Page 55 of Conner

“I do.” He bent his head and offered her a quick kiss before he quickly washed off and left the shower.

Sasha continued; she did have more to do. She knew she was high maintenance and some guys had often made her feel bad about that, but not Conner. He was endlessly patient. But she also loved that he seemed to love the done-up Sasha she presented to the world just as much as he loved the undone Sasha she was at home. He made it easy to forget she was staying here for her safety.

Once she was out of the shower and ready for the day, she headed downstairs with her work bag packed up to start the day. When she went downstairs Conner was sitting at the table with a smoothie scrolling his phone. He turned to look at her with a smile that almost stopped her heart. He was perfect. He was undeniably handsome, but that was only part of it. Yes, he had eyes she could get lost in and a jawline that could cut glass, but she loved the man he was even more. He was as safe and steady as he was handsome, and that was just what she needed.

“There's a pot of coffee. What do you want for breakfast?”

“I think I'll just have coffee and a bagel,” she said.

She helped herself as Conner watched some of the footage from last night's game on his phone. Once she had breakfast, she joined him at the table. He looked up at her and winked, and something inside of her squeezed. She picked up her own phone, deciding to check in on some of the socials.

Her heart stopped. He had messaged her again. Only this time there was also a picture he sent. It was of her bedroom in her apartment accompanied by the words,

'Where are you?' -P

Suddenly her heart was in her chest and there was not enough oxygen in this room to fill her lungs. Her hands trembled so much she dropped her phone which clamored to the table with a thud. Her heart was pounding in her head. He was in her apartment. She thought it seemed like someone had been there when they went to get her stuff. She had no choice after this, she needed to get help. She was having trouble taking a deep breath, she felt the walls closing in around her.

“Sasha.” She was only vaguely aware Conner was talking to her. “Sasha, what is it? What's the matter?”

Before she knew it, he was up taking her phone from the table to see what had upset her so much.

“Fuck.” he sat down and took her hand. “Are you okay?” She couldn't find a way to answer him, she was still swept up in the fear and shame and terror of all of this. He took her face gently in his hand and turned it, so she was looking at him. “Sasha, are you okay?”

That seemed to pull her out of it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was safe. She was with Conner. He scooted out his chair and knelt in front of her, pulling her into his arms.

“We have to do something about this, baby,” he said as he held her and stroked her hair.

She nodded against his shoulder.

“Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?”

She stayed there for a moment, stealing every ounce of safety she could get in his embrace. She did want him there holding her hand while she was dealing with this mess. “I want you with me,” she said barely above a whisper.

He held her tight and kissed her head. “I’ll be there. You don't have to do this alone.”

She refused to cry. Refused. She had just done her make-up and had amazing sex with this man kneeling before her pledging his fealty. She needed to deal with this once and for all. He pulled back and cupped her face in his hands. “I got you, Sasha, know that.” She nodded. She did know that, and right now that was the only thing getting her through.

They made it the center and had yet to let go of each other. He held her hand the whole way. When he needed them both for driving, she clung onto his knee. Their constant contact was the only thing getting her through right now.

He pulled into a spot at the center and turned off the car. “Are you ready for this?” she nodded.

“I’m gonna go talk to Coach. We can tell him what's up since I won't be at practice.”

“Oh shit, Conner. You can't miss practice. Playoffs start next week.”

“Hey,” he said, taking her chin in his hand. “No, today I’m with you. Period.”

Sasha took a deep breath. “How's this? Let me get in there and talk to Hillary. I’ll figure out what needs to be done, and the next step, whatever that is you can be with me. Just skate until then.”

“No, I'm not letting you do this alone,” he protested.

“Conner,” she paused, waiting for his full attention. “I’m feeling a little better. I can talk to Hillary. When we decide what is next, you’ll be right there with me.”

His eyes searched hers for even the tiniest hint that she was lying to him, that she needed him not to leave her side. If she was being honest, she did want him there, but he needed to be at practice. She could face Hillary without him, anything beyond that she would take him up on his offer.

“Okay, but the second you find out, come and find me. I'll let Coach know I might get pulled away. He won't be happy, but he'll understand.”

She nodded and took a deep breath. He kissed her. “You ready?” he asked.

---