And what I wanted was Wolf McCarthy.
Tomorrow would bring consequences—my father's anger, the town's gossip, the complexity of being a deputy dating the MC's VP. But tonight, wrapped in Wolf's arms with his heartbeat steady under my palm, none of that mattered.
Tonight, I was just Quinn. Not the sheriff's daughter, not the perfect deputy.
Just Quinn, exactly where she belonged.
CHAPTER 6
WOLF
Watching women sleep in my bed had always been about calculating exit strategies—theirs or mine. But Quinn Jenkins curled on her side, dark hair spilled across my pillow, one hand tucked under her cheek? Different game entirely.
The sheet had slipped down, revealing the curve of her shoulder, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. Peaceful.
Just Quinn.
My Quinn.
The thought should have terrified me. Three weeks ago, bachelor life suited me fine—the club, the garage, the occasional woman who knew the score. Now I lay here planning a future around a woman who'd written me a speeding ticket.
Quinn stirred, brown eyes blinking open, and the smile spreading across her face made my chest tighten with something I'd never felt before.
"Morning," she said, voice rough with sleep.
"Morning, beautiful."
She stretched, and I gripped the sheet to keep from pulling her under me. Then reality crept into her expression as the clock caught her attention.
"Shit. I have to go." She sat up, sheet clutched to her chest even though I'd mapped every inch of her last night. "I can't show up to work in yesterday's clothes."
"Call in sick."
"I can't." But she leaned over for a kiss, soft and lingering. "Dad's already suspicious. If I don't show up for my shift, he'll probably send a search party."
Her movements were efficient, pulling on yesterday's jeans and sweater—someone used to quick exits. Not sneaking out, just practical. Still, something twisted in my chest at her preparing to leave.
"When do you get off?" The question came out more intense than intended.
"Four o'clock." She finger-combed her hair, trying to look less thoroughly debauched. "Why?"
"Just wondering."
She paused at the bedroom door, vulnerability flickering across her face. "This is still happening, right? Last night wasn't?—"
I crossed the room before she could finish, pressing her against the doorframe. "Last night was the beginning. This is happening, Quinn. You and me."
The kiss left no room for doubt. When I pulled back, her breathing had gone ragged, fingers twisted in my shirt.
"I really have to go."
"I know."
"You're not making it easier."
"Not trying to."
Her laugh filled the room. She pushed against my chest. "I'll see you later?"
