Page 52 of Conner

“Baby, sometimes things like this don't always have a right time, but you just have to make it be the right time. Difficult conversations are like that, and since this one revolves around the safety of someone I am starting to care deeply about, I think it is important.”

She took a deep breath and sighed, leaning in to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her. The sound of his heartbeat soothed her. It matched hers, and something in that thought filled her with hope. He would be here to help her through this.

“I’ll talk to her with you,” he said as he cupped her face, looking deeply into her eyes.

“No,” she sighed again. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. How was your day?” she asked as she packed up her bag.

“Good, practice, work out, get ready for playoffs.”

“Good. Are you ready?” she asked, feeling a little deflated. He was right, she needed to deal with it, but she didn't want to. She hated everything about this situation. The only positive was the man who was holding her hand as they made it through the center to the parking lot.

29

Conner

Conner was in his kitchen making dinner. A few minutes after they got back to his house Sasha's phone rung, it was her sister. She disappeared up the stairs leaving Conner alone. He knew she was a mix of emotions because she'd had an amazing day, getting a promotion, but there was still the problem that loomed over her. He would do anything to make that problem go away for her. Even if that meant she would be back safe and sound in her own apartment instead of here making his house feel more like a home than it ever had. That didn't matter, her safety was the only thing that mattered.

However, he was busy making a celebratory dinner because she deserved it. He wanted to celebrate the promotion that she had earned. When she first arrived, he had made her feel like he thought her job wasn't important, and he was hoping to rectify that by celebrating her tonight. He was making pasta and a salad and grilling a chicken breast for himself since he did need extra protein.

He had just finished pouring the wine and lighting candles at his dining room table when Sasha made her appearance. He had only used it a handful of times, normally just eating at his kitchen table, but this was special.

“What's all this?” she asked as she peaked her head into the dining room.

“We’re celebrating,” he said as he pulled her into the room and kissed her. She leaned into the kiss and his heart soared. This woman was his queen.

“Celebrating?” she asked, pulling away from him a warm smile stretched across her face.

“Of course we’re celebrating,” he said as he pulled out a chair for her. “You've worked so hard, and your promotion is well deserved. I’d love to get all done up and take you out to a fancy dinner. Sit across the table from you, admiring the beautiful woman you are, but this will do for now until I can take you out for that celebratory dinner, which I promise will happen.”

She sat in the chair as he scooted it in under her. The salad and the wine were already on the candle lit table.

“I’ll be right back with dinner,” he said as he went into the kitchen to grab the plates he already had prepared.

When he came back into the dining room carrying the plates, he took the time to really drink her in. She was sitting at the table, bathed in candlelight. Her olive complexion looked even darker in the dim light. She still had a full face of make-up with her lips red and full and her deep brown eyes he could easily get lost in. She changed into a t-shirt and leggings, and while he thought she looked amazing in her put together work clothes, he liked her like this too. The version of her that so few people got to see.

He sat the plates down and joined her at the table.

“This is incredible. Thank you so much.”

“You deserve it. I know there is some not-so-great stuff looming over us and I could see the excitement in your eyes disappear in your office when we talked about it. I don't want you to let that put a damper on what you've accomplished. You're amazing,” he said as he took her hand across the table and pressed a small kiss to it.

She looked at him and he could see her eyes get a little glassy. “Let's eat before it gets cold.”

She smiled at him, and he gave her hand a little squeeze before they started eating.

After a lovely dinner, Conner cleared the table and Sasha helped him with dishes.

“What would you like to do for the rest of the evening?” he asked. He leaned with his butt propped against the counter and pulled her towards him.

“I’m sure you have some things you need to do. I'm just gonna go do some work in the guest room,” she said like she was trying to hide something.

“I don't have anything to do, but it seems like you might,” he said with a cocked eyebrow.

She hung her head and gave it a little shake, before looking back up. “It's Monday.”

“It is,” he said, eyebrows up, clearly waiting for her to continue.

“I watch the bachelor. I know it's silly –“

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