A/N: This chapter's all about the Donovan's. So if you like them it's your lucky day. ;) It's a real long one too. I need to move on and get things going but need to tie up some loose ends. If it seems all over the place I apologize. It just made sense to lump it together in my mind.
Until 56! Enjoy!! xox-G
Chapter Fifty-five
"The thing is he didn't seem that creepy to me Quinn." Lia said with a yawn as she crawled into bed. "At least not until I got close."
"HOW CLOSE?" Danny yelled from beside her.
"Lia. Thank you for setting this up. I'll take it from here." Quinn promised.
"Look. You shouldn't do this alone. Please. Don't go all Clint Eastwood on me Quinn." Lia snapped at him.
"If that's not the pot calling the kettle…" Danny chimed in.
"Thornhart." Lia whirled her head around and stared at him. "You are getting on my last nerve."
Quinn was still talking, his fists already clenched in anticipation of knocking Mark out cold. "I just mean that we'll get him now. He'll call you to meet – except I'll show up. I'll wear a wire and get him to admit what he did to Billie…"
"And the rest is history - as my fiancé will be if I don't hang up soon." She glared at Danny again. "Speaking of Billie – how's married life?"
"We're not married." Quinn replied, sounding like he was fighting for his breath.
Lia laughed loudly. "No. Not yet. But it's only a matter of time. My money's on sooner rather than later."
"Don't be too sure. It probably won't happen. I'm trying to go slow and on top of that now she's mad at me." Quinn admitted with a sigh.
Intrigued, Lia settled under the covers and touched her toes to Danny's leg. "Geez Lia. Your feet are freezing!" Danny said with a yelp.
She ignored him and kept talking to Quinn. "Oh God. What did you do?"
"It was a mistake. I just asked her to get something out of a drawer for me and she found my book."
"What book?" She asked. Her eyes flew open in shock as she guessed. "You DO NOT have a little black book!!!! Quinn. Please tell me you don't."
"I don't…" He insisted. He started to chuckle at himself. "Well. Not anymore. First of all – it was brown and second of all Billie threw it out."
"Good for her. Oh my God. You are so pathetic and I'm so tired." Lia said with another yawn. "Goodnight, Romeo." She giggled as she snuggled closer to Danny.
"Goodnight Lia. Thanks again. Sweet dreams." Quinn replied as clicked the phone off.
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"You worked so late." Abby said with a sigh as she watched Cam walk in. "I was getting worried."
"I'm sorry." He replied as he bent his head to kiss her. He took the bags he held in his arms and moved into the kitchen. "I had some things I had to tie up."
Abby followed him, wondering what on earth he could be up to. "Cam? What's going on?"
"Hmmm?" He answered as he worked at putting groceries away.
"What are you up to? What's all this?" She asked as she snagged a bottle of champagne off the counter. "And why did Lynnie pick Aidan up this afternoon?"
Cam placed two glasses down and grabbed the bottle back, opening it with a loud pop. He smiled at her as he poured her a glass. "Welcome to your vacation, Mrs. Donovan."
"What?" She asked, a bit in shock.
He smiled as he touched his glass to hers. "I know you've had a rough time, seeing what's going on and about to happen. And I know if I tried to take you away now you'd never really relax. So. We'll go – someday soon – when all this is over. Right now – I'm bringing the vacation to you."
Cam placed the glass down on the counter and pinned Abby against it leaning down to kiss her softly.
"Really?" She asked with a sigh as he pulled away. How did she get so lucky? She wondered to herself.
"Really." He replied with a smile. "So. First a gourmet dinner, I'll deliver it to our room if you want to pretend we're really away somewhere and then…" He continued, chuckling softly and moving to kiss her again. "…I'm going to remind you just why you married me all those years ago."
"I know exactly why I married you." Abby laughed back as she toyed with the buttons on his shirt. She fought for her breath as his mouth closed over hers again. "Are you going to tell me where you were going to take me?"
"Nope. I won't – because I promise you I'll still take you there, Abby. After all this is over." He said softly as his arms tightened around her.
"Cam?" Abby asked as his mouth trailed down her neck and made her shiver.
"Mmmm?" He replied as he touched his lips to hers again.
"Tell me something." She whispered.
"OK."
She pulled back and stared at him with laughter in her eyes. "What's for dinner?"
