AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sunlightstreamsthroughtheexpansive windows, casting warm, golden rays across the gleaming marble countertops of my luxurious kitchen. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven, where a batch of homemade pastries bakes to perfection.
I smile, feeling the warmth of the morning and the lingering euphoria of the passionate night Quinn and I shared. As I slice ripe strawberries and arrange them on a plate, I marvel at the beauty of the woman who's changed my life.
Quinn steps into the kitchen, her hair tousled from sleep, and wearing one of my oversized dress shirts that falls just above her knees. Her eyes, still heavy with slumber, light up when she sees me preparing breakfast. She looks radiant in the morning light, and I'm struck by how lucky I am to have her in my life.
"Good morning," she says, her voice soft and melodic as she wraps her arms around me from behind, planting a gentle kiss on my neck.
"Morning, beautiful," I reply, turning to embrace her, our lips meeting in a tender, unhurried kiss.
As we pull apart, I gesture to the breakfast spread, which includes fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a stack of golden-brown pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. "I hope you're hungry."
Quinn grins, her eyes sparkling with delight. "You know I can never resist your cooking."
We sit down at the elegant glass-topped breakfast table, the sun casting dappled patterns through the leaves of the trees outside. We eat, our conversation flowing effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and stolen glances.
My phone vibrates on the counter, momentarily shattering the idyllic scene. I glance at the screen, my stomach twisting as I see Marianne's name. Hesitantly, I open the text.
Marianne: Ezra, don't forget you owe me that date to check out my art gallery. How about tomorrow evening?
Quinn notices the change in my demeanor and asks, "Who's texting you?"
I sigh, deciding to be honest. "It's Marianne. She's reminding me about that date to see her gallery."
The atmosphere shifts as hurt and jealousy cloud Quinn's eyes.
Quinn's eyes flash at me. "Why are you still talking to her, Ezra? I thought we were clear about where we stood."
My heart aches at the pain in her voice, but I try to explain my predicament. "Quinn, it's not that simple. My parents are pushing me to pursue a relationship with her. They think she's a perfect match for me, and they're threatening to withdraw their support for my business if I don't at least consider it."
Her expression hardens, and she crosses her arms defiantly. "So, what? You're just going to string her along while you're dating me in secret? That's not fair to any of us, Ezra."
I rub my temples, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me. "I know, Quinn. It's not ideal, but I need to find a way to navigate this without losing everything."
Quinn's eyes blaze with determination, and she takes a step toward me. "Well, you need to make a choice. If you're going to date Marianne, then we're done. I won't be someone's dirty little secret."
"I'll talk to Marianne," I say, my voice filled with resolve.
"When?"
I hesitate.
"Not this again." She storms off upstairs.
"Quinn," I call after her.
All I hear is the sound of her bedroom door slamming.
I stand alone in the sun-drenched kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of our once-peaceful breakfast.
The anticipation of our trip to Martha's Island is making my heart race. The tension between Quinn and I took days to dissipate, but eventually, she thawed toward me. However, I could still feel an undercurrent of hurt from her. Quinn has become a constant presence in my thoughts, and I smile at the idea of building a closer relationship with her.
As I lock the front door and head towards the car, I notice Paige's infectious excitement. Her eyes light up like fireworks in the night sky, and her bouncy curls seem to dance with every step she takes.
"Are you ready for the best beach trip ever, kiddo?" I ask, giving her a playful wink.
Paige grins from ear to ear, her dimples deepening as she nods enthusiastically. "You bet, Dad! I've been waiting for this day forever!"
I ruffle her hair affectionately, and she giggles, swatting my hand away. "All right, all right," I say, chuckling. "Let's get going, then."
