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Boy,Quinton wasn’t teasing … nothing deterred his spending, because he dropped money constantly. We strolled in and out of all sorts of boutiques featuring some of the most expensive women’s fashion I’ve ever seen in real life. I heeded Tina’s advice and just went with it. Tierra told me to relax and let Quinton Starks do it Quinton Starks’s way, and he seemed very receptive to the idea. If he found out I liked anything, I’m now the proud owner of it. I really do the love the Gucci perfume he bought me, as well as the Gucci bag. It’s quite lovely.
Now we’re walking with our arms looped, strolling the streets, and sharing a chocolate chip mint ice cream cone. “You’re so cute.” I giggle watching him lick the cone like a kid.
“It’s melting like crazy.” He laughs. “I don’t want it to get all over the place.” Tierra, Andy, Tina, and Michael are strolling behind us with coconut rum drinks in hand; Gerry and Marcus decided to give the daiquiris a try.
“Gerry this isn’t a horrible, sweltering tourist trap now, is it?” Quinton bellows, laughing as he glances at Gerry enjoying his buzz.
“What’s not to love about shopping and booze?” I look back laughing, Marcus has his arm looped through Gerry’s. They really are quite the couple.
In addition to the high-end boutiques and restaurants, the streets are scattered with crafts and straw vendors, coconut and daiquiri drink carts and Bahamian food fare. There is drumming and dancing in the streets.
“Here it is.” Quinton stops walking. “Let’s see if we find any artwork for the penthouse.”
“What?” I grin looking at the front of the store.
“You’re moving in with me. You can add some flare to my penthouse. We can get pieces of art or something to represent our travels. Might as well start with our first trip to the Bahamas.” He’s looking at his hands, holding the melting cone. “Are you finished?” Quinton asks.
“Yes.” I giggle watching him toss it and wipe his finger before lacing our fingers. We walk into the small gallery.
“Good morning,” we’re greeted by the artist, judging by his painter’s smock. “Let me wash my hands. Feel free to look around the studio, prices are on the wall below the pieces.”
“Take your time,” Quinton replies walking around. “See anything that strikes your fancy?”
“I have no idea. I like the octopus.” He looks at me laughing. “I don’t know what your penthouse looks like. I can’t possibly pick something for it. I didn’t think you were expecting me to stay permanently with you.”
He looks totally baffled by my comment. “What did you think I meant?”
“I don’t know, until I found a place.” I touch a piece of art on the table. “This is weird.”
“Yeah, it is.” He’s looking at me intently. “Amelia look at me.” He’s grinning. “I meant move move in with me. Not just until you found a place. Do you honestly think you’re going to spend a night away from me now that we’ve been together?”
I tittered shaking my head. “No, I don’t want to be away from you at all. I actually dread when this trip is over and real everyday resumes.”
He laughs, pulling me into his chest. “I adore you sweetheart.”
My heart skips a beat … maybe that’s his way of saying he loves me too! I wrap my arms around him and cover his lips in an open-mouth kiss, our tongues tease and taunt with desire. It’s euphoric.
“Oh hell, Lioness has her lion wrapped up again,” Gerry quips, walking around the corner. I laugh breaking the kiss. Quinton is rubbing his thumb over my knuckles, looking at my hands.
“Come on,” he teases, pulling me with him.
“Look! It’s Porker.” He laughs looking at the swimming pigs. “It looks just like Porker.”
“Surely you don’t want a pig hanging in the penthouse.” He laughs. “Tierra and Tina would die.” I laugh at the realization of his words.
“I know … it’s cute though.”I like it. I shrug, strolling around looking. “I like this one.”
He stands back and looks at it. “The Reef. We snorkeled there. It has a little octopus in it.” He studies it, grinning. “You reminded me of a baby octopus, clinging to my body out of fear.”
“Hush.” I tease poking him in his side.
“You like this?” Quinton asks.
“Yes, I like it. It’s bright.” I have no idea if it will work with his penthouse.
“Sir.” I hear him getting the artist. “Yes, we will take this piece—‘The Reef.’” He looks at me, and exhales. “And the swimming pig one on the other wall.”
