Page 62 of Inked Heart
“Too much?”She looks nervous, like I might laugh at her or shoot her down.
“Not at all.”
Her smile grows.“Good.”
We finish eating a little while later and head back outside.The night has grown quieter, cooler.I walk her to the truck and we climb inside.As we drive toward her house, I realize something important.For the first time since I met Quinn Thomas, I’m not just waiting anymore.
We’re moving forward.Slowly.Carefully.But forward.And honestly?That feels better than any grand romantic moment ever could.Because the best relationships don’t start with fireworks.They start with quiet moments.
Late-night diners and the promise of a picnic tomorrow.
Chapter Sixteen
The Picnic
Quinn
There’s something oddly peaceful about waking up after a night that changed everything.
Not peaceful in the sense that my life is suddenly perfect.More like, quiet.Like the storm passed through and now the air feels different.Cleaner.
I blink awake slowly as sunlight filters through the curtains in my bedroom.For a moment I lie there staring at the ceiling while the events of last night replay in fragments.
The party.The hallway.Emette kissing Amanda.The sound my heart made when it felt like it shattered in my chest.
And Damien.Standing in the driveway.Following me and telling me the truth.
I’ve been waiting.
My stomach flips a little at the memory.Not in a bad way.Just, in a new way.Which is honestly confusing considering I broke up with someone less than twelve hours ago.
I roll onto my side and grab my phone from the nightstand.One new message.From Damien.My heart does a small, traitorous skip.
Damien:Still up for that picnic?
I stare at the message for a moment, then glance at the clock.10:17 AM.Apparently he’s giving me time to sleep in.Which is considerate.
