213 Trading freedom for a relationship 1 (1/2)

~ Seattle, Quentin's apartment ~

Thursday, July 4

8:23 AM

Brianna is eyeing herself in the mirror. The silky cream shirt and green summer knee-length skirt are light and perfect for summer, and just her size.

What is she doing in Quentin's apartment? She is not sure herself.

Last night Quentin suggested that she stays at his place. It sounded practical and he also taunted her, and she would be lying if she said that she was not hoping for a steamy night because no matter how much she is trying to avoid Quentin, Brianna is aware that he is almost impossible to resist. Almost.

Bri texted Liz that she will stay at Quentin's place and other than one 'OK' (a few hours later), Liz didn't say anything. Well, Liz was never the nosy one. This time, Bri was happy that she didn't need to inform Mia about this change in sleeping arrangements because Mia would definitely tease her.

When they arrived at Quentin's apartment, he gestured toward the guest bedroom door. ”You will find everything you need in there. If you get hungry or thirsty during the night, help yourself with whatever you find in the kitchen.”

Quentin didn't linger. After drinking a glass of water, he went to the master bedroom, leaving Brianna in the living room with: ”Have a good night”.

Brianna observed the living room and noticed a few changes. The magazines were gone. She wondered, did he remove them due to her leaving the last time she was in his apartment? She dispelled that thought because, how would Quentin know what triggered her to leave? And even if he knew, that is not the reason to remove them.

Brianna got in the guest bedroom and she saw several outfits neatly arranged on the bed. There were a nightgown and underwear as well. Everything was from high-end brands, with tags still on, so Brianna knew that no one wore them before and that they are probably purchased for her because they are her size and they had that fresh-out-of-store scent lingering. She wondered if Quentin went with this approach because of the designer's dress he gave her last time which was previously worn by a model he hooked up with. Again, she caught herself making ridiculous assumptions. Is it possible that he is so observant and that he cares so much?

The bathroom had luxury toiletries for females and the bedsheets were crisp and lavender scented.

Somehow, Brianna knew that Kendra (aka his assistant) prepared these on short notice because there is no way that Quentin knew in advance that Brianna will stay overnight, right?

The troubling thing is that Brianna was unable to sleep for more than a series of brief naps. Part of her hoped that Quentin will come to her room and she fought her urges to go into his… and she managed to stay in her room on sheer stubbornness.

Back to the present…

Brianna is hoping that her face will not show her lack of sleep or her confusion with the current situation. If Quentin had no intention for this to end up with a steamy night, why did he invite her? It's not possible that he did it out of the kindness of his heart, or because he wants them to be friends. Bri was not sure what to make out of all this.

Brianna got out of the bedroom and found Quentin in the dining room.

He is sitting at the table filled with breakfast items and looking at his tablet. Based on the glasses he is wearing, Brianna guessed that he is reading. She didn't know that he wears glasses; they make him look more… scholarly.

Quentin lifted his gaze and gave her a quick look over his glasses. ”Good morning. I hope you slept well.”

”Good morning. It was OK.”, she responded and hoped that he will not call out her obvious lie.

His lips raised in a small smile. ”I'm glad the clothes fit you well.”

”Yes. Thank you.”

Seeing that she is standing in front of him awkwardly, Quentin gestured toward the seat on his side. ”Help yourself…” And then his gaze moved back to the tablet in his hand.

Brianna took her seat and observed that other than toasted bread, pastries, and a variety of spreads, there are mini-sandwiches, quiche, and fruits, and there are orange juice, milk, and coffee as well.

”Do you always have so many choices for breakfast?”, Bri asked while pouring coffee for herself.

”No. I was not sure what you feel like eating, so I've got more than usually.”, Quentin responded without lifting his gaze.

”Kendra brought these?”, Brianna asked.

”Mhm...”, Quentin confirmed with a hum.

”Does she always bring you breakfast?”

”No. I usually eat at the office, and on non-working days I manage. I called her for this because you are visiting.”, he explained while giving her a super-quick glance.

”It's a holiday. Doesn't she mind?”