 
# Vital Company

### Book #6 of Company Men

## Crystal Perkins
Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins

Cover Design by Helen Williams

www.allbookedout.com

All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

 Created with Vellum

### Contents

Untitled

Books by Crystal Perkins

Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

Things to Know

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

# Untitled

**About Vital Company**

**Father. Friend. Diver. Playboy.**

* * *

Cohen Covington has been through a lot in his life. He had it all and lost his dream, but now his son is his priority. An angry swim mom pushing him into the pool helps make him realize a change is in order. Friends and a new job offer him everything he thinks he wants.

**Mother. Doctor. Friend. Lover.**

* * *

Dr. Quincy Morris isn't about to let any man disrespect her or her daughter again. Her ex-husband has too much power, but the Corrigans have more. Taking a job with them will bring her closer to her friends and give her the protection she needs. Until the idiot swim instructor from back home shows up in her exam room.

* * *

**Injury. Fear. Secrets. Love.**

* * *

Cohen works hard to win Q over, but just when it looks like things will work out, they're both faced with their pasts. One of them will long for a second-chance to fix their past mistakes, while the other one runs away in an effort to protect themselves.

* * *

**Can they both forget the past and plan a future—or will they drown in the fear love can sometimes bring with it?**

# Books by Crystal Perkins

**The Griffin Brothers series**

Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1)

Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2)

Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3)

Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4)

Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5)

Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6)

Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7)

* * *

**Corrigan & Co. series**

Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #1)

Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #2)

Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #3)

Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #4)

Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #5)

Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #6)

Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #7)

Tending Their SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #8)

Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #9)

Loving My SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #10)

Society Weddings (a Corrigan & Co. novella)

* * *

**Society Girls series**

Society Girls: Sierra (Society Girls, #1)

Society Girls: Neveah (Society Girls, #2)

Society Girls: Matisse (Society Girls, #3)

Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)

Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)

Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)

Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)

Society Girls: Camari (Society Girls, #8)

Society Girls: Kalila (Society Girls, #9)

Society Girls: Rose (Society Girls, #10)

* * *

**Company Men series**

Royal Company (Company Men, #1)

Unexpected Company (Company Men, #2)

Savage Company (Company Men, #3)

Brash Company (Company Men, #4)

Defiant Company (Company Men, #5) **Other books**

A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Activate

Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology

Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology

Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3

(Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)

Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology

Never Fear-The Apocalypse Anthology

# Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

"People should be free to love whoever their heart leads them, too. And this author did a great job of presenting a passionate love between 2 people who are seen as different from each other as dictated by society, but this difference wasn't a part of the love they share. Ms. Perkins did an admirable job of dealing with the issue (and other issues) as a non issue, if that makes sense." -DianeM, Amazon Reviewer, _Creating A Love_

* * *

"I love this series!!!!!! Crystal has the amazing ability to bring her characters to life. I laugh with them, I hurt with them, I smile with them, and I cry with them." -Jessica, Amazon reviewer, _The Griffin Brothers series_

* * *

"I love how Crystal makes the characters feel like real people." -Tami, Amazon Reviewer, _Learning To Love_

* * *

"This is a lovely romance story that has a sexy sizzle to it but it's funny as well as it is somewhat edgy. I like that the hero has money but it's not the focal point in this story. I love that the heroine has problems but they are not so insurmountable that they take over the story. This is good old-fashioned romance done with a modern day twist. Well Done." -Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer, _Gaming For Love_

* * *

"I found this book on Amazon yesterday and loved the cover. I read the synopsis and knew I had to get it. So I purchased it and started to read it right away. Oh my, I could not put the book down. I got so wrapped up in the story I was afraid to put my Kindle down or I would miss a part." -Amazon Customer, _Gaming For Love_

* * *

"I thought this was a fantastic start to a series, and kind of first book of a series that makes you want to rush out and buy each additional book in the series. The premise of a strong group of women working together to help other women in need was pretty awesome. I loved how C0rrigan & Co was a secret covert company along the same lines as the underground railroad but it saved women from sticky situations or abusive relationships." -Aubrey, Romancing the Book blog, _Fielding Her SECRET_

* * *

"I had so many different emotions while reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip some peoples clothes off, laughing while reading, gasping out loud. Seriously, I read this like a crazy person. So much happened that I was not mentally prepared for. There were so many shockers while reading this I could not even think about putting the book down." -Sabrina, Amazon Reviewer, _Devouring the SECRET_

* * *

"Love this book the suspense and sex is EPIC." -Teresa Jensen, Amazon Reviewer, _Rocking a SECRET_

* * *

_"_ Perkins breathes life into their characters and has the reader feeling their agony, pain, and even their love for one-another. I enjoy reading her books and learning more and more about each of the people that make up this secretive group." -Dayreader Reviews, _Corrigan & Co. series_

* * *

"In the end I am somehow proud of you Crystal Perkins. How you portrayed Ellie and her and Aiden love. I know I have no right to be, and it's really not my place to say but I am proud I read it and I recommend it to all women so they can see how strong We can be." -Marta Bukowska, Goodreads Reviewer, _Tending Their SECRET_

* * *

"The story flowed well and kept my attention throughout. There was one part I was totally not expecting to happen. I love when that happens." -Lisa Dess, Girls With Books blog, _Training Her SECRET_

* * *

"Wow this story! There are some stories and characters that leave you speechless, breathless and at times slightly broken, and Loving my SECRET Matt & Reina's story is definitely one of them!" -Vicki Plant, Goodreads Reviewer, _Loving My SECRET_

"I laughed I cried and there many times that I wanted to throw my device." -Mallory, Goodreads Reviewer, _Loving My SECRET_

"Perkins gives the reader a quick peak into the Weddings of the amazing ladies in the society. What a fun roller coaster ride it was." -Taz Lozada, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Weddings_

"Totally loved this book as I did with all of crystals book previous to this with their well written gripping story lines brilliant characters a must read really can't wait for the next in series." – Sassylady33, Amazon Reviewer, _Society Girls: Sierra_

"It is banter central, lol and completely full with characters who you actually get to know and enjoy spending time with." – All Booked Out, _A Kiss is Just a Kiss_

"Good book and a really powerful message." Petrina, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Girls: Jenysis_

"If you're looking for a great book, this is the one." Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Girls: Kalila_

"I love these books!!!! I seem to read them in one sitting I just can't put them down!!!" Rita, Amazon Reviewer

"This is the new series by a brilliant author and still incorporates the characters from her previous series. This book was brilliant, the author always writes about strong characters with a vulnerable side and she delivered once again. This book was one of her more lighthearted ones, but still had the angst I have come to associate with Crystal Perkins." Natasha, Amazon Reviewer, _Royal Company_

# Things to Know

If you haven't read any of the Corrigan & Co. books, you can still read this book. I'm listing some info below that will be helpful to you! **SPOILERS BELOW FOR OTHER BOOKS!**

The Society: A secret group of female spies, operating out of the Corrigan & Co. Foundation. It was created by Jane Corrigan, Maggie Griffin, Helen Wilson, Mallory Daniels, and Cyndi Evans. They still make their presence known from time to time, but the Society is now run by Reina Corrigan. She is the wife of Jane's grandson, Matt Corrigan, and someone not to be trifled with. Their story, _Loving My SECRET_ , is the only book I don't recommend reading without having read the others.

The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women in the books will not know of their existence, since those who work for Corrigan & Co. have no idea what the beautiful women of the Foundation really do. Some are in awe of them, and some resent how they seem to come and go, and do whatever they want.

Corrigan & Co.: Matthew Corrigan runs this public side of the company. One of the most powerful men in the world, he's ruthless in business, and would do anything to protect his wife, and their friends. His brother, Miles, works alongside him, running the Acquisitions department, and doing what he can to help the Society women. His wife, Alex, runs the front desk at the Foundation. Their love story was in the book, _Working on Love_ , which is always free in ebook format, on all platforms, as it connects my first two series, and also gives more insight into Matt and Reina's story.

The Studkateers are what the men connected to the Society (including the Griffin brothers) call themselves. They have a strong friendship with each other, they're hot, and I love The Three Musketeers, so why not?

Cohen is best friends with Knox, who got his own girl (with Cohen's help) in Society Girls: Waverly. In that book, Cohen was managing his friend's swimming career after tanking his own Olympic Diving dreams with drugs, alcohol, and women. Knox also loved the ladies and one claimed he was the father of her child. It turns out Shane was actually Cohen's baby, and he's been raising him with help from his parents for over two years now.

Kendrick and Matisse from Society Girls: Matisse make some appearances as well. Kenny is Wave's best friend, and the Society doctor.
**_For Jordyn and Lita. Fight like the girls you are, my friends!_**

# Prologue

Cohen

Two years ago my life was very different. I was sleeping around with any woman who caught my eye, managing my best friend's swimming career, and never thinking about the future. Now, I have a two-year-old son, I'm giving swimming lessons to kids, and the future is always on my mind. I still have sex with women, but I'm more discreet than I once was, and I always make sure to suit up—with my own condoms. I love my boy, but I'm not ready to be responsible for two kids in the near future.

"Excuse me, but are you Colin?"

I turn from the deck I was spraying down, forgetting the water's still on as I douse the woman before me. The scrubs she's wearing are now plastered to her slim curves, and while I'm sorry for soaking her, I appreciate the view.

"Shit!"

"I cannot believe you just did that. I have to go to work after this!"

"It was an accident," I tell her, taking in dark black hair, sexy lips, and grey eyes that are looking like storms as she glares at me.

"Just like moving my daughter down a class without talking to me—or her—was an accident too?"

"Huh?"

"Listen, Coby. I'm going to talk slowly so you understand what I'm saying."

"Cohen. My name is Cohen."

"Whatever. It doesn't matter to me anyway. What matters is that you moved my daughter down a class without talking to me about it. I'm not sure what kind of work background you have, or if you've ever been around kids before, but what you did was shitty."

Fuck. I've made my brain stop looking at women unless I plan to fuck them in a few minutes, since I'm where I am right now because of a psycho one. Now, I recognize this woman—mom—and I know I deserve her ire. I don't deserve the condescending tone, but yeah, I get her being a bitch right now.

"She isn't ready for my class."

"Then you should've discussed it with me."

"This isn't Harvard, it's swim class. I made the choice I needed to."

"You embarrassed her. When someone else told her she'd been moved, she was mortified. Who does that to a little girl?"

Me, apparently. Yep, I'm that ass who hurt a kid's feelings. I relax my stance, and soften my voice. Maybe this chick wants to go to war, but I was wrong and I'm man enough to admit it.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to embarrass her."

"Well, you did, and it's not okay."

"I should've talked to you both, but I've already apologized. I don't know what else you want from me."

"I want you to say it like you mean it. I feel like you're just saying what I want to hear, but you should really understand what I'm saying. You're teaching children here, and they need more from you than just to go through the motions."

"I never go through the motions," I tell her with a smirk, and whoa, where did that come from? I don't flirt like this anymore. Especially not with one of the swim moms.

"Are you seriously hitting on me while I'm fighting with you?" she asks, her eyes getting even stormier as her chest heaves. I can see her small breasts rising and falling, and yeah, I'm liking what I see.

"Maybe? I truly am sorry, though. I mean it."

Before I can even react, I'm being pushed into the pool next to us. Damn, even that was hot. I surface to see her stomping away, a perfect ass outlined by the scrubs. If I wasn't sure her daughter didn't belong in my class, I would totally move her back, just so I could see her mom up close again.

Quincy

I cannot believe what an ass Cohen is. Granted, I was a bit of a bitch, but not one messes with Bianca. Especially not some hot beach dude, who thinks he's God's gift to the world. Yes, I know who he is and what his name is, but I've also seen and heard about how large his ego is, and I wanted to take him down a bit.

I drive to the hospital, thankful I keep the spare set of scrubs in my locker. Slamming open the locker room door, I run into the one person I don't ever want to see again.

"Rough day already, Quincy?" Mika asks, looking me over. She looks perfect, because of course she does. Lots of money and a douchebag husband will do that to you.

"Just a run-in with a sprinkler," I lie.

She smirks, and I want to punch her. "Well, I suppose that's par for the course with you."

Bitch. "If you'll excuse me, I need to change," I tell her, pulling out the scrubs I keep in there.

"Bye."

She saunters out the door like she owns this place, probably because she practically does. It's not bad enough she stole my husband, but her family has donated enough wings to the place that everyone seems to forget about it. "Friends" no longer speak to me, and if I wasn't so damn good at my job, I know I'd have been fired by now.

My phone rings as I come back out of the bathroom and I smile when I see the name on the screen. "How are you, Ken?"

"I'm well. I'm calling with a proposition for you."

"Does your girlfriend know about this?"

I can almost hear him rolling his eyes as he sighs. "I need more help here in Las Vegas and I've been authorized to hire someone of my choosing."

"Corrigan & Co. has that much need for a second doctor?"

"I primarily work with the C&C Foundation, and yes."

"I'd love to say yes, but I don't know if Rick will let me move Bianca."

"Waverly said you told her he cancels almost every weekend he's supposed to have with her."

"He does, unless it's something he's doing publicly. Heaven forbid he be seen as neglectful when the press is around."

"Moving won't be a problem if you're interested."

"How do you know?"

"I can't explain until you're here and agree to work with me, but you can trust me on this."

"I _do_ trust you. You and Wave were my best friends back in Boston, and I was so happy when she reached out last year. I miss you both, and I'd love to have B get to know her Godparents better."

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes. I'd love to quit this job, and come work for you."

It's the truth. I don't even know what the pay is, but from everything I've read, Matt and Reina Corrigan keep their employees happy. I'm ready to leave this place and make a new start for myself—and my little girl. No more asshole swim instructors, and no more bastard fathers. It's just what we both need.

# Chapter 1

Cohen

Shane is being extra two today. I refuse to call him a "terrible two", but he's definitely a handful some days. Even as he approaches the three-year mark.

"Daddy, I want the other waffles."

"These are the waffles I always make for you."

"Grammy makes the other ones. The ones with swaberries on them."

"We don't have any strawberries, but if you're good at school, I'll buy some later."

"No school!"

He used to love his daycare center, but lately he's been complaining about it. "School is cool."

"Not when you don't have a mommy. I don't have a mommy!"

Whoa. "You have me, and I love you more than a mommy ever could."

"But there's a mommy party next week!"

This is something I haven't been informed about until now, and I'm more than a little pissed. I know for a fact that I'm not the only single parent whose kid goes there, but the others are mostly women. I get them wanting to celebrate the moms, but a little warning would've been nice.

"Do you want Grammy to go with you?"

"No," he insists. "I no go."

"We'll figure something out," I promise him.

I clean up, and drive him to the center. After asking to speak to the director, I take a seat and wait. And wait. I know she's making me wait on purpose, and I've had my fill of women who think they're better than me this week. First the doctor—because yeah, I looked at Bianca's file and saw her mom's info—and now this woman who's in charge of my son's happiness for a few hours every day.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Horton?" she asks, once I'm seated across from her in her office.

"Why am I just now hearing about a 'mommy tea' that's taking place?"

"You're not a mommy."

She says it with such derision, I have to fight the urge to jump from my chair and defend myself. "No, which is why this should be a 'parent tea' and not one specifically for mothers. I'm not the only single father who brings his child here."

"There are far more single mothers and their situations are harder."

The fuck. "You don't know my situation."

"You really think you go through what a single woman trying to raise her child goes through?"

"I'd imagine our situations aren't that different."

"Of course, you would. Perhaps this isn't the right place for you if you can't respect women."

"Are you insane? Nothing I've said today has been about me not respecting women."

"I think this conversation should end now, before either of us becomes more agitated."

"I'll be in touch," I tell her, walking out.

I know I'm going to have to move Shane somewhere. She didn't take my concern seriously, and actually tried to make me feel like I was anti-woman. Totally not true, but if that's the way it's going to be here, my son is better off elsewhere.

I think I know where we should go and it's not to a new daycare here in San Diego. We both need something different. I'm hoping the chance I was offered a couple of months ago is still available.

"What's up?" my best friend Knox asks, answering my call.

"Just driving to work, but I was wondering if the job you asked me about is still available."

"Here? I'll ask Matt, but I'm pretty sure it's available. If not, I can totally find you something else."

"I don't want you to find me something. I can do it on my own." I know I'm being an asshole, but I don't want to ride on his coattails any longer.

"Shut up, and don't even think about saying I was your meal ticket again. You kept me balanced, did a kiss-ass job managing me, and were there when I needed you. Matt doesn't offer people jobs just because they're friends with his friends."

"Okay, yeah. I'm the best friend ever," I say the words, but we both know he had my back when I needed it too. And, I needed it way more than he ever did. "If the job's still open, I'd like to try it."

"I'll call him right now, and call you back."

The job Matt Corrigan offered me is basically what I did for Knox, but on a bigger level. He and his brother have assistants who go through their mail, and a publicity department for press releases, but he wants someone to take on the extra work. I can understand why he'd rather have his assistant helping him with business stuff rather than going through gala invites or deciding where to put sponsorship money. Those are both things I know I'm good at. Not just from Knox, but from helping with my family's fortune as well. Yeah, I'm rich and still giving swim lessons, but my parents always encouraged me to do what I love, and I love to swim.

I always imagined I'd be doing it here in San Diego forever, but now, I'm thinking Las Vegas might be good for me and my boy. My best friends are there, and there are other perks for working at Corrigan & Co.—not to mention all the hot chicks who like to party. My city has hot chicks, but I don't like playing close to home since I've had Shane. Vegas will be home, but still allow me the freedom to hit it and quit it with willing tourists.

"Cool. Things here are getting a little messy, and I think it's time to give Vegas a try."

"Wave is going to totally freak out when I tell her."

"Only because she knows I was the better choice and she let me get away."

"Keep telling yourself that, Coh, but we both know better."

"Yeah, yeah, it was always you. But I make an awesome friend."

"No denying that. It's going to be great having you with us again, and you know we love our Godson."

"I do. I've got to give notice at the swim school, but then I'm available if Matt wants me."

"Sweet."

"Talk to you soon."

I hang up as I pull into the lot of the swim school. Thankfully, I've had no further run-ins with the crazy—and hot—mom, but that's probably because I practically run the other way whenever I see her. Even without her, I'm ready for a new challenge. Knowing what I know about Reina and that secret society of hers, I can't wait to see what Vegas has to offer.

Quincy

True to his word, Ken worked some magic on Rick. Okay, it was probably Reina Corrigan, but either way, it worked. The hospital staff were jerks on their own, but I shouldn't have expected it to be any different. They told me I wouldn't be needed any longer, once my notice was turned in. I was a bit taken aback, because despite everything that's happened, I'm one of the best doctors they had on staff. Money should never come before medicine, but in my case, it clearly did. It makes me even more happy to be leaving.

I decided to hold onto the house here, so there isn't much to pack, meaning Bianca and I will be in Vegas by the end of the week. She's taking this better than I thought she would and I can only be thankful for that. It's been rough for her, with her father cancelling on her over and over again, so being away might be exactly what she needs too.

"Is there a pool in Las Vegas?" she asks, as I help her pack up some of her clothes.

"There are lots of pools in Las Vegas."

"But, will there be one I can swim at? At our apartment?"

"Yes. We're going to live at the C&C apartment building, where there are two or three pools. Ken also said there's a whole C&C Activity Center we can use. There's mini-golf, and games, there too."

"I only want to swim."

I should be happier that at six she's voicing what she wants, but it makes me sad to see my little girl growing up. Too soon, she won't need me to defend her from assholes, and I'm dreading that more than I probably should. Although, if I'm being honest, I'll always defend her.

"Then you'll swim. I'm sure we can set up lessons for you."

"Will my teacher be nicer than Cohen?"

"I'm sure they will be."

"Good. He was nice, but then he wasn't. Like Daddy."

No, no one is like her father, but I refrain from telling her that right now. If we were staying, I'd have to talk to her about comparing a swim teacher who switches a class, to her father who breaks her heart. As it is, I need to impart a little bit of wisdom.

"It's not nice to compare people to each other. We're all different."

"I know," she says, hanging her head. "It's just hard to remember sometimes. My heart hurt when the other teacher told me I was in her class now. Cohen always smiled at me, but then he didn't want me."

"Getting your feelings hurt is hard. I'm so proud of the girl you are, and how much you care. Sometimes it's easier to get hurt when you care, but I don't want you to ever stop caring."

"I'm proud of you too. You're a doctor and you save people. Not because you have to, but because you want to."

"I do."

"Maybe I'll be a doctor when I grow up."

"You can be whatever you want to be."

"You wouldn't be sad if I wanted to be a swimmer?" she asks, looking hopeful and earnest.

"Not at all."

"Thanks, Mommy."

It breaks my heart a little, my girl thinking she has to thank me for encouraging her dreams. She should always know I support her, no matter what career she chooses. I'll make sure she knows from now on.

"Let's finish packing, and go to the beach."

"Really??"

"Yep. We're both going to miss it when we move, and it's a perfect day for it."

"I love you, Mommy."

"I love you too."

This is the right thing for us. I know it in my heart. Being away from Rick and his toxicity is going to be best for both of us. Working with people who won't betray me will be even better.

# Chapter 2

Cohen

"This is sweet," I tell Knox, looking around the apartment I chose in the C&C building. It's got a blue and grey theme, reminding me of the ocean. Chloe Griffin's in the smaller bedroom, asking Shane what he wants his room to look like, while I'm perfectly happy with the way mine is.

"Yeah. Only people who know about the Society are allowed to live here. Matt gives housing stipends to everyone else, but this is definitely the lap of luxury."

"Fuck luxury, I'm down with those pools, and the game room, and shit, we're rich man, but this is insane."

"Everyone's cool, and we don't abuse the concierge privileges, so it ends up being pretty chill around here."

"Just what I'm looking for."

"About that," Knox says, rubbing his neck. "Pretty much everyone who lives here is coupled up. Anyone who's not is kinda off limits."

"Meaning I can't fuck the concierge even though she was giving off signals."

"Signals? I thought she was going to climb on the counter, and then try to climb you, but yeah—no fucking around with the staff."

"I wouldn't even if you weren't warning me off," I tell him honestly. "I keep all that away from Shane."

"Maybe you'll find a good woman and settle down."

"Not even close to being ready for that."

"I wasn't ready for Wave."

"No," I agree with a shrug. "If it happens, I won't run from it."

"Good. And thanks for helping with the swimming lessons. After I got the last instructor fired for almost letting one of the kids drown, I promised to find someone else to help me do the lessons myself. I feel more comfortable with two of us in the pool."

"I'm happy to help. I can meet you at the pool once Shane's done giving Chloe his crazy ideas."

"Not so crazy," Chloe says, walking into the living room with Shane's hand in hers. "At least, nothing so crazy I can't make it happen."

