Oh, well. No skin off either of our backs just for exposure. In short order, I review the rest of the points. “Wright’s Furniture Shop carries high quality furnishings, and we expect the same from consignors, as well. Any pick-up or delivery of unsold items are your responsibility, and while we will take every precaution to protect your items, it is also your responsibility to carry adequate insurance.
“This agreement expires after ninety days, and items will be marked down ten to twenty percent after every thirty days for a maximum of fifty percent within the ninety-day contract period. Monies owed to you will be mailed by the fifteenth day of the following month, with you receiving sixty percent and Wright’s Furniture Shop retaining forty percent.”
I glance up from reading the fine print and find him focused on my mouth. When I clear my throat, obviously catching him in the act, he doesn’t even show any shame. “Let me guess. Another paper clip?”
That velvety chuckle sounds again as his eyes lazily move to mine. “Not this time.”
“In that case, do you have any questions?” When he goes to speak, I hurriedly tack on, “About the contract.”
“Nope. All good.”
“Okay, then. Please look over the first four items to ensure I wrote down everything correctly. If it all checks out, put your John Hancock right there on the bottom.”
Connor flips a pen back and forth in his wide fingers. “John Hancock. That’s not something you hear the younger generation say much today.”
“You say that as if you’re an old man.” He’s at least mid-thirties.
“Thirty-seven, so...what—about ten years older than you?”
Cheeky devil. “Something like that. So, everything good on the form?”
A small tug of his lips as the pen scratches his messy signature is my answer. “There you go, ma’am. Do you want me to bring in my pieces now? I’ve got them out front in my trailer.”
“Pull around back, if you would, so we can get them added to the special inventory and notate the pricing.” I sign my own name and stand, rolling my stiff shoulders before making a copy of the contract on the ancient copy machine. “Here you go. For your records.” Walking around the counter, I almost trip on a paw. “Oh! I forgot he was here! He’s such a good dog.”
At the small acknowledgment, Toto’s heavy tail thumps furiously against the floor. Aww...I can’t walk by and ignore him. Cautiously, I stick my hand out for him to smell me. “Hey, there, big boy! Since you licked me, I’m guessing it’s okay to pet you?” I flick my gaze up to Connor to make sure and almost melt into the floor at the heat reflected back at me.
He looks like he wants to lick me, too. Maybe even eat me, if that hungry gleam in his eyes is anything to go by. My knees go weak at the thought of this giant man spreading my legs and making a meal of me. I bethewould never complain about the smell or the taste of a woman. Shutting down that train of thought, I give Toto a head scratch and gentle ear tug and say, “I’ll unlock the back door and meet you there.”
“Sounds good. Toto, come.”
I hide my grin as the big dog scoots closer to me and throws a baleful, woebegone expression to his owner.
“That’s odd. He usually can’t stand being away from me.” Connor whistles and repeats in a deeper voice, “Toto.Come.”
Ooh, that word is dangerous, coming out of that fine mouth. I surreptitiously squeeze my legs together as Toto whines and shuffles to sit on my feet. A laugh dances out of me as I reach down and give him a good, satisfying thump on his side. “He can stay with me. It’s not going to take you long.”
“What is that?” Connor asks crisply, brows furrowed.
“What’s what?” I have no idea what he’s talking about. Following his gaze to my exposed arm, I swallow heavily.
Oh.
The finger-shaped bruises from last night that decided to make an appearance. They wouldn’t even have been noticeable if I hadn’t extended my arm to pet Toto. Even I didn’t know they were there until just now. “That...it’s...”
Anger tightening his lips, he runs a gentle finger around one of the marks, sending goosebumps through me with his light touch. “Silas?”
A confusing flood of shame puddles in my chest for what he must think, even though none of it was my fault. Then Connor cautiously reaches for my other arm to find matching marks there, too. His eyes soften, turning into melted dark chocolate as he burns his focus into me, making me itch with the need to squirm under the force of his intensity.
But it’s the first time, I want to blurt out in his defense.He’s never done this.
“Oh, kitten. You deserve more.”
The lack of censure in his tone brings a sheen of tears to blur my vision and a strange tightness to my throat. I drop my gaze to the tattoos on his neck, watching a tribal swirl come alive with the beat of his steady pulse. “I know. I’m working on it.”
His hand falls away, but the warmth remains. “If you’re sure about Toto, I’ll be right back.”
Toto? Right...he’s staying with me for the moment. I send Connor off with a wave. “Okay.”
