“A woman’s worry is her own prerogative, one hundred percent.”
“I wouldn’t mind you telling me to worry a little less now andagain.”
“Wouldn’t mind or would like?” She could appreciate needing anudge. And as much as she wanted to stay in her lane at this point in theirrelationship, she also wanted to be what Amanda needed.
Amanda took a deep breath and blew it out. “Would like. My ex wasone for telling me to chill out, but she had this way of putting more on myplate rather than less. You’re different.”
She wasn’t in the business of wanting to be compared, but thecompliment went a long way. “I’d rather help you relax than tell you to.”
Amanda’s face softened and she smiled. “You’re pretty good atthat already.”
She might be pressing her luck, but she’d gotten Amanda to agreeto go away with her, so it felt like she was on a roll. “And if I said I wasjust getting started?”
“I’d say show me what you’ve got.”
She stood. On a roll, indeed. “How about we start with a shower?”
Amanda lifted a brow. “Together?”
She took Amanda’s hand and led her to the bathroom. The small anduninspired space made her think again it was time to give up apartment livingand put herself in the market for a house. But, for the moment, she had morepressing matters to attend to. Like slipping off Amanda’s clothes and pullingher in for a kiss. Like turning on the water and getting the temperature justright. Like reminding Amanda of all the reasons showering with company was anexcellent idea.
Chapter Twenty-two
Getting Amanda to agree to a weekend away was a big deal.Making it happen in a matter of days, rather than weeks or months? Well, thatwas the magic of the bakery being closed. Not that she’d wish for more delays,but it was almost enough to make her wish for more delays.
Despite Amanda’s initial hesitation about being off grid, sheseemed to have settled into the idea nicely by the time Quinn picked her up. Onthe drive, they alternated between talking and each other’s favorite podcasts.When they lost service with about twenty minutes to go, she flipped on theradio. With each mile they got closer, she felt herself relax. She hoped Amandafelt the same.
When they pulled in and up the long and winding gravel driveway,Amanda exclaimed at how beautifully wooded it was. “I know we’re not that farfrom the Finger Lakes, but it feels so different.”
“Right? That’s one of my favorite things about it.”
Quinn grabbed her duffel bag and Amanda’s while Amanda hefted thebags of food she’d insisted on preparing. And the wine to go with it, ofcourse. She unlocked the door, then stepped back so Amanda could go in first.
“Wow. It’s, um, nice.”
Quinn set down their bags and suppressed a chuckle. “Why do I getthe feeling that isn’t the word you really want to use?”
“No, it totally is.” She nodded with enthusiasm.
“It’s rustic. You can say it. I know I told you, but thinking itand seeing it for yourself aren’t the same thing.”
Amanda frowned. “I just don’t have a lot of experience. I’m notdelicate, or changing my mind, or anything like that.”
“I wasn’t worried.”
“Really?”
“You seem surprised that I have faith in you.” Funny, given howself-assured Amanda was about most things.
Amanda ran a hand through her hair, then placed her hands on herhips. “Huh. Maybe I am.”
“You’re more adventurous than you give yourself credit for.”
“Yeah.” She nodded slowly, then with more vigor. “Yeah.”
Quinn’s heart did that thing it had started doing every timeAmanda said or did something perfect. Which was kind of all the time. She wasgoing to have to think about what that meant soon, but not today. “I’m gladyou’re letting me drag you on adventures.”
Amanda took her hands from her hips and threaded them aroundQuinn. “I like adventuring with you.”
If her heart had stopped doing that thing, it would have startedup again. “I do, too.”
Amanda smiled, then pressed her lips to Quinn’s. The kisslingered and Amanda’s hands crept under the hem of Quinn’s shirt. “Do all ofour adventures need to be outdoors?”
“No, no they do not.”
“Good.” Without further discussion or fanfare, Amanda pulled theshirt over Quinn’s head. Her bra quickly followed, and Amanda began a trail ofkisses down her torso.
“Oh, this feels very adventurous.”
Amanda paused and looked up. “Don’t make fun.”
“I’m not. I swear.” She might have been the one to get Amandahiking and camping, but it was Amanda who’d reminded her what sexual chemistrywas, who’d awakened desire that had been dormant for far too long.
“Good. Otherwise, I’d have to get very stern with you.”
They’d settled into a dynamic where she was the top. It wasdefinitely her preference, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t play with it.“Maybe you should.”
“Oh, really?” Amanda’s fingers encircled Quinn’s wrists.
“I mean, I’ll turn the tables eventually.” Quinn smirked. “Butyou should totally try.”
Amanda glanced around the room, her eyes settling on the bed inthe corner. She nudged Quinn and started inching in that direction. Quinnallowed herself to be led, enjoying where this was going. When they gotthere—not like it was very far—Amanda gave her a push. Quinn flopped onto thebed and spread her arms. “I think I like you like this,” Amanda said.
“Just don’t get too used to it.”
“No?” Amanda joined her on the bed, straddling Quinn’s hips.
Despite preferring to be the top, the position might be Quinn’sfavorite. “Well, maybe if you keep doing that.”
“I thought so.” Amanda moved against her.
“You should be naked, though. Really show me who’s running thisshow.”
“Yeah? You think so?”
Without stopping the movement of her hips, Amanda pulled the V-necktee over her head. Despite the promise of rustic conditions, she wore a sexybra. Quinn sighed her appreciation. “Better.”
“Oh, no. I strive to be the best.” She tossed her bra aside andleaned forward, brushing her nipples against Quinn’s.
Quinn sucked in a breath. She angled her head to try to pull oneinto her mouth, but Amanda pressed a finger to her chest. “Ah, ah. Not yet.”
She dropped her head to the pillow and heaved out a sigh of mockfrustration. Well, mostly
