Nell angled her body so she could push up on her tiptoes and reach his lips. Half of the board next to them was filled with chaste-kissing couples, so why not them? Why not give the man who had saved her on the most embarrassing day of her life a small token of her gratitude?

She meant the impulsive move to be subtle. A quick kiss for the camera. Something that was polite and restrained and, dare she think it, cute.

But she was finding that Valentine’s Day had a way of being tricky.

The moment Quinn lowered his chin so their height difference wouldn’t keep them apart, Nell knew she was a goner. There was nothing quick or cute about the lip-lock that followed.

Warm. Strong.

Hungry.

Nell went from an intention of having a fleeting kiss to wishing it wouldn’t end.

And, as far as she could tell, the feeling seemed to be mutual.

Quinn returned the kiss and then some, turning his body to hers and dropping his hand to her waist like an anchor.

Which was good because the deeper their kiss went, the more Nell felt like she was drifting.

When was the last time she’d been kissed like this?

When was the last time her stomach had become swarmed with the feeling of honest to goodness butterflies?

When had—

“Ahem. It’s done.” Timmy’s voice came in quiet but clear. “I took the picture, I mean.”

Quinn was the first to detangle. He seemed to need a breath but then cleared his throat and nodded.

“Good. Good.”

Nell was less graceful. She made a noise that was born from somewhere between agreement and the need to get her bearings. Since Timmy had the more solid footing in the situation, he didn’t struggle to hand Nell the first picture. Though he did stop before giving Quinn the second one.

“Usually we put the second one on the board, but if you want it instead—”

Quinn shook his head.

Quick and with feeling.

“I don’t need it. Thanks.”

Timmy’s eyes widened. Then he shared a look with Nell.

She didn’t like the pity in it.

Just like she didn’t like the sting Quinn’s quick rejection had created.

“Oh, okay. I’ll put it on the board then.”

Timmy was gone in a flash. Quinn didn’t wait around. He led them out of the restaurant while Nell pocketed her picture. Maybe she should have just thrown it away in front of the man instead. Or spit on it and then dumped it.

Or you can admit that this man was just being polite and you might be feeling something for him only because your day has been the absolute pits.