Page 12 of Claiming Becca

He lifts his head, and I release a pent-up breath when recognition registers on his face. “Rebecca! It’s about time you got here. I can’t play checkers by myself.”

Smiling, I pull the chair out and sit across the table from him. “Sorry, Grandpa.”

He huffs. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

I smirk as he moves his black piece and waits for me to move. Connor and his parents helped me find this place for him. I was so nervous about him moving in here because I’ve heard horror stories, but I’m not equipped to care for him. Plus, his house was foreclosed on, and there’s no way he’ll be able to live in my tiny studio apartment with me. I visit as often as possible; he’s the only family I have left. One day I’m going to repurchase his house and renovate it.

“Where’s that boyfriend of yours?” he asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Making my move, I suck in a breath. “He’s not my boyfriend, Grandpa,” I remind him.

He scoffs as he jumps three of my pieces. I look from the board to him as a grin spreads over his face. “That boy loves you.”

I shake my head at his stubbornness. This isn’t the first time he’s told me this. We’ve had this conversation on multiple occasions, and I can’t seem to convince him it’s not true. So, I just leave it alone. After he beats me four more times, I stand to leave.

“Tired of me beating ya?” he asks.

I smirk, leaning down to hug him. “Yeah. I think you cheat.”

He places his hand over his heart in mock horror. “You wound me.”

Chuckling, I drop a kiss on his forehead. “See you in a couple of days, Grandpa.”

“Stay out of trouble.” I wave at him. Walking to my car, my mind wanders to Connor. If he loved me, he would have done something by now, right?

Getting in my car and pulling out of my spot. I don’t have a specific destination in mind, but before I know it, I’m at the Quik Mart gas station that separates the good and bad parts of town. Since Connor and Bass rescued me, I haven’t returned to this side of town. The thought of how different my life could be if they hadn’t helped a seventeen-year-old homeless girl. I’m sure I’d probably be dead if it weren’t for them, especially Connor.

I’m not sure when my feelings for Connor changed from friend to more than that. Probably the day he saved me from that guy Brock. He killed someone for me. Not on purpose; if Brock had never raised his gun, he’d probably be alive still. My phone buzzes, so I grab it. I smile when I see Connor’s name and pull his text message up.

Big Man: So, my friend Joe went on the Dolly Parton diet.

Biting my lip, a smile spreads on my lips.

Me: Is that so?

Big Man: Yep. It made Joe lean, Joe lean, Joe lean, Joe lean.

Laughing, I shake my head.

Me: You are such a weirdo.

Big Man: You love it, though.

A lump forms in my throat. I love it more than he’ll ever know.

Me: Yeah, I do.

Sighing, I pull out of the gas station parking lot and head toward my apartment. One day I’ll be able to overcome this fear, but today is not the day. And maybe one day, Connor will see me as more than just a little sister. That is probably highly unlikely, but one can dream.

CHAPTER SIX

CONNOR

Present Day

The name Valentine stares at me as we walk into the pub entrance. My knuckles turn white as I hold the door for everyone. How does Liv know this guy? I almost backed out of coming, but Becca was excited about hanging out with everyone, and I didn’t want to disappoint her.

After everyone enters, I join Bass as he enters last. “Did you know this place belonged to Victor?”

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