Page 41 of Chasing Me

“Cassie and Mac are at Captain Crowe’s.There’s going to be a surprise.”

“Well, let’s go and say hello to the crew.”

We walked hand-in-hand to the bar where we’d hung out last year, and dove into the mad crowd, having fun drinking and chattering, the music loud and full of life.We caught up with Cassie, who hugged both of us when we told her we were back together, and suddenly Mac was climbing to the front of the bar in a surprise concert that pumped up the crowd.She called out a special dedication, and then Austin was beside her, and they were singing and looking at each other with such love, I knew they’d finally found their happily-ever-after ending.

We filled the rest of the hours with drinks and laughter.I noticed Cassie and Ty talking at the bar, and I had a good feeling they might be able to re-connect.They fit so well together.

Later, when darkness had fallen and the moon was full, James and I walked barefoot on the beach where we had shared our first kiss.“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he said huskily.“I look at you now and love you even more.You’re it, Quinn.You’re the woman who makes me whole.I want to strip off this little black skirt, lay you in the sand, and fuck you long and hard until the sun comes up.”

I lifted on tiptoes, the warm surf swirling around my ankles, and dragged his head down.

“What are you waiting for?”I whispered naughtily.

So he did.

Epilogue

JAMES

SO, MAYBE THIS IS A LOVE STORY.

We flew back from Key West and decided to move in together.Quinn graduated with honors and flung herself into her new job at the clinic, spearheading a new program that almost doubled their clients.I was so fucking proud of her.She was good for this world, her inner light spilling out to everyone she met, a reminder of everything pure and right.

For me?Well, I worked frantically, building new pieces, and the expo was a huge success.Lucas pushed me hard, harder than Ava ever had, in a different way, and I came out with a bunch of offers and contacts.Another year or two, and I may even be able to open up my new studio, but right now, the money is good, and I finally got to quit Joe’s.I work odd hours at the studio, and there’s some travel involved, but I’m finally living my dream, on my own terms.

And us?We’re strong.The problems with Ava helped us rebuild our foundation.I’m not trying to change my way for her anymore, and I finally believe I’m worth something.I’m coming into myself a bit more every day, and she steps back and lets me find my way.Loves me anyway.And when she’s in my arms?She gives me everything she’s got, no holds barred.She fucks me with the intensity of a woman who has given her body and soul, her mind and heart, and that’s all I ever wanted.

I’m going to ask her to marry me soon.

So, yeah.We got lucky.This one is a love story.

I’m so fucking glad I got to write a whole new ending.

The End