"I'm going to have a spaceship in my room, Daddy!"

"I could've bought you a spaceship bed, buddy."

"Would it have full technology in it? Because Scott's going to program it to do some awesome stuff."

I can only shake my head. The Griffin family is entrenched with the Society, but even without that connection, Scott Griffin is a legend. One of the best computer minds in the world, and a cool guy on top of that.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

"Can we go swim now, Daddy?"

"Yep. Let's get changed."

"See you in a few," Knox says. Chloe gives Shane a kiss on the cheek and I get a hug before they leave.

"Remember, Uncle Knox and I have to teach some other kids, so you need to stay with our class, or in the little splash area until we're done."

"I knows."

I smile, knowing I should correct him, but he's just too adorable when he says his words wrong. I want him to remain a carefree kid as long as possible and I know he'll grow out of it eventually. So, for right now, I'll let him just be a kid and talk the way he wants.

Once we're outside a few minutes later, I see a group of about eight kids of varying ages sitting with their feet in the pool. Knox is kneeling before one little girl with a troubled look on his face. As we approach, my heart sinks when I hear them talking.

"I'm not a good swimmer, Knox. I shouldn't be in class. You'll have to spend too much time with me. It's not fair to everyone else."

"You let me figure out how much time to spend with you, Bianca."

"I'll help her," I say, knowing I'm responsible for her sadness, and worry.

"Cohen!" she gasps, he eyes going wide.

Knox's eyebrows rise as he looks between us. "You know each other?"

"I was her instructor back home."

"Until you moved me down a class."

Shit. She looks like she's going to cry. I drop to my knees in front of her, and take her face in my hands. I probably shouldn't be touching her at all, but I can't help but want to comfort her. It'll be worth another push in the pool if that happens.

"We had bigger classes there, and I couldn't give you the extra time to help you be ready for my class. I know you were trying your hardest, and I promise we'll have fun while I help you here."

"You mean it? I don't want to be a problem."

"I wouldn't lie to you," I tell her, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "Will you let me help you?"

She nods, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I never meant to hurt this little girl. Knox gives me a look, letting me know we're going to be discussing this later, and I just nod.

I truly have fun with Bianca over the next hour. I keep an eye on the other kids when I see them stray from Knox, but they all listen to us when we tell them something. Shane's having fun playing in the splash pool by himself, and I'm calling this a good day. Until _she_ arrives.

Quincy

It's been a great day, but my mind is completely exhausted when I arrive back at the C&C apartments. That's the only excuse I can give myself for leaving Bianca with Waverly's boyfriend Knox, and bolting back upstairs for a glass of wine.

Today, I learned about a secret society, and saw some technology I thought was years away from being available. I was given an actual office, and met a top-notch nursing staff, who've worked with Ken for years now. They accepted me, and I feel like I'm where I need to be. I have a sense of belonging I never had back home.

But yeah, all that info made my brain want to explode. A glass of wine and a change of clothes later, I'm ready to check on Bianca. She's in great hands with Knox, but I don't know this best friend of his who's teaching the kids along with him.

Walking outside, I stop in my tracks when I see my daughter swimming towards _him_. Cohen. He's smiling and cheering her on, making me want to punch him. He shouldn't be here. This is supposed to be a new start, and he's definitely not a part of that.

"Why are you here?" I ask him, trying to keep my voice calm.

Her turns to look at me, his grey eyes widening. Why do we have to share an eye color? Hardly anyone has my eye color, but this man who used to invade my fantasies before he hurt my daughter, has them.

"I live here."

"Here? In this building?"

"Yeah."

"Cohen's nice again now, Mommy. He's helping me."

I force a smile on my face, because Bianca's the important one here. "That's great, honey."

"She's doing a wonderful job."

"Thank you for helping her."

I turn away, taking a seat on one of the chaise lounges nearby. I wasn't planning to stay, or else I would've put on something more pool-worthy instead of yoga pants and a tank top. No matter. I'm not leaving here until this lesson is over.

I watch in silence for around twenty minutes, before other parents start arriving to pick up their kids. I'm a little shocked by the trust they're showing Knox and Cohen, but then I remember we're always on camera in any public spaces. Plus, they know Knox—and maybe Cohen—enough to trust them.

"Hi Quincy," Tegan Hall says, sitting next to me. I met her earlier, and we went to lunch with Waverly. Her husband is responsible for much of the chemistry in play on the medical ward.

"Hi! I see your little redhead over there with Knox."

"She's a handful, but I couldn't love her more."

"Bianca's almost robotically good, but that comes from trying to please her father when he deigns to allow her to see him. I sometimes wish she'd act up a little."

"Be careful what you wish for. Ethan's the best kid anyone could have, but he has his teenage moments."

"Didn't we all?"

"Well, yes."

"Mommy, Cohen said he can help me tomorrow, even though there isn't a class. Can I?"

I look up at my daughter, who looks happier than I've seen her look in a long time. Then, I look further up, to the man standing behind her. He looks sheepish and apologetic.

"Sure. Thank you, Cohen."

The words don't taste as bitter coming off my tongue as I would've expected them to. That's all Bianca, because she's dripping wet and smiling. I'd do anything for her. She hugs me, and runs over to Knox and the other kids.

"Glad you remembered my name," Cohen tells me with a smirk, and there goes my goodwill.

"I always knew your name. It was passed around by the other moms as someone to avoid."

His smile drops, and his eyes go hard. "I don't go for moms, but you shouldn't believe everything you hear about someone without talking to them first."

Damn it. He brings out the worst in me. I know it, yet I still let it happen.

"You're right. I'm sorry for judging you. You'll just have to prove me wrong."

"Challenge accepted."

# Chapter 3

Cohen

Matt's Third Assistant, Beckham, is in charge of going over all of my duties with me. I didn't know people had more than one assistant, which illustrates the difference between being rich and being _rich_.

"Matt said he gave you a broad overview of everything."

Beckham doesn't phrase it as a question, but I answer her anyway. "Yes."

"Sully is Miles' assistant, but he can't be here today. We went over everything last night, so we won't have to wait to meet with him."

"Last night?"

"He's my boyfriend."

"Oh. Cool. I guess."

"It's very cool, but we can talk about my personal life some other time."

"Gotcha. You're a busy woman."

"I am. Beyond busy. I'm sorry if I'm being abrupt, but things are always crazy around here. Basically, we're looking for you to free things up for us, so we can actually assist them."

"Matt mentioned invites and sponsorships, but also said he wants me seeking things out for him and Miles as well."

"Yes. You'll receive everything coming in. It'll be up to you to look into every person or organization, check to see if the guys are available, and send out responses. I'd suggest checking the master calendar first, because it'll save you time if they've got something else going on."

"Everything's on there?"

"Yes. There's also blocked out time that can't be touched. Matt and Miles put Reina and Alex and their kids above all else."

"Got it. Do I send my recommendations to you?"

"No. Matt said he trusts you to choose for him. Just input everything, and send a weekly email to all of us."

Whoa. I wasn't expecting to have full control over the social activities of two of the most powerful men on the planet. It's a lot of responsibility. I know I'm up for it, but I didn't think they'd know it until I spent a few months proving myself.

"Okay."

Beckham smiles at me. "They don't trust a lot of people, but you've made a good impression."

"I guess."

"You were right when you said I'm busy, but please don't hesitate to contact me—or Sully—if you get stuck."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," she says, standing. "Your HR paperwork is on your tablet, along with information about your physical."

"Physical?"

"We have an in-house medical team, and Matt likes to know everyone is healthy. If you're not, he has a team that will help you get there. It's very important to him."

"Okay. I know I'm healthy, but I'll do whatever he wants."

"Don't tell him that," she says with a laugh. "He's a great boss, but he'd have you do something stupid just to mess with you. Not in a mean way—he's not like that—but he does like to have his fun."

"I get what you're saying."

I really do. Matt is cool, and I have no doubt he'd be into some practical jokes with his best friends, who all work here too. I'm looking forward to having some fun of my own once I get a little more comfortable here. I already know a bunch of people, but I don't know my co-workers. I'll feel them out, and then the fun will begin.

The HR paperwork is straightforward, and I'm done with it pretty quickly. I'm still a little in awe of everything we get here, but I'm not complaining. After stopping in to have a snack with Shane in the daycare center, I make my way down to the medical ward.

A nurse meets me at the elevator and walks me to an exam room. Handing me a tablet, she asks me to enter my medical history onto it, and answer the questions as honestly as possible.

"Thanks," I tell her, hopping onto the exam table.

The gown she hands me is a step up from one I'd get from a public doctor's office, but it's still going to test the limits of my modesty. Good thing I don't have a problem with that. Getting naked isn't a big deal.

"The doctor will be with you shortly."

"I know Kenny."

"So I've been told. It will actually be our new doctor giving you your physical. After, I'll show you to Waverly's office. She'd like to have a word with you."

New doctor? I didn't know they had more than one here. It really doesn't matter since I know I'm healthy.

"Great."

She leaves me alone and I scroll through my phone for a few minutes after changing. I look up when the door opens, expecting someone as formal as Kenny to walk in. I can't help smiling when I see Bianca's mom is the one entering the room.

She startles back for a moment, but recovers quickly. "Of course, my first patient here has to be you."

"Don't sound so excited to see me."

She ignores my smirk, holding out her hand for the tablet. "I'm not."

"Before you look me over, I think you should tell me your name. I mean, that's usually how it works, isn't it? You know each other's names before getting naked."

"You can just call me Dr. Morris," she tells me, ignoring my innuendo.

Damn. That shouldn't be hot, but with her, it is. She's so fucking uptight with me, but so loving and fierce with her kid. I know if I had the chance to unleash her passion, we'd probably both go up in flames. Bad idea. _Bad idea._ I know it, but it doesn't stop me from pushing her a little.

"Kinky."

She starts to run her hand through her hair, remembering too late it's up into a loose bun. Several black strands pull loose, causing my dick to push against the thin gown. Because, holy hell, she looks so good when she's a little undone. With a growl, she places the tablet on the counter next to her, and fixes her hair.

"I'd appreciate it if we could be professional in here."

I'd keep playing along and pushing her, but I can tell she means it. "Sure."

She nods and proceeds to ask me about every answer I've given. She has me cough, which means she knows I'm hard for her. Not sorry, but I do wish she'd given me just a little tug. She's too professional for that, but a guy and his cock can hope.

After she's done with the exam, the nurse comes back in and draws my blood, using some device I've never seen before. I'm weighed and measured using another device. Once the nurse leaves, hot mom turns back to me.

"Everything looks good so far. You'll need to set up a full-body scan before you leave. Just stop at the main desk. One of the nurses will call you with the results of your blood tests."

"You're not doing the full-body scan? I enjoyed the full-body exploration."

"No. As for this exam, did you feel I was in any way appropriate? Ken informed me they don't require nurses in the room her unless a patient requests it as everyone trusts him. I should have asked you if you were comfortable."

There I go again, being an ass. She did nothing wrong, except give me a few more fantasies to jerk off to later. That's on me, and not her.

"You were perfectly professional."

She nods. "They're waiting for you at the desk once you get dressed."

I can tell I'm being dismissed, but I'm not ready for that yet. "Have dinner with me."

"Even though that didn't sound like an invite, no."

"I can't get even a 'maybe.'"

"Nope. I don't have a babysitter."

Oh. Neither do I, but I know there's concierge for that. "Tell me when."

"I don't think it's a good idea. I'm not a sure thing on the first date, Cohen."

"I can take a woman to dinner without expecting sex," I tell her, getting a little angry.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm sure you're a great date, but I think we're in different places, and I prefer not to spend time on something that won't work out."

Well, damn. I'm usually not put in my place by women I'm interested in dating. Mostly because I don't "date," but still.

"You never know until you try, but I'm not going to beg you for a date. Unless you're into that kind of thing."

Her eyes flash for a second, but it's gone before I can even comment on it. "No. Begging isn't necessary—or expected."

Interesting. She turns her back while I get dressed and walks me to the main desk to set up my appointment. I think about what she said. It may not be necessary, but I think she might like it if I begged. Under the right circumstances, of course. _Naked_ circumstances.

"Then it's not a no?" I ask again, once we're almost to the lobby.

"It's a no. Have a great day, Cohen."

"Quincy, I've sent the reports you asked for to your tablet," the nurse at the desk says.

I can't help but smirk. "You have a great day too, Quincy."

She flinches a little and I almost miss the smile on her face when she shakes her head. Oh yeah, I'm wearing her down. I don't know why it matters so much, but for some reason it does.

Quincy

Ugh. Why does Cohen have to be so sexy _and_ sweet. Sexy I could deal with, but this sweet side is too much.

"Mommy, look at me!" Bianca yells, jumping off the smallest diving board into Cohen's waiting arms. He laughs and helps her swim to the side of the pool.

"You're doing great!" I yell back.

Cohen's eyes meet mine, before sliding down my body. Okay, so I didn't need to be wearing my own bathing suit as I watch the swim lesson. I just put this one on because it feels weird to be lying by the pool in regular clothes. Yeah, fine, I didn't need to choose a bikini, but I did. Sue me for wanting to have a man look at me the way Cohen's looking at me now.

"She is," he agrees, pushing up on his muscular arms and lifting himself out of the pool.

_Do not pant at the sight of his abs. Do not do it! Damn, I'm doing it._

"Thanks for helping her out."

There. I spoke without sounding breathless.

"I'm happy to help with anything you need." The smirk is firmly in place, and yeah, alright—I may have sounded a little breathless.

"Swimming lessons are all we need."

"You sure about that, Quince?"

"Quincy. My name is Quincy."

"That's so formal."

"As am I."

"Mommy, are we going to order pizza tonight still?" Bianca asks, reminding me she's here with us. I didn't exactly forget, but I did need a reminder of the reason we're all here.

"Yep. Pizza it is."

"Cool. Bye, Cohen!"

She grabs my hand as I laugh, watching Cohen's mouth drop open. Yep, he just got cock-clocked by my kid. Not that there was a chance of his cock coming out to play with me tonight, but still; she totally shut it down before he even had a chance to ask again. I'm not sure if I'm happy about it, or disappointed, but it is what it is. I'm a single mother first. Always.

# Chapter 4

Quincy

"Hey, Q," Waverly says, knocking lightly on my open office door.

"Wave!" I exclaim, jumping up to hug my friend. She was on one of her spy missions when I arrived, and I haven't seen her yet.

"Are you free for lunch?"

"Definitely."

We let the nurses know we'll both be gone and head upstairs to the cafeteria. It's one of the best perks of working here, boasting stations serving all kinds of different foods. I decide on Greek food, heaping rice pilaf onto my plate.

"I didn't know you were a Vegetarian."

I look up to see Cohen looming over me. Wait, that's not fair. He's simply taller than me, forcing me to have to look up. He can't help his height—but he can help that damn smirk. And maybe how hot he looks in that rolled-up dress shirt and tie. Okay, he can't help that either, but he probably wouldn't if he could.

_Stay strong, Quincy_.

"I'm not."

"Could've fooled me."

Rolling my eyes, I try to get rid of him. "Not sure why you're so concerned about my eating habits. You're not _my_ coach."

"I could be. Do you need lessons, Quince?"

"What I need is to have a peaceful lunch with a friend."

He's laughing when I walk away, and yes, I'm smiling too. Waverly gives me a curious look when I set my tray down. My smile stays on while I grab a smoothie, but it disappears when I find Cohen sitting at our table.

"Q, this is Knox's best friend Cohen. Coh, this is my friend, Quincy."

"You're Knox's best friend? Seriously? How did I not know this?"

"You didn't ask," he tells me with a shrug.

"Wait, you two know each other?"

"I wouldn't go that far."

"I was Bianca's swim teacher back home, and I'm helping her out here now."

"You were—shit—is he the asshole you tossed into the pool? Please tell me it's not him."

"Please! She didn't toss me. I was pushed."

"Because you made my Goddaughter cry!"

"Your—Bianca—shit!"

"I could pull you apart piece by piece. You know that, right? And Ken knows his way around a scalpel. He's her Godfather in case you were wondering."

"Yes Wave, I know. I've already apologized to Bianca."

"He did," I admit, grudgingly, because I would love to see my friend knock him around a little.

"Still not totally happy."

"Can you do me a favor, and not tell Kenny until after I have my scan thingy?"

"He's a complete professional. Always has been. He won't let anything get in the way of that."

"Always? How do you all know each other anyway?"

"Ken and Quincy went to medical school together. We all lived in the same apartment complex, and she was pretty much our only real friend."

"They were there for me when my asshole ex got me pregnant, and walked away at first."

"At first?"

"That's a story for later."

"I'll be waiting."

I see the sincerity in his eyes, and it makes me look at him. _Really_ look at him for once. Past the sexy smirk, and beautiful eyes, is a man who cares. He hides it well, but it's there. Maybe I need to give him a chance to show me more.

I'm still thinking that after watching him interact with Waverly. He's flirty, but respectful. I like that. I think I may even like _him._

"You like him."

There's a reason Waverly and I are friends. "I think you're right."

"He's a good guy, Q. I know he comes across as an entitled ass, but he doesn't care about his money."

"Money? He's a swim instructor."

"Actually, he's now some kind of marketing and event person. I honestly don't know exactly what he's doing for Matt, but I know he's being paid well. And, I know I'm glad he's here, because he's been a good friend to me when I needed that."

"Interesting."

It really is. A couple of weeks ago, I was ready to write him off as a cocky surfer. Knowing he's more has me looking for him once we're done with lunch. I was already leaning toward giving him a chance before my friend told me some stories about how he'd stood up for her in the past. Now, I want to see where this can go.

Deciding to freshen up in private, I turn the corner to the quiet rooms, and realize my mistake. Cohen has a woman against the wall. His hand is inside her shirt and his mouth is on her neck.

"Do you mind?" she asks, causing him to look my way.

"Of course not."

I turn and walk away. He doesn't come after me, which is for the best. I know now he only wanted one thing from a date with me, and it's not something I casually give out. I should feel relieved instead of disappointed. I should, but I don't.

Cohen

I'm freaked out about the scan today. I think I'm healthy, but what if I'm not? I broke lots of bones when I was training to be an Olympic diver. Having the best doctors money can buy doesn't mean I didn't fuck something up. If I did—well, I've got Shane to think about now.

It's why I accepted that chick's offer to make-out at lunch. I wanted to calm my nerves before I went downstairs. Lunch with Wave and Quincy was fun, but in no way relaxing; I can't relax around Quincy—I want her too badly. Of course, it had to be her who caught us in the hallway. That look on her face was enough to have me walking away right after she did, but the damage was done. I'm going to find her once this thing is over.

"Are you ready, Cohen?" Kendrick asks, motioning to the booth that looks like a TSA scanner.

"I didn't bring any liquids in my carry-on," I reply, with a straight face.

"I've heard it all, my friend."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. Just step in when you're ready. As I explained to you, you'll need to stand still while being scanned, but it's only for about a minute."

"Got it."

I drop the sheet around my waist and step into the machine. Kenny said to just keep my arms at my side, but when the machine powers up, I still feel like I'm at the airport. The minute seems to go one forever, but I know it really doesn't. I also correctly interpret the look Kenny's got on his face when I step out.

"You did not mention your concussion history on any of the medical forms."

"It's been years since I've hit my head on a diving board."

"Your brain has been affected. Not badly, but continued concussions could cause permanent damage."

"Good thing I'm no longer diving then, huh?"

"Yes, it is. You didn't mention headaches on your forms, either, but there's no way you're not having them with what I'm seeing on the scan."

"They aren't every day. Or even every week."

"But, they _are_ bad."

"Yes," I admit. I honestly feel like I'm going to die when one comes on.

"There is no magic number for how many are too many concussions, but having more could be dangerous for you."

"Walking across a street could be dangerous for me."

"Cohen."

"Kenny. I'm not going to stop living my life just because something _may_ happen."

"Just please try and be careful. You are perfectly healthy besides the minor swelling on your brain. I want to scan you again in a month to see if it's gone down. As it's been years, I don't expect that to happen, but one can hope."

"And, if it hasn't gone down?"

"I'd rather not go in and do anything unless it gets worse. If your headaches start coming close together, you need to tell me or Quincy immediately."

Fuck. I didn't even think about her knowing. "I don't suppose this could stay between the two of us?"

He frowns. "Why would you want that?"

"I'm trying to impress Quincy, not send her running."

"My friend is not a runner, but she is also not someone who's going to rush into a casual relationship."

"I know."

"It's not in my nature to warn someone away from something—someone—they want."

"Yet, you want to do it with me."

"Not necessarily. I do want to urge you to be sure if this is what you want. Bianca's father is not a nice man, and he did all he could to try and destroy Quincy. She survived, but she's still a little battered."

"Maybe I can be the one to fix her up."

"Maybe so," he agrees, nodding his head. "Maybe so."

While I get dressed, I think about what I want from Quincy. What I can offer her. Technically, I could offer her the world, but I'm pretty sure money doesn't interest her. I want to find out what does. Time to find her.

"Hey," I say, leaning against her open office door a few minutes later.

It's lame, but it's all I've got at the moment. One of the nurses told me how to find her office, and now I'm sounding like a moron.

"Did you need something, Cohen?"

Yes. I need her. Or at least I want her. "I wanted to explain about the woman in the hall."

"You don't owe me any explanations."

"Since I want to date you, I do."

She sits back in her chair and runs her hands over her face. "I was honestly going to come find you and take you up on that date offer."

"You were?"

"Before I saw you in the hallway, yes."

Fuckity fuck fuck. "I was stressed out about my scan."

"Because you'd omitted your concussions from all questionnaires?"

"Word travels fast."

"Technology," she says, motioning to the tablet on her desk.

"Right. And yes, I knew Kenny might see it. I didn't know if he'd find anything else."

"I'm sure he let you know he didn't."

"Yeah. It was a relief to hear nothing's really wrong with me."

"Swelling on your brain shouldn't be a relief."

"He's not worried yet."

"Not yet, no. Is there something else I can help you with?"

"You haven't let me explain yet."

She waves her hands toward one of the chairs in front of her. "Go ahead. It won't change anything between us, though."

"There's no point if you're not willing to listen."

I walk out feeling worse than I did when I walked in. I won't be bullied into feeling afraid, and I won't allow another woman to de-value me. No matter how much I thought I liked her.

# Chapter 5

Quincy

Wave offered to take Bianca down to the pool with her, giving me a little time to decompress after work. It was a long day of studying every Society member's files. Tomorrow, I'll be going over the ones for their family members. I don't need to memorize them all, but it's good to be familiar with the medical histories of all your potential patients.

