Inspired mainly by the fact that poor Quinn's managed to get through two series now without even a peck on the cheek, when both Rick and Baxter have got lucky! This a wrong that seriously needs righting in my humble opinion ...

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We Could Have Had It All

Chapter 1

Quinn spotted her the moment the four of them strolled into the casino, or rather he noticed her shapely behind first. A crowd of male admirers were clustered round the craps table like bees round a honey pot as she leant over and threw the dice yet again. She was very pretty, petite and curvaceous with long dark hair and big brown eyes, and as he sauntered past their eyes met and some kind of mutual spark passed between them, reminding him that he was still a red blooded male and it'd been far too long. God, he really wanted to lose himself in the welcoming warmth of a woman's body and forget everything that had happened, just for a little while.

He settled himself at a nearby poker table, making sure she was in his eye line every time he glanced up from the game and gratified to realise that she was looking in his direction more often than not. Surreptitious glances turned to flirtatious smiles on both sides, and he wasn't surprised to find her appearing next to him when he took a break and wandered over for a drink at the bar. He tried to act nonchalant and prayed his chat up routine wasn't too rusty after all this time.

"I haven't been able to take my eyes off you all evening, it's very bad for the concentration, you know."

She smiled.

"I have to confess I've been watching you too."

It was a promising start at least. He turned to face her and raised an ironic eyebrow.

"So. Do you come here often?"

She shook her head in mock disbelief.

"Oh, very original. I'll let you off though, seeing as you're undoubtedly the best looking man in the place."

More than promising, in fact.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, love. Any chance it might work for me as well?"

"I think we can say there's a distinct possibility."

She gazed up at him flirtatiously from under her dark lashes, and there was a definite answering twitch in his groin.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

He summoned the barman over.

"What's your poison, sweetheart?"

"Why don't you take a guess?"

He let his eyes rake slowly down over her shapely figure and then back up to meet the challenge in hers.

"Hmmm, let's see. Beautiful. Intelligent. Classy. Has to be champagne."

"Very smooth. And spot on."

Her big brown eyes were mesmerising, and he found himself praying she wasn't just amusing herself with him.

"I just got lucky."

"Not yet you didn't. But play your cards right …"

She held his gaze brazenly, and he felt his heart rate increase.

"What game did you have in mind, exactly?"

"How about strip poker?"

He leaned in closer and spoke in a low voice.

"I should warn you, I'm a card sharp. I'll have you naked in no time."

She stood on tiptoe, placing a hand on his arm as she whispered seductively into his ear.

"I'll let you into a secret. You can have me any way you like, especially if you keep hypnotising me with those 'come to bed' eyes."

He was convinced she wanted him now, and his body was responding instinctively to the hungry looks she was giving him. His voice was low and gravelly with desire.

"Come to bed with me, then."

"Oh, I'm sure you could talk me into coming."

She stroked a teasing finger down his chest, and suddenly his trousers were too tight.

"Well, I am renowned for my silver tongue."

"And I could really do with licking into shape."

He groaned, taking her hand and brushing his lips over her knuckles.

"I love a woman who can talk dirty. Jesus, I won't last half a minute at this rate."

She smirked, raising a teasing eyebrow.

"Don't worry, there's always round two."

"Is that a promise? I shall endeavour to … ahem … rise to the occasion."

"I can always give you a helping hand."

His arresting silver-grey eyes searched hers, serious now.

"Have you any idea how much I want to kiss you?"

"So what's stopping you?"

She held his gaze, a blatant promise clear in her eyes .

"I'm afraid we might get arrested for lewd behaviour in public."

"Let's go somewhere more private, then."

He took her hand gently in his.

"Good idea. Get your coat love, you've pulled."

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As she followed his retreating back out of the casino, her fingers cocooned in his warm grip, she couldn't believe her luck: the man was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but witty and charming to boot. She was suddenly more than a little nervous, but determined to enjoy their time together. After all, she'd been given carte blanche to use any means neccessary.

They crossed the road, taking the shortest route back to his apartment, and then without warning he turned sharply down a dark alleyway, tugging her after him. She felt a momentary pang of fear as he pinned her against the wall, but he leant in and tenderly brushed his lips across hers before searching her eyes for permission to continue.

"Still time to change your mind if you want …"

She shivered under the intensity of his gaze and shook her head slowly, winding her arms round his neck. His lips found hers again and she opened to him like a flower, their tongues entwining sensually as she threaded her fingers through his hair. The kiss grew hungrier, more demanding, and she felt as though all her bones were dissolving as an insistent pulse started up between her thighs. When he finally released her they were both panting for breath.

"Wow."

She smiled up at him, slightly dazed. God, his eyes were amazing, changing from azure blue to sea green to silver grey almost in an instant. Right now they were dark with desire.

"I've just realised don't even know your name. I'm Quinn, by the way."

"Hope."

He shook his head, chuckling.

"What's so funny?

"Sorry, love. It's just that that's been in short supply recently. How fast can you walk, Hope?"

"Not fast enough for either of us, I suspect …"

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Hope you enjoyed - no pun intended! There's a few more chapters in the offing, work permitting, if people like it. :)