Page 59 of Coming Clean

Connor did exactly that.“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” But itwasn’t.

He didn’t want to introduceSabrina to David. In part, because if Jeremy was right—and Connorhad a feeling he was—the two would become friends, or worse, andhe’d have to deal with David even more often. But Jeremy had apoint. Connor would be a lot happier if he had a friend there too.Maybe David wouldn’t spend all night grilling him if he could flirtwith Sabrina. She was a big girl, she’d kick David in the balls ifhe got out of line.

“I’ll ask her.”

“Really?” Jeremy lookedrelieved.

“Yes.”

“What about tonight? I knowthat’s last second. If she has plans, we can do itlater.”

Nothing like getting itover with. “Tonight will probably work. I’ll call her as soon as Ishower.” He needed to be a little more awake before he had toconfess just how much of Jeremy he’d been seeing.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Connor pulledinto Jeremy’s driveway and parked behind Sabrina’s Civic. She’dsaid yes to dinner, of course. She’d been thrilled to be asked andthrilled that he was ready to admit he was seeing Jeremy every day,a fact she’d apparently known but kept quiet about.

He’d spent most of the daywith Jeremy, but gone home to change into something nicer than theclothes he’d worn over there the day before. Sabrina was justgetting out of her car when he returned. She was wearingoutrageously bright pink pants that fit her generous hips snuggly,a floral tank top, and showy yellow heels. He knew she often wentfor wild colors but he’d never seen her look so much like atropical oasis. Was she trying to impress David?

She gave Connor a boldonce-over. “You look yummy.”

“What? I don’t look anydifferent than usual.” He’d put on a pair of dark jeans, the oneshe wore when he went out hoping for a hookup, and his shirt waslight gray with thin black stripes, one of the few button-ups heowned. His shoulders strained the fabric just a little and thesleeves hugged his biceps. So he wanted to show off a little, makeJeremy proud of what he had? He was going to sound like an idiottrying to talk to David and Jeremy with their advanced degrees, andDavid might slam him for being in the closet and think he was adumb Marine with nothing but a high school diploma, but at least helooked good.

Sabrina narrowed her eyes.“Don’t even try to act like you aren’t trying to impress. Look atyou, all cleaned up.”

He shrugged. “So I woresomething other than a t-shirt.”

She snorted. “How’d youeven get into those pants?”

They were on the tightside. “Magic.”

“I bet.” Sabrina grabbedhis arm and tugged. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

“Just a second.” Connorwalked around to the passenger side of his truck and grabbed theassortment of pastries he’d picked up for dessert. He’d insisted onat least bringing something since Jeremy had said he didn’t needany help with dinner.

“You really like him, don’tyou?” Sabrina asked as they approached the house.

Fortunately, he was savedfrom answering by Jeremy opening the door before they knocked. Hemust have seen them pull up. David was right behind him, holding aglass of wine. Great, he was a beer drinker at a wineparty.

Jeremy began makingintroductions. “David, you’ve already met Connor.”

He tilted his head inConnor’s direction. “I have.” His tone said he wished hehadn’t.

“And this isSabrina.”

David brightened andextended his hand but instead of shaking when Sabrina took it, hebrought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Very pleased to meetyou.”

Connor wanted to gag. Davidcertainly wasn’t doing anything to improve Connor’s opinion ofhim.

“Likewise,” Sabrina said,and giggled. Ugh. Sabrina didn’t giggle.

“How do you guys know eachother?” David asked, though surely Jeremy had told him.

“Connor and my brother werein the Marines together. When Connor’s tour ended, I offered him aplace to stay while he figured out a new direction.”

David gave Connor anassessing look, probably trying to decide how much of a lazy bum hewas.