After a long, hot shower, I slide on some comfy lounge pants and a soft t-shirt before making my way downstairs. I hear the splashing and laughter once I open the glass doors, and can't help but smile at the sight before me.

Cohen is doing a handstand on the deck as the kids dance around him. When they get a little too rowdy, he flips to his feet. "Alright you little mermaids and mermen, let's hit the showers."

The kids groan, but do as they're told and make their way to the outdoor showers ringing the pool. I'm walking toward Bianca when it happens. Cohen catches his foot on someone's flipflop, the shoe slides forward and he hits the deck hard. It all happens in seconds, the crack of his head hitting concrete loud enough to have me running.

"Daddy!" I hear a little boy yell. I barely register Knox swooping him up as I reach Cohen.

Head wounds bleed more than anything else, and I know it looks bad. Hopefully, it's not nearly as bad as it looks. He's out cold as I gingerly feel around his head. Waverly's at my side with towels, and a full medical kit less than a minute later.

"The cut isn't large. I'll need to give him a few stitches, but that's not what I'm worried about."

"I know," she tells me, handing me some gloves, and one of the small medical scanners Ken taught me to use yesterday. Right now, I'm thankful more than ever for the technology Matt and Reina pay for.

"Damn it," I say on an exhale, noting the concussion and how the tissue around his brain has swelled.

"Another concussion?"

I take out the small razor, and careful shave and sterilize the area around his cut while I fill her in. "Yes. After I stitch him up, we need to get him in a bed where he can be monitored. He'll wake up in a few hours, because it's not that bad, but I'd still feel better if we kept an eye on him."

"Any bed in any apartment here has that capability," she tells me as I direct her to turn his head slightly while I glove up again after opening one of the suture kits.

"A hospital would be better."

"Not for Shane. He's freaking out right now, and seeing Cohen in a hospital bed will only make it worse. Coh would lose his mind if he finds out his son had to suffer more than necessary."

I take out the threaded needle, and get to work. "I didn't know he had a son. Can his mother come, and get him?"

"She's in jail, so no."

"Oh."

"It's a story for another time. I can stay with him overnight."

"No. You should stay with his son. I'll keep watch over Cohen."

"You sure?'

"Yes."

I talk with the security guards who've assembled, helping them get Cohen onto the stretcher. My top is covered in Cohen's blood, and I'll need another shower, but I can finally blow out a breath of relief that it's not as bad as it could've been.

A tug on my pants has me looking down. The little boy with tears in his eyes is a miniature Cohen, right down to the hairstyle he's sporting. I drop to my knees in front of him.

"Is daddy okay?"

"Yes. When people get a cut on their head it bleeds a lot. I know that's scary, but I promise it'll be okay. His hair might look funny in back, but I stitched him up."

"He no wake up."

"Not yet, but he will."

"Promise?"

Because I can, I do. "Yes. I'm going to stay with him until he wakes up."

"Thanks you. I'm Shane," he tells me, holding out his hand.

I shake it with a smile. "You're welcome. You can call me Q."

"Like the letter?"

"Yep."

"Cool."

We hold hands all the way up to their apartment. I'm not surprised when I see it look like the ocean inside, but Bianca is beside herself.

"Are we staying here tonight, Mommy? I love it!"

"If you don't mind hanging out on one of the couches, then yes, you can stay here tonight."

"I'll keep an eye on Coh while you shower and grab your stuff. We can swap when you get back," Waverly tells me.

"I've got the kids," Knox adds. "Grilled cheese for everyone!"

"Thanks. I won't be long."

True to my word, I'm back in the apartment in less than half an hour. Knox hands me a plate of sandwiches, and I settle in with my Kindle onto Cohen's bed. It's huge, and there's plenty of room, so why not let myself be comfortable?

Cohen

I wake up with a raging headache and a sexy doctor in my bed. Sadly, she's fully clothed and I'm pretty sure I've been injured.

"This isn't how I hoped to get you into my bed, Quince."

"I'm only sitting here because it looked more comfortable than the chair over there."

"What happened to me?"

"A wayward flipflop, and a hard and wet deck."

"It's not fair for you to say 'hard' and 'wet' together in a sentence when I don't think I can even sit up right now."

"You asked."

"Are you flirting with me?" It feels like she is, and she didn't correct me when I called her by my nickname for her.

"I shouldn't be."

"But you are."

"Stop smirking."

I start to laugh, but wince as a wave of pain hits me. Quincy glides off the bed to stand on the other side of me. She has a little device in her hand and she moves it over my head.

"What's the verdict?"

"The swelling is going down already. I had some pain meds sent up," she tells me, handing me the pills along with a bottle of water.

"Will these make me sleep again?"

"Yes."

"Will you be here when I wake up?"

"I will."

"I make a good pillow if you need one."

"I have to stay awake, and our kids are here."

Shit. How did I not think of that? "Shane saw? Of course he saw. Where is he?"

I try to get out of bed, only to have her catch me when I stumble. "He's asleep. Knox and Wave are in camping out in his room, and Bianca's on the couch. I told him you'd be okay, and he believes me."

"Thanks. He's too little to have to deal with this."

"Kids are resilient."

"I guess."

"I _know_."

"Okay."

"He's a mini you, and it's just adorable."

"Are you calling me adorable, Quince."

"Quincy, and no—Shane is adorable. You, well you're too good-looking."

"Is that a thing?"

"When a man plays on his looks, it definitely is."

"I'm humble about other things."

"You'll have to show me."

"All it took was a new concussion to get you to give me a chance?"

"I was going to give you a chance before I saw you in the hall yesterday. I already told you that."

"Shit. I told you I was stressed about the scan, and thinking I'd never have a chance with you. She offered, but nothing more than what you saw happened."

"I'm not a casual hook-up kind of woman. I don't think I could share a man. Actually, I know I couldn't."

"How long has it been since you split up from Bianca's dad?"

"The first time, or the last?"

"Wave made it seem like there's a story there."

"There is. Take your meds, and when you wake up, we'll swap stories."

"I'd like that."

I've never opened up to a woman who wasn't my mom—or Waverly. With Quincy, it doesn't feel weird. I don't know why, but it just doesn't. Maybe I'm making a mistake. Maybe I'm not. Only time will tell.

# Chapter 6

Cohen

The next time I wake up, the sun is up, the pain is still a little dulled by my meds, and Quincy is too engrossed in her Kindle to see me looking at her.

"Are you going to share?"

She shrieks a little, almost losing her grip on the device. "Share what?"

"Whatever's on there that made your cheeks flush."

"Oh. Um. No. How are you feeling?"

I grab it out of her hands before she realizes what I'm doing. She snatches it back, but not until I've already seen some interesting words on the screen. Words I wouldn't mind experiencing with her.

"I'm feeling a little hornier than I was a few seconds ago."

"Oh. My. God," she says, dropping her head into her hands.

"Don't be embarrassed by liking a little kink. I'm totally down with some exhibitionism."

"Stop talking now."

"So, that's a no?"

"I thought we were going to talk."

"Talk, lick, fuck—whatever you want to do first, I'm up for. Just lock the door if it's one of the last two."

"Talk. We are going to talk."

She says the words, but her eyes are looking at the sheet, where my morning wood's making a nice tent. If she licks her lips, I'm giving my buddy down there a stroke. I hope like hell she licks her lips.

"If you're sure."

"I am." Damn, she swallowed hard, but no lick.

And now she's got her little magic wand of medicine in her hand. I start to talk as she runs it over my head, and checks on my stitches.

"Here's the Cliff Notes version. Knox and I used to be super manwhores to the point of sharing women. One of those women blew him, fucked me, and had a baby. She was so obsessed with Knox, she decided he had to be the dad even though he hadn't been inside anything but her mouth. She stalked him, which is when Wave was hired to protect him. In the end, it all came out, and I had a son."

"Holy shit!"

"Nothing holy about that bitch, but yeah, I get the sentiment."

"How long is she in jail for?"

"That's still to be determined, but Reina's on it."

"How long have you had Shane?"

"A little over two years. He was several months old when we found him."

"I don't even know what to say."

"How about you start with your story."

"It's not as felonious as yours, but it has some twists and turns."

"I can assure you I'm mentally on the edge of my seat."

"You already know I went to school with Ken. My parents paid for my undergrad, but it was up to me to pay for medical school. I did that by working at an upscale department store, in the Men's Department. Rick was working for one of his family's Boston companies and came in to look for some warmer clothes. He was charming, and I fell for it all. When I found out I was pregnant, his parents flew him home to San Diego. I never thought I'd hear from him again."

"Bastard."

"Yes, he is. When Bianca was a year old, he decided it would look good for him to be a family man. He came back with a ring. I was tired, Cohen. Tired of trying to juggle a baby and medical school. Wave and Ken helped out, but it was a lot, but they had their own stuff going on. I think you know about that."

I nod, and she continues. "I took that ring, along with a nanny and a mansion. The only thing I'll ever be thankful to him besides Bianca, is that I finished school. Once I was done, we were back in San Diego, and he realized it wasn't just a title I wanted, but the real job, he divorced me. And quickly remarried someone who had just as much money as he did. She loves being a socialite."

"How long has it been?"

"Three years."

"Does he take her for weekends or something? Sorry if I'm overstepping here."

"You're not, and he takes her when he needs a photo op, or to try to show he's a good dad. He's not."

"I really want to punch this guy."

"Did I mention that his wife's family owns at least a third of San Diego, and his wife's on the board of my old hospital. She did what she could to make my life miserable."

This is an interesting turn. I know exactly who she's talking about. My family—and Knox's own most of San Diego. I'd give Mika's family a fourth of it maybe, if I'm being generous. They flaunt it more, so it seems like a lot more. I already thought Quincy's ex was a douche, but now I know he's an idiot too. Who in their right mind would leave her for Mika?

"You won't have to worry about that here."

"No, I won't. Reina worked some magic, and got Rick to sign off on letting me bring Bianca here, although I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. His wife hasn't popped out a kid yet, and I've heard some rumors about him wanting to run for office. My daughter's amazing, and she deserved to be loved and not used."

Her eyes tear up. I vow right now to destroy this Rick dude before he can ever hurt this woman and her girl again. Knox will join me, and Reina appears to already be on the same page. I may be down right now, but I'll make sure I'm ready to take out the little asshole—after he takes the first swing, of course. I know how to protect my fortune, too.

Quincy

I probably said too much. Hell, I know I said too much. Cohen has a serious look in his eyes, and his erection is no longer tenting the sheet. The doctor in me knows that's a good thing, but the woman is mourning it just a little. Or a lot. Okay, a lot.

"I got too deep there, didn't I?"

"What?"

"I understand if you're not interested now. It's a lot—we're a lot. B and me."

He starts to lean toward me, but winces and falls back against the pillows. "Damn concussion."

"Where does it hurt? The sutures?" I ask, hopping out of the bed and rushing to his side.

I sterilized the wound and bandaged him up, but no one's perfect. There was a lot of blood and I might have missed something. I pray to God I didn't miss something.

"It's okay. I just shouldn't have moved so fast."

He tries to push my hands away, but I slap his and peel back the bandage. Everything looks good. "You're good."

"Are you sure? Maybe you need to kiss it better. Or maybe I need to kiss parts of you to feel better."

"Parts of me?" I ask, then look down to where his mouth is level with the gaping V-neck of my shirt. "Really, Cohen?"

"You put them there."

"What am I going to do with you?"

"You could start with a kiss."

Why not? We both want it. "That sounds like a good place to start."

Leaning down, I kiss the shocked expression right off his face. A brush of my lips over his—one, twice—and then he's gripping my face in his hands and drinking me like a starved man in the desert.

I've never been kissed like this before, with my lips being worshipped. Kisses, bites, licks, and sucks work together as he makes sure not to miss even a millimeter of space on them. I do my best to keep up, feeling grossly out of my element.

"Sorry," I tell him when I bite his lip a little too hard, and he curses.

"Relax, Quince. You're doing fine."

I don't know if he means it to be condescending, but it is. I know I haven't kissed a man since Rick, and he wasn't going to win any awards in that department. But still. Cohen asked me to kiss him, and I did my best. Not good enough, as usual.

"I need to get going," I tell him, stepping away. "I'll let Wave know I'm leaving."

"Wait, what?"

"Bye."

Bye? God, could I sound more pathetic as I rush from the room. Conversation stops in the main room of the apartment as I rush out.

"Are you okay, Q?" Wave asks.

"Is daddy k?" Shane asks.

I force myself to stop and smile. "Your daddy's awake, and I'm sure he'd love to see you. No jumping on him, okay?"

"K!" he yells, running to his father.

"You didn't answer my question."

I give Waverly a look, tilting my head toward Bianca. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Knox is making pancakes. Can I stay for pancakes, Mommy?"

"If Knox doesn't mind."

"Not at all."

Waverly claps her hands together. "Good. I'm walking Q home."

"That's code for 'girl talk' B. You'll learn about that when you get older," Knox tells her with a wink.

"Okay."

Kids are so easy. Adults on the other hand are pushy, and wonderful. "Come on, my friend," Wave says, linking her arm with mine.

"I'm so embarrassed," I tell her, sinking onto my big, comfy couch.

"Elaborate."

"We kissed, and I sucked at it."

"We're coming back to the kissing itself, but I seriously doubt you sucked. I mean, unless you were literally sucking."

"I tried that. I tried to match what he was doing, and he said I should 'relax' because I was 'doing fine' so yeah."

"He did not really say those things."

"He did. It's my own fault. I threw myself into work and B after Rick. I know I'm not experienced like Cohen is."

"Most of the world isn't as experienced as Cohen. I love him, but it's the truth."

"I was just being stupid. You and Ken like him, he seems to be raising a good kid, and he didn't even ask whose shoe he slipped on. I thought he might be a good guy to try out dating with."

"He's a great guy. I promise."

"Just not for me."

"Don't give up on him yet. You know his head's not right at the moment."

"Low blow."

"Maybe, but just give him a chance to explain. If he has an explanation."

"Only because he's your friend."

"Good. Now, you get some sleep. Kenny's going to check on Cohen, and Matisse said the kids can hang with her while we get some rest."

"Thanks. I'm glad we're here."

"Me too."

I never realized how much I needed my friends until I had them back. The years where they were hiding, then running were rough. More for them than me, but I missed them—and so did B. With or without Cohen, I'm truly happy to be here.

# Chapter 7

Cohen

Matisse came by and took the kids back to her place, so it's just Knox, Kenny, and me until Wave comes blazing in. I swear her red hair's on fire as she glares down at me.

"Are you just naturally an idiot sometimes, or do you practice it?"

"Both?" I reply with a shrug, having no clue what she's talking about.

Knox holds up a hand. "Before you lay into him, can I ask if this has to do with Q. If it does, he may not respond the same way."

"Yes. It definitely has to do with Q."

"Hey, I'm not the one who ran out of here after kissing her."

"No, but you used words like 'relax' and 'fine' when talking about said kiss."

"Dude," Knox tells me, shaking his head.

"She seemed nervous! I was trying to reassure her."

"The word 'fine' should never be used when talking about a kiss," Ken informs me.

No shit. I can't even blame the concussion for my words. I lost my mind in that kiss, and I wanted more. It's all I could think about.

"Do I have any chance of making it right?"

"Yes. I convinced her to let you try again to be a decent human being."

"Harsh."

"You need to be sincere if you go after her," Kenny says, the fire in his eyes surprising me. "Her ex-husband is the scum of the earth, and I doubt she's dated anyone since him."

Wave jumps in before I can. "She hasn't. Her confidence with men is shattered."

Now I feel like an even bigger asshole. My best friend takes pity on me, standing up and pointing to the door.

"Everyone out. Best friends meeting about to commence. The two of you can have your own out there."

"Let's order lunch and not include them," Wave says to Kenny, who nods as he closes the door behind them.

"Alright. Tell me exactly what happened."

"I love you Knox, but just because you have a good woman doesn't mean you're a romance expert now."

"She's an extraordinary woman, and I'm better at this than you are."

"Fine. We kissed, and she bit me a little too hard. It surprised me, I dropped an f-bomb, and she jumped back."

"Wuss."

"This is why we don't share."

"No, we don't share because Wave would kill us both."

"Can she put on a Wonder Woman costume before she kills me?"

"Focus, and stop fantasizing about my wife."

"You know I'm just messing with you. As for Quincy, I didn't realize how bad what I was saying sounded until Wave stormed in here."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Let her rest for a few hours, and then give her what she wants."

"And you know what she wants, how?"

I pick up the Kindle she left behind. "Right here, my friend."

"Damn. I like it. I didn't think you had it in you, but I like it," he tells me, a smile taking over his face.

"I'm not sure I've got it, but I'm going to try."

A couple of hours later, some notes left on the device, and I think I've got this worked out. The sound of my front door opening has me sitting up straighter in bed. Kendrick appearing in my doorway brings back my smirk.

"Quincy is here to see you. She says she'll take over for me if that's okay with you."

"Yes, thanks."

"Oh, and Matisse and I will be keeping the kids tonight."

"Even better. I owe you."

"Just treat my friend well, and we'll be good."

"I plan on it."

He nods and walks out. I hear some murmured voices before Quincy takes his place at the door.

"I hope you came back to continue where we left off earlier."

She glares at me, ignoring my remark. "You shouldn't have been in my Kindle."

"Trying to expand my damaged mind, Doctor. You should be praising me for that."

"The notes you left weren't professional, so stop pretending you were giving your brain a workout."

"Kenny was in the next room, or I'd been giving another part of my body a workout. Those books are _hot_."

"Are you making fun of me again?"

"I wasn't making fun of you the first time."

"It felt like it."

Her voice goes soft, and my dick gets hard. "I didn't say the right things, but that's your fault."

"Excuse me?" And, the fire's back in her eyes.

"You did too good a job of kissing me better, Quince. My damaged brain couldn't handle all that goodness."

"You don't have to say that to make me feel better."

"I say what I mean."

"I bit you."

"And it was so hot I had to take a breather."

"Are you sure? I don't have experience like you do. My husband was—bland. There's been no one since him."

"Lucky me."

She steps closer to the bed. "The things you commented on in the book aren't possible until you're feeling better."

"I want to do them all with you. Seriously."

"Right now, we can kiss and maybe some other stuff."

"I'm down with that."

Hell, I'm down with whatever she wants to do. I know I'm lucky she came back, and I plan to show her she made the right choice.

Quincy

I can't feel my lips. I didn't think it was possible to kiss so much your lips went numb, but that's where I am right now.

"I can't stop kissing you," Cohen tells me, peppering my neck with his mouth. "My lips feel like they might fall off, but I cannot stop."

"You're better than me. I'm going to touch you all over while my lips rest."

"Good plan."

"You have too many clothes on."

"I'm only in boxer briefs."

"I, um, I want to touch it."

"It? Aren't you a doctor?"

"Fine. I would like to fondle your penis and testicles, Cohen. May I?"

"Hell to the yeah."

"Ass."

"You can touch that too."

I slide my hand under one perfect ass cheek, and pinch him hard.

"Motherfucker!"

"Not until you're feeling better."

He laughs so hard, I start to worry about his head. "You are hot when you're all doctor-y, but I'm so fucking turned on by this fun side of you, I can barely think straight."

"I don't want you thinking. I want you _feeling_."

Did I just say that? Apparently I did, as he takes my mouth again. I was saving the little bit of feeling I'd gotten back for other activities, but I'll never complain about kissing Cohen. It's perfect.

"If I have too many clothes on, you're way too overdressed," he says against my lips.

"Feel free to remove anything you'd like."

I don't know where this bold woman came from. I know my body's nice and functional, but I never think of it as sexy. I should be nervous about him seeing me without my clothes. Strangely, I'm not.

"Since I'm a little incapacitated here, I was hoping you might take pity on me."

"Are you angling for a striptease?"

"Totally. I have the perfect music on my phone for it."

"Now you're making me anxious."

"Huh?"

"How many women have danced to the music on your phone?"

"In the world? It's probably in the thousands. For me? None."

"None?"

"None."

"Okay."

"Okay, you're going to dance for me?" he asks, looking more excited than he should.

"I suck at dancing. It's going to be really embarrassing, and totally unsexy."

"Believe me, Quince, whatever you do is sexy."

Here goes nothing. I stand up as he starts the song. My hips move awkwardly while I pull my shirt over my head. I let myself get lost in the music and don't look over at Cohen. At least not until I'm only left in my panties and he's laughing uncontrollably.

Mortified I reach for my clothes. "I warned you!"

"Babe. Come here."

"No."

My back is to him, so I don't see him trying to get out of bed. I hear it though, causing me to drop my clothes and race back over to stop him.

"Always with the tits right where my mouth wants them," he says, licking one nipple.

"You cannot get out of bed alone."

"You looked like you were going to leave."

"Being laughed at when you're attempting to be sexy isn't exactly fun."

"It was adorable. The waving arms were my favorite."

He's got that damn smirk back on his face. I can't decide if I should smack it off him, or kiss it off him.

"I hate you a little right now."

"I can work with that. Come here," he says, opening his arms.

I climb into the bed and let him cuddle me. I might pinch his side a little harder than necessary, but he deserves it. He knows, kissing me after I do it. His stomach growls right after, reminding me I'm supposed to be here as his doctor.

"I need to feed you."

"Later. Not done cuddling yet."

"Not later. I'm here to take care of you."

"I know. You were about to take care of me until I made a horrible suggestion."

"At least you'll never try to get me to strip for you again," I say, wiggling out of his arms.

"Stripping without music next time. I still want to see you take your clothes off for me."

"I'll think about it. What do you want to eat?"

"Is that a trick question?"

I look over to see him zeroing in on my crotch as I fasten my bra. "You need real food. Try to focus on that for a moment."

"Can I focus on my appetizer once you order?"

"Not today. You're still under concussion watch."

"Damn head injury."

He looks truly upset about the thought of not eating me and it makes me wish I could forget I was a doctor for a few minutes. Just long enough for him to give me the orgasm I have no doubt he can. Alas, that's not an option. At least not yet.

# Chapter 8

Cohen

I could lie and say it's good to be back at work. Don't get me wrong—I'm loving my job. I just love being in bed with Quincy even more. We haven't done more than make-out in my bed yet, but it was hot as hell. Even her ridiculous striptease had my dick at full mast.

The knock at my door is a surprise, but it shouldn't be. "You got a sec, Cohen?"

"You're the boss."

"Thanks for the reminder," Matt tells me with a smirk that puts mine to shame.

"What's up?"

"I wanted to check on you and make sure you're doing okay."

"I'm good. My head still hurts a little, but Quincy says I'm out of the woods."

"You sound a little disappointed."

"I'm not gonna lie—having her with me the last day was pretty damn great."

