Page 44 of Love Her

I think I’ve stunned her because when she sits back in her chair, arms dangling at her side with her eyes wide as saucers, there isn’t even a squeak out of her. “Con,” she begins with a . . . sniffle. Good grief. “Is it serious?”

“It’s technically a first date but we’ve known each other a few weeks now.”

Smiling she straightens her back and says, “You look different when you talk about her. Have a good time and remember to open her door, hold her hand, and don’t talk about sex with other people.”

“Got it. Anything else?”

“Be you, Connor. You’re the best person I know; she’s a lucky woman. Come home for a visit. We miss you.”

My face falls and she sighs. It’s so easy to say come home because she wasn’t running the streets, narrowly avoiding time behind bars. Or worse, six feet under.

Ending the chat, I plug my cell into the charger and turn the dial for the stereo. Drumming my thumbs on the steering wheel, I realize that no matter what my sister says or thinks, I’m the lucky one. The more I get to know her, I realize Lis is more than she appears on the surface. Meg may think Lis is lucky to be going on this date with me, but the reality is, I’m the lucky one.

As I pull up in front of her house, I spot the keeper of my thoughts sitting on the porch swing. Jumping from the truck, I round the front just as she steps down onto the walkway. I take in her beauty as she walks toward me. A snug white T-shirt tucked into a pair of tight fitting jeans isn’t what has my attention. Like the first night I saw her, she’s painted her lips red. Bold and sexy as hell. The tresses of her long hair are wavier than usual and fall across her shoulders.

“You didn’t let me come to the door.”

“Sorry. I rarely have the house to myself and wanted to sit on the porch for a bit. Enjoy the quiet.”

Taking her hand, I lean in and place a kiss to her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

Ducking her chin, she shifts her feet before peering up at me through her lashes. Shy and slightly embarrassed by a simple compliment makes me wonder how long she’s gone without someone telling her how beautiful she is.

“Ready to get some lunch?”

A huge grin appears, and she nods her head. “I’m warning you, Connor. I don’t plan to order a salad.”

Laughing as I open the passenger door, I wait until she’s settled in her seat, her bag and jacket placed next to her before I comment, “Good. Neither do I.” Dropping a peck to her lips, I wink before closing the door and rushing around to the driver’s side.

I glance to the passenger side and spot her nibbling on her left thumbnail. Wrapping my hand around her wrist, I tug the nail from between her teeth and hold her small hand in my own. She sighs and rests her head back on the head rest, closing her eyes.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“That this is a bad idea and I should have canceled.”

“Any particular reason?”

Shifting in her seat, she twists so she’s facing me. Although her body has moved, her hand hasn’t. She’s still letting mine rest atop of hers.

“Lexington isn’t very big. There are only like four restaurants. We’re bound to run into someone regardless of where we go, even my family.”

Ah. The reputation. Lucky for her, I anticipated this thought process. “Good thing we’re not eating in Lexington.” I don’t have to look at her to know her shoulders have dropped in relief. “There’s a place about an hour from here I’ve heard good things about. It’s a military themed brewery.”

“Ranks?” she asks hopefully.

“Yep. So, settle in and relax, beautiful. We’re going to have a great day.”

Pulling her hand out from beneath mine, she cups my cheek. I turn to look at her and am greeted with the most stunning smile. “Thank you.”

Turning my cheek into her palm, I relish in the feeling of her hands on me. Nothing else needs to be said as she reaches over, turns up the tunes and settles back into her seat, then slips her hand beneath mine again.

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