deal.” He shook his head, likely at my cheesiness. I didn’t care. Being able to be a little silly with Quinn was one of the best parts of hanging out with him. “I guess a getaway does sound good. But you’re sure you want to waste your time off with me?”
“It’s not wasted.” I lightly tickled him again, needing more of that grin. “I like having you around.”
“Me too.” He exhaled hard like the admission cost him something. I could sympathize because I didn’t like coming to rely on him so much myself, but I also wasn’t running from the way he made me feel. I’d simply have to keep showing up, show Quinn that maybe this thing between us was worth the price.