"You don't need a head injury for that. Or maybe you do," he tells me with one eyebrow raised.

He seems to be looking for something and I'm not going to hide my pursuit of Quincy from anyone. "I've always had good game. With her, I want it to be real and I'm not sure how to do that."

"That's when you know it's real—when you stop trying to be smooth and realize you want more."

"Yeah. It's just hard to know what to do."

"You'll figure it out."

"Thanks."

"Now that we have that out of the way, we can talk about what I really came here for."

"That wasn't it?"

"No. It was just an added bonus."

"Okay."

"Don't look so nervous. I wanted you to know I love the recommendations you sent over for me and Miles. Everything you suggested is a yes. Also, thanks for getting me and Rei out of the San Diego thing this weekend."

"I did that before I knew Mika's married to Quincy's ex and tried to make her life hell. Now, I'm even happier to have declined her family's invitation for you."

"I'm not a fan. I didn't know about their connection to Quincy, but I'm glad I do now. I'm here if you need help dealing with them. More than happy to help in that area, actually."

"Right now, they're leaving her alone. If that changes, I'll let you know. I can throw my weight around, but I'm not going to turn down some reinforcements."

"Anything you need. Toss my name around all you want. No one messes with my people. Reina's even more fierce when it comes to the Society."

"Thanks."

"Keep up the great work. I'm glad we brought you on board," he tells me, walking back out the door.

A sense of pride fills me. I haven't felt like this since I stopped diving. I never thought anything could make me feel even close to how I felt then. I've found my place here. A place for me and Shane, and hopefully, a place for me and Quincy too.

My next visitor a few hours later is less welcome. It's the girl from the hallway. She steps inside my open door and starts to close it.

"Leave it open."

"You want everyone to see?"

"There's not going to be anything for them to see."

"I wanted to finish what we started the other day," she informs me, setting her lips into a pout.

"No thanks."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Oh, am I interrupting?" Quincy asks, walking into my office.

"No," I say at the same time as the girl says "yes" to her.

"Since it's his office, I'm going with his answer."

Yes. Praise God, yes. She believes me.

"Whatever. You're not worth the trouble."

She walks out, and I smile. "Close the door, Quince."

_My_ girl does what I ask, leaning against it to turn the lock too. "Unwanted visitors can be so annoying."

"They can. Thanks for believing me."

"A week ago, I probably wouldn't have," she admits.

"A week ago, I wouldn't have deserved your trust."

"I won't say I'm grateful for your head injury, but..."

"You're grateful for my head injury," I say as she walks over to perch on the edge of my desk.

"Off the record."

"Totally."

She leans forward until her mouth is inches from mine. "I'm going to kiss you now. You might want to close the blinds."

"Or not."

"Or not."

The kiss is a little more chaste than I'd like, but I know it's because anyone walking by could see us. From her book I skimmed through, I know she likes the idea of someone seeing her, but the idea is different than an actual act. She wants to try, but she's still unsure about how far she can go. I'm more than willing to let her experiment with me.

"I missed you today."

"It's only been a few hours. I came to see how you're feeling."

"Right now, I'm feeling horny. You didn't miss me?"

"I did. I shouldn't because it's been so short a time, but I did."

"Good. I like to be on an even playing field with you."

"We both know I'm not even on the sidelines when it comes to this stuff."

"As if. You're the MVP."

"Flattery is not going to get you into my panties."

"Truth. It's the truth. I may have some extra experience, but you make me more turned-on than any other woman ever has. Swear."

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me for speaking the truth."

"Do you want—"

"Yes."

"You don't even know what I'm going to ask you."

I shrug. "It's always going to be a yes if you're asking."

"Even if I want to act out the shower scene?" she blurts out, her eyes going wide as though she didn't mean to say the words out loud.

"That would be a 'hell yes' but only if it's in my outdoor shower."

"I was going to ask you and Shane to dinner tonight. Rain check on the shower, because you probably need another day of so before you should be—you know."

"Oh, trust me, I _know_. I also _want_. And _need_."

"You're trying to make me drop to my knees right now, aren't you?"

"I mean, I wouldn't deny you, but I was talking about dinner. Get your mind out of the gutter."

She crosses her arms over her chest and glares down at me. "Remember when I said I kind of hated you? The feeling's returning."

"Even when I'm offering to bring dessert?"

"You don't even know what I like."

"I could give you another suggestive answer, but I really want to come over and hang out with you tonight. So, I'll just ask what you'd like."

"Good idea."

"I have them every once in a while."

"Pretty much anything from Drago Sisters, and the Foret Noire cake from Patisserie Manon."

"Done."

"I should let you get back to work."

"One more kiss before you go?"

She leans down, kissing me long and slow. Her hands move through my hair as I hold her thighs in mine. "See you later, C."

I smile at her, feeling like a member of a secret club. I don't know the meaning of the letters, but I love that I'm included. She's definitely getting more desserts than she could possibly eat in one night.

Quincy

I don't know what it's like to be spoiled. My parents live a comfortable life, but I was never given too much more than I needed. Rick has more than enough money, but he never cared enough about me to lavish me with anything but jewelry he could show me off in. Who knew a guy who I once thought of as a beach bum would be the one to make me feel cherished.

I'm not talking about the fifteen different kinds of desserts her brought over, either. It's the fact he did it that makes it special. Cohen went to both bakeries, bringing me all manners of desserts from Drago, along with an entire cake from Manon. I'd go into a sugar coma if I ate it all tonight.

"Are you going to come over every night to help me eat all of these?" I ask him with a smile.

We're all spread out on the floor around my coffee table. It feels like we're a family, and I like it. I know it's too soon, but I also know it feels _right._

"Count on it."

"I'll help too!" Shane says, shoving half a macaron into his mouth.

"That's my boy."

"Can I have a cupcake, Mommy?"

Bianca's had a cookie already, but she deserves a little pampering too. "Yes."

"Shane and I will grab the dishes once we're done for the night."

Swoon. "You don't have to."

"You and B cooked. It's the least we can do."

"I'm not going to protest too much."

"Good."

We finish a few minutes later, and I help B with her homework while the guys do the dishes. Shane is totally adorable, and Cohen is just plain sexy as he helps his little boy. My ovaries are sitting up and begging for his attention right now.

_Down girls—he's still recovering._

"Shane, do you want to play a game with me?" B asks, once her homework and the dishes are done.

"Daddy?"

Cohen pauses in wiping down the stove, and ruffles his hair. "Go on. We have to leave in a half hour so you can get ready for bed."

"K."

They run out of the room together. I have a moment to smile at them before I'm being pulled into a pair of sexy arms. "You did a good job cleaning up. Thank you."

"You were eye-fucking me in front of our kids, Quince."

"I know," I tell him, letting my mortification show. "You're so damn sexy in my kitchen."

"Tonight was good. The kids like each other, we like each other."

"Yes."

"I meant what I said about coming over every night. If you meant it, that is."

"I meant it."

"I can make sandwiches and order in."

"I don't mind cooking."

He shakes his head. "That right there. You said you didn't mind, but you didn't say you loved it."

"True. I also know how to use an app to order dinner if I don't feel like cooking."

"How about we take turns doing that ordering?"

"I'd like that. We can go to your place too. B loves it."

"I honestly worried about Shane running wild in here."

I look around at the apartment I chose. It's luxurious, but comfortable. I picked it for how girly I felt, but I can see how boys would feel out of place.

"I wouldn't care if he messed it up. It's just stuff."

"Yeah, it is. I love that you think the same way about it."

"You keep throwing that word around."

"I think I could love you. I think I'm already starting to. I'm falling for you, and for the first time in my life, I'm not scared of that happening."

I reach out to run my hand over his stubbled jaw. "I'm falling for you too."

"I don't want to take advantage of our friends, or pass our kids off all the time, but I'd like to take you on a date this week."

"Okay."

"I'll ask Wave and Knox when they're free."

I lean forward to kiss him softly, placing my forehead against his. We just stay there, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. We're doing this, and I've never felt more sure of anything in my life.

# Chapter 9

Cohen

"Do you want me to leave?" Quincy asks when I walk into Kenny's office a few days after our dinner together.

I've just had another scan, but he asked me to meet him in his office after, instead of just giving me the results right away. I'm a little surprised to see my girl here too, even though she's technically my doctor.

"No. If you weren't here, I'd tell you anyway. Although, you know, don't you?"

"Yes."

She comes over from the other side of the desk, taking my hand as we both face our mutual friend. "Go ahead and lay it on me."

"The new swelling has gone down, but the swelling I was concerned about it still here. I'd hoped it might decrease like the new injury did, but it hasn't."

"Okay. I thought we were going to look again in like a month."

"We were, but Quincy and I are both worried about another random accident happening."

I turn to her. "You haven't said anything."

"I wanted to wait until after your scan."

"I'll be careful."

"Will you? I heard you telling the kids you'd dive for them last night. Your first concussions came from diving boards."

"I'll just dive, no stunts."

"Will you consider wearing a helmet when you're in or around the pool?" Kenny asks as Quincy squeezes my hand.

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"No. Absolutely not."

"I told him you'd say that," she says quietly.

"I've already been wearing swim shoes all the time. They have a grip, and I won't slide again. Plus, the kids are being extra careful about where they leave their stuff."

"Kids don't always remember."

I don't want to do this, but I will. "I'll do it for you."

I'd do anything for her. If that means wearing some weird helmet to protect my brain, I'll do it. She means more than a little embarrassment.

"I'd rather you did it for you, but I'll take it. Thank you."

"If it's any consolation, Scott Griffin's offered to design it, and promised to make it look cool."

"If Scott's designing it, there's technology in it."

"We hadn't gotten to that, but yes. It will have sensors inside to monitor the swelling and let us know if something's wrong."

"In that case, I'm surprised you're not expecting me to wear it all the time."

"I told him you wouldn't."

Whoa. Neither one of them is laughing, letting me know just how serious this is. I thought I knew, but their frim expressions are telling me it's worse than I thought it was.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"We're not sure what will happen if you have another concussion," Kenny tells me.

"I'll be careful," I tell Quincy as she moves her mouth to her hand to contain a sob. "I promise."

"We have the medical guys on Ainsley's team looking for ways to safely relieve the pressure on your brain, but it's going to take time."

This is bullshit. I've had these headaches for years, meaning I can live with whatever swelling there is. I don't need to wear some stupid helmet thing. I will for Quincy, though. The worry in her eyes slays me, so I'll do it for her, if not for me.

"Just let me know when you need to get me fitted for this thing."

"Scott's waiting in one of the other rooms."

"Great. Let's get this over with."

I kind of storm out of the door, but a firm hand on my shoulder stops me. "Don't treat this as a punishment, Cohen. And whatever else you do, don't project your anger over the situation onto Quincy. She cares for you."

"I wouldn't be doing this if she wasn't part of it."

"You can't resent her for trying to keep you safe."

"Logically, I understand what you're saying."

He nods. "Emotions aren't logical, but I've learned just how necessary they are. Tread carefully with both of yours."

"I'm trying to."

He motions back to his office and I get it; she's still in there. "I'm on it."

"We'll see you in a few minutes."

"Thanks."

"How mad are you?" she asks when I walk back inside.

Sitting down next to her, I reach out and take her hand in mine. "At you? Not at all. I'm frustrated and wish things were different with my stupid head, but I'm not mad at you."

"I just want you to be safe."

"So you can act out some of your favorite book scenes with me?"

"There's that. I also want to keep getting to know you."

"You know almost everything."

She doesn't know how rich I am, because I haven't brought it up yet. I don't think it's a big deal in general, but because of her ex, I'm holding back. I want to show her it wasn't the money or privilege that made him the way he is. It helped, but people choose how they're going to be, money or no money.

"I want to know it all. There's so much more to you than I first thought, and that's on me."

"I'm glad you find me so intriguing."

"I do," she tells me, leaning forward to touch her lips to mine.

It's too brief. I know there are people waiting for us down the hall. I know I need to do what I can to keep myself safe. Right now, though, I wish there was time for more.

Quincy

Bianca and I get down to the pool early for her lesson today. It's Cohen's first day wearing his helmet and I'm not sure if he'll need—or want—my support, but he's getting it anyway. The sight of him kneeling in front of Shane with it in his hands melts my heart.

"I have to wear this to keep my head safe, okay?"

"I wear too?"

To my surprise, Cohen reaches into the bag next to him and pulls out a mini helmet for his son. Swoon. Swoon. Swoon.

"It's not exactly like mine, but it'll protect your brain."

"Cool."

I watch as the man I'm almost willing to admit I'm in love with fastens the silver helmet on his beautiful little boy. Bianca is quiet beside me, watching it all go down. After fastening his own helmet, Cohen must see us out of the corner of his eye, because he smiles and stands up.

"Our favorite ladies are here, buddy."

"B! Look at my cool helmet."

"It's cool," she says, looking down at her feet.

"What's wrong?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "Nothing."

It's definitely not nothing, but I don't want to cause a scene her. Before I can tell her we'll talk later, Cohen's kneeling in front of her with another helmet in his hand.

"I thought you might like to match us."

There goes my heart. It's his. All my walls are gone. "I love you."

He looks as startled as I feel. "I. Um. Okay."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it. No. That's not right. I said what I mean. You don't need to see it, or feel the same way. I didn't say it for that."

"Jesus."

He runs his hand through his hair and looks to the sky for answers. It's too much. Even the kids have gone silent. "You can pretend I didn't say it if you want. I meant it, but if you need to pretend it never happened, we can do that."

"Yeah. For now. Yeah."

It's not the answer I wanted. Not even close. I offered though, and I need to be okay with it.

"You need to start your lesson. I'll see you guys later."

"You're not staying, Mommy?"

"I will if you want me to. I was planning to start dinner while you had your lesson."

"You wore your bathing suit."

Yes, my insightful child, I did. I was going to hang out in a bikini, tempting Cohen. Now, I just want to go hide in my apartment.

"Yes. Well, um. I'll stay down here and read."

"Okay."

She looks wary and places her helmet down on one of the lounge chairs. I want to call her back and tell her to put it on. That I'm okay. But, I'm not and I don't want to ever lie to my daughter over something like this.

"What's for dinner, Q?" Shane asks, oblivious to what just happened. Oh, to be two again.

"Pork chops, rice, and some veggies."

"Cool."

He runs off to join his friends and I'm left there with his father. The one person I wish I could hide from right now.

"I can handle dinner for the two of us if you'd rather we not come."

"Is that what you want?"

"Not at all. I may not be able to say those three words yet, Quince, but I told you I was falling. I fucked up here because I was shocked to hear you say them. I know what a gift you're giving me."

"Come to dinner."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

# Chapter 10

Quincy

It's date night. Things have been a little weird since I told Cohen I love him, but we're both navigating it as best we can. Tonight, it's just us. No kids, no friends, and hopefully no clothes.

Cohen asked me to meet him in his apartment. I don't know exactly what he has planned, which made getting dressed a little difficult. I put on a sexy bra and panties, deciding to just wear a loose dress and heels. Nothing too dressy, but not exactly casual either.

The door is ajar when I get to his place, so I push it open and go in. I don't see him at first. Walking into his bedroom, I hear the shower and I know. I know we're going to act out one of the scenes from the book I was reading. Maybe more than one, but this is the beginning.

Following the script I know by heart, I walk into his bathroom. The shower portion is glassed in, with a view of the city. I know it's one-way glass, so no one can see him from the outside, but it feels like they can. I almost feel sorry for the rest of the world as I take in his naked body behind the steamed-up glass.

I've seen his six-pack almost every day, but it never gets old. Neither do his strong thighs or sexy ass. Thank you, God, for his beautiful cock. I've never seen it before today and I can't wait to be on my knees, worshipping it.

My feet move on their own, taking me to the shower door. I know he knows I'm here, but he's playing along. Kicking my shoes off, I walk inside. Fully clothed and soaking wet before the spray of the water even touches me.

I catch the smile on his face before dropping to my knees in front of him. I want this. I want him. In my mouth. In my pussy. Over and over until I can't walk for at least a day. I want all of that, and I'm about to have it.

"What are you doing here, Quince?"

"You."

I take him into my mouth, and suck hard. It's too big for me to take all of him, so I use my hand on his base. My mouth is stretched by his thickness and I can't help by moan at how perfect it feels to have him like this.

"That's it. Suck me like you love it."

I do. I love it.

"This is what you've been wanting, isn't it? I see the way you look at me. You think I don't, but I do. You're hungry for me all day."

I smile against him as I suck, loving that he memorized the scene almost word for word. Popping my mouth free, I lean down to lick his balls.

"Yes. It's all I can think about. You in my mouth."

"No, that's not all. You think about me making my home in your pussy too, don't you?"

"Yes. Please, yes."

"Suck me some more and maybe I'll give you what you want."

I give him one long lick from base to tip, before sucking just his head into my mouth. His hips punch forward like he's been shocked, causing me to keep playing with him like this.

"Fuck, Quince. This isn't in the book, but fuck. Don't stop."

I'm not going to. This started as a fantasy, but the reality is so much better. I'm going off script and into what I want. What we both want.

I suck lightly, then take him as far into my throat as I can. My hand moves at his base as he curses. A few more hard sucks and he's coming down my throat. There was no warning from him, but I didn't want or need one. There was no way I was going to do this and not taste him. I feel more powerful than I've ever felt in my personal life, but I want more.

"Come here babe," he tells me, pulling me to my feet.

He kisses me long and hard, making my knees weak. When he pulls away, he turns off the rain shower and guides me back into the bathroom itself. "We're going to put on some clothes now and have a regular date, okay?"

What? "No. It's not okay. I thought we would have sex."

"You deserve to be romanced."

"You can just tell me if you need recovery time."

"I don't," he replies, pressing his body against mine. He's already getting hard again.

"Oh."

He looks a little hurt as he looks into my eyes. "I thought you wanted me for more than my body."

"You know I do."

"It's not exactly feeling like it right now."

"Really? I just sucked you off. I expected a little orgasm in return."

"I know. You're right. Forget the date."

He starts to drop to his knees, but I stop him. "I've waited years, so I can certainly wait until after dinner. I just want to make sure this isn't going to be a one-way thing. You don't want to be used for your body, and I just don't want to be used."

"I booked a show too."

"Let me grab something new to wear, and you can romance me all you want."

"I have a dress here for you."

"You do?"

"I told B I was worried you might spill something on your dress," he says, sheepishly.

"That's why she asked me what dress I would pick second for the date."

"Yeah. Concierge grabbed it for me while we dropped the kids off."

"Are you sure you're not working with Reina and not Matt?"

"Wrong gender for missions, plus she scares me."

"That's your first mistake," I say, stripping while he retrieves my dress from his bedroom. "You can't let her know she intimidates you."

He doesn't answer me, so I turn to look at him. My dress is in his hands, but his hungry gaze is locked on me.

"Dinner and a show is so overrated."

"I told you."

"That was when you still had clothes on."

"Liking what you see, huh?"

I've never thought of myself as brazen, yet here I am arching my back and spreading my legs. Cohen tosses my dress aside and stalks over to me. Before I can even react, he has me thrown over his shoulder. Within seconds, I'm tossed onto the bed with his sexy body covering me.

Cohen

I tried to be fucking honorable, but I'm only human. Quincy sucked me like I was the best thing she'd ever had in her mouth, and I'm going to return the favor. Seeing her pussy all pink and wet is making me hungrier than I've ever been in my life. I need a taste and I need it now.

I try to think of a scene from the book, since this is becoming our thing. A smile spreads over my face as I remember one particular scene. This apartment isn't girly, but it still has what I need.

"Go over and climb onto the vanity, Quince."

"What happened to dinner and a show?" she asks, doing as I said.

"Later dinner, and our own show."

"That works."

I pull out the bench below the built-in vanity, taking a seat as she spreads her legs. "I'm still taking you out. Just because I can't resist you like this doesn't mean I'm abandoning the idea of romancing you. I need you to know that."

"I believe you."

I position her feet on either side of me as I look at the present in front of me. Here pussy is pretty—I can't think of another word for it. There's closely trimmed black hair covering her flushed pink skin and the wetness of her is glistening at the opening.

Running my hands from her ankles to her calves, I feel her shiver beneath me. "You can grab my hair and guide me where you need me."

"I trust you to give me what I need, so I'm not interfering unless you don't," she tells me with a shake of her head.

When I lean forward and lick her from entrance to clit she practically flies off the bench. I rub my stubble against her thighs and kiss each one before going back to where we both want me. She tastes amazing and at this point, only an act of God could stop me from devouring her.

Concentrating on her clit, I suck it into my mouth, lap at it like it's the best thing I've ever had—it is—and nibble a little. My hands move to her hips, holding her as she leans back on her hands and arches her back. I'm going to give her my fingers if I don't think I can get her off with just my mouth, but I'm hoping my oral skills are enough.

Moving my mouth lower, I swirl my tongue into her, fucking her with shallow thrusts. Quincy strains against my hands holding her in place, letting me know she's close. I nudge her folds open with the tip of my nose, grazing her clit as I tongue fuck her. It's enough to send her over the edge.

Her hands are in my hair now, holding me in place as I let go of her hips and let her fuck my mouth through her orgasm. "Cohen. Don't stop. I need another. Give me another. Not done yet. Please."

I'm not going to deny her, but I'm harder than I've ever been in my life. Adding my fingers this time, I curve them inside of her while I make her clit mine. No nibbles this time as I bite, then lick the sting away. Within another minute, she's flying into her second orgasm, calling out my name once again.

Grabbing a condom from inside one of the vanity drawers, I tear it open with my teeth, roll it on, and pull her down onto me. Her pussy pulses around my cock as she comes down and I have to fight to hold onto my own release. No way am I coming in one pump or less.

"Oh my God. I'm so full. So full. You. So big. Make me come again."

"That's the plan."

I thrust into her as she begins to ride me like it's her job. Her short nails are scratching my head as she pulls my hair and she kisses me like I'm her everything. I want to be that. I want that so much. I just can't say those words yet. I feel them, but it's too soon for me. I have too much baggage to do it yet.

"So good. I'm close. So good."

I know what she needs, and I love it. "Your pussy's so greedy, Quince. It's tight and hot and wants my big cock in it all the time, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

"Milk it babe. Milk all my cum out and make me fill this condom. Your mouth knows how good it is. I know your pussy wants a taste and soon we'll do that."

"Please. I'm clean, you're clean. I'm on birth control. Take off the condom."

Holy hell. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm not going to say no. I lift her up enough to pull it off, then slam her back onto me. It's too good. I'm not going to last much longer.

"Take it. Take it all. Give your pussy what it wants. Come for me, then take it like you want to."

