“It’s that simple,” I teased. “You snap your fingers, and your transfer request is granted?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Pretty much. I already talked to Liam about it.”
I jerked my head back. “Really? What about your life in Virginia? Your friends? You’d give up everything for me?”
“I’d do anything for your chocolate crack cookies.” He coughed when I slugged him. “I mean—you. I’d do anything for you.”
“Prove it.” I loosened my towel, dropping it to the floor.
His gaze darkened, his eyes flitting between my lips, my breasts, my hips. It was as if he couldn’t decide which was his favorite. I understood the feeling—his chest was magnificent, as if it were chiseled from marble. Then there were his shoulders, those muscular arms and powerful legs. I loved everything about him. I loved that he was gentle and passionate. I loved that he was caring and funny. And he always seemed to understand exactly what I needed.
“But your head…” he said without conviction.
“My head is just fine, and you know it.” I hopped up on the counter, opening my legs in invitation. “Please. I need you. I need you to make me whole.”
In the past, I would’ve been way too shy to do something so bold. But Connor had shown me that it was okay to be myself. That I was wonderful just as I was. And while I’d already admitted that to myself, it was nice to have confirmation from the man I loved. I didn’t need the affirmation, but I wanted it all the same.
“I’ll go grab a condom.”
I bit my lip, not wanting to be apart for a second. “I’m on the pill, and I’m clean.”
“Fuck yes.” He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. “I mean, I’m clean too. It’s been only you for months. And you’re the first—” He cleared his throat. “I’ve always used a condom in the past.”
And as he slid into me, filling me, stretching me, I knew I’d made the right decision. Connor was mine, and I was his.
“Fuck, Goody. I can’t believe I get to wake up to this every morning.” He thrust his hips, ducking his head to suck a nipple into his mouth.
I held on tight, watching where our bodies connected. The room was filled with the sounds of our breaths—relief mingling with ecstasy. We were both okay. More than okay. He was staying. And he was mine.
“Sex or me?” I teased.
“Both,” he gasped, burying himself to the hilt and pulling out again. “I love you so fucking much.” He cupped my cheek, and I melted into his touch.
I peered into those gray eyes that could read me so well. “I love you, Connor.”
We spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other’s arms. He was gentle and caring, protective. He carried me to the guest room, perhaps sensing my need to be away from my bedroom. Away from memories of George. And despite all that had happened, I was happy, content. And I focused on the future—on Connor.
* * *
The next morning, I returned to work as if nothing had happened. My jaw ached, but my head was held high. Connor tried to convince me to call in sick, but I was supposed to have my annual performance appraisal.
Just before lunch, I knocked on the door to Seth’s office. Connor had given me a pep talk before work—as well as a few orgasms. And I felt ready to take on the world.
“Come in. Take a seat,” Seth said without glancing up from his computer.
I sat across from him, crossing my legs at the ankle while I waited for him to finish whatever he was working on. When he finally stopped typing, he turned to me, fingers steepled. “Let’s talk about this past year.”
“Sure. Where would you like to start?” I opened my notebook.
“Well, let’s start with what you’ve contributed to Igloo.”
I nodded, tucking my hair behind my ear as I stared at my notes. “I’d say that Spines for Soldiers was my biggest one.”
He nodded, his expression giving nothing away. So, I continued talking. “I’m sure you’ve already glanced over the figures, but they don’t show the full extent of the program’s success. In addition to increased book sales from that demographic, we have garnered ourselves quite a fair share of good will among the military community. And participants have reported a high satisfaction with their experience.”
And it was the only reason I was still trying to salvage my job. I wanted to continue the program, and I knew it was a winner.
“Excellent,” he said. “And while that was a great idea, it was onlyoneidea. In the same time, Nicole has produced and executed ten.”
