Page 46 of Love Her

“Mom, how much sugar did he have today? I could barely understand him, he was chattering so fast.”

“By the chocolate stains on his shirt, I’m going to guess a double scoop at the diner. Is everything okay? Why are you calling?”

Catching his eye, I smile at Connor as I say, “Everything is great. I was going to see if you were okay with me staying out a little longer but then Jacob asked if I was coming home.”

“Oh that. He was trying to negotiate a later bedtime. As if we aren’t privy to his schedule. Stay out as late as you like. Be safe and call if you need a ride.”

We say our goodbyes and I take the few steps to Connor. He’s scrolling through his phone but when he looks up there’s that look again. Trouble.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. My dad took Jacob to the batting cages then loaded him up on sugar. I’m actually relieved I don’t have to be there for the crash.”

“I was going to order a pizza but didn’t know what toppings you like.”

Allowing him to take my hand, I follow him as he maneuvers us through the crowds of people. What toppings do I like on my pizza? Honestly, I went years without it and the last few years I’ve had whatever the kids want, which is usually plain cheese. I think back to high school and what my go-to order was.

“If I say a Hawaiian extra pineapple will you never want to see me again?”

Stopping just shy of the truck, he turns to me, a look of absolute horror on his face. With no effort to school his shock, he simply stares at me. So, that’s a yes.

“Well, okay then. I guess you’re anti-pineapple on pizza.”

“We can get two. That way you can destroy yours all by yourself.”

Laughing, I rest my hands on his biceps and lift to my toes. Just shy of his mouth, I ask, “But will you still kiss me if there’s pineapple on my lips?”

Groaning, he doesn’t accept the small brush of my lips on his. Instead, he pulls me flush against his body. His very hard body. This kiss is less appropriate for families but for some reason, here in the parking lot it doesn’t seem like a big deal. His tongue tangles with mine while his hands grip my hips, fingers digging into the denim of my jeans.

Breathless, I pull away and feel a little lightheaded. It isn’t from lack of oxygen or low blood sugar. No, this is purely because of Connor Hall and the way he plays my body like a fiddle.

Silently, he opens the passenger door and offers me his hand as I hop inside the cab. I’m buckling the seat belt as he climbs behind the wheel. Glancing down at his belt, I can see I’m not the only one affected by our kiss. Connor rests his arm on the back of my seat, twisting his body to look out the back window.

“I don’t like pineapple on my pizza.”

My body jerks as he slams on the brakes and turns his attention to me. Brows furrowed in confusion; he tilts his head. It’s a little like that GIF of the cute puppy with question marks all around his head. Adorable.

“I never said I did, I just asked what would happen if that was my order. I actually like any meat with onions. I won’t be sad if you agree to fresh tomatoes.”

“You, Lis Thorne, are a sneaky sneaky woman.”

Content with that assessment, I settle into my seat and let him drive me to his home. His home. Gone is the heat he produced and in its place nothing except nerves.

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