I suck one of her perfect pink nipples into my mouth and she rides me harder. She's grinding down on me, rubbing her clit on the base of my cock and making me crazy. I feel the tingling in my spine when she screams out my name.

"Quincy, fuck! Yes! Never felt this good."

It's the truth. I'm fucking into her as she keeps coming and I don't know if I'll ever stop. I don't want to. The feel of her pussy squeezing my bare cock is heaven. It's perfect and I'm silently telling my friend down there to make a quick recovery. I'm going to have her all night and into the morning. If I don't, I might go crazy. Or maybe I'm already there.

# Chapter 11

Quincy

Pizza has never tasted this good. Or maybe it's because Cohen's eating me again as I eat. It's been like this since the first time on the bench. He can't get enough of me and I'm not complaining. We had sex again on his couch while waiting for the pizza to arrive, and once more of his kitchen island when I went to grab plates. He lifted me onto the marble, and took me so hard I had to hold onto the tall faucet so I wouldn't slide off the other side.

Now, he has me kneeling on his shoulders as he sits on the floor in front of me. I'm loving it all, even if I may not be able to walk tomorrow.

"You need to eat."

"I am eating," he tells me with that damn smirk, leaving my clit for a moment.

"Food, Cohen. Food."

"When you come on my tongue at least once."

He could get me there faster if he added his fingers again, but I'm pretty sure he wants to know his mouth is all he needs. It is. I drop my pizza back onto the plate as I get close. My hands are once again in his perfect black hair, pulling it as I come again.

I wait until he grabs a piece of pizza from the table behind him before sliding off the couch and right onto his perfect cock. It fits me like it was made for me, and yes, I'm a little addicted to it.

"Babe."

"Eat your pizza while I fuck you."

"I knew you were sexy, but this is a whole new level. If I'd known your pussy was going to be my perfect match, I might've pulled you into that pool with me. Pulled down your scrubs and fucked you against the wall."

"I wouldn't have let you then."

"Now you will, won't you? We would go down there right now."

"Not tonight. It's too far."

He just laughs and kisses me. I can taste myself on his lips like I did earlier. I want him wearing my scent, smelling like me so other women know he's spoken for. It's crazy and I know it's not going to happen, because we're professionals. But, I still want it.

"Fuck, Quince," Cohen yells before coming hard inside of me.

"Always a yes to that."

"I need food. Don't let me near your pussy until I've eaten at least two pieces. I'm getting lightheaded but I want more. Now."

"I could suck you off again."

"Later. I know you're trying to kill me, but my son needs me."

"I need you too, so I'm not trying to kill you. Maybe incapacitate you for a few hours, but never death."

"I need you too. Not just for this."

He says those words and it warms me from the inside out. Before I remember he doesn't love me. Maybe it's too soon, but I know I love him. He cares, but it's not love. I can wait for him to love me. I can, because I have to. I'm confident he'll get there.

"Where'd you go?" he asks, taking a bite of his pizza while looking worried.

"Just thinking about stuff."

"Us?"

"Is there an 'us' or is this just a fling for you?"

He sets down his pizza and takes my face in his hands. "Not a fling. You've ruined me for anyone else, Quince. Completely and totally ruined me."

"Really?"

"Really."

We kiss for a few minutes, before forcing ourselves to eat. Once we're actually in his bed, we cuddle into each other and talk. Yes, talk. We have hours left to have each other again, and we both know it.

"What's your favorite color, Quince?"

"Emerald green. Yours?"

"Whatever color you're wearing."

"Smooth," I tell him, rolling his eyes. "Real answer please."

"Blue. The blue of the ocean or a pool. All shades of blue."

"I kind of guessed that."

"I didn't guess green, but I'm glad to know. What's your favorite movie?"

"Hmm...that's harder to pick, but I'd have to say Wonder Woman."

"I haven't seen it yet."

I pop out of bed so fast, he's left scrambling after me. "Sorry, but that's a deal breaker."

"You're not going to offer to watch it with me? Borrow me your DVD?"

I stop with a dress in my hands. "Would you like to watch it tomorrow with the kids?"

"Definitely," he says, taking the dress from me and tossing it across the room.

I let him take my hand and lead me back to his bed. After snuggling me back against him, he kisses the top of my head. God, I love him so much.

"Okay. Proceed."

"My favorite movie is A New Hope."

"I'm partial to the Ewoks, but I do love the first one."

"I totally love that you knew what I was talking about."

"Tried and true nerd here."

"Have you ever been to a con before?"

"Duh. You?"

"I lived in San Diego."

"Doesn't mean you could get tickets. I had to work hard for mine every year."

He gets a strange look on his face and nods. "I got tickets."

"Nice. Maybe we can go together next year." I said that without thinking, so I try to save face. "I mean, if we see each other there, we could say hello or something."

"You think you're scaring me by talking about being together next year?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't."

Cohen

I've fucked up. I knew I shouldn't have let this date go off the rails, but what was I going to do? I took and left her wanting. Leaving her that way would've been worse. Or maybe it wouldn't have. All I know is I have to fix this now.

"I'm not going anywhere. I want to go to do everything with you. I told you this wasn't just about sex and I meant it. Plan things for us. All the things. I'm there."

"I believed you about this being more, especially after you thought I only wanted you for your body. Even after I said what I said. But, I didn't know if you had an expiration date for this. We haven't talked about our past except for the kids' other parent."

Yeah, I still feel like an ass for questioning what she really wanted from me. She said she loves me and I asked if it was just for my body. She's right about our past and yeah, she's right to be nervous. I need to let her know this is different.

"Before Shane, I fucked around because I could. After Shane, I felt I had to. I love sex, but I wasn't going to bring just anyone home to meet my kid. I wasn't sure I'd ever be in that place."

"Are you sure you are now?"

"Yes, and not just because you pushed me into that pool. I mean, that was definitely hot and badass, but I just wanted to fuck you then."

"I wanted to punch you. Repeatedly."

"Duly noted."

"What changed?"

"Seeing you with Bianca, seeing you doing your job, knowing you're a good friend. The list goes on and on. You're not scared of me having a son."

"Not at all."

"What changed your mind about me?"

"Seeing you with my daughter and your son. Having my friends tell me you're a good guy. That damn smirk of yours."

I can't help but laugh. "I knew you loved it."

"Love might be too strong of a word. Combined with that little cleft in your chin and your perfect hair, I might admit to liking it a lot."

"Well, if you can talk about my hair, can I talk about your tits and ass?"

"If you must. They're both small and unremarkable."

"Maybe small, but I have lots of words—perfect, sexy, beautiful."

"Thank you," she says, ducking her head.

"You don't get to thank me for telling the truth."

"I don't have to, but I'm going to anyway."

"What's your favorite food? I'm going to guess chicken, since you've made it twice this week."

"It works with rice and pasta, which I would probably name as my favorites. You?"

"Peanut butter on white bread. I love it."

"I'll make you your own plate for dinner."

"I'd love you forever if you did that. Seriously," I tell her, then freeze. Shit.

She flinches, but moves on. "Favorite drink? I'm going to guess Mango smoothie."

"Yep. I lo-like them a lot."

"I noticed."

She notices everything and right now I wish she didn't. "I'm going to say lemonade for you."

"Yes."

How am I supposed to overcome the elephant in the room? My heart can't be bought with a peanut butter sandwich. I just said it could. Over everything else she's done and showed me.

"You're amazing."

"Oh. So are you."

"No, I mean it. A man would be lucky to have you even sitting next to him. I know how fucking lucky I am, even if I don't say the right things. Or the things you want to hear."

"I only want to hear the words when you mean them. I don't want you saying them because you think you have to."

Damn, I'm falling more and more each day. Hell, I need to just admit it. I'm already there. Fuck being scared of how soon it is. It's not.

"I love you."

"You do?"

"Yes. Completely and totally yes. I thought it was too soon, but I feel it and I need you to know it."

"Does this mean you're my boyfriend now?"

"I've been that all week, even if we didn't use the official names. At least, I feel like I have been."

"Me too."

"I have a few demands," I let her know, smirking because they're good ones.

"I'm listening."

"If you're not with a patient, I want lunch every day. In the caf, in your office, or in mine. Don't care as long as I get to hold your hand in the hallways."

"I can agree to that."

"Good. I also want breakfast and dinner. We'll have to ease into spending nights together with the kids, but we can share meals."

"Unless I have a girls night out, or B asks me to spend time alone with her, that's also a yes."

"Same with Shane. He has to come first."

"Agreed."

"I want to spoil you sometimes. More than acting out your book scenes, which I love by the way. I'm guessing your ex threw money and stuff at you to try and keep you doing what he wanted. This isn't that—I simply want to surprise you and make you smile."

"We've gone off scene, but I'm not complaining. And okay, as long as you can afford it, spoil me. I know you're not Rick, and it won't be the same."

"I'm making the scenes my own, and it's spectacular."

"It is. Am I allowed to make some demands?"

"Of course."

"I need everything from you. Your beautiful brain, your sweet words, and yes, your glorious cock."

"That's it?"

"I was going to ask you to walk around shirtless because your abs are the things of fantasies, but I was trying not to objectify you."

"You're allowed, since I know it's not all you care about. Shirtless, it is."

She bites her lip before speaking again. "Can you not shave on the weekends. I love the way your stubble feels on my skin."

"Done."

"I think I'm all talked out for right now," she says, pulling me on top of her.

"Me too."

We spend the rest of the night showing each other our love. It's perfect and everything I once dreamed of. Well, along with diving. I had to give up that dream, but this one is the perfect replacement.

# Chapter 12

Cohen

It's been two weeks since Quincy and I officially got together, and things are better than ever. We're having lunch together most days, dinner most nights, and the kids are loving it too. Last night, Bianca told me I was nicer than her daddy and thanked me for making her mommy smile. I nearly died right there. Shane won't go to sleep without a story and a cuddle with Quincy if she's there. I don't blame him one bit, because I like cuddling with her too.

We haven't integrated our homes completely—or had sleepovers while the kids are with us—yet. We decided to talk to them this weekend and ask them how they feel about it. Our friends have been great about babysitting a couple of times, but we're not sending our kids away every time we want to have sex. That's just not cool.

We've managed with some office hookups, and a quickie here and there at the apartments while everyone's enjoying a barbeque together, but it's not what either of us wants. We don't want to keep sneaking around, waiting for a chance to fuck. Or make love. Whatever it is people in love do—maybe both?

I want her in my bed the way she is when we've had our three sleepovers. I want to fall asleep with her in my arms after we're both exhausted from loving each other. And I want to wake up with her the next morning to start all over again. We know it won't always be possible with the kids in the same apartment or house, but either way, we just want to be together.

My cell phone rings, and I look down to see my old coach's name on the screen. I answer immediately. "Nick?"

"Hey, Coh. What's this I hear about you abandoning the water to take a corporate job? I thought you were allergic to suits."

"Not suits in general, just the ones I had to wear by other people's choice. My family company is great, but it's not for me. I'm loving this job."

"Who wouldn't? I've heard Matt Corrigan treats his people like kings and queens."

"Pretty much."

"So much so that you wouldn't want to get back in the pool?"

Huh? "What's going on in that mind of yours?"

"I want to do a charity fundraiser. Give back to the schools and community centers that gave my divers their love of the water."

"Sounds great."

"I have all of my current divers signed up, but I wanted to add a blast from the past. You know you're still a hometown favorite."

"You want me to dive? I haven't done it for too long. I'd be a mess."

"Not if you fly out here and we get started immediately. We can work every weekend for the next month, and you can practice with someone out there on weeknights. I can even send someone."

"Yes. I'm in. Totally in. Don't worry about sending someone here. I'm pretty sure I can do most of my job remotely. I'll talk to Matt."

"Yes! You're just what we need."

"Thanks so much for calling. I'll get back to you later today."

"We can just talk when you get here. This is going to be amazing."

"Yes, it is."

I hang up the phone, and have to fight not to dance around my office. The platform and I have unfinished business. I need to talk to Matt, call my parents, and tell Shane we're going home.

_Home._ The word stops me at my door. Just minutes ago, I was thinking of Quincy and Bianca as part of our home. I know Quincy doesn't want to go back to San Diego, because of her ex there and her friends here. Would she do it for just a month? For us? I'll talk to her at lunch and see.

"Hey Cohen, what's so urgent you needed to see me immediately?" Matt asks when I'm granted an audience with him. It really was that hard to get a few minutes of his time today.

"My old dive coach called and asked if I'd participate in a charity event."

"Signing autographs and stuff? Cool. What does that have to do with you being here?"

"He wants me to dive. I'd need to train over the next month in San Diego and I was hoping I could work remotely during that time."

"Kenny's cleared you for that?"

"No. I don't need his clearance," I say, then realize he might insist. "Do I?"

He shakes his head. "While I encourage my employees to always do what will keep them healthy and safe, I won't force you to do something."

"Good, because I love working for you."

"How does Quincy feel about this?"

"I haven't told her yet."

He looks like he wants to say something else, but seems to think better of it. "I'll need you to work one day a week in the office to handle the physical invites we get. You can pick the day and it doesn't need to be the same one, but I need one."

"Of course."

"Make sure we get an invite to your event, Cohen. All of us in the Society will be there to cheer you on."

"Thanks."

I'm in a good mood as I head to the caf to meet Quincy for lunch. I'm diving again, my son's a little ball of wonderful, I've got a great woman, and my boss is cool as fuck. Life is great.

"Hey," I tell my lady, kissing the top of her head as I sneak up behind her in line for a smoothie.

"Hi. Where's your lunch?"

"Just getting a protein shake today."

She scrunches up her brows. "I'm guessing you're going to explain this to me."

"Yep. Let's wait until we're sitting down."

"Sounds ominous."

"Actually, it's great news."

"Can't wait to hear it."

We get our drinks and I insist on carrying her tray to the table. The burger she chose smells delicious, but I need to get back into diving shape. Quincy loves my body now, but wait until she sees me in top performance shape. Not to brag—well okay a little—but I'm pretty sure it's going to blow her away.

"Don't keep me in suspense."

"I've been invited to participate in a charity diving event."

"Emceeing?"

What? Why does everyone keep thinking I'm doing something else other than what I love?

"Diving."

"You're not serious."

"Why wouldn't I be serious? You know how much I miss diving."

"I also know how you've hit your head more than once on the diving board and it's why we're having you take some precautions now."

"I know how to take care of myself. And we call it a platform."

I'm being an ass, but I can't help myself. I want her to be happy with me. Share in my happiness and support me. I _need_ her to.

"I hope you have a great time," she says, grabbing her tray and standing up.

"That's it? You're just going to walk away without talking to me about this?"

"We've both said all we need to. I can't sit by and watch you do something that could cause me to lose you."

"You have no faith in me."

"That's not it at all. I just know you can't control everything that happens up there. You know that too. Is it really worth that risk?"

"Yes."

"Bianca loves you, so if you're going to be continuing lessons, I would appreciate it if you kept working with her."

"Funny, I thought her mother professed her love to me. More than once," I spit out, standing to face her over the table.

"You don't get to try and shame me into your way of thinking."

"I'll do whatever I damn well please. As for lessons, I'm moving back to San Diego for the month I need to train. Knox will handle the swimming lessons."

"Good luck."

She turns and walks away like it's no big deal. Like I'm nothing to her. I guess I'm not.

Quincy

"How are you holding up?" Wave asks, dropping into the seat across from me at my desk.

Cohen left a few days ago, taking his son and my heart with him. I'm scared to death for him, and yes, I'm missing him more than I should. He made his choice, I made mine, and now we both have to live with those choices.

"This isn't my first broken heart."

"Bullshit. You didn't love Rick."

I shrug. "Maybe not, but what does it matter? Nothing's changed. Cohen doesn't care about the risk."

"Ken's been talking to him daily. He agreed to check in. It's something."

"Not enough."

"You can't compromise just a little?"

Me? I'm supposed to compromise? I'd ask if she was serious, but I can see that she is.

"If you knew Knox was doing something unsafe, would you compromise?"

"I don't know. I _do_ know he does it for me every time I go out on a mission."

"It's not the same."

"No, it's not. That doesn't mean you shouldn't think of them the same way. Just step back and think about it all."

"I'll try," I promise.

"Please do. I love you both and I know you love each other. Don't lose that because of fear."

She hugs me before she leaves, so I know we're still good. She gave me things to think about, but I'm not sure I'm ready to.

I manage to put Cohen out of my mind as I run down a pre-mission checklist with Matisse later in the day. She needs some scars, and I have fun helping Stella make them look real. She's a master at make-up, but I'm the expert at what scar tissue would look like. Normally Ken would do this, but he said he doesn't like to see his girlfriend having even fake injuries.

I'm heading back to my office when Knox intercepts me in the lobby. "Can I talk to you, Q?"

"Sure."

I'm not sure, because I know he's here to champion his friend, but I owe him too much to let him walk away. Wave is happy, and I never thought she truly would be. Even before she told me her secrets a couple of weeks ago, I knew she was haunted. Now, she's just happy.

"First off, I need to tell you I agree with you about Cohen not risking everything, but I understand why he's doing it."

"Have a seat. I don't understand, but I'm willing to listen."

Because I should've listened to him. I don't say it, and neither does he, but we both know it. I reacted on instinct and fear, neither of which is rational. I used to be rational. I used to pride myself on it, even. That last conversation with Cohen was a mess and I know I'm partly to blame for it.

"Coh and I have been best friends since my parents took me in. Our parents are friends and when we realized we had a mutual love of water, we were inseparable."

"Your parents were friends? Did they go to school together or something?"

It's the only explanation I can think of, because I know Knox's family is crazy wealthy and Cohen's a working guy. I don't know any wealthy people who work just because they want to. Knox runs his charitable foundation, but that's different. Plus, I'd have recognized Cohen's name from parties, but I didn't.

"Yeah, they did," he says, looking at me like I'm crazy. I probably am, but that's beside the point.

"Please continue."

"We both thought we'd be swimmers until Knox dared me to dive from the platform one day. I did it and landed on my back as I involuntarily turned on my way down."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, it hurt like hell. I dared him back, hoping he'd feel the pain, but that didn't happen. He did an almost perfect dive that day. I'm secure enough in my manhood to admit he looked beautiful as he arced toward the water. From that moment on, it's all he wanted."

"Until it wasn't."

"We both took advantage of the women who threw themselves at us as we became more well known. Swimming was always too important to me to try drugs or even drink much, but things happened during that time. I wouldn't normally tell you, but I feel like you need to know."

"Okay."

"His mom got really sick. She managed to hide it from almost everyone, but he couldn't deal with it. Drugs, alcohol, and women numbed him. By the time his mom went into remission, he was too far gone to just stop. If I hadn't convinced him I needed him as my manager, I'm not sure he'd have pulled himself out from the depths of the hell he'd chosen for himself."

"Thank you for that," I say, meaning it.

"No thanks needed. He's my best friend."

"The two of you didn't stop with the womanizing."

"No. I was enjoying myself and women were the least harmless of his vices."

"Or so you thought."

"Yes, well, I don't think he could ever regret Shane."

"I agree, which is why I'm finding it so hard to understand how he can put himself in such danger. What would happen to Shane if Cohen got permanent brain damage?"

"Wave and I would take care of them both. I pray all day, every day my friend will be safe, but I understand why he has to do it. He gave up his chance to compete. I have no doubt he'd have his own golds if his mom hadn't gotten sick. He coped as best he could, but he lost his dream."

"This competition isn't for medals."

"No, it's for bragging rights. He's diving along with the best ranked divers in the U.S. If he can show them up, he'll show the world he's still a force to be reckoned with."

"Then, what? Will that be enough?"

He shakes his head. "I hope so, but I don't know for sure."

"I couldn't do it. I want to be strong and say I could, but living every day wondering if he'd be okay is too much."

"You get used to it, even if it scares you. I worry about Wave when she's gone, but I love her enough to know this is who she is. She's amazing at her job, and other people need her."

"And that's the difference; she's helping people."

"Cohen's helping himself, because he deserves to. I told you I don't agree, but I'll support him because he's my best friend. He's been there for me and I'll be there for him. It's as simple as that."

"It's not simple at all."

"Love never is."

# Chapter 13

Cohen

I've been home for two weeks, and I've never felt better about diving. Or worse about my personal life. I won't train non-stop and ignore Shane, but when I'm not concentrating on keeping my head where it belongs physically, I'm thinking of Quincy. Thinking of how she didn't believe in me.

"Why is Shane obsessed with the letters 'Q' and 'B'?" my mom asks, coming outside to sit with me as I watch the ocean waves hit the rocks from their backyard.

"Huh?"

Yeah, I'm playing dumb for as long as I can. I haven't told my parents anything about Vegas, except that I love my job. Because they're cool, they don't care about my happiness coming from another company. I know they'd care about my stubborn head, so I'm not planning on sharing that part of things. Or at least not until I absolutely have to.

"He constantly says he wants Q and B. Why?"

"They're people. People's nicknames."

"Kids he played with?"

"One of them is a kid. Bianca."

She smiles at me, and I know she's figured it out. "And Q?"

"Quincy. Bianca's mother."

"Go on."

"We were seeing each other. I fell in love with her. She doesn't support me diving. It's over."

"It's adorable that you think I'll accept your short answers as the whole story."

I give her a little more truth. "I don't want to talk about it. It hurts."

"I'm sure it does. Why doesn't she support your diving?"

I look out to the ocean, knowing I can't lie to my mother, but not wanting to tell her the truth. She doesn't need to be worrying about me. She did that enough when I went off the rails during her illness.

"How was your doctor visit today?"

"I didn't raise a deflector."

"Your health is more important than my love life."

"I'm not so sure about that, but I'll give you a minute to collect your thoughts. My visit went well. The test confirmed my cancer is still gone. I'll never be really out of the woods, but right now, I'm good."

She looks good. Strong and healthy like she did before she got diagnosed. Before I let us all down. "Thank God."

"I thank God every night for bringing you back to me."

"I didn't know how to save you. Instead of standing by you, I let myself get lost. I'll never forgive myself for that. For leaving you when I should have been by your side."

"You need to, Coh. I never blamed you for being so scared for me that you lost yourself. We all handle things in our own ways."

It's time for me to tell her what I never wanted to. I've held off on admitting it to anyone, but I need to tell her the whole truth about that time. The truth about what I was really doing.

"I didn't handle it. I tried to make myself die so I couldn't have to watch you die instead."

Her intake of breath is so sharp it could cut glass. I'm expecting a sob, but I get a slap instead. "Don't you dare ever do that again. If my cancer comes back or something happens to your father, don't you dare be that selfish again. Running from my illness is one thing, but trying to die is not acceptable. I fought to live, but I would've given up if you'd died. Your death would've killed me back then. Never doubt that I love you more than anything."

