Page 65 of Claiming Becca

My mouth pops open as I look from him to Caroline, who also has a big smile on her face, then to Connor. He shrugs and leans further back into the couch. He releases my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

“I thought you’d be upset I was leaving,” I admit.

Bass leans forward. “I hate to lose you. You helped keep me organized, but I knew it was a matter of time. Besides, I think Clay wants to step into a manager role,” he says. “You know I love you like a sister, Bec. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy.”

My eyes cloud with tears, and my nose starts to burn. I blink rapidly, trying to push them away.

Caroline leans forward a little. “Bec,” she whispers, and my eyes land on hers. “Did you wait to bring this up because I just had the baby?”

I nod. “Well, yeah. That’s a big change. I didn’t want to bring any other stress to your lives.”

Caroline smiles at me. “You are one of the most selfless people I have ever met. You do things for people and don’t want recognition. You bring so much joy to those around you. As Sebastian said, you deserve to be happy.” I wipe furiously at the tears streaming down my face.

Connor pulls me in and holds me close. I try to speak, but I can’t.

I take another deep breath. “I am happy. I’ve never been this happy in my life,” I whisper. I try not to let my mind wander to the conversation Connor and I had this morning. Nothing, and no one is going to take this from me.

“I appreciate your support.” I look at Bass. “I’ll train Clay, but I’m ready. So, if you think he’s ready, I’ll start training him on Monday.”

Bass nods. “I think that’s perfect. And you’ll have a lifetime free membership.”

Connor sits up with a gasp. “What the hell? Don’t best friends get this benefit too?” I chuckle.

Bass shakes his head. “You get a discount. Don’t be greedy,” Bass replies. Caroline and I laugh, causing Mia to let out a soft cry. Bass glances down as Caroline adjusts Mia.

“I think I scared her.” She chuckles.

Connor sighs dramatically. “I feel so abused.” I slap his chest softly, and he grabs my hand, touching it to his lips and kissing my fingers.

“Better?” I ask him.

He sighs again. “A little, I guess.” I shake my head at him, and he winks at me.

During the rest of the visit, we catch Bass and Caroline up on the Donovan situation while Connor coos over Mia. It’s making me rethink the whole waiting five years again.

After we leave the shooting range, Connor wraps his arms around me before I climb into his truck.

“Let’s do something fun tonight.”

I smile up at him. “Okay. What do you want to do?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck. He leans his head down and nibbles on my neck.

“You think Bailey can talk Julian into going to a bar with us?” he mumbles against my skin.

I lean my neck to the side, giving him better access. “Just a bar?”

He hums against my skin. “That country bar, with the line dancing,” he clarifies. I love that place. We haven’t been in months. And even though Connor is a big guy, he’s good at line dancing.

“I’m sure she can. He can be persuaded pretty easily when it’s coming from her.”

He chuckles against my skin. “That’s true.” I grab my cell phone out of my jeans and pull her name up.

“Hello?” she answers right away.

“Hey, Bailey! You and Julian want to go to The Wild Saloon?” I ask her.

“Yes! I have always wanted to go there! What are you wearing?”

I chuckle at her excitement. “I’m wearing jeans and a tank top. It gets warm when you start dancing.”

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