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Billie tiptoed into the kitchen, lost in thought. It had only been a week but still they'd fallen into a familiar routine. She knew she was very quickly getting used to living here.
Tonight her heart melted as she watched Quinn with Ty. He'd had an upset stomach and Quinn not only barely flinched when Ty first got sick on his shoes, but then he sat by his side for hours and read him stories until he'd fallen back to sleep. She knew that Quinn loved her, and she knew that she loved him. Every day she spent with him was one step closer to believing it was real. He was absolutely incredible
Poor Quinn. She thought with a laugh. He'd gotten so busted and she'd been really mean to him. Served him right, but it still was too funny watching him stammer and try to explain the hundred or so names he had listed in his little address book.
Quinn was also far too attractive for his own good. Billie had to admit to herself that she was the one getting restless. He had told her he'd wait and he seemed to go overboard with that promise. He was still affectionate but he always made sure to pull back before getting too close.
Lately she found herself reaching for him whenever he eased away. She was going to have to do something about that she guessed as she sighed to herself. But what if she was wrong? She thought, suddenly panicked. Maybe he was comparing her to some of those girls in his little book. Maybe she didn't stack up. Maybe he wished he was with one of them instead.
Lost in her thoughts she bent down to peer into the refrigerator.
That was how he happened upon her, a silhouette framed in the soft light it cast into the kitchen. Still distracted by his conversation with Lia, he rounded the corner and fought for his breath.
Billie heard the slight sound and it made her head snap up. "Quinn. Hi…" She said softly as she stood and faced him. "I was just thirsty…" She trailed off, waiting for him to say something. He looked so cute, she couldn't help but think, with his hair all mussed up.
He swallowed as his eyes roamed over her from head to toe. Was she out of her mind? How did she expect him to keep his promise to her when she walked around in something like that?
For a few long moments he didn't speak. Billie looked down at her feet and finally filled the silence between them. She finally met his eyes and gave him a smile. "I know I said it before, but you were amazing with Ty earlier. You probably got more than you bargained for – having an eight year old move in. Thank you for taking such good care of him."
Her words were sweet but he had other things on his mind. His hands itched to touch her. He took a full step backwards, unable to trust himself.
"It's alright. You're more than welcome. Belinda…" He said when he finally composed himself. "Is that what you usually wear to bed?"
She shut the door to the fridge and gazed down at her nightgown – which now that she looked at it was more of a negligee. It was made of pale ivory silk with thin straps and a lace bodice, nipping her waist and flowing to just below her knees. More lace trimmed the ruffle at the bottom. She bit her lip as she met Quinn's eyes again. "Yeah. Well. I never really thought about it – but yeah. I guess so. I haven't bought anything new since – you know. All I have are the things I was supposed to take with me on my honeymoon."
Quinn tried to block the irrational thoughts that entered his mind, like jealousy at the fact that the picture she painted that gown was originally intended for another man. More than that, he fought the urge to take her right there in the middle of the kitchen.
"OK. Well. Good to know." He said softly. He shook her head at her. "My sisters and my mom – they were constantly stealing my dad's and my own clothes to sleep in. I've never…" He stammered. "I – I mean – I have – but I've never known a woman who wears something like that every night." He swore under his breath as he turned to walk away.
Unable to help himself, he turned around to face her again, still cursing himself as he did. "Billie? Please. Do me a favor?" He pleaded at her with his eyes. "Go get something else to sleep in before I wear out the plumbing taking cold showers – will you? Preferably something in flannel – I don't care if it's summer."
"Quinn…" She said trying to hide her laughter. "I thought you said you'd be patient." She teased him.
"I know I did, but damnit – Billie." He whispered as he took two steps towards her, catching her around the waist and pressing her back up against the refrigerator. He crushed his mouth to hers. Billie fought for her breath as his hands tangled in her hair as he deepened the kiss.
"Quinn…" Billie breathed as she clung to him. Well. I guess that answers my question. She thought to herself. She pulled back slightly as his mouth inched down the column of her throat. It was clear he was thinking of no one but her at the moment. His hands skimmed down her sides and settled on her hips as he dragged her closer to him. Her knees got weak as they did and she murmured, "Oh God."
His conscience took over and as quickly as he'd grabbed her he let her go. He backed away from her as he whispered. "I'm so sorry."
