Page 15 of Passion in Store

We turn and look back at Connor. She waves at him and points me back there.

“Okay, take care, Tor. And thanks again for all your help.” I blow her a quick kiss and jog back to my man.

“Do you think she’s okay?” I ask him.

He pats my shoulder. “Of course she’s okay, she’s fine. We’ll see her next week,” Connor reassures me. “And now, I want you all to myself. Let’s go for a walk up the beach, Miss Minnie.”

He reaches behind the passenger seat and pulls out his huge tote bag, and I suddenly realize it isn’t full of gym equipment. There’s a warmth in my pussy, I know what he’s got planned. He clicks the car lock, shoulders the bag, and takes my hand, leading me towards the sand. The waves are crashing and the sun is warm on our skin. His hand is in mine and, as we reach the shore, I rub my thumb against his. He squeezes back and we stop for a lingering kiss. Then we turn and walk together towards our special place, our Bedouin love nest in the deserted sand hills in the distance.

Chapter 13

Epilogue—1 year later

Minnie

Iopen my front door and it’s filled with Connor’s shape, his glorious shoulders framing a bunch of sunflowers. His beautiful face is smiling down at me.

“Aw, you shouldn’t have!” I cry.

“Well, I’ve had good luck with them before. Do you remember?” I notice he’s pulled his hair back in a neat man bun and he’s wearing a dress shirt and dark chinos. I inhale. He smells delicious.

“Yeah, of course! When you first asked me out, you won me over with sunflowers. But you don’t need luck anymore, Connor. I hate to tell you but I’m kind of a sure thing.” I take a moment to give him a special smile before I usher him inside and he bends to kiss me.

“Well, I’d never take that for granted, for one thing”—he kisses me again—“and for another, luck always comes in handy,” he says, waggling a finger at me.

“I should put them in water. Come on through.” He walks behind me and gives a low whistle. I saunter just a little and grab a vase as I enter the kitchen, fill it with water, then unwrap the flowers.

It’s sale time in the mall and I couldn’t help stopping at Nexia boutique. I’ve got a new chiffon wrap-around dress that was less than half price. It’s got a floral pattern, and it drapes perfectly, feels so flattering. From his whistle, I can tell he likes it. Little does he know, I’ve decided to go without underwear.

Connor puts his arms around me from behind and bends to kiss my collarbone. “You look amazing, I love that dress on you,” me mumbles into my skin with more kisses, then inhales long and deep. “And you smell good enough to eat,” he says. “Are you ready for our special date?”

“Mmm-hmm,” I say, enjoying the feel of his arms viced around my chest. “But we don’t have to go out, you know. We could stay here, order in?” I place the blooms into the vase and swivel in his arms so that I’m facing him. He bends to gently kiss my lips.

“Nah,” he says, shaking his head. “I’ve organized something—we’re going out. We can come back later. We’ll have time to cuddle then, I promise.” I laugh at him. We do spend a lot of time in bed, so I don’t doubt his promise. And it’s fun to go out for a change.

He opens the Jeep door for me and settles me in, just like he did on our first date, and I luxuriate in the feelings of familiarity and security. He’s mine now. He glances at me with a super happy smile. He really does look hot when he’s dressed up, and I’m suddenly really excited about this date too.

That’s why it’s strange when he pulls up in the mall parking lot. I immediately say, “Did you forget something?” I can’t imagine what that might be, as most of the shops are closed.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did leave something at the gym. Can you just wander in with me to get it?”

Now I’m really suspicious. “What are you up to?” I ask him with a giggle.

As we walk around the corner of the building, he pushes me behind him so my view is obscured by his enormous bulk. “Hey, I’m going to trip if you get in my way like that,” I cry, trying to push him back, but he simply turns and lifts me into his arms, swashbuckler-style. We are facing away from the mall and he’s looking at me very seriously.

“Minnie, are you ready for a big surprise?” He’s got a dangerous glow in his eyes.

My heart is bouncing with excitement, but it’s a tiny bit confusing. “Yes! And hurry up, you are weirding me out,” I say.

Connor

I’ve been planning this for months. We’ve talked about getting our own café and decided we can’t afford it right now, and well, we are scared about the legal side of everything.

Then I had a chat with Jimmy. He’s ready to move on, and it seems like a great first step if Minnie and I take over the café. She’s going to be so excited, and I’ve dressed it all up for her so it’s looking its best.

“Well, close your eyes,” I say.

She obeys and I hold her tight in my arms, swing her back around, and walk right up to the front door which Jimmy has propped open for me.

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