"I didn't doubt your love," I say, rubbing my cheek. "I doubted my ability to survive the loss of you."

"You are so much stronger than you've ever thought you were."

"I had the best teachers for that," I reply, pointing to what I know is a red cheek.

"I shouldn't have slapped you."

"Yeah, you should've. Tough love and all."

"Is that what this Quincy is trying to give you?"

Now or never. I'd prefer never, but I need to do this now. "No. She's trying to save me. I probably shouldn't be diving."

"What?" she shrieks as I jump back and put my hands over my face. "I'm not going to slap you. Sit down and explain yourself."

I do what I'm told and tell her everything. All about my injuries, the helmet, and the woman who wouldn't accept what I had to do. My mother listens and then she lets me have it.

"You expected Quincy to sit by and watch you put yourself in danger? I'm having a hard time not locking you in the pool house myself right now. I know you think you need this, but what if you hit your head again?"

"What if I don't? No one knows what would happen if I did, but I know I'll always regret not trying. I screwed up the future I dreamed of. That's all on me. Not doing this would be all on me too."

"I won't pretend I'm completely okay with this, but I'll be there in the stands, watching and cheering you on. If you hit your head, I may have a heart attack on the spot, but I'll be there. I'm sorry about Quincy. I can't say I blame her, but I wish I'd met her."

"Me too."

I blame her. At least I think I do. My mom's put things in perspective for me, making me see how hard it would be to watch someone you love risk themselves. I still have to do this—for me. I have to.

Quincy

"I miss Cohen. When is he coming back?" Bianca asks me when I pick her up after swim practice with Knox.

"I don't know."

"Why not? Isn't he your boyfriend?"

"Things are complicated."

"Is he mad at us? I don't want him to be mad at us!"

"He might be mad at me, but he's not mad at you. I promise."

"Why did you have to make him mad at you? He's never going to be my new daddy now!"

Whoa. What? "Let's sit down for a moment," I tell her, leading her into the empty sun room off the lobby. "Where did you get the idea he was going to be your new daddy? You have a daddy already."

"He hates us. Both of us. I heard him tell his wife. Cohen didn't hate us both, but he can't marry you if he hates you."

"No, he can't, but we never talked about getting married."

We talked about moving in together, but never about getting married. We weren't anywhere close to that as evidenced by how easily we fell apart.

"I wanted you to. So did Shane. We wanted to be sister and brother. He wanted you to be his mommy. My friends at school said you just had to marry someone and I could have a new daddy. Not like my other daddy and Mika. She would never be my mommy, but Cohen could've been my daddy. Why did you make him mad? Make it better, Mommy. Please make it better."

"I don't know if I can do that."

"You will if you love me enough."

"That's not how this works. You know I love you, but I can't marry someone just to make you happy."

"You smiled when Cohen was here. You laughed a lot and you smiled."

"Yes."

"Do you love him?"

"I do."

"Then you need to marry him."

"Sometimes love isn't enough, B. And it's not up to just me. He'd have to love me and want to marry me too."

"He does. I know he loves you. Will you try to talk to him? Can we go to his diving thing? Knox, Wave, Ken, and Matisse are going."

Can I do it? Can I go there and watch him put himself at risk? For my daughter, the answer is yes. I can do this for her, even if it just might kill me.

"Okay. If there's a ticket available, we can go."

"Let's ask," she says, pulling me back out of the room. Everyone else is at the elevators, waiting to go home. "Knox, can we have a ticket to the diving thing?"

He looks at me and I nod. "We'd like to go."

"You can sit with me and my family. Cohen's will be there with us too."

Great. Just how I wanted to meet the parents. Then again, they'll have no idea who I am, so there'll be no reason for me to be nervous.

"Wonderful," I tell him, forcing a smile as Wave walks Bianca a little bit away from us.

"It's going to mean a lot to him to have you there."

"I'm pretty sure his ship has left the harbor without me, but it's important to Bianca."

"It's okay to admit you want to see him."

"I don't. Not like this. If Bianca hadn't begged, I wouldn't be going."

"I'm going to have to buy her whatever she wants for her next birthday then, because he needs you there—and you need to be there. You can both deny it all you want, but it's the truth."

I can't admit it. I won't, because I don't believe it. How could I need to see something that scares me so badly?

"Doctor Denial at your service."

"Women."

"Men."

"Yeah, that too." We both laugh before he pulls me in for a hug. "You need each other. Denial or not, it's the truth."

# Chapter 14

Cohen

Today is the day. The one I've been working for all my life, or at least it feels that way. I competed nationally back in the day, but this feels so much more important and real. Maybe because it's my last chance to prove myself. Or maybe it's because no one ever believed I could come back from this. Either way, it's taking everything I have to make sure my nerves don't show.

Other divers are like sharks, in that they can smell blood in the water—or in this case fear. No, not fear. I'm not afraid. It's not fear coursing through my veins, but anxiety. I'm anxious about besting every single one of the guys trying to stare me down. Not going to work, my friends. I'm here and I'm doing this.

"Daddy!" Shane yells, running up to me.

"Hey, buddy," I say, leaning down to hug him.

"Dive good."

"I will."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

He runs back to his seat and as I follow his progress, I see her. Quincy. She's here. White as a ghost and swallowing hard, but she's here.

I fight the urge to run to her, because I need to do this first. I need to dive and prove to her I was right to do this. Not necessarily prove her wrong, because after talking to my mom I remember what it was like to worry. Quincy ran from me to protect herself, just like I ran from my mom. It's not the same but it's not exactly different either. Without thinking, I blow her a kiss.

She looks shocked and then she smiles. It's a smile that lights up her whole face, giving me faith we'll be okay. "Be careful," she mouths. I just nod.

"You ready?" Nick asks, coming to stand beside me.

"Yes."

The next thing I hear is the announcer, talking about me being the hometown favorite. I wave and smile for the crowd, and then it's time. I climb to the platform, sure in my talent and also in my ability to do this better than I ever have before.

Shaking my limbs loose, I get into place. My back is to the water for this dive. It's riskier than a front-facing dive would be, but I've got this. I keep that sentiment with me as I jump up and down before the dive. Once, twice, and then I'm flipping.

I realize my miscalculation before the back of my head grazes the platform, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I didn't hit hard enough to cause my brain more damage, but the water's coming at me too fast as I fall. This is going to hurt.

It's my last thought as everything goes black. I'm only out for a few seconds as the wind is literally knocked out of me, but I'm floating too slowly to the surface when I'm awake again. I let the water surround me for a moment and then I move, breaking to the surface as I gulp for air.

The crowd is clapping, but I ignore them all to look over at Quincy. Or where Quincy should be. She's gone. I don't know if she's gone for a minute, or gone for good, but she's gone. And, right now, I don't blame her one bit.

"Cohen, are you okay?"

"Yeah, Nick. I'm good. Just miscalculated. Give me another chance and I'll be perfect."

He eyes me warily as I push out of the pool. "You sure?"

"Yes."

"Daddy!"

This time when I turn to my son, he looks scared. "I'm okay."

"You made a big splash. Divers don't splash. You tolds me that."

"I know. I made a mistake, but I'm going to do it again, and not splash."

"I don't like you doing its again."

"When you get older, you're going to fall off a bike the first time you ride it. I'm going to hug you and then put you right back on that bike. Because you'll want to learn and ride."

"Okays."

"Just like you'll need to get back on that bike, I need to do that dive again."

"So you can keep doing it?"

"No. This is going to be the last time I dive like that. I might jump from a high dive or dive in, but I won't flip again."

"Because you're scareded?"

"No, because I'm smart. Too smart to do something that might hurt me. I already lost something I can never replace, and I refuse to lose more."

"Be careful."

They're the same words Quincy mouthed to me, and it hurts to hear them coming from my son. It hurts to know I put my pride before my woman and lost her. I shouldn't have done this. If I'd have hit the platform harder, I might not be awake right now, or walking. This is truly the end for me.

Quincy

He hit his head. Not everyone may have seen it, but I did. It looked like just a graze, but then he sunk to the bottom of the pool, and didn't come right back up. He was just floating there, and I should've jumped into the pool and helped him. Instead, I ran in the opposite direction, knowing others would save him if he needed it.

If I hadn't run, I would've thrown up. I'm still not sure I won't, as I sit on the patio at the top of the stairs. I put my head between my knees to stave off the nausea.

"He's okay," Matt tells me, rubbing my back. I had no idea he followed me up, but I'm not surprised.

"I know."

I heard the crowd clapping as I reached the top, so I knew he'd surfaced. It doesn't matter, because he'd done it. He climbed up there and did what he knew could kill him. I could kill him myself right now.

"Breathe."

"I'm trying."

"Are you going to hate me if I tell you I understand why he had to do this?"

"No, because I understand it too. I hate it, and I don't know if I can ever be with him again because of it, but I understand it."

"You came here today, so I'd say you want to be with him again."

"I came because of my daughter," I tell him, and then realize what I've done. "Bianca! Oh God, I just ran."

I start to stand, but he places a hand on my shoulder. "She's fine. Rei's with her. She was a little confused when you ran, but she's okay."

"Thank you. I should get back to her."

"You're ready for that? To see him?"

"No, but my daughter is more important right now."

"I told you she's fine."

"Fine isn't good enough. She didn't deserve for me to run out like that."

"Cut yourself some slack, Q. We all make mistakes. B's safe, and okay. Breathe a little longer."

"I can't."

"We can wait a minute," he tells me, trying to block my way.

I duck under his arm, and suck in a breath at the sight before me. Cohen's back on the platform, about to dive again.

"No."

"He had to do it. He couldn't walk away after what happened. It would've haunted him. You get that, right?"

"If I thought this was the end for him, yes, I'd get it. Can you 100% tell me that's what this is?"

"No," he says, shaking his head.

I nod to him, and make my way down the stairs. I don't watch Cohen, because I can't. When the crowd around me jumps to their feet, I know he was perfect. But while the diver may not be perfect, the man isn't. I don't need perfection, but I do need stability.

"Did you see him, Mommy? Coh was perfect!"

"I didn't see him, B. but I'm glad he did a good job."

"You were scared, weren't you? That's why you ran away."

"Yes, I was scared. I shouldn't have left you."

"It's okay. It's hard to see someone you love get hurt. But, he's okay and now we can be a family."

"I told you that's now how it works."

"It should. Love is stronger than anything. I know it is."

I wish I knew it, too. I wish I could believe in love and fairytale endings, but I can't. I have to be practical and strong for my daughter. Stronger than the love she thinks will save us all.

# Chapter 15

Quincy

Things are back to normal. Or as normal as they can be with a daughter asking daily for you to reconcile with the man you love. No matter how many times I try to explain to Bianca that it just won't work that way, she doesn't listen. It's almost like she can't hear me. Or she simply doesn't want to. I'm trying not to delve too deeply into which one it is, but this past week has felt like a year.

My cell phone ringing is a welcome distraction, until I see who's calling. Rick.

"Hello."

"Quincy, good. I was hoping you'd answer."

"I don't recall ever avoiding your calls."

"As insolent as ever, I see." I can see the sneer on his face as he says it, even though we're not in the same room, and I roll my eyes.

"What do you want?"

"My daughter."

Hell no. "Excuse me?"

"I let you take her to Nevada, but now it's my turn to have her for a few days."

"No."

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."

"And I'm afraid you're wrong."

"I have a judge's orders in my hands. Your copy should be arriving shortly."

Bastard. His family has the connections to do exactly what he says they've done. If I'd even had a hint of this, I'd have gone to Matt and Reina. Now, I'm going to have to do what he wants.

"What do you need her for?"

"Can't I simply want to spend time with my child?"

"No."

"Very well. I suppose you'll know soon enough. I'm running for office."

Sweet Jesus. I was really hoping the rumors weren't true. "You're not using our daughter to further your political agenda."

"The only skeletons in my closet are you and Bianca. It will look much better if I have her at my side before the sins of my past are brought to light."

"Sin? Bianca is no fucking sin."

"It's just a phrase, Quincy. Please try and keep up."

"Keep up? We both know my IQ puts yours to shame, so don't try to patronize me."

"I don't need to try. Have Bianca ready to go by five this evening. Her new nanny will be picking her up."

"I don't have those papers. Until I do, I'm not going to be doing anything you ask me to."

"My man is on the ground in Las Vegas. Tell me where you are."

"Go to hell."

"I'll drag you through the mud."

Like he's not going to do it anyway. "Go ahead and try."

"I'm in a committed relationship, and I know people here. People who can make decisions about full custody."

"I know people too."

"So you say. Tell me where you are right now. Where you're working. There are only so many hospitals, but wasting his time will give you less time with Bianca before she leaves."

I know he's right, and I want to hear his reaction. "Corrigan & Co."

I hear his gasp, and I relish in the silence that follows. Rick knows his place, even if he doesn't want to admit it. I can't escape his papers, so slinging that final arrow feels pretty good right now.

"That's not a hospital. What are you doing there?"

"That's none of your business. Goodbye."

Now comes the hard part. Bianca's in the daycare center, having been picked up after school. I try to mentally brace myself on my way up to the lobby level, but I know it's going to be bad. For both of us.

"Doctor Morris? I have some papers for you," a man yells as I step off the elevator.

Rick is nothing if not quick. In all ways, unfortunately for the old me. Now, Mika has to deal with his one pump and done style. Couldn't happen to a better person.

I walk over to take them, signing his tablet. He thanks me and leaves the building as I slump against the counter a little.

"Bad news?" Jyn asks me. She runs things down here for the security team.

"Not exactly the worst, but close."

"You seemed to be expecting it."

"I was just warned."

"Should I call Matt?"

"And Reina, please. I have to tell Bianca, but I'll need some help after that."

"I'm on it."

"Thanks."

Bianca runs over to me as soon as I scan into the center. Shane's hot on her heels, which is no surprise since they're inseparable when they're in the same room together.

"Did you come to have a snack with me, Mommy?"

"No honey. I need to talk to you."

"You look sad."

"Did my Daddy make you cry again?" Shane asks.

"No. This is about B's daddy."

She scrunches up her nose. "What about him?"

"He wants you to go see him for a few days."

"I don't want to."

"I don't want you to either, but we don't have a choice."

"He won't let me swim. He says my hair gets messy after I swim."

She has my wavy hair and it's definitely a pain to comb out, but it's worth it to see her happy. "It's just for three days."

"What about school?"

"I'll talk to them. A judge signed the papers, so we have no choice." I take a breath and add the rest. "There are going to be people taking pictures of you with your daddy and his wife."

"You have another mommy, B?" Shane asks.

"No! She's not my mommy. I only have one mommy!"

"I don't have any."

There goes my heart. Like father, like son.

"You can borrow my mommy. Even if she doesn't marry your daddy, she can be your second mommy too."

Oh, my kid. "If you need me for anything, I'll be here for you. Sometimes, you can choose friends to be family."

"Me and B is family."

"Yes, you are."

"When do I have to leave?"

"Someone's coming for you at five. We'll give them your suitcase from here," I tell her, knowing there will be more "suitable" clothing waiting for her at her father's estate.

"Daddy's not even coming to get me."

"No. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

"Come back soon," Shane adds, and I almost lose it right then and there.

I hold onto the tears until I'm alone in the elevator. I'm wiping my eyes when I get off on the medical floor. Matt and Reina are waiting for me there.

"We're on this," he tells me. "We can't stop it this time, but it won't happen again."

"Thank you."

Cohen

Shane is alone when I pick him up, leading me to believe Quincy got off work early today. Usually, Bianca's at my son's side, making me long for dinners spent together again. Wave, Knox, or Kenny bring her to swim lessons while her mother avoids me at all costs now.

I need to make this right, because I'm dying inside. We both were wrong, but it's more on me than her. I vow to find the courage to face her again. Tomorrow. I'll do it tomorrow.

"What do you want to do tonight, buddy?"

"Can we go to San Diego?"

"I thought you were happy to be back here."

"I was, but then Bianca's daddy took her."

"Took her?" I ask, my heart racing.

"Q said he has papers and B hads to go."

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. No way is that bastard getting away with this. I heard he was running for office, so I should've been ready for this. I wasn't, and that's on me.

"Can you grab your stuff while I make a call?"

"Are we going to help B and Q?"

"Yes."

"Yay!"

I laugh as my boy runs off, marveling at how much love he has inside of him. He learned that love from me, but also from my family too. I need their help now, and I have no doubt they'll give it. First, I call my best friend.

"Quincy's ex has Bianca, and we're not going to let him use her."

"That must be why Wave had to stay late at work. I'll call my 'rents while you call yours. Let's meet at the Executive Terminal at McCarran in two hours."

"It's a plan."

I hang up with him and call my mom. "Miss me?" she asks.

"Always, but I need help too."

"With Quincy? You know, I never told you I saw her at the diving event."

"You saw her leave."

"Yes, but she tried to be there, and that's more important. At least I think it is."

"I do too."

"What can I do?"

"I didn't tell you who Bianca's father is."

"Do we know him?"

"Rick Lawrence."

"Oh dear God. That poor child. Quincy slept with that?"

I burst out laughing, despite how serious this situation is. "Don't hold back."

"I'm incapable when it comes to that man and his family."

"As am I. Especially when they got a judge to sign an order letting him take Bianca away. I think it's only for a few days, but I'm sure it has to do with his political aspirations. I don't want her to be used that way."

"I can assure you that's exactly why he has her. He's hosting a cocktail fundraiser tomorrow night, followed by a rally the next afternoon. We've declined both invitations, but I'm guessing you want us to rescind those responses."

"Yes."

"For anyone else, I wouldn't be caught dead sucking up to those leeches."

"I know. I wish there was another way, but I have to see her and know she's okay. Knox is calling his parents too."

"I was hoping you'd say that. Things are always better with your best friends around."

"Agreed. I hate using our name and money to gain influence, but I want this stopped."

"Do what you must. Your father and I will be there right beside you."

"Thanks."

"Are we going to save B now?" Shane asks, his little arms full of all of his art projects from today. He loves to create things and I'm just in awe of my son. In more ways than one.

"That's exactly what we're going to do."

# Chapter 16

Cohen

I shoot my cuffs and crack my neck as we stand outside the Matthews mansion. "Let's do this."

"Taking back the world, one asshole at a time," Knox responds.

Wave looks at the door like she wants to break it down. "I'll kill the bastard if he's messed with my Goddaughter."

"We've got the money to bail you out," I offer.

She rolls her eyes at me. "Amateur. I wouldn't get caught."

"Hot," I mouth to Knox.

He flips me off and then we're walking inside. Our parents come to our sides and we move forward as people part for us. I normally hate this shit, but tonight I'm embracing it.

Rick sees us first, smiling until he's not. I've no doubt he's spotted Waverly with us. There's nothing hidden about her relationship with Knox, but I guess Ricky boy didn't get the memo.

"Waverly."

"Jackass."

"Swearing in front of my daughter? Coming from her Godmother, no less. Just another mark against Quincy."

"You really want to debate parenting skills with me?" she asks, smiling at him like she wishes he would. Damn, I'd almost forgotten how fierce Wave could be.

"Go away. You're not welcome."

It's Knox's mother who reacts first. "None of us are then. That's what you're saying, Richard?"

"No. Of course not. Just her. Surely you're not happy about her association with your son."

"I've never been happier."

"I want to go home with Wave and Knox."

Bianca doesn't mention me, and I have to smile at that, because I love how smart she is. She's trying not to antagonize her father even more, but what he does next forces my hand.

"Shut up, you little brat," he whispers, grabbing her roughly.

She cries out and I'm on him before I even realize I've moved. My hand is around his throat and I've got him lifted a few inches off the ground.

"Impressive," I hear Wave say from behind me. "I didn't know he had it in him."

I have a lot more than this in me, but my father pulls me off before I can unleash it. He leans close so only I can hear him. "Don't give him a reason to call the police. You know he'll do it."

"He touches that little girl like that again, and I'm killing him. Wave will help me hide the body."

"I don't doubt it. But there are other ways to take him down. Ways that will be more painful and last longer than any physical damage could."

"Did you all see that?" the bastard yells out.

"We saw you hurting the child you claim to love," my mother tells him.

"She needs to learn her place."

"Her place?" Knox's dad asks. "I'm afraid I could never put my backing behind a candidate who would refer to his daughter in that way. In fact, I'm finding myself inclined to support anyone running against you."

Rick's cool façade crumples even more. "It's just a misunderstanding."

"I don't think it is."

Looking around, I see what I knew I would. The room has divided itself, with almost everyone standing behind us. Rick sees it too. His wife looks frantic.

"Take her," she says. "Take the girl. Rick will sign over his rights."

"What?" he asks, looking at her likes she's insane. Be careful what you wish for, asshole.

"It's too much trouble. You know the power these two families could wield. Plus, you said Quincy somehow got a job with the Corrigans. That means she's in with the Griffins too. A great leader knows when to retreat."

Oh yeah, this woman knows how to play him. Waverly just pulls a stack of papers from her clutch. The fuck?

"These are papers giving up all your parental rights to Bianca."

"You just happened to have them with you?"

"Yes, Rick, I did. Sign, because it turns out your wife does have a brain. You don't want the most powerful families in the world against you."

He tries one last ditch effort to put a stop to this. Not because he wants Bianca, but because he wants to save face. "Don't they need to be notarized? Where are you going to find a notary?"

She pulls a stamp out of that little bag, because of course she does. "Right here."

He grabs the pen she hands him, signing the sets of papers where she directs him to. His wife happily acts as witness, along with Knox, and then it's all over. Wave's stamping and signing, giving Bianca her freedom.

"You ready to go home, B?" Knox asks her.

"I can. Really? For how long?"

"Forever," I tell her.

"I don't have to see him again?"

"Nope."

She runs to me, and I pick her up into my arms. My eyes meet Rick's over her shoulder and he looks shocked, then angry. Yeah, I'm close to having everything he foolishly gave away. Closer than he'll ever be again.

Quincy

My front door opens, and Bianca runs in as I jump up. "Mommy, I'm home forever! Cohen said it's forever!"

"Wait, what?" I ask as Waverly and Knox walk in after her. He's in a tux and she's in a gown and I'm really confused.

"We paid a visit to Rick's campaign party tonight. He was persuaded to sign away all his parental rights," Wave tells me.

"Seriously?"

"My wife can be very persuasive," Knox reminds me.

"The best part was when Daddy grabbed me hard and Cohen pulled him into the air with his hand on his throat."

"Cohen was there?"

"Uh-huh. His mommy and daddy are so nice. They said they can't wait to meet you."

"I am totally lost right now."

"I'd like to explain if you'll let me."