She looked at him and suddenly every fear she'd had seemed to vanish. Thoughts flew through her mind, of how patient he had been, how noble and kind he was, of how much she trusted him, not only with her own life but with Ty's. Billie could kick herself for not realizing it before.
"I'm not." She shook her head and promised. "Quinn, please." She pleaded as she moved towards him.
"You are killing me." He said with a laugh, leaning away from her. "Having you here has given me tons of insight." His eyes sparkled as he teased her, "Now I know you don't play fair. C'mon. Please. Give me a break, here. Do you at least own a bathrobe?"
Suddenly brazen, realizing exactly the hold she had on him, Billie shook her head. She moved closer and reached out to trace a finger over the soft cotton of his t-shirt. "No. But maybe you could lend me something to wear. Like maybe this shirt." Her hands moved to his waist and she toyed with the hem, her fingers brushed against his hips as she began to ease the shirt off him.
Quinn sucked in a breath. "Billie. Stop." He pleaded as he caught her hands in his. He pushed her back gently. "Please. Go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
She smiled as she moved towards him again. "OK. I'll go to bed…" She said with a nod. Quinn exhaled sharply as he nodded back at her, shocked when he heard her add. "…But Quinn. I don't want to go alone."
"Belinda." He cautioned her, his voice sounding annoyed. "I'm patient but I'm not a saint. If you're not ready for what comes next you need to get away from me now."
"Why?" She asked him, her eyes full of innocence, even though she knew exactly what he meant. She wanted to hear him say it.
"WHY?" His voice was incredulous. "Are you kidding me? Do you understand what just almost happened here?" He narrowed his eyes at her. "I almost just took you – I mean I was a few minutes away from actually doing it - right here in the kitchen. Please. I'm begging you. Get yourself a glass of water and go back to bed." Afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself much longer he turned away and muttered. "And while you're at it, get me a glass so I can pour it over my head."
"Quinn." Billie called after him, biting back a laugh as she caught the look on his face when he turned back around. He looked so annoyed and frustrated she couldn't believe it. Deep down it thrilled her that he was trying so hard to control himself. He wanted her, that much was clear and not only that, her loved her. After all she'd been through with Mark, she never dreamed it would be possible.
"What?!" He sighed, completely impatient. This is torture. Absolute torture he thought to himself.
Her heart pounded but even as it did she knew that this was exactly what she wanted. She ran to him and threw herself in his arms.
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Cam rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling, grabbing at the blanket Abby was hogging shamelessly. "I thought you were hungry." He said with a laugh. She had said she was but dinner never happened. Soon after he got home she dragged him towards the stairs but they never made it. They took a detour to the living room.
"Is it my fault you're so yummy?" She laughed back at him. "We can eat dinner later. Consider this the appetizer."
"I love it when you use food metaphors." Cam said as he nuzzled her neck.
"You love metaphors in general." She countered. "That's because you're a total word geek."
"You could be nicer to me – you know." He replied, pretending to be hurt by her teasing.
"I could – but it'd be so out of character." She laughed again as he kissed her. She sighed and stared into his eyes as he pulled away. "Thank you." She whispered.
"What?"
"For always knowing what I need – for knowing me better than I know myself sometimes. For taking my mind off everything that's been filling it lately." She said as she traced circles over his chest with her finger. Her hand moved up to caress his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too." He whispered back. Cam held her closer and asked, almost afraid of the answer. "How are you doing? You OK?"
"I'm alright." Abby blinked back tears as she spoke. "It's just so frustrating. I can't see anything really clearly. I see Alison upset and Katrina sick and this sort of shadow hanging around Becky but nothing concrete and most frustrating of all is I don't see the end."
He bent his head to inhale the scent of her hair. "You don't usually see the end." He reminded her.
"I know." She sighed again. "That's what's worse. If I knew how it turned out I'd feel better."
"I don't need to remind you. You know what you see are only…"
"…possibilities." She finished for him. Abby nodded her head and held him closer, feeling better just lying there in his arms. "I know. But it's what could be possible that scares me to death."
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Quinn caught her easily, a bit shocked that she'd actually come to him. Her eyes were bright with laughter as she tilted her face up to his and kissed him passionately.
Billie dragged him with her into the hallway, her mouth never leaving his as they stumbled towards the door to his bedroom.
"Belinda…" He whispered as he tried to break the kiss. "Hold on a second."
