Chapter 38
Later, Quinn received a frantic call from James, further distracting her. Her stomach had been empty for hours, but overwhelming stress and anxiety had suppressed her appetite. Finally able to relax, her body reminded her just how hungry she was.
Before she could answer Cameron, her stomach let out a loud growl, betraying her hunger.
“Can you cook?” Cameron asked, noticing her embarrassed blush.
Quinn nodded. “Yes, I can.” In fact, she was quite skilled in the kitchen. Having cared for Simon for years, she had learned all the skills they needed.
“There’s food in the fridge. Help yourself. I’m going to change,” Cameron said, heading upstairs.
Once alone, Quinn felt her tension ease and her hunger intensify. She glanced around and made her way to the spacious, open-plan kitchen. As she stepped inside, she took a moment to familiarize herself with the layout, locating the pots, pans, and utensils.
The kitchen was spotlessly clean and clearly unused. Opening the fridge, Quinn found plenty of food, but most had expired. She tossed the spoiled items into the trash, leaving her with a pack of instant pasta and some eggs she hoped were still fresh.
Quinn decided to make simple spaghetti with oil and a couple of fried eggs. She filled a stainless steel pot with water and set it on the stove. Then, she reached for a frying pan.
While the fried eggs might be an odd pairing with the spaghetti, she was too hungry to care and needed the protein. Thankfully, the eggs were still fresh.
With the eggs sizzling in the pan, she checked the pot. The water had come to a boil, so she added the pasta and covered it with the lid. Then, Quinn searched for plates.
The lower cabinets held only new, unopened kitchenware and spices. So, Quinn turned her attention to the upper cabinets. Sure enough, she found stacks of plates and bowls. Quinn stood on tiptoe, straining to grab a plate, but even with all her effort, it was still out of reach. Reluctantly, she went to the dining area, grabbed a chair, kicked off her slippers, and climbed up to try again.
Cameron had just come downstairs, freshly changed, to check on Quinn. He froze at the sight before him—Quinn was stretched on tiptoe atop the chair, the edge of her white slip beneath her dress riding up to reveal her…
He wasn’t sure if it was her posture or the fact… Taking a deep breath, he approached her from behind. He asked, “What are you doing?” It had been a long time since he had been with a woman, but he suddenly felt his throat tighten.