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REINFORCEMENTS
CHAPTER 9
***
Ginger
Connor and I fall into an easy rhythm over the next week. We agree to take things slow instead of rushing in with libidos blazing. It gives me time to sort out the Killian interference factor. It's weird thinking of the possibilities that could unfold with Connor if my brother’s played matchmaker all this time. He'll want to pick out my baby's names next.
Whoa. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Ginger. And don’t overthink it.
Connor meets me at the community center after drama practice every day for the rest of the week. We share a quick bite to eat and work on stage sets. I regale him with stories of Killian's childhood antics and teaching anecdotes. Connor shares his modest upbringing and passion for giving back to the community. We steal kisses here and there but keep things less frenzied than our first kiss.
I'm not sure I believe in love at first sight, but I can't help but fall in love with Connor more every day. But men aren't built like women with romantic flights of fancy and dreams of happily ever after. At least, that's not what I've been brought up to believe. And though I do dream about a future happily ever after, I'm not so naive to think I need a man to make that a reality. But there is a sweet thought swimming around inside me that wishes Connor and I could one day support each other’s dreams together.
We're building more than stage sets, in a sense. We're building a foundation with hard work, laughs, and stolen kisses. Even so, I'm wound up tighter than a watch stem, ready to pounce on the man like a wild cat in heat.
The stage sets are almost complete. We’ll put the remaining touches on everything this evening, with time to spare before the big production. Though I’m confident Connor and I have a genuine connection, negative thoughts invade my sense of security.
Killian’s at the heart of Connor and my meeting. What if this has all been an elaborate prank? I know better than to believe that of Connor or my brother, but still, the past shapes the future, causing me to second-guess myself even when my gut gives the all-clear.
A car pulls up outside, and two doors slam shut. Muffled voices approach the door. I slide my palm over my shirt and tuck my hair over my shoulder, steadying my nerves. I’m as nervous as I am on the first day of class every year. Only today, I’m not greeting a class of bright-eyed students. I’m meeting someone who means the world to Connor.
"I brought reinforcements." Connor steps through the community center door with a young boy in tow. The boy has tousled hair and is roughly the same age as my after-school kids. Connor rests a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Connor, this is Ms. McKay, the teacher I told you about."
“Nice to meet you, Ms. McKay.” The boy watches me wide-eyed as I approach.
“Hi, Christopher.” I extend my hand to shake his, and he timidly accepts. “Are you ready to flex your muscles?”
A grin spreads across his face, lighting up his eager eyes. He nods, and his hair flops to and fro.
“Wow. This is cool.” He steps further into the great room and points to the stage. “Can I go up there?”
“Sure thing. But don’t make yourself too comfortable. We’ve got work to do.” Connor tousles Christopher’s hair and gives him a nudge to explore. Connor takes my hand and leans in for a quick kiss. “He jabbered my ear off on the way over here. Thanks for letting him come help.”
“Of course.” I squeeze his hand. “I think we can finish everything tonight.”
Connor’s brow furrows. His eyes darken, and the serious look that crosses his face causes the naughty elf on my shoulder to whisper negative thoughts in my ear.
“We need to talk.” He squeezes my hand back, then releases it. “Tonight, after I take Christopher home?”
"Sure." I nod and gulp back the nervous tension stirring in my bones.