"No." She replied with a shake of her head. "I'm tired of waiting." She kissed him again and laughed before she reluctantly pulled away, fisting his shirt in her hand and dragging him with her as she reached for the doorknob.
"What about Ty?" He asked then, desperate for her but not wanting her to regret a thing about this. He couldn't let this go any further until he was sure she was sure.
As if to reply she pulled him into the room, shoving him lightly against the door, making it snap shut behind them. She pressed her body to his, causing him to stumble backwards as she kissed him again.
Quinn's head rapped against the door as she ran her hands up his chest and twined her arms around his neck. "He's fine." She promised him between soft, sweet kisses. "It's OK. He's fast asleep."
"Billie…" He breathed as his arms closed around her, his hands inching up and sliding over her bare back. "What the hell has gotten into you?" He continued with a laugh.
She pulled back and stared into his eyes, one of her hands moving from his neck to rest on his cheek. "Me!? Nice try. You started it." She laughed back at him. "This is all your fault."
"It is not." He countered as he locked the door quickly and walked towards the bed, still holding her in his arms. His mouth closed over hers stifling her laughter as he lowered her onto the mattress. "I'm not the one walking around the house naked."
"I'm not naked." She laughed louder as his lips sought hers again. He lay down beside her, one of his hands running down her side and coming to rest on her hip. The other lay tangled in her hair, holding her head still as he kissed her breathless.
"Yeah. Well." He gave her a wicked grin as he reached for the strap on her nightgown. He pulled it down gently and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Not yet."
Her eyes got cloudy and her laughter stopped as she stared into his eyes. "Quinn…" She breathed as he bent his head to kiss her again. As he did her hands inched under the fabric of his t-shirt, sliding up over his smooth skin. How could someone she knew was so strong feel so soft? She wondered to herself.
Quinn helped her to lift the shirt over his head and toss it aside, his eyes dancing as they met hers again. He placed his lips close to her ear and whispered. "Billie? Sweetheart? Listen to me for a second. Are you sure about this?"
She threaded her fingers in his hair and dragged his mouth back to hers, kissing him deeply.
He laughed against her lips. "OK. I guess that's a yes."
"Yes." She nodded as she kissed him again. "Yes.." she said again as his hands slid down the length of her body, over the silk of her gown. She found herself straining towards his touch. "Quinn…please."
She didn't want to compare, but she couldn't help herself. It had never been anything like this with Mark. He had barely looked at her when they were together like this. He always seemed distracted, as if he had more important things to do. It was always quick and hurried as if it was something he just wanted to get over with. He'd never touched her like this, Billie thought to herself. She gasped as she felt Quinn's hand inching up under her gown, running along the length of her thigh.
Billie was dizzy. She couldn't keep her eyes open. The things Quinn was doing to her made her pulse race and her heart pound. He touched her so lovingly, like she was something incredibly precious to him. He clearly was in no rush anymore. It was like he was savoring every moment.
Quinn's eyes never left hers as he gently peeled away the garments she wore. Even as his body covered hers she couldn't get close enough to him. Her nails gently scored down his back and she moaned as his mouth roamed lower, nipping, teasing and tasting - his lips lazily making their way over her skin. Billie tried to focus, but she couldn't keep track of his hands, they moved so fluidly over her that she just realized where he was touching her before she'd feel him move on to someplace else.
Even though she had been rendered speechless, Quinn knew without asking that she was more than ready for him. Her body arched against his as he braced his weight on his elbows and hovered above her, touching his forehead to hers.
God, was she beautiful he couldn't help but think as her caramel colored eyes fluttered open and gazed up into his. She was his now - finally, Quinn realized all at once - completely and totally his. She better know what she's in for, he thought with a grin. Now that he'd found her, he was never going to let her go.
A tear fell from her eye as she ran a hand over his cheek. She had never felt such happiness before - not until she'd met him.
He couldn't tell what she was feeling and was worried she was upset. He didn't know if he'd be able to stop now. Still he needed to know. Quinn took a deep breath, about to ask her if she was alright - half afraid of her answer. Before he could speak he heard her whisper.
"I love you Quinn…" Billie smiled up at him, meaning it than anything else she had ever said in her life.
He was overcome with emotion as he heard her words. This feeling - being with her - was far more than he ever dreamed of.
"Billie…" He sighed as he captured her mouth with his.
"I love you." She said again just as he moved to make them one.
