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I walk slowly and she walks by my side. I place my hand on the small of her back liking the feel of touching her, even in this light way. It feels possessive and goes against everything I’ve trained myself not to feel, and yet I like this feeling. I guide her to the spare room. The door has been closed here for the past week while I had a handyman set up the place.
I swing the door open and watch Ellie’s forest-green eyes widen. Her palms come up to her cheeks. “Connor, this is. . .” She walks around speechless, and I feel damn good for making her this happy. Until now, I only worried about Syd’s happiness. I’m good at gauging my daughter’s needs, so I’ve mostly been on autopilot. This feels different. It causes a strange feeling to flutter inside me.
“Instead of just laying down a tarp, I had an extra carpet installed. Figured if it got ruined it wouldn’t matter and it’s waterproof, so it won’t ruin the wood flooring underneath,” I explain because I’m not sure what to do with the amount of happiness bursting from Ellie. “I also had tables installed all over the room so you could set up your paint and have different stations.”
“Thank you so much.” She grins. “I could kiss you right now, but I know we shouldn’t,” she says.
I rub at the scruff on my jaw. “I still haven’t gotten over the last kiss,” I admit, and my eyes do a quick sweep over her body. I lick my lips, feeling my mouth water.
“Keep watching me with that hungry gaze and I’ll remind you just how good that kiss was,” she warns, and I love how she says what is on her mind. She’s an open book and I appreciate her candidness.
I growl. “You aren’t making this easy, Ellie. I’ve got a kid to worry about,” I remind.
“Syd wouldn’t need to know,” she says, swirling her finger along the shiny surface of the new table. Even that simple movement I find attractive. I’m so screwed as I picture spreading her legs on that very table and taking her.
I adjust my cock. “I’m glad you like the room.” I don’t mean to lead her on or play hard to get, but my life is kind of unraveling right now. I can’t afford to be focusing on sex with Ellie when I need to be focusing on what this visit with Sybil will mean.
I had the handyman move her two bags filled with her art supplies to this room. He unpacked and set it on tables, but we didn’t know what kind of setup she’d want.
“You can set things up the way you want. I just thought it would be easier if the handyman unpacked your stuff.”
“Thanks, Connor. I may move things around a little. I may also order some easels for Syd and me,” she says.
“She would love that. I’ll give you my credit card.”
We watch each other again and it’s like time is standing still until I get my head on straight. “’Kay, well, I’ll go sit down. I was thinking I could come with you to get Syd from the bus today.”
“Syd will be happy to see you,” Ellie says with a sincere smile. “I’ll go prepare some food for dinner.” She walks past me and I get the feeling she is irritated with me, but there isn’t much I can do. I can’t just take what I want. I have a kid to consider.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Ellie
Connor left hours ago. He was wearing a blue suit and white dress shirt. He looked like a million bucks as he strutted out of here on his crutches, since he needs to walk more than he’s used to. Liam was in casual clothes so I’m guessing he’s just the driver.
My stomach has been in knots all day, wondering how the attorney is advising Connor. Now I’m in the apartment doing yoga on a mat while a YouTube yoga video plays on the main television.
I’m in downward dog when the door swings open and Connor enters the apartment.
He’s hissing and mumbling to himself. I watch him kick off his shoes since he hasn’t noticed me on the floor.
He walks up to me on his crutches and then drops them on the sectional. He radiates nervous energy. “You won’t believe what happened.”
I wait but I get no response.
Instead, he eyes me and licks his lips. “Woman, straighten yourself out, I can’t be talking to that fine ass.” His voice is deep, gravelly, and filled with fire.
Is it bad to say a grumpy Connor gets me all hot and bothered?
The woman on the video says to hold the pose for ten more seconds, but I straighten myself up because this isn’t a time for games.
“What did Mr. Greenspan say?” I ask waiting.
He rubs at the scruff on his chin. He has only been shaving a couple times a week and I’m digging it.
“What did he say?” he repeats. He’s riled up. My stomach sinks because I don’t think he liked the lawyer’s advice.
“Connor. What did he say? You’re scaring me,” I reply, feeling on edge.
