Page 82 of Conner

“Conner, it's done. I'm safe.”

“There is more here. You know there is more here.” His voice was filled with a desperate pleading that was just about to make Sasha change her mind.

“Yes, Conner there is. There is so much more,” she said putting her hands over his that were still cupping her face. “But less than a month ago we hated each other.” She huffed out a rough laugh.

“I never hated you, Sasha.” His lips came crashing down on hers and her arm slid around him. He did the same holding her close. His tongue swept into her mouth and desire started to fill her, making her question her own decision.

He pulled away panting and pressed his forehead to hers. “This isn't over,” he rasped out.

“No.” She pulled back to look him in the eye. “It's not over. That is not what I want. But this whole thing has been so overwhelming. We haven't even been on a real date. I can't just move in.”

He chewed on his lip, evaluating her. “Is that what you want? To go on a date?”

She smiled up at him through her eyelashes. “I want to go on so many dates.”

He took a deep breath. “Okay, if that's what you want.” His throat bobbed with a hard swallow.

This was what she wanted...and even if it wasn’t, it was the right thing to do.

She gave a small nod. She wanted to say more, but the words were stuck in her throat. The moment hung heavy between them.

“Okay,” Conner finally said, breaking the silence. He reached over and opened the driver's side door. “But know this, Sasha Maloof. You're mine. You'll be back here soon.” He pressed one final kiss to her mouth.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Conner.”

Sasha somehow managed to get into her car. With shaky hands she put the key in the ignition. Conner was in front of the car, his arms crossed over his chest. The look on his face had Sasha questioning everything.

This was the right decision. The only one that made sense. But as she backed out of his garage pulling out of his drive, she couldn’t help but think this was wrong.

44

Conner

Conner watched as Sasha's car pulled away. He didn't know why the thought of her going back to her own apartment hadn't even crossed his mind. He had been so happy knowing this nightmare was over and she was finally safe, that he had completely forgotten she didn't actually live there.

He walked into his kitchen and dropped his keys on the counter. It was quiet. It had always been quiet, but with her gone that quiet was deafening. The silence echoed through his big empty house. She had only stayed a couple of weeks, but in those weeks his house had begun to feel more like a home than it ever had.

This was wrong. She belonged here with him. He was certain of that. But if she needed time, he would give her time. If she wanted to go one dates, he would date the fuck out of Sasha Maloof.

They had a game tomorrow. If they lost, they were out of playoffs and done for the season. The beginning of this season he thought they had a good shot at the cup, but he saw that slipping out of his hands, he wouldn't let her go too. Once Conner knew what he wanted he went after it.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to push this out of his mind. She had said herself it wasn't over. He didn't need to worry about that. He sat down on his couch and pulled up some game videos. He would focus on playing his best tomorrow and when that was done, he would figure out what his next move with Sasha was.

He had managed to make it through the evening, but when it was time to go to bed, he couldn't help it. He wanted her here. This wasn't right. He pulled out his phone.

Conner - My bed is too big.

Sasha - Your bed is the same size it has always been.

Conner - nope. It's too big. I miss you

He watched as the three little dots danced and disappeared and danced and disappeared many times.

Sasha - Good night

Conner - Good night baby. I'll see you tomorrow.

He set his phone down on his nightstand and tried to get to sleep. He tossed and turned all night. Nothing felt right without her here.

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