“I’m going to put some clothes on.”
I have no clue who might be at the door, but it’s more than clear what Connor and I have been up to. I can still smell him all over me. My thighs are wet from both of our releases, and again my body starts to heat. What’s wrong with me? Connor has flipped a switch that doesn’t want to go off.
I still can’t believe what we did. I was so sure I was going to wake up and it would be some crazy hot dream. Connor was too good to be true and so unlike any man I’ve ever met before.
The second the knock sounded at the door, Connor’s hand had come out to rest on my stomach, and he pulled me back a bit. There was no missing the possessiveness of his touch. Did he think someone might be here to take me from him? The way he’s acting, that's not going to be happening.
He scared the crap out of me for a second when he asked about how long I’ll be staying. Over the years when I’d get moved around, sometimes there would be a pang of disappointment that the family I’d been staying with hadn’t wanted me to stay longer. Eventually I’d get over it, but it never got easier.
With Connor, it was a stab to my chest thinking he was counting down to when I was leaving and that he was ready for me to go. Now I know he’s dreading that day as much as I am.
It did slap me back to reality even with his claiming words that he wasn’t trying to get rid of me. I realized how attached I’d become and that there’s an end date looming on this trip. The sharp pain I felt at the thought of Connor not wanting me or of me leaving him was far too intense. More so than it should be for the short time I’ve known him.
“I like you in my clothes,” he says slowly, as if we’ve got all the time in the world.
His fingers drift up and down my stomach. For a moment I forget someone is at the door until the doorbell rings again, and time I hear his cousin Natalie’s voice call out.
“I do too, but—” I’m cut off when a male voice calls out from the front door next.
“Pants,” Connor grumbles, realizing that there’s a man at the door too, making me laugh.
I go to leave, but before I can get out of his reach, he pulls me to him and kisses me first. “I wasn’t saying I wanted you out of here, little duck. Are we clear on that? I want you to know that.” I can’t stop the tears that prick at my eyes. He understood that I needed to hear that and that I need a bit of reassurance with the life I’ve led.
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“Good.” He smiles against my mouth and squeezes my ass. “Clothes.”
“Open the damn door, I'm freezing!” Natalie calls, pounding on the door this time. “What the hell are you doing in there?”
I dart back upstairs and into the bedroom. Last night I hadn’t realized that Connor gave me his room while he took the guest room for himself. Everything he’s done since I’ve met him has been utterly sweet. I didn’t think men like him existed.
I find some of the clothes Connor got from his cousin, along with some of my own. I pull on some yoga pants and see that even with Connor’s shirt falling to my knees, it still feels too intimate to be wearing it with other people here. Especially one being a guy—I’m guessing that’s his cousin Wilder.
I hear the hum of their voices when I slip back down the stairs. Wilder is the first I can actually make out.
“So you’ve got her hidden away or something?”
“Will you mind your own damn business? And don’t eat that,” Connor barks, and I hear a small slap like he’s hit Wilder’s hand away.
“Damn, I’m hungry,” Wilder grumbles.
“Then go back to your own cabin and eat.”
“You know he can’t cook to save his life,” Natalie laughs. “So where is she?” I can picture her peeking around, but I’m tucked far enough up the stairs they can’t see me from the kitchen area.
“What’s the matter with you two? Don’t you have guests to oversee?” I’m not sure how to take Connor’s reaction. Does he not want to share me, or could it be something else? I don’t want to let my insecurities come rushing back in, especially after the moment we just had, but it’s hard when I’ve had a life filled with them.
“And I’m here trying to oversee one,” Natalie tosses back.
“I’m taking care of her just fine.”
“Is that so?” Wilder responds. I should probably stop listening, but I can’t help myself.
“We’re worried is all. You snatched the girl up and brought her back to your place. You don’t bring anyone here, and now you’re not acting like yourself.”
“We’re fine” is the only response he gives, and then it grows quiet for a long moment.
“Plus, we’re here about one of the other guests. They got one of the snowmobiles stuck, and I need your help to get it out.”
“Already?” Connor grumbles. “We need an age limit of twenty-one next time. These kids are too young to be out there horsing around.”
“That’s rich coming from someone who is—”
“Don’t,” Connor cuts Wilder off.
“I’d have to agree with Connor,” I say, making myself known as I come down the stairs. “Though if they break anything, they can afford to replace it, so there is that.”
Everyone turns my way. I know both Wilder and Natalie are taking in the fact that I’m wearing Connor’s shirt still. “Morning,” I add when no one says anything else.
“Morning,” they both rush to say.
“Come eat.” Connor motions for me to come to him, and I do without hesitation. He wraps his arm around me, clearly not caring what his cousins think. I relax when I realize he’s not going to try and hide us. He’s not embarrassed of me, and I fall a little in love with him. “Have your breakfast and then go take a swim in that giant tub. I’ve got to run out, but I’ll be back.”
“I understand,” I reassure him. “I’ve got my books to keep my company.” He kisses me right in front of both of them, and I can feel them staring at us, but I don’t care.
Especially if Connor doesn’t.