Free Something Like Redemption (Something Like Normal #2) by Monica James

the only one who knew, and Quinn was going to tell Tristan the night everything turned to shit.
    But now, now it feels different. Quinn left his home and put his life in danger to protect me. That’s got to mean something, right?
    “Whatcha thinking that’s got you gnawing your lip off?” he asks, steering the cart into the clothes section of the store as I blindly follow.
    “Nothing,” I reply shyly, hiding under my long hair. “I’m going to grab a few things. Want to meet me here in like, twenty minutes?” I say, not wanting Quinn following me while I shop for underwear.
    “Cool,” he replies with a mischievous smile, before he zips off into the menswear.
    Making sure he’s gone, I finger the racks of lacy bras and matching panties, and I wonder if it would be wicked of me if I purchased a pair. I know Tabitha would have me buying the whole rack, but I won’t do that. I must admit, though, I do feel good in them. And after the shitty few days I’ve had, I wouldn’t mind feeling good again.
    So on that note, I snatch a few styles off the rack, and grab some essential cotton briefs and t-shirt bras. I see some cute jeans on sale and take two pairs, one black, the other blue, and reach for a few t- shirts and sweaters, as it’s getting quite cold now that we’re nearly into December.
    In the end, I try on about ten different garments, and decide to buy them all. As I exit the change room, I see a bulk pack of socks on sale, and add them to my pile of goods.
    It’s been longer than twenty minutes, and Quinn looks down at his imaginary watch.
    “I should have known twenty minutes is an hour in woman time.”
    I roll my eyes, ignoring his sexist comment. Dumping my armful of clothes into the shopping cart, I notice Quinn has grabbed similar items. Two pairs of jeans, a pair of black skater shorts, a few t- shirts and a zip up hoodie.
    I can’t help but notice no underwear and Quinn sees me, looking confused.
    “See something you like?” he asks, rearranging my stuff as I just dunked it all into the cart.
    Or don’t see, I adlib. But I don’t reply, as I would be mortified if he knew what I was thinking.
    We throw in a few snacks, food, and a leash for Lucky, and we’re done.
    While waiting in line, I notice a bunch of preppy girls checking Quinn out. Not that I can blame them, as he’s the hottest man I’ve ever seen. And the way he holds himself so arrogantly and confidently, just adds to his appeal.
    Whichever room Quinn is in, he owns it.
    “You’re doing that thing with your lip again,” Quinn whispers into my ear, wisps of his hair brushing over my cheeks.
    “Am I?” I reply, knowing all too well that I’m gnawing it off.
    “Yes,” he replies, releasing it with his thumb, it slipping free.
    Turning to meet his eyes, which are inches away from my face, I suddenly forget how to breathe.
    “Next!” the snappy voice calls out, shattering my Quinn coma.
    Shaking my head and fumbling with the items in the cart, I place them onto the counter for the snarky checkout chick to scan.
    As my hands pass over my inky blue bra and matching underwater set, I blush, and hide them under my sweater. I know Quinn has seen them, but being the gentleman that he is (sometimes), he doesn’t say a word.
    As the lady, who is no older than twenty-five, brings up the total and accepts the cash from Quinn, she makes it more than obvious that she’s openly staring at him. Her eyes drop down to his broad chest and they linger there as she licks her glossy lips.
    I’m just about to clear my throat, or stab her in the eye with her pen, when she thankfully raises her eyes, snapping them up to meet Quinn’s amused, emerald jewels. No doubt he’s seen the jealousy radiating off of me, and by the stupid smile he’s wearing, he likes it.
    “You like The Doors?” she asks, her eyes dropping to Quinn’s chest once again, eyeing his t-shirt of Jim Morrison.
    “Yeah, they’re awesome,” he replies nonchalantly,