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“No. No. That wasn’t it at all.” My face heats with embarrassment as I try to find the words to explain because that’s exactly what I was thinking.
My mouth opens and closes like a fish as I search for the right words, but Connor laughs loudly. The gruff sound of his laughter fills the room, wrapping around me like a warm blanket and immediately calming my nerves.
“Okay, it was like that. I don’t have the best of luck with men, and when I noticed the ring on your finger, I imagined the worst about you.”
“No worries. I totally understand why you thought that.” Connor raises his hand, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing gently against my skin. “Besides, Jade asked Bristol all about you when she called, and she was more than happy to tell us all about you.”
A warm flutter rips through my entire body as I fight the urge to close my eyes and nuzzle my cheekin his hand. This is why I need to stay far away from Connor. The way he looked at me in the café is the same way he’s looking at me right now. His eyes are full of so much emotion and something else. I can see it all playing out right before me. It would be so easy to open my heart to this man. But I know that can’t happen. I refuse to be so wrapped up in someone that I ruin both my and Love’s lives a second time. This is a fresh start for both of us, and I refuse to do it again.
“Oh.” I take a step back, putting some much-needed space between the two of us.
Connor rubs the back of his neck before shoving both of his hands into his pockets. “Don’t worry, she didn’t tell me anything personal. Just the usual, ‘Hurt my friend, and no one will find the body.’”
“That would imply something might happen between the two of us.” I giggle nervously, the butterflies picking up speed in the pit of my stomach.
“Yes, it would.”
My body shivers as he looks at me. If I don’t change the subject quickly, I might do something incredibly stupid, like kiss him. I turn around, shoving my hands into the closest box to keep myself occupied. “Now, where are those plates?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I can just grab Jade and get out of your hair.”
“No, please. Stay,” I respond breathlessly, my eyes still focused on whatever is inside this box. “My brain is always jumping to conclusions. I doubt you meantanything by what you said, but…” He holds his hand up, halting my words.
“You didn’t get the wrong idea, Audrey.
“I’m just not… Love and I have just moved because of a bad relationship, and I just… I’m sorry.”
“No problem, Audrey. I get it. This is all new to me, too. I’m not sure what it is about you, but I want—no, need—to get to know you better.” Connor has a soft smile on his face as he looks over at the girls. “Just think about it. No pressure.”
“O-o-kay,” I stutter before giving him another shy smile. “Thanks for bringing over the pizza, but I have a feeling my best friend had a hand in this.”
“Guilty as charged. I really live a few blocks down the street, but she told me you tended to overwork yourself and wanted me to stop by and check on you.
“I understand better than anyone. It’s been you and Love against the world for all these years. It’s hard to let someone help for fear they will think you’re weak or unable to take care of her on your own.”
“Exactly.” Finally finding the paper plates, I raise them above my head in triumph. “Now, let’s eat.” I place pizza on plates as we all head for the living room. As I take a seat on the couch, I send up a silent prayer, hoping things are finally working out in my favor.
Chapter 6
Connor
On my way back from the office this morning, I noticed Audrey standing outside, instructing the movers, which reminded me of my promise to Bristol to check on her. I was going to stop right then, but I was worried it’d make her uncomfortable, so I went home.
The moment I stepped into the house, Jade began peppering me with demands, wanting to know when we were going to head to Audrey’s so she could see Love. I tried to make excuses, but then Bristol texted me, demanding I bring pizza to Audrey, and the rest was history.
Now, I find myself on the couch, right next to Audrey, which is kicking my senses up to high alert. I should move, find another seat, and put some space between the two of us, but I remain rooted in place. I meant what I said to Audrey in the kitchen. I’m interested in her. I want to get to know her better and see where this connection I feel to her leads. However, she’s scared. I saw it when we were talking in thekitchen, so I can’t push her, or I’ll ruin everything before it has a chance to get started. Right now, my focus is getting to know her and Love. To be her friend, someone she can lean on when she needs help. If things progress to something more than that, so be it.
“This has to be some of the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.” Audrey moans, her eyes drifting shut as she takes another bite.
My eyes focus on her lips as her tongue peeks from between them, licking them clean. I turn my head to the side quickly, trying to focus on anything else, but the image is playing on repeat in my mind.
“Jesus…” I whisper, causing both girls to giggle softly at the predicament I find myself in. I adjust slightly in my seat, swallowing hard as I try to quell my libido.
“You okay over there, Mr. Bennett?”
“Please, call me Connor. And I’m just fine. You?”
“Peachy keen, Mr. Bennett. Peachy keen.”
