Page 55 of Claiming Becca

We’re all sitting on metal chairs in Julian’s new business space he purchased with the help of Connor. Julian is becoming a private detective and is opening his own business. It looks like Liv will be his first client.

“Who was it delivered by?” Julian asks.

“The security guard at the entrance said it was from a local florist,” Lincoln states, handing over a piece of paper. “That’s the name of the place and the license plate number of the van it was delivered in.”

Julian looks at the paper, humming softly. “I’ll go there tomorrow and see how the order is placed.”

“I’m sure he’s still living in the same house.” Liv glances at Victor, and he nods in agreement.

“He probably has security, though, so it’ll be hard to get him alone,” Julian replies. “If he has a routine, catching him off guard will be easier. Where’s the place you used to go out to eat with him?” he asks Victor.

“It’s called Chester’s Diner.” Julian writes it down.

I zone out for a few minutes while they continue talking. This man brought so much fear to the streets for years. I haven’t been back to that side of town in three years. I tried to be brave that one time, but I couldn’t follow through with it. Connor hired guys from those streets, taking them under his wings, and helped them get out of the bad situations they were in.

I want to help. I need to help. I have to get over this fear. I need to give back to that community, and that’s how I can do it. I come up with an idea, nodding to myself. Next, I need to talk to Bass and let him know I want to start working with Connor. I’ll wait a few weeks until he settles in with the new baby. In the meantime, I’ll help Connor when I’m off.

“Shortcake?” Connor runs his hand down my arm. Glancing up at him, he raises an eyebrow. “You okay?”

I look around and realize everyone is looking at me. “Sorry, I zoned out.” Connor wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his side. “What did I miss?”

“I was wondering,” Julian starts, his eyes on me. “If you’d be interested in decorating the place.” He waves his hand around. “Bailey is going to paint a mural on the wall, but when she’s done, I was hoping you’d do the rest.” It’s not a secret that I’ve turned down these requests in the past.

It always involved me working with Connor, which I couldn’t handle. Things have changed so much.

“Sure, I’ll be happy to,” I reply. Surprise flashes in Julian’s eyes, but he hides it quickly with a small smile.

“Great! Bailey and I have a few ideas we’ll send you, but you have free rein. You did great with Bailey’s room and Mia’s nursery. And Connor’s place is starting to look a lot better.”

Connor plants a kiss on my cheek. “My baby is talented,” he says with pride in his voice. My face heats up, but I ignore it. I enjoy working at the gym, but it’s not something I want to do for the rest of my life. Interior design, that’s something I could do for the rest of my life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

BECCA

CONNOR: WHATdid one tomato say to the other tomato while they were running?

I stare down at my phone, smiling. He’s such a dork, but I love it so much.

Me: I don’t know. What?

Connor: Ketchup!

I start laughing. Before I can respond, he walks into the gym. My eyes light up at seeing him.

It’s been a rough day. Now that I’ve decided to be an interior designer, it can’t come soon enough. I texted him a couple of hours ago about someone who exercised until they threw up. Plus, I can’t stop thinking about Liv and everything she’s been through at the hands of that monster. I’m going to face my fears one way or another. Connor being here lessens the tension I’ve been feeling all day in my chest.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Coming around the counter, he wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me, hugging me tight. “I thought I’d come to see you. Can you come outside?” He puts me back down but holds me close.

“Yeah. We’re slow right now. Besides, Clay just got here.” He grabs my hand, leading me outside to his truck parked at the curb. He opens the passenger door and looks at me with a massive grin.

“I know you said you were having a rough day.” He reaches into the truck and grabs something. Turning, he kneels down and dramatically hands me a bouquet of flowers.

“I got you flowers.” He wiggles his eyebrows. I melt inside and breathe the flowers in. He stands with a huge smile on his face.

“Thank you, Big Man!” I’m practically swooning.

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