Once I was in the tub, I opened my arms wide, wanting her to take her place there. Because that’s where she belonged—with me. I wasn’t sure whether it was the stress of the day or my talk with Liam or even what Olivia had said, but I now knew that with absolute certainty.
Chapter Seventeen
Olivia
I leaned back in Connor’s arms and closed my eyes. I was safe. Luna was okay, even if she’d sequestered herself in the back of my closet. Connor was here with me. Everything would be okay.
The water was getting cold, but I was afraid to return to my bedroom. Afraid to sleep for fear of the memories that would haunt me. Would I ever look at my bed or the barstool the same again? Would I ever be able to make coffee without memories of George plaguing me? Even just thinking his name made me shudder.
Connor traced designs on my arms, his touch comforting. “You’re cold. We should get out.”
I nodded, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. He climbed out, water sluicing down his skin. He was strong, powerful, and if today had shown me anything, it was that he’d protect me. Even at risk to his own safety, he’d put me first.
He wrapped a towel around his waist before holding one out for me. I stood, stepping into his arms and wanting to stay there. He held me, giving me a feeling of safety and security that only he could. I tried to memorize the look and feel of him, knowing he’d be leaving soon.
“I need you,” I said. I needed him to help me feel not just safe, but alive. I needed him to make love to me. I needed him to stay, but that was impossible. I’d have to settle for this moment.
“Goody.” His voice cracked, tension filling the silence.
I closed my eyes to ward off the onslaught of emotions. I’d pushed him away last night when he’d suggested we try long-distance, but surely… I couldn’t stomach the thought of his rejection. It had been a big day, and I wasn’t sure how much more my heart could handle.
“Please,” I whispered. “Please, Connor. Are you trying to break me?” I finally choked out.
More silence, and he turned me in his arms. My heart was pounding so loud, I would’ve been surprised if he couldn’t hear it. “The last thing I would want is to hurt you. Olivia… I love you.”
My eyes snapped open. “You do?”
But I didn’t have to ask; I knew it was true. Just as I knew that I loved him.
“Yes.” He nodded, tucking my hair behind my ear. “And I’m sorry it took something like this for me to tell you.”
“I love you too.” I didn’t know what the future held, and I didn’t care. I loved him. “I think I loved you before I even met you.”
He took my hand in his, lifting it to cover his heart. And when he smiled down at me, his eyes were full of warmth. I closed my eyes, reveling in the moment as he pressed his lips to mine. It was a kiss that spoke of passion and love, but above all, of promise. A promise of a future together, despite the odds we might face.
“Are you all in?” His voice was calm, but his eyes swirled with emotion.
I tilted my head to the side. “All in?”
“If I come to California, will you live with me? Will you be mine and not just for a week?”
“Yes,” my mouth whispered before my brain could shut it down. “Yes,” I squealed.
He gathered me in his arms, his scruff tickling my skin as he covered me with kisses. I giggled, more from the insanity of it than the tickling.
“This is crazy,” I gasped.
“Maybe.” He grinned, pulling me closer. His erection dug into my belly, and heat pooled deep within.
“We barely know each other.” I was trying to be pragmatic and failing miserably. Especially as he continued to kiss his way down my body, his lips skating over my skin. All thoughts turned to mush. All I could think was that I wanted him, and I didn’t care about anything else.
He stopped his assault on my body and took my hand in his. “It’s all about quality over quantity, Goody. We may not have known each other long, but I’d say I know you very well. And I think the same is true for you.”
I nodded, knowing he was right. “So, you’re staying? Really?”
I ran my hands over his shoulders, down the planes of his chest. I couldn’t stop touching him. It had been impossible before, but especially now that I knew he was mine.
He flashed me a mischievous grin. “You’re stuck with me now.”
