Page 24 of Claiming Becca

“Yeah, Big Man. You’re irresistible like that,” she mumbles, her voice catching. It makes me wonder why, but I’m falling asleep before I can figure it out.

This sucks. I can’t stand being cooped up in this house any longer. I’m putting my running shoes on when the front door opens. I don’t stop what I’m doing because if I sit up, I don’t know if I’ll be able to lean over again. I’m not hurting as bad as I was a week ago, but it still doesn’t feel great.

“What are you doing?” Becca’s soft voice asks. I finally finish and force myself not to grimace when I sit up.

“I’m going for a walk.” She looks at my shoes and then back at me. She has a plastic bag in her hand with to-go boxes in it. Rising from the chair, I walk over to her and smile. “You’re home early. Did you stop and get dinner?” I ask her.

She looks at the bag in her hand. “Yeah. One of the guys wanted extra hours to pay for a trip he’s taking next month, so I let him stay and left,” she tells me. I approach her and push a strand of hair behind her ear. She takes a step back, but I step with her. Confusion flits through her eyes, but she doesn’t try to step back again.

“Well, I’m glad you’re home. We can put that in the kitchen and warm it up when we return,” I tell her.

Her eyes narrow at me, but she nods. “Okay.” She slaps my arm gently. “I can’t believe you were going to walk without me,” she chastises.

I take the bag from her to drop it off in the kitchen before returning to her. Exhaling, I grab her hand and pull her outside. I lock the house up, and we begin our walk around the neighborhood. I wasn’t sure if she’d try to stop me from going walking, so I was trying to go before she got home. I should have known better. She’ll never stop me from doing what I want to do. She’d probably follow me anywhere I go. I don’t let go of her hand as we walk down the street, and she doesn’t try to pull away.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d try to stop me from going for a walk,” I admit.

She looks up at me, shaking her head. “Why would I try to stop you from going walking? As long as you don’t try to run or lift heavy equipment, it’s perfectly safe for you to be walking,” she replies. I give her a tight smile.

I’m so used to being busy all the time. Having to sit down and do nothing is taking its toll on me. Having finally connected with Victor today, I told him we needed to meet about the help he’d been providing as soon as possible. I don’t want it anymore. I’m sure he already knows that.

“I’m meeting Victor at his pub tomorrow for lunch,” I tell Becca. Her hand tightens in mine. I’m still not supposed to be driving, but I don’t give a fuck. I cannot stay pent up in my house any longer.

“Okay,” she replies softly. “Just be careful and text me to let me know you’re okay,” she says. My eyes drift to her. She’s looking straight ahead, so it gives me a chance to stare at her openly. I swear she’s the only person that actually knows me and understands me.

“Will it make you feel better if I let you drive me?” I ask her. Her blue eyes snap to mine. I see the worry in them, and I don’t like it. She’s not pushy like my mom, but seeing how much she cares is like a punch in the gut.

“Well…” She pauses, taking a deep breath. “Yes, it will. You can, of course, do what you want. But if something else were to happen to you—” I grab her hand and stop walking, pulling her to look at me. I push a strand of hair behind her ear, and she sucks in a breath.

She’s so pretty. Her face is so expressive and open to me. Until recently, I was the only person that got this side of her. Since Bailey came along, she’s begun to open up more. Her hand is still in mine, so I squeeze it. Wrapping a hand around the back of her neck, I pull her into a hug. I want to hold her tight, but I can’t yet. She slowly wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me back.

“I’m sorry, Shortcake. I don’t want to make you worry. Of course, you can drive me.” She relaxes in my hold as I kiss the top of her head.

She sucks in another breath, causing my lips to tip up. I put my chin on her head. I know the past few weeks have affected her. She hates hospitals, but according to my mom and Julian, she was there every single day with me.

Pulling back slightly, I put my thumb under her chin and lift her head so she’s looking at me. “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

She swallows and nods, stepping back. “Of course. I’ll always be here for you, Big Man.”

I grab her hand and begin walking again. What would she do if I kissed her? Would that ruin our friendship? It’s the only thing that stops me from acting on my feelings. But I don’t think I can hold back much longer.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CONNOR

BECCA DROVEmy truck downtown, and it was a little amusing and a lot sexy seeing her behind the wheel of my truck. She’s so tiny, so I had to help her adjust the seat and steering wheel so she wouldn’t have a hard time driving. I’m meeting Victor at his pub. I didn’t like that to begin with. I wanted a more neutral place, but I gave in because he has been helping me. Putting my hand on Becca’s back, I guide her into the restaurant.

The hostess greets us. “Just you two?” She asks.

“I’m here to meet Victor, but can you get us a table for Becca to sit at, and then we’ll eat after?” I glance at Becca. “Is that alright?” I ask her, knowing she won’t eat by herself.

“Yeah, that’s fine with me.” She waves her phone at me. “I’ll plan to decorate your house while I wait.”

“You can wait for Victor at the bar. He mentioned you were coming in. I’ll take you to a table,” she tells us and leads Becca away to get her seated. Becca gives me a small wave and mouths good luck before turning and following her. I walk to the bar and sit on one of the stools, trying to make myself comfortable. Victor walks out of the back hallway and toward me.

“Connor.” He extends his hand, and we shake in greeting. He sits in a chair next to me. “How are you feeling? I bet it’s nice being home now.” He motions to the bartender and he walks over.

“I’m still sore, but sleeping in my bed is nice,” I reply. Victor hums and glances at the bartender.

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