I turn to see Cohen come into the apartment with Shane in his arms. He's got on a tux too, but his tie's loose around his neck with a couple of buttons on his shirt undone. Damn, I'd almost forced myself into thinking I'd imagined how sexy he is.

Shane speaks up before I can answer. "I did it! I told Daddy hows B had to go away. I'm a hero."

"Thank you, Shane," I say, walking over to kiss his cheek. "You are definitely my hero."

"Whats about Daddy?"

"The jury's still out on him, but we can talk. I fear I'm a little underdressed for it though," I answer, looking down at my tank top and yoga pants.

"You look perfect," Cohen tells me, and the iceberg around my heart melts just a little.

"On that note, why don't we take B and Shane down to our place for a sleepover?" Knox asks.

"Call me 'S'," Shane tells him as we all laugh.

"Please, Mommy. Can we?"

"Yes, B. Grab your stuff."

Cohen and I haven't stopped looking at each other since he walked in. I know it's rude and I should probably be embarrassed, but I can't take my eyes off him. I don't know how he and his family were able to help tonight, but I want to. No, I _need_ to know.

"We have a lot to talk about," he says after everyone's left us alone.

"Do we?"

"Yes. There are things I need to tell you, but I also need you to talk to me. Tell me what you're feeling. If your feelings have changed."

"So, just a light and easy chat, huh?"

"Not even close."

"Have a seat," I say, motioning to the couch across from the one I'd been sitting on when they came in.

"I need to tell you something before we start."

"Okay."

"I'm going to fight for you, Quince. I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone besides Shane and my parents, and I won't let that go. I'm going to fight to win."

"What if I don't want you to?"

"You do."

"How do you know?"

"You're sitting here across from me."

* * *

He's right. I'm not sure I'm ready for any of this, but I have to be. For me, for him—and for both of us.

"I'm going to be fighting alongside you, not against you."

# Chapter 17

Cohen

Yes. She's agreed to fight for us. My heart told me she would, but the rest of me didn't believe it until she just said it.

"How do you want to do this? Should we go back or forth or should one of us talk all the way through first?" I ask, not caring how it goes down, just as long as it does.

"Maybe one of us can start and we'll see how it goes."

"That works. I'll go first."

"What if I wanted to go first?"

She totally can. "Do you?"

"No, but I just wanted to be an option."

"You're the only option."

"Stop trying to romance me."

"It's my mission in life, so don't expect me to ever stop."

"Whatever."

She laughs, but I realize something I've forgotten. I once told her I was going to spoil her, and I never have. I got so caught in just being with her and loving her, forgetting what I'd intended to do.

"I screwed up."

"We both did. Isn't that what we're going to talk about?"

"Yeah."

"Are you okay?"

"No, but I will be."

"If you're re-thinking any of this, please tell me now."

"Not a chance. I love you. Do you believe that?"

"Yes. I never get tired of hearing it though."

"Good, because I never get tired of saying it."

"I love you too. There have been times in the past few weeks I didn't want to, but I do."

That's all I need to get this started. Here goes nothing.

"First, I need to tell you my real name. I chose Horton when I was competing to distance myself from my family. When things went bad, I was glad I'd done it. My real name is Cohen Covington."

I see when it sinks in. "You're a Covington. Like, the crazy rich Covingtons? No wonder your parents are friends with Knox's."

"Yes, yes, and yes."

"But you were giving swimming lessons."

"I love the water," I remind her with a shrug.

"You have a lot of money, but you don't act like it. This is new to me after Rick and some of the patients I've dealt with. I'm barely getting used to Matt, Reina, and Knox being that way."

"Is it too much to accept me like you're accepting them?"

"Of course not. I was just worried about you paying for those dates you mentioned, even though I think Matt pays well."

Fuck me. Or don't. I haven't even taken her out on a real date.

"Matt pays extremely well. I haven't touched my trust fund in years, though. I like to live within my means. And I'm sorry about us not having any real dates yet."

"What's a 'real' date anyway? I loved our lunches and all the time alone together we squeezed in."

"Honestly? Because you distracted me away from my original plans and I'm feeling like an ass about it."

"You did say I had a greedy pussy, so I guess you can't be blamed for your actions."

There goes my dick, trying to break free from my dress pants. "You can't say that word until we're done talking."

"Which word?"

"You know which word."

"What letter does it start with?"

"Are you trying to get me to abandon the talking and make love to you right here and now?"

"A good, hard fuck sounds so good right now."

Hell, I'm a human man, not a saint. "Take your pants off and come ride my cock. But, we're talking after."

"Definitely. Talking. Yes," she says, pulling off her pants before I even get my zipper all the way down.

She climbs over me, and sinks all the way down. "Damn."

"Shit. I'm objectifying you again."

She starts to climb off me, but I pull her back down. "It's not objectifying when you love the person. I've missed this just as much as you have."

"Promise."

"Promise."

Quincy starts to move, and I nearly lose my mind with how good it feels to be inside of her again. We're both so on edge, it only takes a few strokes before she's coming and I'm following right after her.

"So good."

"It is. The best. Have you found any more stuff in your books you'd like to do?"

"Yes, but we'll talk about that after everything else. If that's okay."

"It's perfect."

She slips off me, pulling the pocket square out of my tux to clean herself up a little. I love that she doesn't care about my wealth, but it's time for some more truths. I wait for her to put her yoga pants back on—minus her panties—and join me on my couch before I begin again.

"Not many people know why I went off the rails back when I was diving competitively. Knox said he told you."

"Your mom got sick."

"Yeah. Cancer. Instead of dealing with it like I man, I handled it like the boy I was. Even after I started to straighten out, I was still wild and crazy. My mom didn't deserve it, Knox didn't deserve it, and I didn't deserve it either."

"You wouldn't have Shane if you hadn't behaved that way, so please don't tell me you regret it."

"It's only because of him that I don't. And because my mom talked some sense into me when I was back home."

"Is that your home? San Diego?"

She's asking me one of the most important things she needs to know tonight. No way I'm going to lie. "It was, but now my home is wherever you are. That sounds fucking cheesy and like a line, but it's the truth."

"It does sound cheesy, but I feel the same."

I kiss her quickly, because I have to, and because we didn't kiss during our quick sexcapade. She smiles, so I know it's okay.

"The times I hit my head on the boards were far apart and I never thought there'd be a problem. But then, I started getting those headaches. I want answers, so I'll be wearing the helmet again by the way."

* * *

"When you dive from the 'platform' or just here?" she asks, reminding me I mocked her for using the layman's term last time we talked. Or rather, fought.

"I'm not going off the diving board like I have in the past. I love the thrill of jumping, so I'll do that and maybe a dive, but not flips or handstands."

"Why?" she asks, ignoring the nod to her in my wording.

This is where it gets real. "I felt my head brush the platform as I spun. It wasn't hard enough to knock me out, although the water did that for a few seconds. It _was_ enough to make me realize it could happen again. I could've lost everything that day, including myself."

"And yet, you did it again."

"Only to 'get back on the horse' and not let fear guide me."

"I thought you were going to keep doing it."

"I know. Seeing you there meant everything to me. Seeing you gone when I came out of the water, along with seeing my son terrified for me, made me re-think what I was doing and why."

"You've been back for a week, so why now? Why wait or decide not to wait?"

"I came back with a mission in mind. I was going to prove to you I could be the stable, responsible guy you need in your life. You were avoiding me, and I wasn't going to push it until you gave me a sign you were willing to listen. I would've taken any sign, to be honest. Rick and his assholery upped my timeline. I guess I have to be thankful for that, but I despise him too much to give him even that."

"Same," she tells me with a smile.

"When I walked into the daycare and Shane told me Rick had Bianca, I was ready to commit murder. Wave was right there with me, but she's a professional. I would've gotten caught if I'd killed him and I'm too pretty for prison."

She caresses my cheek. "You really are."

"I called in the troops I knew could take him down another way. My family and Knox's don't like to throw our weight around, but for this, we did."

"I'm told there was also a part when you lifted Rick up off the ground with your hand around his neck."

I shoot my cuffs out again, and smirk. I'm pretty sure anyone else in this same situation would do it too.

"He grabbed B too hard and was hurting her. I acted on instinct, and it was fun as fuck."

"As fun as fucking? Hmm."

"Fuck. I said fuck, not fucking woman. Nothing is more fun than fucking you."

"Ditto. Is it bad that I wish I'd been there to see it?"

"No. Reina might be able to find some footage since the Society can do pretty much anything."

"True. I'll have to ask."

"Can I be there when you watch if they get you footage?"

"Hoping for a BJ after I see you protect my kid?"

"Hoping for anything you want to give me. A card, a meal, a BJ—I'm good with any of it."

"Noted. Now tell me more about Rick giving up his rights."

"Short version is that wifey realized they had no chance against us plus the Corrigans and Griffins, and made him sign."

"Is it legal?"

"Our friend Wave had a notary stamp in her purse."

"We have the best friends."

"We totally do."

"Well, that's where I'm at right now. Your turn if you still want one."

"I do."

# Chapter 18

Quincy

I can't believe I basically jumped Cohen. Okay, I can totally believe it. But, I shouldn't have done it. Except I wanted to, and he wanted to, and yeah—I need to start talking now.

"You scare me, C. What I feel for you, what I think you feel for me, our kids wanting to be siblings—it all scares me."

"You called me 'C' like I'm part of your special club."

"That's what you got out of this?"

"You don't even call Wave and Kenny by their initials, so yeah, I'm basking in this."

I roll my eyes as I bat him with a pillow. "Pay attention. And B and I use initials because it helped her learn her alphabet. Plus, who wouldn't want to be called the same letter as a 007 genius?"

"Why do the women I love think hitting me is the answer? And yes, Q is cool."

"You better be talking about your mom or my daughter when you say you're getting hit by women."

"My mom," he says, and there's that smirk of his.

"Shut it."

"I didn't say a word."

"That smirk said it for you."

"I promise I'm paying attention. I don't like that I scare you, but we'll talk more about that when you're done."

"You're the sexiest man I've ever met, you treat me like I'm sexy too, and my kid wants you to be her new daddy. How am I not supposed to be scared by all that?"

"First, can I tell the Studkateers that I'm sexier than they are? Owen says I have provisional membership until you officially claim me. It's bullshit because I've been helping the Society since Wave saved Knox, but whatevs."

"Wait, that's really a thing? You guys have your own secret group? Ken told me, but he seemed annoyed by it."

"It's a thing, and it's not really a secret. You know Kenny's gotta love Matisse calling him a stud, but he'll never admit it to us. It's enough that we know."

"Just when I get used to something at C&C, another new fun fact pops up."

"I doubt anyone but Reina knows them all, but I digress. As for the rest of what you said, if you don't completely believe you're sexy, I'm doing something wrong. There should be no doubt in your mind. None. Nada. Nyet."

"How many languages do you know?"

"I know important words in lots of languages, but I'm only fluent in Spanish. And sometimes, English too."

This man. He makes me smile so much my cheeks hurt, but I wouldn't change that for anything. "Good to know."

"Oh, and if you were trying to scare me with the whole 'new daddy' thing, you should know I'm down with that. Pick a ring and a date, and I'm all yours."

"That is the worst proposal I've ever heard."

He points at me. "From the sexiest man you've ever met, so you want to say yes, don't you?"

Yes. I do. Not just because he's sexy, but because I really do love him. Not going to admit that yet, though.

"I'm not done talking about my feelings."

"That wasn't a no."

"Or a yes. Now hush."

"Yes ma'am," he says, zipping his lips. I lean over and give them a peck.

"You scared me, and then you fell. My fear of trusting that you really wanted me turned into a fear of losing you before I ever had you. That's what had me going all in with you."

"And then I blew it all out of the water."

"No, I did. I stopped worrying about what I'd miss out on if we weren't together, and started worrying about just losing you. If you hit your head and died, I'd be devastated. But what about if you hit your head and lived—but lost some of your memory? If you forgot me, it would almost be worse than death. I was being selfish."

"We're all selfish sometimes."

"Bianca had to beg me to go to your event."

"I wanted to die so I wouldn't see my mom die. That's why I started doing drugs and shit back then. I should've told you that when it was my turn, but I barely told my mom that, and I didn't think I was ready to tell anyone else yet."

"That's why she hit you."

"Yeah. Here's my other cheek," he tells me turning his head.

I lean over and kiss it. "I'm so glad you lived."

"And I'm so glad you decided I was worth facing your fears for."

"You're more than worth it."

"You still ran."

"I ran because I was about to throw up. I saw you graze the platform. I was watching for it, and it was like my biggest fear manifesting itself. I still thought it was okay, but when I saw you floating there underwater, with your eyes open, I thought you were dead. I should've jumped into that pool after you, but instead I felt like I was going to throw up, or pass out—or both—if I didn't get away."

"Quince."

"I only ran as far as the patio on the top deck. I heard the crowd cheering so I knew you were alive. Matt found me still trying not to throw up, and talked to me about fears and love. He must've known you'd go back, so he tried to stop me from looking. I got around him and saw you back up there. I thought you were playing chicken with death, and I wouldn't have survived that."

"I wouldn't have expected you to. After talking to my mom about how I behaved when she was sick and seeing you there supporting me when it scared you, I knew I wouldn't risk myself again."

"I should've stayed and talked to you."

"I wish you would've, but I understand why you didn't. I understood it then too."

"You're better at this relationship thing than I am."

"Says who?"

"Me."

"Well, yours is the only opinion I care about on the subject, so I'll take it. Maybe it's because I've fucked up so much that I know what not to do."

"You're genuinely not freaked out about our kids planning a wedding for us?"

"Did you already forget my proposal?"

"Yes. It was ridiculously ridiculous, and I've blocked it from my brain."

"Ouch. Harsh much?"

"You promised me romance, dates, and spoiling and you then you give me that crap? Please."

"The next time I ask you, it's going to be right."

"And then I just might say yes."

"You know you're still thinking about how sexy I am and considering a yes right now. Substandard proposal or not."

Still not admitting it to him. "So, where do we go from here?"

"That three-bedroom apartment upstairs Chloe said she could renovate to have the best of both our apartments in it?"

"An outdoor shower, and my bed in the bedroom would be perfect."

"I agree."

"Let's do it."

He claps his hands together. "Yes, let's. Now, tell me all about this new fantasy of yours."

"What? No. We're not there yet."

"We're not going for round two?"

He looks so confused, and it's absolutely adorable. "We're definitely going a few more rounds tonight, but my fantasy isn't available here."

"What? We have a game room, a theater room, an ice rink, a roller rink, pools, and stables. What else could you need?"

"A sex club."

"Y-you want to go to a sex club?"

"Yes, but there's time for that later. You mentioned the pools and I remember you mentioning us getting together in one."

"I was thinking of a private pool, without cameras."

"Ainsley will turn off the cameras for us."

"Then she'd know."

"Do you care? Because I don't."

"Make the call, put on a bikini, and lead the way, babe."

"You need swim trunks."

There goes the smirk. "No, actually, I don't."

Oh Holy Hell, he's going into the pool in his tux? While I'm in a bikini? This is going to be hot. It always is with him, but this is going to blow everything else out of the water. Literally.

# Chapter 19

Quincy

The guards look the other way when we walk through the lobby, hand in hand. Not obvious at all. But hey, I said I didn't care, and so I can't start worrying now. Unless these guys are new, they've probably seen everything possible anyway.

At least Cohen had the foresight to drape his tux jacket over my bikini clad body before we left my apartment. I'm glad one of us has retained some working brain cells.

"I forgot to ask you which pool you wanted, so I had her turn the cameras on all the pools off."

"Was she shocked?"

"Not a bit."

"Damn. That means we're not the first, but I think we'll be the first for what I have in mind."

"I can't find it in me to be nervous with you."

"Good, because you shouldn't be."

I replay his words as he leads me past the regular pools and over to the kids play area. "This seems wrong."

"It's going to feel very right in a moment," he tells me, reaching inside the jacket to pull on the strings of my bikini bottoms.

They fall to the ground, and then he's positioning me with my legs spread open. The ground is wet, but I can't see anything. He walks away, and I'm even more confused. Why aren't we in a pool?

And then it happens. Water shoots from the ground straight into my vagina. It lasts for a few seconds, and then it's gone. Wow.

"Did I position you right?"

"Yes."

"Perfect," he says, dropping to his knees in front of me.

His mouth is sucking on my clit the next time the water comes. I almost come along with it.

"This. It's so good."

"Yes, you are."

Hot damn. In between the spurts of water, his fingers play inside of me, getting me ready. I'm definitely ready. When the water shoots into me, he eats me like I'm everything he's ever wanted, and I have to bite my lip to stifle my scream. I come so hard and long the water hits me again, prolonging my pleasure.

"Oh my God. You are a sexual genius, Cohen Covington."

"Water genius is more like it."

"I'm going with both."

"Even better."

He shuts off the water feature, picks up my bikini bottoms, and swoops me into his arms. "You shouldn't be carrying me on a wet surface."

"Shut off the doctor brain until after I blow your mind again, Quince."

He's right. I know he's right.

"If you insist."

"I do."

"Are you going to take off the rest of your clothes soon?"

"Maybe."

"Infuriating."

"Sexiest man you've ever met. Remember that."

"Why would I forget?" I ask and then we're in front of the steps for the medium diving board—or platform.

"I want you on the platform. Honestly, I want you up on the ten meter with me, but I'm not sure you trust me enough for that yet."

My heart is racing in my chest, but I know I need to face my fear. "I trust you."

"You're sure."

"Yes."

"Okay. The platform is a little over six feet wide," he says, reaching into his jacket and untying my top so it falls to the ground. Then, he drapes a towel over my shoulders. "I want you to go up first and lie down somewhere in the middle. Use my jacket and this towel to lie on so your back isn't rubbed raw."

"You just want to watch my ass as I climb."

"That too, but I think you'll be more comfortable on the bottom this time."

"You're the expert."

He grabs my arm as I start to walk away. "I've never done this before."

"Really?"

"I wasn't taking some woman up there when I was under the influence of something. Before that, I was too focused on my sport to risk some girl getting freaked out and injuring both of us."

"I won't do that."

"I know. It means a lot to me that you're up for this."

"It means even more to me that you're asking."

I pull her to me for a kiss. "I'll be up in a minute or two."

"Okay."

I'm not exactly scared of heights, but I'm also not totally comfortable with them. I carefully take every step up the ten meters to the top. The board looks small, but I know it's not. I won't lie and say I don't shake a little as I make a place for myself to lie down on. Once I'm on my back with my knees bent, I start to breathe normally again. I look at the stars and wait for my man to join me.

Cohen

I've climbed the platform stairs a million times—I've even been naked before—but there was never anything so good waiting for me at the top. I have to grip the rails tight so I don't fall when I see Quincy lying there with her legs open, waiting for me.

Closing my eyes, I pull myself up and stare down at her. "You're so sexy and beautiful."

"You're not so bad yourself."

"Are you doing okay?"

"It's high, but yes. I trust you."

"And I trust you."

I drop to my knees first, moving slowly between her legs. The platform is wide enough for both of us, but it doesn't feel so big right now. It has to feel even smaller to her, since she's not used to being up here.

"Come here, C. Make love to me."

Trust her to know I'm thinking too hard. "You're my fantasy come to life. In every way."

I say the words as I thrust into her, taking her mouth with mine as her pussy takes my cock. Her legs wrap around me, and I love it. I love her.

We don't stop kissing as we make love. There's no dirty talk or urgency to being together like there usually is. We have a rhythm going that's getting us both where we need to be and that's enough. More than enough.

"I didn't think I would like going slow with you, because you're right, I'm greedy. But, I love this."

"Me too. It's perfect. You're perfect."

"So are you."

We move in unison for several more minutes, enjoying each other as we kiss and whisper to each other. We promise each other things I know we'll follow through on. Sexy things and love things. All the things.

Thrusting in and out of her with nothing but the stars around us is amazing. I knew it would be, combining the woman I love with the place I used to call home. Our little family of four is my home now, but part of my heart with always belong to the platform. A tiny piece I'll never let go.

I hold back as I feel her getting closer, assuring we come together, catching each other's screams in our mouths. It's really is perfect, just like Quincy. Just like we are together.

"Hi," I say once I can speak again.

"Hi."

"We didn't talk about getting down."

"I assumed we were going to jump into the water. You said you love it."

"I do, but I wasn't sure if you were up for it."

"I'm sure as hell not walking down those stairs."

"You get used to the stairs."

"For this? I'll gladly climb up again. Not climbing down ever."

"I can jump with you, but we'll have to stay close if you want to hold hands. Otherwise it's going to hurt when our arms hit the water."

"Where else would I be but right next to you?"

"Nowhere. There's another option for jumping."

"Okay."

"You didn't even ask what it was."

"I trust you, and this is your fantasy."

"Believe me, the reality was way better than the fantasy."

"I'm glad. Now, how are we getting down?"

"With our arms wrapped around each other."

"Can we do that?"

"I've never tried, but if we're careful, we can do it."

"Let's do it."

I help her to her feet before tossing the jacket and towel over the side of the platform. Leading her to the edge, I place my back to the water, and line her up in front of me.

"Put your arms around my neck. We're going to do two little jumps to get in rhythm and then I'll push us off. Hold as tight to me as you can so I can take us straight down."

She swallows hard, but nods. "Okay."

Once her arms are around my neck and mine are around her waist holding her tight, I jump. She's a little late, but matches me the second time.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

I bend my knees and jump, pulling us back enough so she'll clear the board. She doesn't scream, although she looks like she wants to. It may have something to do with her being naked, and not wanting to have the guards running out here. Or because she doesn't want to be embarrassed by it later. Either way, I'm impressed. I wait until we break the surface to kiss her again.

"You did great."

"That was so much fun. Can we do it again?"

"Not tonight, because while my stamina is pretty good, I'm not sure I'm up for a climb, a jump, and making love."

"I was just talking about jumping again, but count me in for the making love part again too."

"You liked jumping? I thought you were going to scream."

"If I wasn't naked I would've. Doesn't mean I didn't like it. I scream when you give me those 10 out of 10 orgasms."

"True, and thanks for the perfect scores."

"Always."

# Chapter 20

Quincy

What do you get the guy who can buy himself anything he wants for his birthday? That's the question I've been asking myself since I found out Cohen's birthday is this weekend. He didn't tell me, but his parents are throwing a big charity birthday event for him—and Shane, who turns three a few days later. Hard to hide your birthday when the world will be watching. Or when your mom sends an invite to your girlfriend.

I was happy to learn the charity they're having everyone donate to is one who specializes in concussion research. Ken and I have been talking about using the technology Scott developed for Cohen to help others. Neither of them know it yet, but we're going to be able to "cure" him because of that helmet. And yes, I'm scared he'll go back to diving. I won't hold back on healing him just because I want him to myself. I kind of want to, but I love him too much for that.

