Indefinite (Salvation #6)(47)

Hell, I plan to give her so many of those blue boxes she can’t count them. However, I may want to pace myself since I’m about to be unemployed. I will officially be out of the navy in one month thanks to the meeting with Commander Thomas and Master Chief Schaffer. Between my medical leave and accumulated standard leave I’ve had banked, I was able to get an early discharge.

Jackson and Mark have already guaranteed me a spot at Cole Securities. I’ll be handling a few protective and asset details, plus, I’ll be working as long-range cover for the bigger jobs.

Ashton and I walk a few more blocks and make it to the restaurant a few minutes late. They seat us immediately, and I sort of dig the vibe here.

It’s that old-school Italian where there is a rose and candles on the tables, and each table has a chandelier with a drapery on it to soften the ambiance . . . at least I think that’s why.

“You know, I’ve always wanted to eat here,” she says as she looks around.

“Really?”

She nods quickly. “This is the place where everyone goes to before a show. It’s sort of a ritual.”

I read that on the reservation site. All the reviews were raving about the food and proximity to Broadway, which is exactly where we’re going after.

“Well, at least I can check another first off your list.”

She leans back. “What else did you check off?”

I go to say that I got her knocked up first, but then I remember that’s not true. That stupid dickhead who should be castrated did. Hopefully, the big firsts will be mine. I’ve already ticked one off in the form of a blue box. The others, like her having a child, getting married, living with a man, I want just as much. “You know one, you’re wearing it now.”

“True. What else?”

I sit there, a little stunned. “You know, I’m not sure. Had any other man taken you to Central Park?”

She bites her lower lip while lifting her shoulders. “Just once.”

“Okay, well, I’ve got Tiffany’s and now here.”

Ashton laughs and takes a sip of her water. “I’m happy we’ve at least got this one—and the other.”

“Me too.”

It’s now my goal to check every last one off. I’m going to win her, come hell or high water.





24


Ashton





Dinner is great, we keep it light because I honestly can’t think about anything heavy. I feel like that’s all we are—heavy. Everything with us has been overly intense, and I wonder how much blame falls on me.

I wanted it all, and I wanted it now.

I’m about to get all that I wanted and more than I could’ve ever hoped for.

However, tonight has been great. He took the news of the pregnancy in stride, which is more than I ever hoped for. He’s been sweet and kind . . . and the ring.

Infinity.

The things he said when he gave it to me were almost too much.

“Hey.” Quinn grabs my hand, covering the silver mathematical sign.

“Sorry.”

“Do you want to call it a night?” he asks. “I’m sure you’re . . .”

“No,” I tell him quickly. I don’t want this night to end because I’m a basket case. Dinner made it possible for me to avoid thinking too much. We talked about Virginia Beach, our friends—especially Liam and Natalie. I have to remember to send them a gift for the advice they gave him. He told me a little about going to visit his buddies who are in rehab.

When I look at Quinn, it’s sometimes easy to forget that he’s not as strong as he likes to pretend he is. He may be this big guy that everything tends to bounce off him, but I know the inside. The walls don’t come down often, but I’ve been there when they have.

It’s hard to carry the world on your shoulders and expect them never to get tired.

Quinn gives me a smile. “Good. Are you ready for the next part of our date?”

“I am.”

He stands and then extends his hand to help me up. “Who knew you were a gentleman?”

“I have many hidden talents.”

“I’m pretty sure I know the ones that matter.”

“I’m sure you do,” he says under his breath.

We head back out into the muggy New York summer night, and he takes my hand in his. It’s funny how such a small gesture can do so many things. It can be a sign of support and solidarity or comfort when you need it, but in this moment, it’s more. Quinn’s hand in mine is a sign of all of those things and a promise. He’s here. He’s holding my hand, showing me that he’s beside me.

Maybe for him it doesn’t mean that, but it feels like it does.

And I like it.

A lot more than I should.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we make a right onto 7th Ave.

“You’ll see.”

As we walk, I recall what I said about Times Square at night. I smile because even though I live here and I grew up in Jersey where coming to the city wasn’t such a big deal, I still love it.

It’s a place you can see a million times, and it will never be the same experience. Sure enough, the lights get brighter the closer we walk.

“I know you think this is where we’re going,” Quinn says as we get to the center. “But it’s not.”