“Precisely.”
But that wasn’t the real reason why I’d chosen the name for her. Yes, she was a bit of a goody-two-shoes. She liked to follow the rules, and I respected that. But it was more that she was a good person. She had such a kind, giving heart, and she made me want to be a better person.
She shook her head. “No way. That’s so lame.”
“Sorry, Goody.” I shrugged. “You don’t pick ’em. They pick you.”
“Easy for you to say. Your call sign makes you sound like a badass.”
“If the name fits.”
She gave me a playful shove as we entered the elevator. “I’m not a goody-two-shoes.”
“You’re not?” I taunted.
“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest as the doors slid closed behind us, the elevator beginning its ascent to the ballroom.
“Prove it.” I stepped closer, invading her space. I cupped her cheek, sliding my hand over her shoulder and down to cup her breast.
“Connor,” she gasped when I squeezed her nipple through her bra, my lips ghosting over hers. She pressed her palms to my chest, gently pushing even when it felt like she wanted me to stay. “We can’t.”
I stepped away, leaning against the metal wall as I struggled to get my raging hard-on under control. “That’s what I thought.”
“I’m not making out with you in an elevator to prove a point. Do you really want the security guys to see us?” Her cheeks were flushed, eyes a bit wild.
“Goody…” I stalked toward her, caging her in with my arms. “Your body is for my eyes only. And—” I glanced over my shoulder, up at the security camera “—the camera isn’t even on.”
She whipped her head to look at it. “It’s not? How do you know?”
“Former SEAL, remember?”
She bit her lip and then tugged me to her so our bodies were flush. We fit together like puzzle pieces—a perfect match. “Like I could forget it. God, you look so sexy.”
I’d worn a suit for the occasion, and I’d seen the way she looked at me when I’d stepped out of the bathroom. I’d stood a little taller, knowing that she liked it. Now, I definitely liked it when she crushed her lips to mine. I was so lost in her that I barely registered the ding signaling we’d arrived. But when the doors started to slide open, I forced myself to release her. Her eyes went wide, and she hastily stepped away from me, smoothing down her hair.
I chuckled to myself, placing my hand on her lower back. “Come on, Goody. You look beautiful.”
Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. I smiled to myself as we joined the crowd, walking among the guests and making small talk. She introduced me to a number of people, including her boss. And even though she’d said no touching, I couldn’t seem to help myself when it came to her. Especially not when she was wearing a fitted skirt that clung to her shapely ass, emphasizing her narrow waist and wide hips.
I met a few other soldiers, as well as several of her coworkers before everyone was invited to take their seats. Olivia excused herself to join her boss at the front of the room. Based on their body language, they were having a tense conversation. And I wondered if it had something to do with the biography.
He moved to the podium and said a few words about the program before introducing her. I was so damn proud—watching her walk across the stage. Even more so when she began her speech.
“Thank you all for coming.” She cleared her throat, and even though I could tell she was nervous, I doubted anyone else could. She was poised and classy and…fuck. I was pretty sure I was falling for her. Pretty sure I already had before we’d ever met.
“I’m touched by the outpouring of support for Spines for Soldiers, even in the short time it’s been running. My grandfather served in the air force, as have several dear friends.” She sought me out, meeting my eyes in the crowd. “To those of you who serve—thank you. I’ve seen the sacrifices you make, and I’m pleased that Igloo Books can offer you some solace from the harsh realities of your service.”
There was a round of applause before she continued.
“I’ve also had the pleasure of participating, and I’ve loved—” she swallowed, forcing a smile “—every minute of it. Now, let’s hear from some of the other participants before we break into smaller groups.” She glanced down at the podium. “First up, Shane Williams.”
She made a quick introduction, and the audience applauded as a guy in army dress strode toward the stage. He spoke candidly about the struggles he’d been facing and how just knowing someone else was out there, someone who cared, had helped. I couldn’t have agreed more.
When it was my turn, I headed for the stage, flashing Olivia a big smile.
“First of all,” I said, “I’d like everyone to give a big round of applause to Olivia and the team at Igloo for this amazing program.”
She blushed, and all I wanted to do was march across the stage, take her in my arms and kiss her. Instead, I gripped the lectern and focused on my speech. This wasn’t the time or the place. And as much as I wanted her to be mine, she wasn’t.