I'm ready to take a break from my online search when our head nurse Liz knocks on my door. She's got a giant cookie bouquet in her arms, making me smile.

"Cohen's putting every other man in this building to shame," she tells me.

"Don't tell him that."

"Jake was down here when some of us were talking about your deliveries. He looked upset, but left like a man on a mission. I can only imagine what Isa and the other Studkateer wives are going to start coming home to."

I've come home to a row of stuffed animals chilling on my couch, a bubble bath, emerald earrings, bikinis, leggings with stethoscopes on them, signed copies of my favorite books and more. Not to mention the flower, cupcake and cookie deliveries here. And breakfast in bed more than once. Cohen's definitely been romancing and spoiling me over the past week. We haven't had a date night out yet, but I thought we'd have one soon. Until I got that invitation this morning, and realized he didn't want me to go.

"It won't last. He'll get bored or start forgetting."

"I wouldn't count on that, Quincy."

"I'm not counting on it, just trying to set realistic expectations."

"For what?" the man himself asks, looking smug.

"I'll talk to you later," Liz says, closing the door behind her. That wasn't obvious at all.

"What's going on? Did I mess up somewhere?"

"No. I love the cookies. Thanks."

I push an unruly curl behind my ear and move the cookies around on my desk. Cohen puts his hands over mine to stop me.

"Talk to me, Quince."

"I'm just wondering when you're going to get tired of this—of me."

"Never."

"You didn't tell me about your party this weekend. I didn't even know it was your birthday until your mother sent me an invite."

"Fuck. I can explain."

"Okay."

"Last year, I was in a charity bachelor auction. The highest bidder won the honor of being my date for my birthday gala this year."

"You're going with another woman?" I ask, grabbing the desk as everything starts spinning.

"Not because I want to."

"Here I was, trying to find the perfect gift for you. Trying to keep you somehow. And, I didn't even know I'd have to see you with another woman on your arm."

"You don't need a gift to try and keep me. I'm yours. I didn't know we'd be together when I did the event last year. I've already turned down this year's auction."

"I picked out a dress. I got the invitation and ran right upstairs to Stella like a lovesick girl on prom night."

"I can't wait to see you in it."

"With my date?"

"Excuse me?"

"I can't show up alone like some pathetic woman pining after a man who isn't completely hers. What if she kisses you when the cake comes out? What will I tell Bianca about why I can't stand next to you?"

"Calm down, babe. Please. My family will be having a private party after the big one. The next day. We'll be together then."

"I wasn't invited."

"I'm inviting you now."

"Only because I found out about the other party. You can't expect me to believe this was just planned today."

He looks away and blows out a breath. "I knew I'd have to tell you about the big party if I was inviting you to the little one."

"I thought we weren't doing this anymore. I thought we were telling each other everything."

"We are. We will. _I_ will. This is no big deal."

"If you thought that, you would've told me."

"I'm sorry. I should've."

"Yes. Right now, we need to go down the hall and see Ken and Scott."

"And after?"

"You'll have fun with your date. I bet she's curvy and blonde."

"Quince."

"Let's go."

I brush by him because I can't say anything more without crying. Ken takes one look at me when I walk into his office, and pulls me into a hug.

"What's wrong?" he whispers in my ear.

"I let myself believe in the fairy tale."

"Damn him. We don't have to heal him."

"Yes. We do. Tell him."

"Very well."

"So, what's up doc?" Scott asks, smirking.

"Because I've never heard that one before."

"Just messing with you Kenny."

"Per usual. As I'm not interested in wasting anyone's time, I'll just get right to it. With the information from the helmet Scott designed, as well as input from Ainsley's medical team and Caleb, we've found we can heal you, Cohen. We can reduce the swelling on your brain."

"He can dive again?" Scott asks.

"If that's what he wants to do, yes."

"No."

My head whips around and I face him for the first time since we entered this room. "Why?"

"Because the woman I love made me realize I don't need it anymore."

"Don't do this because of me. You'll hate me later."

"I'm doing it because it's the right decision for me—and for us. What if I hit my head again and again? How many times could you heal me without it all causing permanent brain damage?"

"We do not have that data," Ken tells him.

Cohen nods, never taking his eyes off mine. "It's not worth the risk. I've foolishly risked too much already."

Cohen

"How's my favorite son?" my mom asks. I've just left the Ken's office and I'm heading to the daycare to see Shane. My son always makes things better.

"I'm your only son."

"Why do you sound angry?"

"How could you invite her without telling me? Or asking me?"

"Who? Are you talking about me inviting Quincy to your party?"

"Yes," I grit out, fighting to not cross the line into disrespect.

"Why wouldn't I invite her? You told me it's serious with her. I knew she'd be your date, but she deserved her own invite to frame. Or put into a memory box."

"No one else does that but you."

"Men. You simply don't understand our ways."

I ignore the dig. "She can't be my date, because I have a date already. Or did you forget the charity auction?"

"You haven't dealt with that woman?"

"How exactly would I deal with her?" I ask, rolling my eyes, even though she can't see me.

"Call her and tell her you have a girlfriend. Explain she's still invited and can bring a date of her own."

"Like it'd be that simple."

"If you give her no other choice, it would be. Come with her own date, or get a refund. You can certainly dip into your trust for that."

I was planning on dipping into my trust for something else, but it looks like I won't be needing a ring. No. I still need a ring. I'm not giving up.

"I don't suppose you'd be willing to make that call for me?"

"No, but I will make a different one."

"I don't think she'll listen."

"You let me worry about that."

"Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome."

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. They found a way to reduce the swelling on my brain. I'm going to be okay."

I hear a sob before she speaks again. "Thank God. I won't ask you about diving, because I already know that's off the table."

"It is."

"You make your call and I'll make mine. See you on Friday."

"Can't wait."

I hang up with her and promptly look up the email from last year. Taking a deep breath, I dial the number.

"Hello?"

"Hi. It's Cohen. Covington."

"Oh. Hi."

She doesn't sound happy to hear from me. Interesting. "I was calling to talk to you about this weekend."

"About that. I've got a boyfriend now."

"Good, because I've got a girlfriend. Do you and you boyfriend want to come to the party?"

"Really? That's great, and yes. Thank you."

"See you on Saturday."

I should've called her sooner. I could've avoided all of this if I had, but nothing about me and Quincy has been easy. Why should this be any different?

# Chapter 21

Quincy

My office phone rings, startling me. No one calls me on it. Hell, I wasn't even sure it actually worked.

"Hello, this is Dr. Morris."

"Hello, Dr. Morris, this is Mrs. Covington."

Holy shit. "You can call me Quincy," I whisper.

"And you can call me Mollie."

"Okay."

"My son is amazing, but he's also human. He's going to mess up sometimes and so are you."

"I expected little things. This isn't so little."

She sighs loudly. "I know."

"I love him, but I love myself too. I learned to do that when my world fell apart. It was a struggle, but I did it. I can't be with someone who doesn't respect me enough to talk to me."

"Please come to the party."

"And watch him with another woman? I can't."

"He's handling that situation."

"Why isn't he telling me that himself?"

"He's afraid you wouldn't listen to him."

"I would've."

"That sounds like past tense."

Now, I'm the one sighing. "I appreciate the call, Mollie, but aren't we a little old to have our parents calling to fix our messes?"

"I don't think any of us will ever be too old. I still call my father when I'm upset about something."

"I suppose that's true."

"You're still not coming, are you."

"I'm still deciding."

"Ah, so it's not a 'no' any longer."

"If I don't have to watch him kiss another woman, I'm more likely to go."

"That would've never happened, even if he wasn't cancelling the date right now."

"I'm not going to easily get over you having to tell him to do it after he kept it from me."

"I understand that. But please find it in yourself to do it. Fight for your love, Quincy. You did it when you came to the diving event, and I'm asking you to do it again."

"I went there because of my daughter," I admit.

"You wouldn't have agreed if you didn't want to see him."

"I've never let myself acknowledge that."

"That's what mothers are for. Call yours and ask her what she'd do."

"I just might."

"I'll see you on Saturday."

"Maybe."

"I'm taking that as a yes."

We hang up and I shake my head. Cohen's mother is kind of awesome. I can see where he gets his charm—and his heart. My mom's awesome too, and overdue for a call.

I use my cell phone this time, and it only rings once before she picks up. "Is this really my long-lost daughter?"

"I'm one state away and you saw me last month."

"I thought with you working for Matt Corrigan, I'd get a visit every week. In a private jet."

"You thought wrong." Not exactly. I _could_ use a jet, but I wouldn't do it weekly.

"When are we going to see you? Your father misses you."

"Dad's the only one who misses me?"

"Yes. I just miss Bianca."

I smile, knowing it's not true. "How would you feel about attending a gala this weekend?"

"In Vegas?"

"San Diego."

"Please tell me you're not back with Rick."

"God no. He actually signed away his parental rights."

"You have powerful friends."

"I have wonderful friends—and a wonderful man. His family's even more wealthy than Rick's, but they're polar opposites."

"You didn't think to mention this?"

"I thought about it, but I was afraid."

"Not every man is Rick. Thankfully, not many are as bad as him."

"I know."

"Has he met B?"

"Yes. She wants him to be her new daddy, and he says he wants that too. He has a little boy."

"We can get a flight out on Saturday morning."

"I'll send a jet. Just let me know when you want to fly."

"I knew you had access to those jets."

"Anyway, it's a black-tie charity birthday party for both Cohen and his son, Shane."

"Does Cohen have a last name?"

Here we go. I've already moved the phone from my ear. "You know him as Cohen Horton."

The scream comes, followed by the gushing remarks. Did I mention that my mom loves Olympic Diving and follows the potential divers like it's her life's mission? I should've gotten her a ticket to his event, but I was too freaked out to think about it until after.

"Please marry him."

"Yeah Mom, I'll do it just for you," I say sarcastically.

"That's my girl."

I hang up feeling lighter than I have all day. Except that now I need to go back to looking for a birthday gift. I know he'll say I'm gift enough, but that's not enough for me. Hello internet, find me what I need.

Cohen

I haven't seen Quincy since I got my diagnosis. I fought the urge to go down to the medical ward all day. My mom said the call went well, but she didn't commit to the party. She also told me I need to leave it up to my woman to come to me with the answer.

Wave is waiting for Shane and me in the apartment lobby when we get off the elevator. Shane runs over for a hug, while I eye her warily.

"Hey."

"I'm kidnapping Shane for a couple of hours."

"I don't have a say in this?"

"It wouldn't be a kidnapping if you did."

"Okay. I'll go out and grab some dinner."

"No. You'll get your ass up to your apartment and have dinner."

"Huh?"

"Are you really so dense?"

"Maybe?"

"Just go."

"Can we play pirates again, W?" Shane asks as they walk away.

Everyone is now a letter to him, because he loves Q and B so much. Wait, did Wave mean what I now think she meant? I run to the elevator, hoping it's what I think she means.

There's an envelope with my name on it taped inside the elevator. I open it and can't help but smile.

_You're cordially invited to dinner with the woman who loves you._

Another envelope is waiting for me on my apartment door.

_6:00 PM tonight at the diving pool._

Yes. So much yes. I eagerly remove the next envelope from my bedroom door.

_Your dinner attire has been chosen for you._

A pair of green swim trunks, and a black t-shirt are waiting for me on my bed. I was honestly expecting a Speedo, but this is better for everyone. I'm not sure the lobby guards would appreciate that. The concierge would, but I'm not here for her.

Once outside, I see a table and chairs set up over the water. Like, right over the water. The platform is probably 15 feet wide and spans the pool from side to side. It's clear on the bottom and I love it. I love the woman sitting at the table even more.

Quincy has her hair loose and wavy down her back. She's wearing a blue string bikini, and a sarong that looks like waves. She's beautiful and everything I want in life.

"Thanks for coming," she says, standing when I approach.

"Was there any doubt?"

"A little."

"I screwed up and you were right to be angry."

"It's partly my fault too. You were scared to tell me, because somehow I made you feel like you couldn't be honest."

"I didn't want to lose you over some stupid auction."

"You wouldn't have."

"I know that now. All I can say is that I'm trying. It's not enough, but I'm trying."

"It's enough. Next time please talk to me, instead of hiding something like your birthday party from me. It would've killed me to have missed your birthday, even if it meant waiting back at my house for you while you went to the gala with someone else."

"Never. You're not someone I'm ever going to hide. I'm honored to have you at my side."

She bites her lip and looks around. "I wanted to do this up there, but it didn't seem too safe."

"This is perfect. We can take a waterproof cooler up one day and have a picnic in the air if you want."

"Damn. I should've thought of a waterproof cooler."

"Trust me to show you the ways of the water."

"Speaking of that, I have a confession to make."

Shit. She looks nervous. "Go ahead," I say, swallowing hard.

"I invited my parents to your party. I figured they could have my RSVP since I'm going with you."

"Of course. I can't wait to meet them."

"You say that now, but I need you to know my mom's probably going to freak out over you."

"Women tend to do that."

She rolls her eyes. "She's a fan. She loves competitive diving."

I sit up straighter. "Yeah?"

"I should've taken her to your event. She would've loved it."

"My parents have their own diving pool. On Sunday, I could dive for her. One dive only if my doctor says it's okay. I know I said the event was my last, but I'd like to do this for your mom. Plus, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend didn't watch my last one."

"Your girlfriend is going to be scared out of her mind—and no, I didn't watch—but your doctor is all for it. If you're okay after we play with your head tomorrow. You might be dizzy for a few days."

"If I am, will you kiss my head and make it feel better?"

"Kissing _that_ head won't make your brain feel better, but you know I'm always _down_ for that."

"Will you be offended if I eat fast? I feel the need to go to bed early tonight."

"Not at all. Wave and Knox have the kids until eight. I wanted them to be in their own beds on a school night."

"I love that you thought of that. But, it still leaves plenty of time for us to have our own play date."

"Exactly."

# Chapter 22

Quincy

The party's in full swing and I'm having fun. Cohen keeps getting pulled away to talk to another family friend, but he makes sure to always catch my eye and blow me kisses. Our parents are holding court at a table with Knox's parents, and our kids are running around like they own the place. It's a great night, and I'm happy to be celebrating with everyone today.

"They let anyone in, I see."

My back goes straight before I turn to face Rick and Mika. "Apparently so."

"Coming dateless to one of these things is really embarrassing," she tells me.

Cohen is at my side, pulling me against him for a kiss before I can respond. "Good thing she's got a date."

"You can't be serious," Rick says, sneering in that special way of his.

"We're very serious. In fact, you shouldn't be surprised when you see our engagement notice in the paper very soon."

"Trading up? I didn't think you had it in you," Mika remarks as Rick scowls. I don't feel any pity for him, because he knew the score when he got together with her.

"It's all about the man and not the money, but yes, Cohen's in a league of his own."

"You'll lose interest, Cohen. Mark my words."

"It's time for you to leave. You weren't on the guest list, so I'm guessing you bought someone else's invite. I'll let you walk out on your own, or I can call security over."

"You'll be sorry," Rick says.

"No, I'm pretty sure I won't. Bye now."

They storm off, and I wrap my arms around Cohen's neck. "I meant what I said."

"So did I."

Cohen

I'm having fun at my party, but I want some alone time with my woman. Quincy's got on a sexy and strapless black dress that's higher in front than the back and I want to have my hands all over it. All over her. It's my birthday, and I want to unwrap one of the best presents I've ever gotten.

"Come with me," I tell her, grabbing a bottle of champagne from the bar. I've got my other hand in hers as I lead her outside.

"Where are we going?"

"The beach."

I take us to the elevator that's hidden by some bushes, and we go down the bluff to the shore. It's dusk, with enough light for us to see where we're walking, and the strategically placed lights down here will come on soon.

"Let me take my heels off," she tells me with a laugh when I try to pull her onto the sand.

"Good idea."

I take off my dress shoes, roll up my pants legs, and pull off my jacket. She pulls my ascot loose with a shake of her head.

"I can't believe you and Knox with these."

"I told you it's tradition on our birthdays."

"Still ridiculous."

"You love my ridiculous side."

"That I do."

We kiss briefly and walk to the shore. I have the champagne in one hand, and Quincy wrapped up in my other arm. It's perfect and I kiss her again as the waves roll in a few feet from us. Best birthday ever.

Quincy

I told Cohen I was okay with him doing this for my mom, but as he climbs to the platform I want to cover my face with my hands. He hasn't had any dizziness since the first day of his treatment and what we did last night was way more strenuous than this. But, I'm still scared.

"He'll be okay," his mom says, linking her arm with mine.

"I know."

We lean on each other as the man we both love bounces on the edge and flies through the air. His head isn't anywhere near the platform as he flips, allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief. It's okay. My mom's jumping up and down and screaming his name, and he's okay.

"Breathe. We can breathe now."

Cohen's mom is as wonderful as I knew she'd be. B is already calling her "Grammy" like Shane does and I can tell she loves it. My parents love Shane too.

Cohen pulls himself up and out of the pool, making a beeline for me. I stand as he approaches, letting him lift me off my feet while kissing me.

"Thank you for this."

"You're the one who dived for my mom. On your birthday, no less."

"Because you were okay with it. It's the best birthday present I've ever gotten."

"I have another present for you."

"Oh yeah? I thought I got that at midnight."

"One day, my eyes are going to roll into the back of my head when you speak."

"When do I get this present?"

"Now, if you want."

"I want."

He releases me, and I stand back to let everyone else talk to him. The entire Society is here along with our families, sharing in the birthday celebration. My mom hugs him over and over, before my dad pulls her away. Cohen looks a little shell-shocked, but I did warn him she'd freak out. Today was a little more than yesterday because he dived for her, but still, he was warned.

"Whatcha got for me?" he asks, once he makes his way back to me.

I hand him the package and watch him unwrap it. I hope it's what he wants. When he doesn't say anything after reading the letter inside, I get nervous. Maybe I made a mistake.

"How did you do this?"

"I can be very persuasive, but Matt and Reina helped."

"I never thought about coaching professionally before. And being an assistant coach for the U.S. team? Never that."

"You don't have to do it. It's an interview only."

"It's something I never knew I wanted until it was given to me. Just like you. You're what I've been waiting for my whole life. Thank you for this and for giving me more chances than I deserved."

"You deserved them and more."

"I'll be gone off and on if I do this."

"I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

He drops to his knee and pulls a small box out of his pocket. "Will you marry me, Quince? No big speech because I want my actions to speak louder than words."

This proposal is the perfect one. "Yes."

The people around us start yelling, and it's our kids we hug first. Family and friends converge next, and I lose count of the hugs and kisses. This is the perfect life.

# Epilogue

Cohen

I didn't believe Quincy really wanted to go to a sex club, but here we are. Guil is a good friend of the Society and he's currently attaching red ankle bands to us. In one of the sex clubs he runs. The bands ensure no one will think we're looking for anyone but each other, although I'm still not sure what we're here for.

"Your room's ready. Number four."

"Thanks, Guil."

"No problem. Here are the masks you asked for."

"Masks?" I ask, putting mine on and following Quincy out the door.

"I want you to fuck me in public, but I'm not ready for them to see our faces."

Fuck. I mean, yeah, I'm going to fuck her. In front of a crowd who won't see our faces. "Okay." What more could I say?

We're fully clothed right now, with me in a suit and no tie, and her in a flowy blue dress. She wears blue a lot now, and I know it's for me.

When we get to room four, she turns to kiss me hard before opening the door. Once inside, we move like no one's watching, even though we know they are. This room doesn't allow us to see them through the glass and I have a feeling she asked for that. She wants to be seen—and know they're there—but she doesn't want to watch them watch us. Whatever she wants is fine with me.

Our hands move like they're choreographed to work together. Buttons are undone, zippers are unzipped, and fabric slides over skin until we're both naked. I have to stop to drink in the sight of her. Even after all these times, I can't take my eyes off her body.

"How are we doing this?" I whisper in her ear.

"Against the glass. I want you to fuck me hard against the glass."

"They're going to be touching the glass on the other side. Wanting to be the ones to touch your tits and pussy."

"Good."

I spin her around and pin her to the glass with my body. Plunging my fingers into her pussy, I find her wet and ready. She doesn't need—or want—foreplay. She wants to fuck and so do I.

I line myself up and thrust into her. Her body moves against the glass as I take her hard. She turns her head, and I kiss her as my hands hold her hips so I can go as deep as possible. It's not enough. I need to go deeper.

Moving back, I take the lower half of her body with me. She's bent at the waist, her hands on the glass as her tits hang loose. Yes, this is what I need. Taking her like this gives me all of her. I need it all.

Sorry people on the other side of the glass, but you'll just have to use your imaginations for the rest of this. My imagination when it comes to Quincy is limitless, but none of my fantasies involve a club. Pools, showers, beaches, beds, walls, tables...I could go one forever. Just no clubs unless she wants it again.

She pushes her hands against the glass, holding herself steady for me. I know she's doing it because she wants more, and I give it to her. Removing my hands from her hips, I use one to pinch her left nipple while the other pinches her clit. It's all she needs to go off, and I follow her over a few pumps later.

Once we're both done, I turn her and pick her up. Her back hits the glass as we kiss. That's all we're doing now—kissing—but it's just as good as what we were doing a few minutes ago.

"Thank you for helping me with my fantasy," she tells me when we have to take a moment to breathe."

"I always will."

"I know. I love you, C."

"I love you too, Quince."

* * *

**C oming Soon**

**Look for Guil's book, _Trusted Company_ , coming on Christmas Day!**

# Acknowledgments

**D ominique, and Gabi, I love you always and forever!**

* * *

**H elen Williams, thanks for your cover magic! This one's one of my favorites.**

* * *

**T o Jordyn Preston, for always inspiring me!**

**To Lita Weissman, for being a great friend!**

**Cancer is a bitch and I've known so many affected by it. The two of you are fighting now, and I'm praying next to you.**

* * *

**T o all my readers, all over the world, thanks for reading all the books, even though you may not love all the characters! You stick with me through all the different women and men and I appreciate it more than you'll ever know!**

# About the Author

Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down and did it one day. She lives in Las Vegas, where you can find her running author events when she isn't reading, buying too many Sherlock t-shirts and LulaRoe leggings, or finding a place to put all of her Pop! figurines. In 2016, she won the Creative Initiatives Award from Romantic Times for encouraging literacy, and also the Community Advocate Award from the Clark County School Librarians Association. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the country looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. The Griffin Brothers, Corrigan & Co., and the Society Girls series are all international best sellers, and she's thankful to the readers who made that happen.

* * *

Find her here:

www.crystalperkinsauthor.com

facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor

@wondermomlv
