Page 27 of Claiming Becca

Bass answers on the first ring. “Hey, man!”

“Hey! Bec and I are hosting a party at my house this weekend. We’re going to grill and play games. Bec even got a piñata.” He winks at me, and I cover my mouth to hide my laughter.

“Really?” Bass asks. “You feel up to that so soon?”

“Yes! Definitely. My dad said something about it when they dropped me off from the hospital. It’ll be fun. I’ve been cooped up in the house. I definitely need this.”

“Yeah, of course. Caroline and I will be there,” he says, and it takes all I have to hold my laughter in until Connor hangs up.

“This is going to be the best thing ever!” Connor exclaims. I nod in agreement. He grins at me again before taking another bite of his cheeseburger. I love that I can make him laugh. I love that he doesn’t think I’m weird and goes along with my shenanigans. He accepts me for exactly who I am. Why do I need more?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CONNOR

CAROLINE GOTme in touch with her mom, Melissa, to help remodel her house. After Bailey was attacked there, she said it was the push she needed to get it done. Apparently, she’s wanted to do this for a couple of years. I still can’t do manual labor, so I have been working with Victor to arrange everything. It feels so strange working with him. I still don’t fully trust him, but he’s proven himself over the past few weeks. Since our meeting at his pub, I’m not as wary of him as I was.

The projects I had going when I was shot—he helped keep them going. I have guys that help me when I go on vacation or out of town for a short time, but I usually have time to prepare them. They had no preparation this time. But everyone jumped in, helped, and did everything they could to keep things running smoothly. And even though I hate to admit it, I’m glad Victor stepped in.

He has more experience than I do. He’s about fifteen years older than me and has been building and remodeling businesses and homes for years. I’ve finally been released to drive, so I’m meeting him and Becca at Melissa’s house to review everything.

Pulling into her driveway, I’m the first to arrive, and I stare at the side door. The last time I went in that door, I was shot. There’s a light tap on my window. My head snaps in that direction. Becca is standing there, giving me a small smile. How long have I been staring at the door? I can’t believe I didn’t hear her pull up. Climbing out of my truck, I pull her into my arms, hugging her. She doesn’t say anything. She returns my embrace and holds me tight. I didn’t consider coming back here would bother me.

“Are you okay?” Becca whispers. I take a deep breath and nod. Pulling back, I stare into her midnight-blue eyes. It looks like she came straight here from the gym. She’s in dark green capri-style leggings with a light green tank top.

“I am now that you’re here,” I tell her.

She tilts her head at me, giving me an encouraging smile. “I’m glad I can be here.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders and guide her to the door.

Melissa is waiting for us, and she gives a knowing smile. “Thank you for coming. I know this can’t be easy for you, Connor,” she says as I walk up to her.

“I’m fine,” I respond.

She nods once before pulling me into a hug. “Thank you. Thank you for saving my baby,” she whispers against my neck. I wrap my arms around her, returning her hug. She pulls back, wiping at her eyes. “And now you’re here to remodel my house. You’ve done so much for me already.”

“I’m happy to help,” I tell her. “I’d much rather do this than get shot again.” Her eyes widen at my statement, and she chuckles as I grin.

She pats my cheek. “You are so different from your brother.” Becca and I both laugh as Melissa raises her eyebrows.

“Trust me, we both know that,” I tell her.

She smirks at me. “He adores my daughter, though. That’s all I can ever ask for. And she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her.” Melissa glances at Becca as we follow her inside the house. “What about you, dear? Do you have a boyfriend?” Melissa asks.

My stomach clenches at the thought of Becca having a boyfriend. I’ve never thought of her dating someone else. She’s always been mine, but I’ve never officially claimed her as mine. In all fairness, she could do what she wanted. I find myself staring at her, waiting for her answer.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” she murmurs, not looking at me. She clears her throat. “I did sign up on the dating app that Lincoln made, though. That was just a couple of days ago, so no matches yet that have interested me.”

I nearly bite my tongue off from this bit of news. What. The. Fuck. I had no idea she was trying to date. She tells me everything. Why didn’t she tell me about this? Melissa gives me a look that I’m unsure of its meaning. Before I can ask, there’s a knock on the front door. Melissa goes to answer it.

I turn to Becca. “Why didn’t you tell me you signed up on the dating app?” I ask her. She turns to me but refuses to look me in the eye. What the hell is going on?

“I’ve never had a real boyfriend before. I’m 23, and I want to experience those things,” she confesses. I grit my teeth. What experiences does she want to have? I’ll give them to her.

“Are you looking for a hookup? So you’ll have that kind of experience?” I ask her. Her eyes finally snap to me, and I see anger directed at me for the first time.

“No, I’m not. I’ve had sex,” she grinds out. I’m shocked. I don’t know why I always assumed she was a virgin. I met her when she was 17. I just assumed. “It was once when I was 16, and I hated it, but I have had sex.”

I take my ball cap off my head, run my fingers through my hair, turn it around, and put it on backward to see her better. She huffs and looks away.

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